Max International Terminates 3 Top Earners Without Cause?

  • November 12, 2011
  • By Team Business For Home
MLM Termination

Three good solid leaders, Mike Unclebach, Sheldon Robinson and Mitch Edland at Max International in the USA were terminated without cause. Big earners with big groups. Reason: Were not building the business and wanted to sell their business. All Diamond distributors earning over $15,000 a month.

Max International is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA offering its products through a network of independent sales associates in the United States, Canada, the Philippines, and New Zealand.

In 2010 an Ex-Ameriplan distributors won a lawsuit and was granted with $5.5 million for wrongful termination.

In February, 2009, a $7 million judgement was awarded in a wrongful termination arbitration against Usana.  See: Judgement will Cost Usana $7,000,000.

I have asked Max International for a official statement, however did not got a response (yet).U

An update can be found here: www.businessforhome.org/2011/12/max-international-versus-unclebachs-lawsuit/

 Mike Unclebach
 Sheldon Robinson
 Mitch Edland
Mike Unclebach Sheldon Robinson Mitch Edland

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Comments (26)

  3. Hi Ted,
    Here is a great way to add a few hundred thousand dollars a year to the company profits – dream up a reason to sack some of your top earners. It’s certainly a ploy used by more than one company particulary in recent years which really makes you question the business ethics of some the owners of these outfits even more.
    Pleased you were able to again give a public airing to actions I’m sure the company would have preferred to have stayed out of the limelight.
    Regards,
    John

  4. I can’t speak to whether they did anything wrong but a quick google search identifies both Mitch and Sheldon as founding members of a new network marketing company called Enhance International. That does raise an interesting question. Is it ethical to be drawing an income from a company while recruiting and building your own network marketing company? Is it really possible they could build a new company without negatively impacting their former company? If one were a CEO of a company (we are all CEO’s of our own business within the NWM structure) could you ethically stay with that company while acting as a CEO of a new company….thoughts. Maybe we shouldn’t condemn Max before learning all the facts. Perhaps Ted needs to gather some more facts before suggesting that they did nothing wrong.

  5. This is wrong information-plain wrong and irresponsible reporting. As a leader with Max International I know for a fact that all three have openly started another network marketing company , Enhance international. For further clarification, who are are your sources? Mitch Edlund successfully sold his MAX business months ago and, Sheldon is still with MAX ( at least was until very recently and not terminated??? and certainly NOT earning anywhere close to your claim) Yes Mike was terminated…with well documented just cause. Max is a company that is doing its very best to operate with heart and integrity. We are a passionate group who believes in giving lots of chances to people who may make errors in judgement but what is a corporate team to do when there is a consistent disregard to policies and procedures? Please stop making these kind of accusations without checking the facts first. I am disappointed Ted in what I see as more of an effort in creating sensationalism and headlines than supporting the industry as a viable professional business model. I expected more from you and from your reputation as a respected source of what’s going on in the industry.

  7. In general you do a good job Ted and I know “NEGATIVE HEADLINES SELL” but in this case your “happy trigger finger” may land yourself in a tad of legal bother. The Line “Three good solid leaders, Mike Unclebach, Sheldon Robinson and Mitch Edland at Max International in the USA were terminated without cause” A simple, professional word like “allegedly” could have maintained yours & others integrity.

    If you don’t know the full facts that’s fine, just say “I DON’T KNOW THE FACTS” (Elizabeth has outlined a few)

    I’m disappointed to say that in this case it’s YOU who has thrown the industry another negative curveball and given the black eye.

    Max current management are people i’d have at my table any day. Let’s all move forward with integrity hey?

  9. These things are unfortunate and the reality is that it happens in traditional business as well everyday, even when you think you have done the right thing! I do know from great past experience that when any door closes, many windows open and looking back I sure love those windows! Looking ahead, the future is always bright cause it’s up to you in the end anyway! Good luck guys!

  10. Well, now since I certainly don’t know the facts personally, I would just like to say that these things happen in traditional business too and when the door closes, lots of windows open and we forget really quickly who those names were that caused us so much grief, so the very best of luck guys!

  11. Well – nothing surprises us anymore – we WERE top leaders there and they did it to us and WITH NO GROUNDS!!! When we asked them to tell us why they shut off our back office they told us “that it was private information and couldn’t disclose their source”. We have since found out “who the source was” – it was lies and we proved it – however, all in all it has been the biggest blessing for us – and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to move and leave the stress and negative behind.

