Michael Probst & Deborah Augenti are at it again.
We received a tip that Probst & Augenti, the same people responsible for creating the Cork & Olive franchise fiasco, have launched a new franchise opportunity using the name Solera Distributors, which they promoted on Craig’s List.
The domain name for Solera Distributors was registered March 1, 2009 by Deborah Augenti:
Registrant:
Deborah Augenti
681 Turnberry Ct
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
US
Domain name: SOLERADISTRIBUTORS.NET
Administrative Contact:
Augenti, Deborah d.augenti@yahoo.com
681 Turnberry Ct
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
US
+1.7272781028 Corporation records from Sunbiz.com show that Deborah Augenti was President & Robin Hoover was CFO of Solera Wine Distributors, Inc. from the corporate inception in March, 2008 until August 3, 2009. An August 3, 2009 amendment ( ) named Michael Probst CEO/President & Deborah Augenti is Registered Agent; Robin Hoover’s name was removed.
Florida Profit Corporation
SOLERA WINE DISTRIBUTORS INC.
Principal Address
C/O MICHAEL PROBST
681 TURNBERRY COURTTARPON SPRINGS FL 34688
Changed 08/03/2009
Registered Agent Name & Address
AUGENTI, DEBORAH
681 TURNBERRY CTTARPON SPRINGS FL 34688 US
Officer/Director Detail
Title PS
PROBST, MICHAEL CFO
681 TURNBERRY COURTTARPON SPRINGS FL 34688
The FTC prohibits the promise of success or profits in franchise marketing materials. However, the Solera Distributors franchise website is filled with illegal earnings claims promising franchisee success & profitability:
…Franchisees should be able to support their basic living requirements for 4-6 months while building the foundation of their business. Franchisees will work in a defined territory. The potential of each territory will allow the franchisee the opportunity to obtain at least 40 to 50 accounts out of approximately 100 to 120 identified in the territory…
Area Developers have investment options that range in accordance with the potential of the territory, with capital outlay ranging from $200,000.00 to $400,000.00. We anticipate Area Developers will return investment within the first twelve to fourteen months of operation…
Franchisees will generate their profit from the mark up of wine products to the retailer. Area Developers will generate their profit from the mark up of wine products to the franchisee and receive half of the initial and ongoing fees of their 40 – 60 Franchisees. Because of the low costs to Solera, both the franchisee and the retailer will enjoy significant profits while maintaining a low price list at the retail level.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.
Also read:
Cork & Olive Franchise: $2.5 Million in Debt? June 16th, 2008 Cork & Olive Wine Franchise Co. Files for Bankruptcy June 10th, 2008 What REALLY Uncorked Cork & Olive? June 6, 2008 Cork & Olive Franchise Corp. Collapse: What’s the REAL Story? June 6th, 2008 Cork & Olive’s Probst Abandons Franchisees June 5, 2008
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View Comments
A mule in a tuxedo is still a mule.
He is nowhere near out of the C&O woods yet. Thanks for the update.
Hopefully anyone that even considers doing biz with these people should do their homework and investigate. And if they do, don't say you weren't warned. call the current franchise owners and ask them their experience. The gall of these people to try another venture is totally astounding and asnine.
Michael Probst has absolutely nothing to do with any of the surviving Cork & Olive stores. As far as those stores are concerned he is public enemy #1 and that will never change.
Micheal Probst has absolutely no connection with any of the surviving Cork & Olive stores. As far as those stores are concerned he is public enemy #1
Terrible news. A former franchisee passed away, as a result of dealing with Probst. His family lost a good father, friend and all their money. This is what Probst will give you.
Wanda,
Which Franchisee passed away?
It was the owner of Winter Garden Store.
OMG!! He was one of the nicest men around! any idea how he passed? Unfortunately stress does horrible things to people. RIP Mark James.
I want to hear absolutely NOTHING from Probst or his sidekick (s). Don't even want to hear their names mentioned. they make me sick. I hope their new venture goes down the drain like C&O did!