MarketWave, Inc. was created in 1990 to fill the growing need for accurate, objective research and analysis of the network marketing industry and its companies. As the founder and CEO of MarketWave, Inc. I have applied full time effort over the past 28 years into the study of various aspects on the MLM profession, with a primary focus on historical trends and patterns that have resulted in success, and failure, by both distributors and companies.
MarketWave originally launched as a “Consumer Report” type publication which studied and evaluated various MLM programs, eventually amassing over 13,500 paid subscribers in 16 countries. This newsletter evolved into a free “MLM Alerts” eLetter. I have also authored the nationally published book “Inside Network Marketing” (Random House), hosted a live radio program (KSCO) and now a podcast show of the same name, and produced several audio training products as well.
As a successful distributor for three MLM opportunities (one of which I was the #1 earner for 8 of 10 years), and having served in senior management positions of three MLM companies (including CEO), I have gained the necessary knowledge and experience to be certified as an “expert” in the field of network marketing by a court of law. I have served as an expert witness in numerous cases primarily dealing with wrongful termination and the assessment of damages, as well as illegal pyramid cases.
Leonard W. Clements
|
 |
- Founder & CEO of MarketWave, Inc.
October 1990 – Present
Research, Advocacy, Education, and Consulting organization serving the Direct Sales industry. - Founder & Chairman of The Academy of Multilevel Marketing , LLC.
January 2013 – Present
Recognition and awarding organization serving the multilevel marketing industry. - Vice President of Market Research of Zenza Life Sciences, LLC
August 2005 – April 2008
A health, nutrition and personal care based network marketing company. - Co-Founder and CEO of Epic Network International, LLC
May 2004 – June, 2005
A health & nutrition based network marketing company. - Publisher and Editor of MarketWave Alert Letter
Industry “watchdog” newsletter focusing on MLM opportunity evaluation.
Published from January 1990 through December 1997 as MarketWave (12,900 paid subscribers).
Published from December 1998 to present as MarketWave Alert Letter (5,700 free subscribers). - Author of Inside Network Marketing
Educational book (302 pages).
Originally self published June, 1994.
Published by Prima Publishing – May, 1995.
Published by Random House – April, 2001
Reacquired publishing rights – January, 2002 - Host of Inside Network Marketing, a live call-in radio show
KSCO, 1080 am. January 2000 to February 2001.
Covered west/central California & streamed online.
Currently offered as a semi-monthly podcast. - Publisher of It’s Time – For Network Marketing
Educational/Promotional book (351 pages).
Self published – August, 2007. - Conducts Inside Network Marketing seminars
Four hour, generic, educational MLM presentation.
Over 120 presentations, from October 1990 to present.
United States, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad, South Korea, Japan and Russia. - Creator of Case Closed! The Whole Truth About Network Marketing
Generic, 30 minute recruiting cassette tape.
Writer, producer and speaker. - Creator of The Coming Network Marketing Boom
Generic, 40 minute promotional cassette tape.
Writer and speaker. - Creator of The Only Qualifying Question You’ll Ever Need
Generic, 30 minute educational cassette tape.
