Offer from Mark Kingston, CEO of Argus

I just got back from a week of Argus training in Houston. The Argus group is a very nice bunch and last week the CEO of Argus, Mark Kingston developed a plan to expand their Argus Certification program and including a special offer to get people certified. Please note that this program is limited to 2,000 participants.

Program cost for each individual varies based on your specific circumstances. If you respond to this offer, the only thing that I ask is that you be truthful with Argus regarding your situation so they can offer an appropriate package.

The message from Mark Kingston and program details are copied below. Please note that contact with Mr. Kingston is through LinkedIn at the e-mail address cited below.

Cheers,
Dr. Hansz

Message from Mark Kingston, CEO of Argus:

Let me help you…My team and I are willing to invest in you…No questions asked...Well maybe one or two… Lost your job, starting up or in a position to hire...Please, Stop and Read This
Situation:

1. A large number of people have become unemployed and need help moving forward into new opportunities.

2. Over 1,500 email replies came back to me after my recent outreach indicating that the person no longer works for that company.

3. A Large number of individuals have expressed their desire to gain access to ARGUS Training, certification and license to ARGUS software as a way to get back on their feet. They have stated that ARGUS training and experience is a pre-requisite for many job opportunities.

4. Many lost their access to our tools when they were laid off. This limits their ability to maintain proficiency and or their ability to create income opportunities for themselves.

5. Many will need experience modeling in ARGUS that can be referenced as a way to strengthen their credentials for job search.

6. Many have expressed their desire for a job placement site for those seeking trained-experienced users of the ARGUS Software solutions.

7. Many emails requesting elearning-web based learning capabilities.

8. Many requests for demo or student copies of the software.

9. Many individuals are starting new ventures. They have limited capital. They have suggested that it would be extremely helpful to provide our software during their startup phase at a significant discount, or on a project by project basis.

10. Many are asking for case studies and examples of how the ARGUS solutions can be better employed for improving their decisions and outcomes.
Many want to change their situation but do not have the money. The choice is roof over the head, food on the table and gas in the car.
Posted 3 days ago | Reply Privately

Mark Kingston
CEO
See all Mark’s discussions »
Comments (13)

Mark Kingston
CEO
Target(s):

1. Assist recently unemployed real estate professionals and start-up companies in their efforts to enter the marketplace

2. The approach should satisfy the following objectives:

a. Prepare the unemployed real estate professional for reentry into the marketplace

b. Produce more “ marketable” professionals in the industry with education and certifications

c. Produce “ARGUS Software Certified” professionals that are prepared to be immediately productive in their new endeavors

d. Enable start-ups to spend their limited resources on employees while having access to the tools that enable them to thrive.

e. Create new opportunities
Posted 3 days ago | Reply Privately

Mark Kingston
CEO
Plan:

1. The program will be affordable to 100% of those participating.

a. This means, little or no cost

1. Eligibility will include:

a. Unemployed
b. Startup companies launched in 2009, or
c. companies hiring individual(s) that have been unemployed for more than six months
d. others, that I haven't identified but need an assist

1. The packaged offering includes a combination of training, software and experience as outlined below:

a. Access to DCF eLearning modules 1 through 10 (90-day access from the start of each module)

b. Perpetual license of ARGUS Lite (comes with 6 months of ARGUS Standard)

c. Advanced training documentation (mailed hardcopy)

d. ARGUS Certification

e. Opportunities to work with our services group on contract engagements as they become available

1. The cost will be $ 995 per package

a. We reserve the right to waive the cost to any individual.
b. We reserve the right to let any individual pay us when they can pay us (maybe never).
c. We reserve the right to make a difference for any person or company that will let us help.

1. What do we hope the benifits will be to you?

a. Learn ARGUS DCF and become certified in the solution at a fraction of the cost or no cost depending on your situation.

b. Use the full version of ARGUS for 6 months without limitations and then the Lite version perpetually.

c. ARGUS is investing a net value of $ 5,000 toward each person that needs help or will help (e.g. companies that hire), $ 6,000 if we wave the package cost.

d. You succeed in improving your position

e. Employers, you get a well trained professional that is able to make an impact from the moment they come through your door without the cost or need to send them off for ARGUS Training.

