Professional Education Institute
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Professional Education Institute, or PEI, (formerly known as Legacy Learning, American Marketing Systems, and AMS Direct) was founded in 1983 by Mark Holecek and Don Strumillo. PEI offers real estate education, training and coaching materials based on Carleton Sheets' programs. PEI is a commercial, profit making venture.
Carleton Sheets is often mis-spelled "Carelton" or "Carlton".
The PEI's corporate headquarters are located in Burr Ridge, Illinois and it has a "Coaching Headquarters" in Salt Lake City.
The PEI is not affiliated with the National Professional Education Institute, a nursing education organization.
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[edit] People
The founders of the PEI are Mark Holecek and Don Strumillo.
The PEI's CEO and President is Michael E. Hussey. He has chaired the company since 1995, having been affiliated with the Nordic Track Corporation and Fingerhut Co. prior to that date. He holds a degree from College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, Minnesota.
The COO of the PEI is Kirt H. Huber. He was previously at Discover Card.
CMO of the PEI is Roger D. Sinnes, who is responsible for marketing and sales.
[edit] Products
The PEI markets the No Down Payment(R) Real Estate program books, CDs, DVDs, and tools. According to Carleton Sheets' television commercial, you can order these products by telephone.
[edit] Criticism
Some people have been dissatisfied with their PEI experience. Orders for the No Down Payment program have been reported to be followed with offers both from PEI and their partners, and allegedly even unauthorized charges from PEI and its partners. Two such partners are ValueMax and MoneyMaster. According to the Better Business Bureau ValueMax has charged customers' credit cards on numerous occasions without permission. Some claim that such alleged unauthorized charges have persisted for years and stopped only when he or she cancelled his or her credit card.
[edit] Success stories
The PEI relies heavily on documented testimonials for their marketing efforts. These testimonials are featured on the Carleton Sheets website and in the infomercials and detail numerous people who have had great success with the program.
These success stories from television commercials include customers who reportedly make $2500 per month, a man who supposedly now has a net worth of $1.6 million, and a man who has over $2 million in real estate. Note that it is never made clear if said millionaires made their money using PEI programs or of their own fruition. However, PEI conducts a background check on all claims and every testimonial signs an affidavit.