Writer, editor and speaker. - Network Marketing distributor
1979 to 1980: Nature Slim
1989 to 1990: Charles J. Givens Organization
1991 to 1992: Nu Skin International
1992 to 1993: Outback Secrets (#1 earner)
1994 to 1995: Beverly Hills International (#2 earner)
1995 to 2003: Longevity Network (#1 earner)
2008: Usana Health Sciences
2009 to 2010: Yoli, LLC (Preferred Customer 2010 to Present) - Interviewed by:
Dateline (NBC)
The Wall Street Journal
Forbes Magazine
New York Times
Fox News (KTTV-LA)
The Associated Press
Rolling Stone
Los Angeles Business Journal
Bloomberg News
Detroit Free Press
Phoenix Magazine
Topeka Journal, KS
Philadelphia Enquirer
TheStreet.com
Morning Call, PA
Black Entrepreneur Magazine
Income Opportunity Magazine
New Business Opportunities
Nutrition Business Journal
Upline Journal (industry trade journal)
Direct Selling News
Richard Poe (author of “Wave Three” books)
Aces Live Radio, BlogTalk Radio
WBMW, Boston, MA, “Business Today Show”
WXBY, Harrisburg, PA, “Bob Stafford Show”
WBAI, New York, NY, “You and Your Money”
KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA, “Saturday Special”
KIEV, Los Angeles, CA, “Trends & Solutions”
WKXL, Boston, MA, “Financial Spectrum”
KRCN, Longmont, CO, “Home Based Business Live”
KRCN, Longmont, CO, “Home Based Business Radio Show”
KJYO, Oklahoma City, OK, “Home Business Show”
WELW, Cleveland, OH, “Home-Based Business Show”
KLAV, Las Vegas, NV, “The Networking Show” Internet Radio,
WhiteSprings Media, “Home Based Business Show”
Appeared in the film “The Downline” (documentary) as MLM “Expert”.
Appeared in the film “Con Man”; né: “Minkow” (docudrama) as MLM “Industry Analyst” - Corporate Consulting Clients:
Amway Franklin Quest Trump Network USANA FreeLife Bain & Co. Bethany College Bear-Stearns Golden Gate Capital Versa Capital Management Third Point LLC Hawkshaw Capital
Swander Pace Capital Arbonne Cooking With Monkey Taconic Capital Advisors Irving Place Capital Centerbridge Partners Friedman Fleischer & Lowe Magnetar Capital Tiger Global MXI Corporation ZBS Radio Network Invus Group Cell Tech Heritage Health Products Ecolend Outback Secrets MarketShare AloeNique NAPA, Inc. Total Link Real Bella Homes New Vision Vision Diamond Falcon Meridian Wellness GRIIID (Brazil) Lois Yee Cosmetics Life Works United Feelings (Finland) Stimulife Lancie’ Summertime (Mexico) Monatau Yoli, LLC LifeIs (India) Move My Net Worth GameWorking DoDidDone (Poland) Thrive, LLC LaBrada Systems VidaYum (Canada) Earthstone Full Life (Nexagen) Ocean Avenue Parago (Beget) Wealth Masters EMC, Inc. (Infinity Media) Pure Now AVAR Living Longevity Network PruvIt CoolTraderPro LLC Merchant Member Discount Club Dream Realty B.E.S.T. Lucky Strike Financial Halo Feel Great 365 The Coffee Baron Adja OhMiBod - Featured Speaker:
Direct Selling Town Hall – Webinar Series: Featured Panelist (2016-2017)
MLM After House – Radio Show: Regular Panelist (2014-2017)
Direct Selling Edge – MLM Start Up Conference (2013)
ANMP Annual Conference (2009, 2012)
Breakthrough Telesummit (2011)
Authority Marketer Webinar Series (2011)
DSWA National Convention (2011); DSWA Las Vegas Chapter (2008-2012)
MLM Prosperity Retreat (2011)
MLM University (1999-2006)
ANMP Convention (2009, 2010); ANMP Training Calls (2009-2011)
MLMIA Annual Convention (2006-2008); MLMIA Tele-Classes (2006-2010)
The Greatest Networker Coaching Calls (2001-2005)
Yoli, LLC (national convention, 2010)
Network Marketing Mastermind Events (2003-2006)
The Russian MLM Academy (2005)
ForeverGreen (national convention, 2008)
Epiphany Source faculty member (2007-2008)
Isagenix (distributor training, 2003, 2006)
SuccessWay.com training calls (2004)
Matol Botanical (keynote, national convention, 2001, 2003)
Cell Tech (keynote, national convention, 2002)
ProStep, Inc. (national training call, 2002).
