Why won't a top agent work with Holton Wise?

[Ken Virzi]

I have had some really bad interactions with James Wise over the years, but I always have pointed out that he is a reputable agent and he has built a good business. However, there have been enough red flags to make me wonder what is really happening. Recently I reached out to another reputable, well-respected agent in the Cleveland market and when talking about a property that was listed by James Wise, the agent informed me that he "won't deal with the company that has listed". This is another red flag, but I am wondering what would cause one agent to refuse to make an offer on a property based on the listing agent?

[Ken Virzi]

Originally posted by @James Wise:

Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:

Originally posted by @James Wise:

Originally posted by @James Wise:

Originally posted by @Kyle J.:

Have to agree with @Dennis M. Why not just ask the “reputable well-respected” agent you were talking to why they won’t work with this other agent/office instead of coming here to post it publicly and ask a bunch of people who will have no idea? (Unless it’s just an indirect way to make a negative comment about a particular agent you obviously don’t care much for.)

 Lol because Ken is a nothing more than a troll and I have told him as much on multiple occasions. What Ken is doing right now is his normal operating procedure. He trolls me then asks me if I'll work with him. I tell him no as he's a troll and then he comes back for more a couple months or weeks later lol. Weird dude.

 For those interested here is the last time I've told Ken to take a hike as he's simply a troll. I believe this is the 3rd or 4th BP thread he's started about me. Last one he started he actually reneged on his comments as he was begging me to work with him and he thought that'd help. I'll grab some screen shots here momentarily if I can find it. 

 Jim one of the very best things about being a Broker is that your an independent contractor.. you make the rules.. you don't like someone just tell them go find someone else.. I have done that many times over the years.. you simply don't click with everyone and for those you don't you just tell them to find another agent.. Like for me when I had appointments ( when I sold at the street level) I had rules and we went over the rules up front.. one of the rules was if they are married wife must accompany them..  Every hubby on the planet will boast they make the decisions come and waste your time go home only to have the wife tell them they are not doing that.. so that happens a few times when your a young agent like I was you soon learn its a waste of time to show one leg of a two legged deal property.. 

Now wifes on a very rare occasion that came without hubby I would work with as they are 90% of the time the ultimate decision maker.. Not the other way around.. Anyway folks would drive 2 hours one way to see my properties and if they showed up without the wife I just told them I am not going to show them the property here is the address do a drive by and come back with the wife.. and BOY did I piss of a number of people.. but that's OK I am allowed I work for myself not for them.. 

But instead of agency disclosure on the first meeting I had Jays RULES  LOL .. 

 Ya know, as business owners we work hard for what we do and the businesses we've built. Myself I've poured millions into the infrastructure of Holton-Wise and have carved out a robust part of market share for us in our niche. Naturally when someone starts trolling you it irks you a bit. However I've got to say I am happy Ken created this thread. It's a fairly educational thread for other newbies out there who can watch how his behavior can and will get them black balled by industry professionals if they behaved this way themselves.

Below is a quick screen shot of my email inbox. This doesn't include company emails, staff emails, emails deleted through regular company data management, private BP messages, YouTube comments or the other various ways Ken has attempted communicating with me and my firm. As you'll see no less than 59 new email threads created by Ken attempting to work with me.

All you folks out there trying to get into this business, let Ken's mistakes be a teaching lesson for you. No matter how big of a jerk you are to the cashier at Walmart, Walmart is still going to sell you things. Real Estate is a TOTALLY different ballgame. As you see from the above Ken's behavior is unacceptable and no matter how many threads he creates view email or on this website, on YouTube or elsewhere he will remain black balled by me, and I'd imagine others who are reading this.

We both think this thread speaks for itself. One has pointed out red flags and has not shared personal private communication of any kind. Has not given any ad hominem attacks and has admitted when he was wrong. The other has posted personal private communication, has posted ad hominem attacks, and has given misinformation without taking responsibility. 

[Ken Virzi]

And saying I am blackballed is humorous as I have not moved on any of his deals in years. I have inquired, as I would inquire from Satan himself if he had a potential deal. With that said, I have never blocked, blackballed, or shut out anyone in my life, it is not my style. 

