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Post by wendtsc on Aug 13, 2014 20:19:56 GMT -8
I feel I need to share with all of you some disturbing news! I know this borders on the edge of the forum rules, however it is my own personal life experience and I consider you all my friends and many of you have personally invested time and effort to try and help me succeed here in Korea.
I am no longer working at Korea Brass because the work environment at the company just became too hostile.
I found out that outside of the owner and his son, the rest of the management of the company in Seoul and China was actively working to kill the U25C project and other new business I was trying to generate for the company. From purposely missing sample production deadlines to outright refusing to produce painted samples, it had been an uphill battle that just became too much to bear.
Then, in traditional company form, they refused to pay me the full amount of my retirement money they started withholding from my paycheck. Many companies here do this as a way to reduce someones paycheck without officially cutting their pay. This is in total violation of Korean law, however almost all Korean companies do it and I was actually told by the labor ministry to forget it because they will always find in favor of the company.
Now, because I have refused to ignore their law breaking they have decided to accuse me of destroying their files. One of the huge issues I had was the general manager regularly deleting my archived emails. These were files and emails that I was having to do weekly backups of to my own laptop because others in the company were repeatedly destroying them claiming they did not have room on the company servers for them or that they never received them.
As to the U25C project, I have no idea if it will ever see the light of day. It became clear to me when I was there that if I left it would probably die and now the very people who spent almost two years trying to kill it and get me fired have now started the spin that they were the ones trying working hard to bring it about and I was the one trying to destroy it.
Publicly talking about this goes against my beliefs. I have kept quiet since I left the company back in May, but they have left me no choice but to try and defend myself.
Scott Wendt
Former Director of New Product Development at Korea Brass
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Post by edwardsutorik on Aug 13, 2014 20:30:10 GMT -8
Interesting!
I note that they have not attacked Mr. Wendt here, so I am not sure why he chose to defend himself. Here. But it is certainly interesting.
I do wonder why they were supposed to pay "my retirement money". Was there a retirement? Foreigners are often treated poorly in business situations--because there are, well, foreigners.
Ed
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Post by wendtsc on Aug 13, 2014 21:07:33 GMT -8
Ed,
It turns out that they were using a common tactic in Korea to cut an employee's pay. They reduce your paycheck and say they are holding your money in a retirement account for you, however it is not an account under your name in a bank or anything, the company keeps it in their own account! Its not in a 401k or anything like that, its still in the owner's account. The government allows this because the companies all promise to give the employee the money back when they leave, however it is not just foreigners, but almost all Korean employees who end up losing money they were promised.
As to why I chose this forum, many folks here went to great lengths to help with the projects I was working on and I wanted to reassure them whatever they may hear. Certain people at the company whose position was threatened by my success started making claims against me (not back in May when I left, but) the day AFTER I filed the complaint with the Korean Labor Department and coincidentally the time when the product should have been hitting the shelves. Just a goat trying the escape before I become the scapegoat!
Scott
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Post by Donnell Wells on Aug 13, 2014 21:47:59 GMT -8
This is most unfortunate Scott, as many were expecting a much better offering than the Hornby version. Hopefully, you find another more reputable supplier, and can bring your vision to fruition! Good Luck my man!
Donnell
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Post by Judge Doom on Aug 13, 2014 22:12:41 GMT -8
Shame on you Korea Brass. Shame on you.
I will be sure to never purchase ANY of your products because of your unethical treatment of your employees.
Scott, you tried, you deserve a good pat on the back for your attempt to bring a quality model of the mighty U25C to HO scale.
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Post by Mark R. on Aug 13, 2014 22:30:47 GMT -8
Painted samples have been shown in a few online venues - what's the story on those ?  Mark. |
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Post by atsfan on Aug 14, 2014 2:44:41 GMT -8
I thought this venture was iffy.
Hopefully it can be worked somewhere in China.
Contact fox valley and see who they are working with for the gp60
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Post by TBird1958 on Aug 14, 2014 7:21:05 GMT -8
Scott,
Thank you for sharing your info with us - Take care, and best of luck for your future.