  12. Although I didn’t know Mitch & Sheldon very well, I do know they left to join another start up company that is already no longer in business. Mike Unclebach however, I do know quite well and I am so disappointed in this turn of events. Max International is saddened to have lost him as a distributor but we will not be content to sit by and let people say one thing and do another. Unfortunately there was enough evidence to let Mike go, but let’s be clear….there was evidence. Max is a wonderful company that respects it’s other leaders enough to want to protect them and their investment in this industry.

  13. I hear the words “Mike was terminated?with well documented just cause.” from Elizabeth & Tina R say there was evidence. Just what evidence have you seen because the accused has not be disclosed to it. So sad for people to believe what they hear.

  15. Just heard the news. I have known Mike Unclebach for the past 5 years. This man is of impecable character whose life was saved because of MaxGxl. His product testimonial with Maxgxl drove his passion for the company. I know for fact that Mike did not follow his bother, Mitch or Sheldon to Enhance and still sings the praises of MaxGxl. I am completely shocked at this one. I can tell you without doubt that Mike Unclebach has the highest ethical standards and is admired across the industry.

    I agree completely with Rick & Elaine Lynas and saw what they went through. Thankfully, they have rebounded and are doing great for themselves today.

    I also heard that it was Laura Unclebach that was terminated.

    Marcus, do not say that Ted has created a negative image for the industry because he has reported on this stuff. It is there job to let the world know what is happening to distributors out there. It is the power of the internet and freedom of speech that will truly turn the tides in this crazy business. If it is all true and just then there is no problem with reporting it. Open up the New York TImes some time. The most important piece of this story was capture clearly. Mike Unclebach was terminated. Several max distributors have said they know why he was. Will they give the details of what they know?

    It seems that a lot of the distributor postings on here claim to know the details or “evidence” of why Mike & Laura Unclebach were terminated. It would be interesting if the distributors posting here would come forward and state some of the facts that they claim they know.

    In the past distributors in several companies have said they knew the facts and details but what they were really citing was lies, propaganda and mistruths.

    I am sure the truth will be revealed here. I don’t think this one will go away quietly.

  17. Hi Ken, thanks for acknowledging my comments and allowing me the grace to clarify them 🙂

    I LOVE Ted informing us of the good, the bad & the ugly from within the industry, that’s why i PAY for access to his great service. I did not say “He should not have reported this”, i simply suggested that his report that the individuals “were terminated WITHOUT CAUSE? is yet to be determined. Hence my suggestion to say they were “ALLEGEDLY terminated without cause”

    Unfortunately many people read the headline or initial report and then continue on assuming it as a concluded FACT.

    For the record I’m a recent fan of Mike, Laura & Kay Unclebach after meeting them in Miami and am saddened to see them in this situation but am certain they will land on their feet.

  18. @Tammie jackson & Walter Greer..REALLY…your going to SPAM your company here. Wow…freaking amazing. You have ZERO integrity…IMHO.

    @Elizabeth Harrington…there are none so blind as those that will not see. Please Ms. Harrington…remove the rose colored glasses.

    @Rick & Elaine Lynas & Ken Dunn…thank you.

  19. I WOULD LIKE TO PROTEST THE VALIDITY OF YOUR ACCUSATIONS AGAINST MAX INTERNATIONAL. I HAVE BEEN AN ASSOCIATE FOR APPROXIMATE 3 YEARS. AT MY SIGNUP I WAS GIVEN A CODE OF ETHICS FOR COMPANY POLICY AND REGULATIONS. THIS IS NORMAL BUSINESS PROCEDURE IN ANY ORGANIZATION I’VE BEEN ACQUAINTED WITH AS A FORMER IRS EMPLOYEE WORKING IN THE POSITIONS FROM AUDITOR TO ANALYST. ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO VIOLATES THESE CONDITIONS SHOULD EXPECT TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. I REALIZE THAT OUR GOALS IN LIFE CHANGE AND WE ARE INFLUENCED BY PEOIPLE AND CIRCUMSTANCES…AT THAT TIME WE HAVE CHOICES TO MAKE. i KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE THAT MAX INTL. .BENDS OVER BACKWARDS TO BE FAIR, AND THAT THE FOUNDER AND CORPORATE OFFICERS ARE CONSTANTLY IN THE FIELD WORKING AND ASSISTING ASSOCIATES. YOU HAVE THE WRONG INFORMATION ON ALL THREE INDIVIDUALS AAYOU POINTED OUT AND LEAVE YOURSELF WIDE OPEN TO LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS. AS A RESPONSIBLE REPORTER, PLEASE BE HONEST AND FAIR BY CORRECTING YOUR ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE INTEGRITY OF MAX INTERNATIONAL.

