Mar 4, 2021
Tom James Company Response
5yAs a company that really strives to build and develop people, we're sorry to hear you had a negative experience. If there are any situations that you would like to discuss privately in more detail, we are always open to talking—just email careerdivision@tomjames.com. If there are any scenarios where we haven't upheld our principles and values, we would want to know and address immediately.
Without being argumentative, we do like to take the opportunity when relevant to point out to any potential readers feedback that is factually incorrect. While we appreciate feedback of any variety, it's also important to be factual:
- Unfortunately, we did have challenges with a few employees simultaneously claiming unemployment with state governments while remaining employed and selling with Tom James on a monthly basis through the pandemic. Tom James could not honestly verify to the governments when they reached out to verify the employees' unemployment claims. Since testifying that the person was in fact employed with us would subject the employee to the potential for unemployment fraud, we had a responsibility to notify the employee that they would need to choose—employment with Tom James or unemployment.
- While we wish that we had 60-70% profit margins, this is categorically false. Typically, 10% profit is what we average. Meanwhile, the 17% commission rate mentioned is accurate and happens to be at or very near the industry's highest level.
- The salesforce is not 99% white.
- The pandemic did cut our sales heavily at the outset. However, at present our per person sales average has recovered fully to 2019 averages. Fortunately, the casual line we developed to pivot has begun getting traction and we're focused forward on a great year again.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts. Again, please reach out if you have specific scenarios that you think we should be aware of. We take our culture and employees' health and job satisfaction very seriously.