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Post by thebessemerkid on Aug 14, 2014 9:07:41 GMT -8
Sorry to hear about that. If it's any consolation, I've worked for a couple of US companies that are unethical. One was in the real railroad business. In looking at the KBM site, it shows some familiar locos: korea-brass.com/new/english/sub03_03.phpDoes anyone know who all they supply? Maybe one of their customers put the kibosh on the U25... |
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Post by bnsf971 on Aug 14, 2014 9:34:01 GMT -8
Sorry to hear about that. If it's any consolation, I've worked for a couple of US companies that are unethical. One was in the real railroad business. In looking at the KBM site, it shows some familiar locos: korea-brass.com/new/english/sub03_03.phpDoes anyone know who all they supply? Maybe one of their customers put the kibosh on the U25... I noticed the items shown seem to be primarily from one particular importer currently based in Florida. I'm sure there are other importers as well, but those just happened to jump out at me. |
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Post by mlehman on Aug 14, 2014 9:37:49 GMT -8
Bummer.   Unfortunately, unethical business practices are a quite common practice no matter what the nation. I will specifically avoid traveling on Korean ferries or buiying any Korean U-boats, but that just joins a long list of organizations across the globe that have in common one thing -- an unfettered determination to put money above all other values, including human life. Good luck with your future endeavors. |
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Post by mkulak on Aug 14, 2014 14:49:57 GMT -8
Scott, Sorry to hear about the problems at KBM, seems like a bunch of rude and unhappy people to have worked with, their loss not making the U25C it would have put them on the map for US HO Trains. I hope you are able to find a similar job here in the US and get your back pay. It kind of makes you wonder if it was worth it for the US and other countries slugging it out with the NKPR and Chinese for 3 years(1950-53) only for US citizens to be treated like dirt when you try and work over there!  Good Luck and God Bless! |
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Post by The Ferro Kid on Aug 14, 2014 19:36:38 GMT -8
There isn't a Model Railroad Mafia per se, more like "disorganized crime."
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Post by keystonefarm on Aug 14, 2014 19:47:10 GMT -8
Sorry to hear about this Scott. I was looking forward to the locomotives and possible future items . Good luck in your future endeavors. --------------------- Ken
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Post by WP 257 on Aug 14, 2014 20:44:02 GMT -8
Scott--I'm very sorry to hear what has occurred. Having seen the photo of the pilot models, I was somewhat excited about the possibilities for the U25C and future models.
In hindsight MTH does not seem like such the "bad guy" as some folks have made them out to be. Theft of property is theft, period, and they were able to prove it.
I know there's 2 sides to every story, but I'll be voting with my wallet and personally banning any more Korea Brass-made products from my railroad. It's clear to me that Korea Brass has some quality issues with the products they actually send here. Now I have more insight as to just what kind of company they really are. (My son has one 6 month old expensive steamer that no longer smokes...I know great for some folks, but definitely not for him).
I hope you land with a company that will take better care of you and your projects.
Sincerest best wishes,
fast14
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Post by atsfan on Aug 15, 2014 3:38:11 GMT -8
Scott--I'm very sorry to hear what has occurred. Having seen the photo of the pilot models, I was somewhat excited about the possibilities for the U25C and future models. In hindsight MTH does not seem like such the "bad guy" as some folks have made them out to be. Theft of property is theft, period, and they were able to prove it. I know there's 2 sides to every story, but I'll be voting with my wallet and personally banning any more Korea Brass-made products from my railroad. It's clear to me that Korea Brass has some quality issues with the products they actually send here. Now I have more insight as to just what kind of company they really are. (My son has one 6 month old expensive steamer that no longer smokes...I know great for some folks, but definitely not for him). I hope you land with a company that will take better care of you and your projects. Sincerest best wishes, fast14 What products do they make sold now in the USA? What do we avoid? Thanks |
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Post by bnsf971 on Aug 15, 2014 4:53:21 GMT -8
Scott--I'm very sorry to hear what has occurred. Having seen the photo of the pilot models, I was somewhat excited about the possibilities for the U25C and future models. In hindsight MTH does not seem like such the "bad guy" as some folks have made them out to be. Theft of property is theft, period, and they were able to prove it. I know there's 2 sides to every story, but I'll be voting with my wallet and personally banning any more Korea Brass-made products from my railroad. It's clear to me that Korea Brass has some quality issues with the products they actually send here. Now I have more insight as to just what kind of company they really are. (My son has one 6 month old expensive steamer that no longer smokes...I know great for some folks, but definitely not for him). I hope you land with a company that will take better care of you and your projects. Sincerest best wishes, fast14 What products do they make sold now in the USA? What do we avoid? Thanks Many, if not most, products sold by Broadway Limited. I know there have to be others, since some things they show as "their" products are things I know BLI does not sell. On their website touting their products, I saw the BLI I1Sa, Daylight and Zephyr passenger cars in HO, as well as E units and PAs in N scale. |
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Post by atsfan on Aug 15, 2014 11:33:43 GMT -8
What products do they make sold now in the USA? What do we avoid? Thanks Many, if not most, products sold by Broadway Limited. I know there have to be others, since some things they show as "their" products are things I know BLI does not sell. On their website touting their products, I saw the BLI I1Sa, Daylight and Zephyr passenger cars in HO, as well as E units and PAs in N scale. I already avoid BLI products so maybe that makes it easy |
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Post by alcoc430 on Aug 15, 2014 12:05:50 GMT -8
Sorry to hear of your trouble. The preproduction samples seemed excellent.
Good luck. Atheran is still looking for help
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Post by WP 257 on Aug 15, 2014 14:03:33 GMT -8
atsfan--
Sorry, I thought the link posted above, which showed several products clearly imported by BLI, as well as the other post above referencing a manufacturer headquartered in Florida, which would be BLI, were specific enough.
My apologies for the confusion.