  20. AFTER THINKING ON THIS SITUATION FOR A FEW DAYS I HAVE TO SAY I HAD A SIMULAR SITUATION IN MY LIFE. I’M 73 YRS. OLD AND FOR THE LAST 12 YRS. OF MY WORKING LIFE I WAS PRESIDENT OF A FLORIDA CORP. IN FURN. SALES. MY OLDEST SON WORKED FOR ME AND WAS ONE OF MY 3 TOP EARNERS. I HAD RULES THAT EVERYONE HADTO ADHERE TO. MY SON BEING YOUNG AND WANTING TO DO THINGS HE WANTED TO DO WAS CAUSING PROBLEMS. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO LET HIM CONTINUE TO DO THINGS HIS WAY AND THE REST OF MY SALES FORCE HAD TO DO THIS MY WAY. I FIRED HIM AND WAS SORELY HURT. THAT DID NOT MEAN I STOPPED LOVING HIM AND CARED FOR HIS WELL BEING. BUT THE REST OF THE SALES PEOPLE KNEW THESE RULES HAD TO BE KEPT’ ALSO THEY RESPECTED ME FOR BEING FAIR. 10 YRS. HAVE PASSED AND MY SON HAS TOLD ME MORE THAN A FEW TIMES THANK YOU FOR HE WENT ON TO OWN ONE OF THE MOST SUCESSFUL FURN. OPPERATIONS IN SOUTH TEXAS. SO WE OFTEN DO NOT SEE THE END RESULTS OF AN ACTION THAT IS TAKEN. THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS EVERYONE IN THIS SITUATION

  21. No…The fact is, by terminating the 3…Max saved themselves $500,000 per year., Plus the not sure who is going to take over as the new leadership. It is like how corporations fire “employees” 6 months before they retire so they don’t have to pay retirement bennys plus their 401Ks go POOF!

    Really makes themselves look bad. Greed is very sad.

  22. THEY ONLY TERMINATED ONE. ANYONE KNOWS YOU DON’T TERMINATE YOUR PRODUCERS THERE IS NO RETIREMENTS OR 401K INVOLVED HERE. I BEND OVER BACKWARDS TO KEEP MY BEST SALES PEOPLE. THATS LIKE THE YANKEES FIRING A ROD. THIS IS NOT A UNION SHOP ARE TENTURED POSITION. WHY WOULD YOU OFFER YOUR COMPETETORS YOUR BEST HELP.

  23. Here are the facts. They terminated Mike Unclebach, Laura Hubble Unclebach (Mike’s daughter), Sheldon Robinson & just because, they terminated Mike’s mom Charlene. Can’t wait to hear Max’s reason for terminating his mom, I mean seriously she is 73 years old & was only enjoying her products. Mike has been told why he was terminated but Max has refused to produce the evidence. The truth will be revealed it always is. One should have the right to face their accusers. Stay tuned it is not over.

  25. This something that could happen to anyone! If this were to happening to us we would know of have some sentiment of the gravity of this situation. In fact, you would know this if you ever lost a job. All companies operate on what is good for them and not you because the codes of ethics are written to protect the company. This is the way cooperate world operates by eliminating the highly paid to increase their bottom line.

    The good news is that there are plenty of good companies and products available and would love to have them. It seems to me if they were trying to sell their business, they should have been doing so in a way to protect themselves by using good attorneys who understand contract law. More importantly, we must cultivate good relationships by building strong bonds in the support of others so when we need support, it will be available. You have to know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. Yes, leave on your own terms. We all can learn something from this situation and that is always be prepared for the unexpected. Good luck to all! Do what you have to do and move on.

  26. Mathew, your comment is your opinion, not fact. You discredit your own character by making such a claim. Your statement is to infer that the sole reason of this termination is for the company to save themselves money. That is not fact, its speculation at best and can also be viewed as slanderous. Get a grip. Did the company save money, in the short term, did they make this move purely out of greed, not likely because any credible business owner or manager would realize that keeping someone like Mike Unclebach on board and continuing to build is going to make the company a lot more money over then next year even than the so call 1/2 million you allege they scooped. Common, think about it just a little. You might raise the question…but don’t call things fact where you have absolutely not evidence or proof to back it up.

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