[Matt M.]

@James Wise

I thoroughly enjoyed this thread.

Hey James, for what it’s worth, I have always enjoyed reading your posts and comments on here, and if I was ever in the market for Cleveland property, you’d be my one call.

OP- not sure what you expect to gain from this, but (IMO) James is to respected on here to be hurt by one California dude’s negative post.

[Ken Virzi]

Many have had bad experiences but they privately reach out to me because they don't want to get slammed publicly. You can dismiss my concerns, that is fine with me, I am not trying to bring down any business, I am simply pointing out the red flags and potential weaknesses. I do not want to prevent you from doing business with James, but I do want you going into said business with eyes wide open.

[Ken Virzi]

And if you search my posts you will see I have defended James Wise when defending was needed.

[Jim K.]

@Ken Virzi

Most of the time I don't particularly like Jim's business beliefs or philosophy and I've said as much to him here on the forums conveying my disagreement with, I hope, respect. I have offered that respect because trying to imagine Jim Wise as a dishonest businessman is a lot like imagining a giraffe grazing on the moon.

If you want to document bad business practices on his part, an open forum like Bigger Pockets is very, very far from where you should start. Go Yelp the s**t out of him like every other client or customer with a beef.

This is not the first time this sort of thing has happened here. It's not even the first time I've seen someone try to smear Jim here. Maybe something happened, some misunderstanding, something. But this is real estate, Ken. You want to be involved in a gentler, kinder business, there are a lot to choose from.

[James Wise]

Originally posted by @Matt M.:

@James Wise

I thoroughly enjoyed this thread.

Hey James, for what it’s worth, I have always enjoyed reading your posts and comments on here, and if I was ever in the market for Cleveland property, you’d be my one call.

OP- not sure what you expect to gain from this, but (IMO) James is to respected on here to be hurt by one California dude’s negative post.

 Thanks Matt, appreciate it.

[James Wise]

Originally posted by @Michael P.:

I have on good authority LeBron left Cleveland due to Mr. Wise being mean to him.

 Lol, savage.

[James Wise]

Originally posted by @Jim K.:

@Ken Virzi

Most of the time I don't particularly like Jim's business beliefs or philosophy and I've said as much to him here on the forums conveying my disagreement with, I hope, respect. I have offered that respect because trying to imagine Jim Wise as a dishonest businessman is a lot like imagining a giraffe grazing on the moon.

If you want to document bad business practices on his part, an open forum like Bigger Pockets is very, very far from where you should start. Go Yelp the s**t out of him like every other client or customer with a beef.

This is not the first time this sort of thing has happened here. It's not even the first time I've seen someone try to smear Jim here. Maybe something happened, some misunderstanding, something. But this is real estate, Ken. You want to be involved in a gentler, kinder business, there are a lot to choose from.

For a dude who I disagree with on most everything I do I like your style Jim. We disagree often, but both of us are up front with where we are coming from and why. That I can respect. What I cannot respect is a feeble attempt to disrupt my business using fictional insinuations.

[Kyle Smith]

@Ken Virzi and those places, along with the BBB would be more appropriate places to site your concerns (if they have any merit) instead of simple mud-slinging on here.

[Ken Virzi]

@Kyle Smith but most use this site and he uses this site to get business, which is fine. But the ones in our community who are trying to make decisions aren’t looking at the BBB necessarily. Honestly, if someone questioned me and it wasn’t founded, I would simply ignore it.

[Scott Mac]

Burger King mailed me a two for the price of one whopper coupon today.

That's a 50% savings (I'd like to get 50% off on everything I buy).

And a plus is I actually like Burger King.

A neighborhood would have to be pretty tough to not have a Burger King nearby.

Anyone else receive one of these 50% off Coupons yet?

[Junior Soares]

Well then............... Anyone try the new popeyes Voodoo Tenders?

[Jim K.]

Originally posted by @Scott Mac:

Burger King mailed me a two for the price of one whopper coupon today.