As I am not happy with the QA/QC of recent BLI products, the utter fragility of the Santa Fe 4-8-4 smoke units, and the turtle turtle performance (or rather lack thereof) of the E units, all this, combined with KB seemingly taking advantage of what would appear to be a decent employee who wanted to fill a gap in the market with a decent model, is enough for me to ban further BLI or Korean Brass products from my layout.
I'll simply buy more Athearn, Atlas, or whatever...maybe I will need an Athearn ICG creamsicle SD40-2 or two.
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Post by lnrrfan on Aug 16, 2014 3:24:18 GMT -8
Something doesn't add up
From what I understand it costs a great deal of money to produce the molds for a model (like tens to hundred thousand dollars).
So if KBM has spent all that money and produced samples I wouldn't think they would stop now.
just doesn't make sense to me.
Pat Coleman
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Post by lnrrfan on Aug 16, 2014 3:36:49 GMT -8
If the KBM U25C does not happen it would be a loss.
You've obviously done a great job on this project
Thank you for your efforts
I am sorry a company treated you this way, nobody should be treated like that.
What are you personal feelings about the project now?
Considering how they treated you ,but having so much work invested.
would you still like to see this project finished?
I would have mixed emotions
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Post by thebessemerkid on Aug 16, 2014 5:20:15 GMT -8
Did not intend to start a BLI bash. They and others seem to also have been adversely impacted by KBM's inability to produce on time. Bad deal all the way around.
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Post by bnsf971 on Aug 16, 2014 7:24:41 GMT -8
Did not intend to start a BLI bash. They and others seem to also have been adversely impacted by KBM's inability to produce on time. Bad deal all the way around. At least part of it is the Chineseum in almost everything we buy today. |
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Post by carrman on Nov 23, 2014 20:46:44 GMT -8
From Korea Brass Facebook page: Sungoh Cho We would be to notice you that we are keep going on the producing of the HO" U25c and it will release of them a little bit delay only because it was released the other company by competitor and it did not dead the HO" U25c as like the rumor. We don't want to say on the former employee's, but, he did not resigned by himself and he did not returned the any data to office. Also, we can not updated because we did not had the Password for this facebook. So, Please read from www.korea-brass.com. Thank you. |
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Post by nsc39d8 on Nov 24, 2014 3:38:56 GMT -8
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Post by Donnell Wells on Nov 24, 2014 5:50:02 GMT -8
(Hoping not to derail the topic any further, but probably will...) Why is this, and other new couplers still hung up on the Kadee-style knuckle? AND, before you say, "Because they work", yeah, I know they do. However, I think an automatic coupler can be both esthetically pleasing (i.e. Sergent couplers), and equally functional (Kadee couplers).
BTW, the Korea Brass model looks good from what I can see.
Donnell |
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Post by Judge Doom on Nov 24, 2014 8:35:47 GMT -8
From Korea Brass Facebook page: Sungoh Cho We would be to notice you that we are keep going on the producing of the HO" U25c and it will release of them a little bit delay only because it was released the other company by competitor and it did not dead the HO" U25c as like the rumor. We don't want to say on the former employee's, but, he did not resigned by himself and he did not returned the any data to office. Also, we can not updated because we did not had the Password for this facebook. So, Please read from www.korea-brass.com. Thank you. Perfect example of why a North American representative for overseas companies is a good idea. If your company wants to present a professional image, you should at least have someone on staff with good English grammar and comprehension skills, nevermind someone in-tune with keeping the marketing presence up in the usual channels (Facebook, forums, website, etc) in a timely and informative fashion (i.e. we should not be trying to guess for months if this thing will actually come out, or turn into vaporware). At this point it looks like a big he-said-she-said dealio. But from the earlier image painted of the internal goings-on at KB, well, it makes you wonder. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2014 9:11:42 GMT -8
When KBM put up pictures of theirs, and the Hornby pictures showed up, I considered the KBM one to look better. Even KBM's paint colors seem better. I'll be looking forward to seeing these when they come to market. I was unimpressed with the Hornby model at Trainfest.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2014 9:12:06 GMT -8
From Korea Brass Facebook page: Sungoh Cho We would be to notice you that we are keep going on the producing of the HO" U25c and it will release of them a little bit delay only because it was released the other company by competitor and it did not dead the HO" U25c as like the rumor. We don't want to say on the former employee's, but, he did not resigned by himself and he did not returned the any data to office. Also, we can not updated because we did not had the Password for this facebook. So, Please read from www.korea-brass.com. Thank you. Now lets put in the Queen's English for all of to understand... "We would like announce we will be producing the HO U25C, but there will be little bit of a delay because it was released by another company. The rumor the project is dead is incorrect. We can not comment on the former employee, but he did not resign and did not return any of the project data to KBM. We have been unable to update the KBM Facebook page because we did not have the password. For further information and updates please see www.korea-brass.com. Thank you KBM." In my former job I dealt with many Korean immigrants working in the taxi business in the City of Chicago. I've learned to translate the broken English. |
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Good Luck and God Bless!
