Dear Reign Training Facility,
Do I think anything is going to come out of this? My hope is yes, but upon looking at the reviews on yelp, this may be a sad and empty attempt. Esme Araujo and I made a verbal agreement regarding payment for training sessions. Long story short upon my return from my holiday break I kindly notified her that I would not be able to keep training with her due to personal reasons and that I would love to finish out the four sessions I paid her in advance. My mistake was trusting a verbal agreement would be sufficient. Though I understand she is an independent contractor at Reign, I still feel that management should talk not just with Esme but all the trainers who have failed their clients, because it seems there are a few. Why? I don't remember at all signing a waiver to work out at your facility which If I owned the place, would be a cause for concern as that is a liability. The person I spoke to on the phone said "This happens all the time" "We can't do anything about it" I get why but how is having individuals who lack professionalism going to bring your business success? I would not feel comfortable coming back into this location knowing the person who wronged me was just given a "chat" about this and now I would be watching her do the same to other clients? What would be a proper solution? I would love it if Reign held its independent contractors accountable and if Esme took this opportunity to learn from her mistakes. I would love to talk to her about this but she blocked me. I wasn't disrespectful to her at all. I have been patient and amicable with her. At this point it's not about the money, it's about the principle.
To the owner, Brian, people like this are bringing down your vision to reign over the fitness industry.
To Esme, I am disappointed in you. I didn't know you long enough but you seemed like a nice person. Be Kind To Yourself! Karma is real my dear! my advice to you - Running away from the problem is never the proper solution. How are you, as a trainer, going to be successful when YOU can't even stay accountable? In the future, if a client is asking you for a reimbursement that you can't/don't (want to) give back the professional thing to say is "Unfortunately, I am unable to provide you a refund but here are my next openings, please let me know if you can make it and please send me any referrals you may have." Because honestly, I have two friends that I was ready to give your info to, I was just waiting for your reply but you blocked me. Then you texted that if I don't use my deposit the month that I gave it to you I lose it? LOL because you never established that plus!!! You acknowledged that I paid for the sessions in advance and upon my return, in January (which you knew!!) we would resume training. Another great idea to avoid mishaps and remain professional, ask your client to sign a contract. This is where I fell short as a client. If you would've offered me that solution I would have gladly taken it but I was met with disappointment. If anyone wants to train with Esme, I suggest that you bring your own contract or find a true professional.
I spoke to someone at reign, and I was generously offered a six-month free membership that I will happily take if and when you open a facility in Orange County and if this inquiry doesn't void it. I don't think just talking to her is going to be enough, maybe provide compliance, liability, and accountability training to these PT's and help set them up for success not just for them but for the business itself.
I have sent this message to Reign and I am sharing this on Yelp to let future clients of Esme Aurajo to come prepared.
I appreciate your time! read more