Oxyfresh (regional training, 2002)
Unicity (national training call, 2002)
MLM-Metro.com (featured “Leader”, 2000-2001)
Network Marketing Millennium Cruise (featured speaker,1999)
Longevity Network (national convention, 1997, 1998). - Magazines my articles have been featured in:
Network Marketing Business Journal Opportunity Connection Home Business New Business Opportunities MLM Insider Upline Journal Cutting Edge Opportunities Jackpot Monthly Income Opportunities Network Times MLM Solutions Adventure Opportunities The Network Marketing Magazine Advantage Digest Network Opportunities Network Marketing Lifestyles Money & Profits The Network Trainer Profit Now MLM Today (Russia) Home Business Advertiser - Awards, Honors and Distinctions:
“Industry Advocate of the Year” Winner – 2014; Academy of Multilevel Marketing (TAMM)
“Industry Advocate of the Year” Nominee – 2013; Academy of Multilevel Marketing (TAMM)
“Best of the Best” Award Winner – 2013, Multilevel Marketing International Association
“Best of the Best” Award Nomination – 2011, 2012, Multilevel Marketing International Association
“Best Corporate Consultant” Award – 2012, MLM Insider
“Best MLM Trainer” Honorable Mention – 2012, MLM Insider
“Power 50” (Most influential) – #42, 2011, Direct Selling Live
“Top 5 Best Generic Trainers” – 2010 MLM Insider
“Best Article” – December, 2008, Network Marketing Business School
“52 Brightest Minds in Network Marketing” – 2007, TheGreatestNetworker.org
“Visionary Award” – Longevity Network
“Men of Distinction” – 1998, 99, 2000, International Network Marketing Directory
“Best MLM Author” – 1997 MLM Insider Magazine
“Best Compensation Plan Consultant” – 1996 MLM Insider Magazine
Two time “Student of the Month”, 4.0 GPA, Heald Business College (1984-1985) - Association Memberships:
Member – Mensa Society (155 IQ)
Board Member (2009-2012) – Association of Network Marketing Professionals (ANMP)
[Chairman – Legal & Regulatory Affairs Committee]
Member – Direct Selling Woman’s Alliance (DSWA)
Board Member (2004-08) – Multilevel Marketing International Association (MLMIA)
Member – National Association for the Self Employed (NASE)
Member – Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI)
Member – James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) - Education:
Associates Degree: Business Data Processing (computer programming)
Heald Business College (1984-1985)
San Francisco, CA
4.00 GPA - Previous Requests and Designations as Expert Witness:
Hugh Sinclair, et. al. vs. Equinox International; William (Bill) Gouldd et al.
Superior court of Washington. Case no. 95-2-00781-2.
Fraud; Illegal Pyramid.
Plaintiff represented by William Brandt, Kim Hoyt; Ferder, Brandt & Cooper, L.L.P.
Defendant represented by Douglas Federspiel; Velikanje, Moore & Shore, Inc.
Represented plaintiff.
Parties settled before trial.
Gary Benton, et. al. vs. Equinox International; William (Bill) Gouldd, et. al.
In the 101st Judicial District, Dallas County, TX. Case no. 96-06905.
Fraud; Illegal Pyramid.
Plaintiff represented by William Brandt, Carla French; Ferder, Brandt & Cooper, L.L.P.
Defendant represented by J. Stephen Ravel; Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley & Pollan, L.L.P.
Represented plaintiff.
Parties settled before trial.
Catherine Powers vs. Equinox International; Advance Marketing Seminars and William Gouldd.
Maricopa County, Case no. CV 97-11774.
Fraud; Illegal Pyramid.
Plaintiff represented by Alfred Ricciardi; Robins & Green, P.A.
Defendant represented by Troy Froderman, Pamela S. Gates; Bryan Cave, L.L.P.
Represented plaintiff.
Parties settled before trial.
Russ DeVan vs. Longevity Network, Ltd.
Privately arbitrated in Henderson, NV.
Wrongful Termination (sought reinstatement).
Plaintiff represented by David Eisenstein.
Defendant represented by D.J. Poyfair.
Represented defendant.
Parties settled before ruling (plaintiff was not reinstated).