That's a 50% savings (I'd like to get 50% off on everything I buy).

And a plus is I actually like Burger King.

A neighborhood would have to be pretty tough to not have a Burger King nearby.

Anyone else receive one of these 50% off Coupons yet?

Man, this is cold. I didn't get no 50% off coupon. Scott, is BK running the Halloween Whopper promotion again next week? You know, a whopper with a black bun, turns your poop green the next day? My nephew loved it.

[Ken Virzi]

Originally posted by @Scott Mac:

Burger King mailed me a two for the price of one whopper coupon today.

That's a 50% savings (I'd like to get 50% off on everything I buy).

And a plus is I actually like Burger King.

A neighborhood would have to be pretty tough to not have a Burger King nearby.

Anyone else receive one of these 50% off Coupons yet?

Dear James Wise, I can be a troll for sure, it is fun, and to educate you I like to point out a troll. This is a troll comment. I have trolled many, but I have never trolled you. All my questions and feedback have been sincere. 

[Jim K.]

@Ken Virzi

We were talking Whoppers and chicken tenders here. Now you've gone and ruined it. You could really help us out by sharing your opinion on the McRib. What's your position on restructured meat sandwiches? It's well known that there's significant interest about this here in the BP forums.

[Pat L.]

Originally posted by @Jim K.:

@Ken Virzi

We were talking Whoppers and chicken tenders here. Now you've gone and ruined it. You could really help us out by sharing your opinion on the McRib. What's your position on restructured meat sandwiches? It's well known that there's significant interest about this here in the BP forums.

$8.95/lb for vegan burgers here, who could possibly be that herbivory ??? 

[Wade Haldeman]

@Jim K.

@Scott Mac

I have had enough. You clearly have a blatant disregard for quality as you've purposely avoided the wonderful cheesy tots. And...for only a dollar! Now, I made need five orders to make a decent snack, but let's give some credit!

In fact, do you know why they "randomly " remove them from the menu?!? I believe it's to purposely make me waste gas and time, just to experience disappointment!

What or who do you know?!? This is NOT a game!

[Scott Mac]

Originally posted by @Jim K.:

Originally posted by @Scott Mac:

Burger King mailed me a two for the price of one whopper coupon today.

That's a 50% savings (I'd like to get 50% off on everything I buy).

And a plus is I actually like Burger King.

A neighborhood would have to be pretty tough to not have a Burger King nearby.

Anyone else receive one of these 50% off Coupons yet?

Man, this is cold. I didn't get no 50% off coupon. Scott, is BK running the Halloween Whopper promotion again next week? You know, a whopper with a black bun, turns your poop green the next day? My nephew loved it.

I didn't see any of those Halloween Specials this weekend. Maybe people learned their lesson last year (???)

Hope your Nephew isn't too let down by this sad fate.

[James Wise]

Originally posted by @Wade Haldeman:

@Jim K.

@Scott Mac

I have had enough. You clearly have a blatant disregard for quality as you've purposely avoided the wonderful cheesy tots. And...for only a dollar! Now, I made need five orders to make a decent snack, but let's give some credit!

In fact, do you know why they "randomly " remove them from the menu?!? I believe it's to purposely make me waste gas and time, just to experience disappointment!

What or who do you know?!? This is NOT a game!

 Maybe you fellas cracked the code. Perhaps Holton-Wise needs to give out a complimentary McRib to every top agent. Surely that will change the game.

[Jay Hinrichs]

Originally posted by @Ken Virzi:

James Wise has posted lies about me, now he is posting screenshots, this last red flag is just a warning to others. When I asked questions and he did not answer, I simply tried to give him feedback on how he could have responded better by actually answering the questions, he called me a troll for pointing out he never answered my questions. The ad hominem attacks have flowed at every turn with him and yet I have not done that to him. It is very unprofessional. He is a big fish and obviously will do what he needs to squash anyone in his way. This is why those who have bad experiences do not post here, this is why the other agent was so vague. My point is if this community was more open less people would get taken advantage of. Fewer people would need to go through the things others have found difficult. I have only shared my experience and it is a sincere question since I have never had an agent refuse to work with another agent. That was the final straw and I decided to let people know that there are some red flags here. I have not said he is a crook, I have not told anyone to stay away, I simply am saying there are some red flags. The fact that this thread shows the lack of care about red flags is part of why some use BP to prey on those they can take advantage of. 

