2008 Lead Company Update

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

"Quality agents report back that their close ratios are in the 15-30% range and that they are contacting 50%-75% of their leads."

Not to be picky, but everybody says that. We had a guy say he was closing 70% of his leads.

I also spoke to Clelland, and in fairness, he was very accessible. I wish him the best of luck.

However, I investigated Benepath and spoke to many people about them. I chose not to use them for reasons I prefer not to state on this Forum.

 

[dmiller90]

However, I investigated Benepath and spoke to many people about them. I chose not to use them for reasons I prefer not to state on this Forum.[/quote]

My Point exactly, and now you see him on here trying to defend and attacking out of paranoia, Like I said, he needs to let the clients post the results. I investigated Benepath also, and Don't need to post the results here.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

So anyone who's filed BK before should not be running another business? Hmmmmm.....do ALL members agree with this?

 

[moonlightandmargaritas]

So anyone who's filed BK before should not be running another business? Hmmmmm.....do ALL members agree with this?

Who said anyone who filed BK should not run another business?

He broached the subject of "unpaid bills" - not me.

I think it's important for transparency purposes. I would think most intelligent folks would like to know this - before they give someone their credit card number...

 

[schealthagent]

I think what it all boils down to is that these are still internet leads so the quality isn't going to be the same as more targeted marketing such as telemarketing or walking b2b. I would like to re iterate the positives about my experience with Benepath thus far:

1. The leads are as exclusive as it gets.
2. The Prospects are routed to your Norvax quote engine not Ehealth.
3. They have the option to call and be routed to you (for an exra $10 or so)
4. The staff at benepath is accessible and accommodating, i believe they really want agents to be successful.
5. The percentage of leads contacted is as high or higher than Clelland states.
6. It is obviously working well for some people - I just seem to be getting a lot of folks that I can't help for one reason or another. One objection I have more than with any other source I have used is that they are people on large group plans just looking for a better deal, and carving out hasnt been in any of their best interest. Is that benepath's fault, I dont think so.

So, like I said, give them a try and see what you think - if I had the stomach to hard sell a lot of copay savers etc. I would probably be having much more success.

GLTA

 

[Clelland.Green]

Re: Benepath

I have only stated the facts about our service. When someone repeats rumors and innuendos, and makes sweeping statements about our company, its important to make a reply with real information instead of generalizations.

As to America's Choice, that was a great company that I ran for many years quite successfully. The company was founded in 1994, after I bought my half of my prior company from my old partner. In total, I ran the two companies for 14 years and during that time we had a lot of accomplishments.

The most notable was the development of an Internet capability that allowed agents, employees, employers and health care providers to do almost everything they needed to do online. This was launched in 1998, and the company and the software still exist - achonline.com.

In 2000, we raised $5 million in venture capital with a plan to raise another $10 million in two years. Our growth prior to raising the capital put us in the Inc 500 2 x's and with the capital we made it for a third time. Like other companies at the time who raised money, we built out infrastructure, hired people, expanded the sales force, etc. Essentially, we executed the plan.

The company had a good reputation, a good service record and solid growth. We had customers like Elmer's Glue, the Philadelphia Phillies and Novacare.

Then the Internet bubble burst and 9/11 happened and you might recall that times got really bad in this country and around the world.

When we went to raise the next round of financing, there was no capital to be found. The VC took control and I was asked to put on my sales shoes and generate new business while they tried to sell the company. The CFO ran the day to day operations.

The company then had to face the overhead that came with the original business plan, and it did not have the capital necessary to manage the growth. To put it bluntly, service suffered and customers were lost.

After failing to sell the company, the VC resigned from the board late in the fall of 2002, giving me back control of the company. I got the company to positive cash flow and then proceeded to find a buyer to make things as right as I could. To say the least, I inherited a mess.

When we found a buyer, they required us to file for Chapter 11 to complete the sale, which we did. Also, during the time between when I was put back in charge and when we filed a chapter, we reduced the amount of debt owed by the company as well.

Prior to all this happening, when I ran the company, we always paid our bills and had excellent credit with the banks and our vendors.

Ultimately, a different buyer was found with a better offer and they own America's Choice today - which is an excellent TPA for any of you who do self funded business.

I am happy to directly answer anyone's questions regarding this or any other matter you would like to discuss.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

always better when the full story is told. much better than when people try to form opinions without full facts.

 

[SportsNut]

Who said anyone who filed BK should not run another business?

He broached the subject of "unpaid bills" - not me.

I think it's important for transparency purposes. I would think most intelligent folks would like to know this - before they give someone their credit card number...

It seems that you are insinuating that Clelland N. Green, II filed for BK.
According to public records of the Federal Bk Court system (pacer), there is NO such filing, past or present.

Mr Green did own 22% equity ownership (common stock) in the corp known as America's Choice Healthplan's Inc., which did file for Ch 11, then Ch 7 liquidation. Of course there were many other forces and factors, as well as many other people involved in such a business.

What occurred with ACH,Inc in no besmerches the individual or his credibility to run another business. Any inferance that it does is simply a cheap shot, IMO. But there are lots of cheap shots taken hourly on these forums...

The individual that you are trashing here, (based upon the evidence that you present) could still qualify for every license that you now hold, (today), and be bonded by the most stringent standards, because the action that you site has no bearing upon him personally. It is simply important to note this, otherwise some may draw the wrong conclusion, which would be a disservice.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

but it's more fun to talk out of your ass on this board when you don't know the facts about something.

Clellend has been nothing but fantastic - he is of the highest ethical standards and one of the true "good guys" out there running a lead company.

 

[CT Insure Guy]

always better when the full story is told. much better than when people try to form opinions without full facts.

Well, the only fact I can report is that I have left Clelland a phone message and sent him a PM regarding leads and he hasn't gotten back to me yet. I guess it could be interpreted as they're so busy they can't even get back to you, but, kind of a bummer.

I have no problems with a former bankruptcy, and his explanation sounds acceptable and understandable, however.