Kansas City Attorney General vs. The Tax People (aka Renaissance).
Third Judicial District, Topeka, KS. Case no. 00-C-1394.
Fraud; Deceptive Trade Practices; Illegal Pyramid.
Plaintiff represented by Terry Hamblin, Consumer Protection Division.
Defendant represented by J. R. Hobbs, Marilyn B. Keller; Wytsch, Hobbs, Mirakian & Lee.
Represented plaintiff as consultant.
Plaintiff prevailed.
Oberski, et al. vs. New Algae Company, dba Cell Tech Inc.
Massachusetts Superior Court. Case no. 98-294.
Breach of Contract.
Plaintiff represented by Lawrence Farber.
Defendant represented by Jeff Kinder, Fierst & Pucci, LLP.
Represented defendant.
Plaintiff prevailed (awarded $1.00 in damages).
Longevity Network. vs. American Longevity.
United States District Court. Case no. CV04-2404-SJO (REx)
Trademark revocation.
Plaintiff represented by Michael F. Maschio; Cowan, Liebowitz & Latman, P.C.
Defendant represented by Michael A. Painter; Isaacman, Kaufman & Painter.
Testified at trial.
Represented plaintiff.
Plaintiff prevailed.
Fugo et al. v. Starlight International
Superior Court of California, County of Monterey. Case no. M51539
Wrongful termination.
Plaintiff represented by David Eisenstein.
Testified to damages at trial.
Represented plaintiff.
Plaintiff prevailed (awarded $650,000).
XanGo vs. New Vision
District Court of Utah, Case #2:04cv00405
Patent infringement.
Defendant represented by Edwin Wainscott, Quarles & Brady.
Represented defendant.
Defendant prevailed.
Rasmus Rasmussen & HBW Marketing vs. Tahitian Noni International
United States District Court, District of Utah. Case no. 2:04CV00241 PGC
Breach of contract; Wrongful termination.
Plaintiff represented by David Eisenstein.
Represented plaintiff.
Parties settled before trial.
Action by IRS & US Postal Inspection Service vs. Michael Cooper (The Tax People).
Agency liaison was: Henry Herron, Special Agent, Treasury Department
5800 Bannister Road, Ste. 302, Kansas City, MO, 64134, 816-966-2535
Henry.Herron@ci.irs.gov
Fraud; Tax Evasion; Illegal Pyramid.
Testified at trial as Witness for the Prosecution.
Prosecution prevailed.
Martin Malmskov vs. Tahitian Noni International
United States District Court, District of Utah. Case no. 2:08-cv-00085-DS
Breach of contract; Wrongful termination.
Plaintiff represented by David Eisenstein.
Representing plaintiff.
Parties settled before trial.
Doron Brenner v. Matt Rasmussen (distributor for ACN).
California Superior Court, Santa Cruz County. Case no. CV165593
Breach of Contract.
Participated on behalf of the plaintiff.
Parties settled before trial.
AmeriPlan vs. Evelyn Walker, et al.
116th Judicial District, Dallas County, TX. Cause no. DC-09-00761
Breach of Contract; Tortious Interference.
Participated on behalf of the plaintiff.
Case abated day before trail.
Matt Rasmussen v. Organo Gold, et al.
United States District Court, Northern District of California. Case no. C-12-1104-HRL
RICO Violation; Unfair Competition; Tortious Interference; Civil Conspiracy; Slander per se.
Participated on behalf of the plaintiff.
Parties settled before trial.
Ron Heck & Nancy Heck v. AmeriPlan Corporation
192nd Judicial District, Dallas County, TX. Cause no. DC-11-06280-K
Breach of Contract; Fraud.
Participated on behalf of the defendant.
Case abated before trial.
United States v. Aneal V. Maharaj
United States District Court, District of Nevada. Case no. 2:05-cr-0364-JCM-LRL
Mail Fraud; Wire Fraud; Bank Fraud; Money Laundering.
Provided declaration as to lack of “Sophisticated Means”.