1. Our limitations:

a. We will need to limit this to the first 2,000 people that request this package. Unfortunately we are constraied by the need to keep our heads above water. For us to be able to help, we have to stay strong too. We do have to sell a few higher prices copies. In any, given period as we exceed our cash-flow requirements we will expand the number of packages that we make available and or give to those who can’t afford any payment.

b. For those who think this is a big marketing gimmick, please swim in another pond. Our employees have taken a 15% pay reduction and two furlough days a month. Six of our top executives have taken their pay down to zero. Yes, I am working my rear off for free. At this point, nothing in it for me but the ability to help. In addition, I have had to lay off 100 people in the last twelve months. We do understand the pain you are experiencing. But we are fortunate in that we have kept our head above water. So we can try to help. FYI, no employee is actually taking their furlough days because of their desire to help. This gives us the margin required so that we can absorb this effort without compromising our obligations.

c. We will accept the risk that a few in the world, that can afford to buy the solution at the market value, will try to take advantage of this effort. Our team decided this is an acceptable risk if we can make a difference for the people that need help. For those who might be so inclined, please reconsider. Make your decision knowing that you would be breaking a trust and hurting the caring employees of ARGUS Software.

1. What do you have to do to get your package?

a. Send me an invite to connect on LinkedIn: mkingston@argussoftware.com

b. Join the “ARGUS Commercial Real Estate Network” group site on LinkedIn.

c. Once I have accepted your invitation to connect, send me an email on LinkedIn regarding your situation. Within 24 hours you will have the tools you need.

d. Remember, if you cannot afford the price of the package or cannot afford to pay it all up front let me know. We will not shut the door on the ability to help you
Posted 3 days ago | Reply Privately

Mark Kingston
CEO
8. How can others help?

a. If you have jobs available, please post them in the job listings located in “ARGUS Commercial Real Estate Network” group site.

b. If you have contract work for analysis, modeling or reporting requirements please contact us. We are going to invest in training a lot of people here that can benefit from having that practical application on their resumes. We will provide the service at cost and guarantee that all work will be supervised and reviewed by our best consultants. Who knows you may find a superstar to add to your team.

c. If you are a solution provider to the real estate industry, get in the game. What are you waiting for? Help this industry, bend a few of your rules and give some software and training away that can make a difference. It’s a currency that you have an abundance of. Use it.

d. If you are an industry participant that is interested in joining our effort to make a difference, connect to me as outlined above and join the ARGUS Commercial Real Estate Network. Success is a choice, and so is your decision to make a difference. As a minimum, it cost you less than five minutes to see what it’s all about. Join us in breaking convention. We are going to ignite a new market direction with the launch ARGUS Zone and the new transaction zone (A global property exchange). Everybody that is plugged in to this initiative to help will have access to this platform as another way to succeed in this market. It’s your choice. Make a difference.

e. Last, for those who have already joined, send this to someone you know that may need the help.



Let’s change the outcome,

Mark Kingston

Valuation Job Opportunity

The North Texas Chapter of the Appraisal Institute posted the follow job notice.

The Pinnacle Companies in Dallas is looking for qualified appraisal candidates for long-term contract work at Fannie Mae. The NUC Review Appraiser is responsible for conducting retrospective valuation reviews of appraisal reports used by seller/servicers to support lending decisions and determine if they meet Fannie Mae guidelines, the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and other professional appraisal standards. Pay range is $40/hr - $45/hr. Please forward your resume and contact information to Clay Findley at clay@pinnaclestaffingjobs.com for immediate consideration.

Dr. Hansz's Summer Office Hours

My office hours will be from 2 to 4 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please note, I will not have office hours on June 15, 17, 22, and 24.