YOu should see how Engelo Rumora runs his business.. :) talk about  Jays rules then there are Engelo's rules.. 

this is much more common in the industry than a civilian may realize.. not all agents get along.. And agents definitely will not work with some other agents..  This is no shock to any one in the industry.

[Robert Feol]

@Stephen Akindona and I have been working with @James Wise for almost a half year now, and our experience has been nothing but exemplary.  I'm not trying to get involved in someone else's dispute in any way.  But I do think it is important to point out that we followed James Wise and were impressed with him from the start, and in all of our business dealings with him he has been extremely honest and delivered everything we were promised.  

It seems sometimes in these public forums it is easy to disparage someone, and hard to recover sometime since posting something these days seems to become truth because it is 'on the internet.'  We would have no issue acting as a referral for James Wise if anyone is thinking of doing business with him.  Our experience has been fantastic - without exception.

[Jay Hinrichs]

Originally posted by @Jim K.:

@Ken Virzi

Most of the time I don't particularly like Jim's business beliefs or philosophy and I've said as much to him here on the forums conveying my disagreement with, I hope, respect. I have offered that respect because trying to imagine Jim Wise as a dishonest businessman is a lot like imagining a giraffe grazing on the moon.

If you want to document bad business practices on his part, an open forum like Bigger Pockets is very, very far from where you should start. Go Yelp the s**t out of him like every other client or customer with a beef.

This is not the first time this sort of thing has happened here. It's not even the first time I've seen someone try to smear Jim here. Maybe something happened, some misunderstanding, something. But this is real estate, Ken. You want to be involved in a gentler, kinder business, there are a lot to choose from.

RUBEN BALLS  that's were its at.. 

But one thing that I think is productive on this thread is that your working in and wanting to buy in an asset class that is anything but consistent and its a tough one for many different perspectives..  there is no perfect life as a landlord and no one can be perfect as your relying on a third party that you have almost zero control over for your success or failure  ( the tenant LOL)

[Jay Hinrichs]

Originally posted by @Russell Brazil:

Originally posted by @Ken Virzi:

Originally posted by @Kyle Smith:

@Ken Virzi

If this post was ANYTHING other than a blatant and transparent attempt to damage Mr Wise’s reputation, you would’ve posted it in a market-specific forum (ie something related to Cleveland) instead of here in the General Real Estate > Buying & Selling Real Estate Discussion forum for the whole of BP to see.

He is a moderator of BP. I want to point out the red flags. If whistleblowers or red flag warnings are treated as this, then BP will never protect newbies. I have sent private messages trying to get a known scammer off this sight. I got nowhere. When I mentioned it to James personally he demanded evidence of how he would financially benefit by helping me with this scammer who he was aware of and who was operating in Cleveland. Now I am seeing James Wise sell the houses that this scammer sold to those he took advantage of.  To me, one of the best things we can do is protect each other and point out the red flags we see. There is a reason groups off of BP on social media have formed because the pointing out bad experiences with any big fish on here is quickly squashed. What I find interesting is that many have had no problem calling me out on this thread, but no one has called out James on posting private email communications. This is part of my concern in regards to the danger of BP.

 No James Wise is not a moderator.

The "well respected reputable agent" actually potentially acted illegally and unethically by choosing not to cooperate with anothet specific agent. If the property is MLS listed, broker cooperation is required. By disparaging his competition to a member of the general public, they violated the NAR code of ethics.

So perhaps well well respected and reputable are not perhaps the best terms to describe the unnamed agent if in fact the story is true.

Russ while agree with your statement.. the reality is some agents loath each other for whatever reason..  One of the things I had to do when I owned my boutique brokerages was to moderate agent squabbles  ..  

[James Wise]

Who doesn't love a good Reuben Ball