Participated on behalf of the defendant.
Case settled per Plea Agreement. “Sophisticated Means” entirely omitted from Defendant’s sentencing.
Christian Coffinet v. INS USA, Inc., Ola Madsen, et. al.
Superior Court for the District of Los Angeles, CA. Case no. SC-111260
Fraud; Illegal Pyramid.
Provided Expert report.
Participated on behalf of the plaintiff.
Plaintiff prevailed.
Nichole Aubert v. LifeWave, Inc.
State Court of Gwinnett County, State of Georgia. Case no. 4C-01520-2
Wrongful termination; Lost Income
Provided Expert report; Deposition; Trial testimony.
Participated on behalf of the defendant.
Defendant prevailed, Awarded damages in counter-suit.
In post-trial interviews ten jurors stated decision was due entirely to my testimony.
Robert Danuff v. Nerium International, et al.
Superior Court of the State of California, for the County of Orange. Case no. 30-2013 00680970-CU-PO-CJC
Negligence; Lost Income.
Provided consultation as to damages.
Participating on behalf of the plaintiff.
Plaintiff awarded damages ($540,000).
Matthew Nestler v. Jeunesse Global, and Kevin Giguere
Circuit Court for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, for Seminole County, Florida.
Wrongful Termination; Lost Income.
Settled before testimony.
Participating on behalf of the plaintiff.
Private settlement.
Lloyd E. Enke v. LifeWave, Inc.
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. Case no. 37-2014-00034387-CU-FR-CTL
Illegal Pyramid; Fraud.
Provided Expert report; Deposition.
Participating on behalf of the defendant.
Private settlement before trial.
Kelly Jessop, et al. v. Dallin Larsen, Henry Marsh, et al.
United States District Court, District of Utah, Central Division. Case no. 2:14-cv-00916-BSJ
Breach of Fiduciary Duty; Violations of ERISA.
Settled before testimony.
Participating on behalf of the plaintiff.
Settlement (Plaintiff received $19.8 million).
Optigenex Inc. v. bHIP Global, Inc.
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Case no. 4:15-cv-00221
Trademark Infringement, Breach of Contract.
Provided consultation as to damages.
Participated on behalf of the plaintiff as consultant.
Engagement concluded.
Janet K. Bono vs. LemonGrass Spa Products, LLC
American Arbitration Association; Case # 01-15-0003-5801
Wrongful Termination; Damages.
Provided Expert report; Deposition; Hearing testimony.
Participated on behalf of the Claimant.
Claimant awarded damages.
Jose Gutiérrez v. Seacret Direct, LLC
American Arbitration Association; Case # 01-15-0005-0993
Wrongful Termination; Damages.
Provided Expert report; Deposition; Hearing testimony.
Participated on behalf of the Claimant.
Claimant awarded damages.
Well-Med Global, LLC v. NHT Global, Inc
United States District Court for the Central District of California. Case no. 8:16-cv-01611
Breach of Contract, Fraud, Trade Libel, etc.
Provided consultation as to damages.
Participated on behalf of the plaintiff.
Private settlement. - Non-MLM Related Work Experience
PC Time, Inc.
San Francisco, CA (1985-1991)
Owner and CEO.
Computer time rental and training facility.
Founded the first hourly computer rental facility in San Francisco with only $25,000 in seed capital. Launched the company one month early and 16% under budget. The company was profitable by its sixth month and remained so until I sold my ownership share in August of 1991.
Dynamite Promotions, Inc.
Novato, CA (1979-1982)
Owner and CEO.
Marketing and Promotions company.
Provided marketing & promotion solutions to local businesses involving barter arrangements. Founded and organized annual “Super Roll” soapbox derby races where participants were sponsored by local businesses in exchange for various promotional considerations. I also introduced the concept of having bread companies donate wrappers to major Bay Area newspapers to use on rainy days (extensive, focused and inexpensive advertising for the bread company, and free wrappers for the newspaper). This concept is now practiced by publishers throughout the United States.
