On tonight’s episode of Undercover Boss, we meet Armando Montelongo, the head of his own national real estate investment seminar company, who gives seminars in addition to delving into giant real estate projects. The synopsis of the episode reads:
The CEO of Armando Montelongo Companies, a top real estate company that specializes in educational seminars that teach wealth creation and financial independence, goes undercover to see what keeps his company on solid ground.
In addition to real estate, Montelongo has a film production company called Armando Montelongo Productions and produced the successful movie Line Of Duty. With great success in several areas, Montelongo has acquired a net worth of $50 million. He also has his own YouTube channel where he posts advice and business tips. You can check it out by clicking here.
Read on for all the facts on him, his company, and his time on Undercover Boss.
1. He Was On A&E TV’s Flip This House
For seasons two through four, Montelongo was on the show Flip This House, which showcases the purchase, renovations, and sale of homes. Montelongo appeared on the San Antonio team with his family for his first season on the show as the Montelongo House Buyers co-founder. His brother David, David’s wife Melina and his own wife Veronica were on the show as well. Melina was the company’s marketing director while Veronica was the company’s sales executive. For season three, they all returned, with their intern Christopher Mendoza in tow. At that point, their brand had become Armando Montelongo Companies and wife Veronica was the vice president. For season four, David and Melina did not return. Armando and his wife brought contractor Randy Burch and project manager Brent Holt on board. In season five, Randy and Brent returned without the Montelongos.
Montelongo wrote the book “Flip and Grow Rich” based on his experiences on the show.
2. On the Show, Montelongo Works As an Electrician, Call Service Technician, Undercover Student and Free Preview Event Room Director
Montelongo takes on many roles for Undercover Boss and one is an electrician with employee Angel. His CBS bio paints an interesting and difficult back-story of the hard-worker:
Angel is a no-nonsense, detail-oriented electrician. He’s been working the house-flipping business for a long time and knows exactly what it takes to bring a house up to code. He uses his father as an example of hard work and strives to be like him. Though he has a great work ethic, the economy’s downturn still affected him. He had to declare bankruptcy and is still recovering.
Then there’s the student who is trying to make a life for herself so she can care for her family. CBS writes:
Shannon is a bartender hoping to change her life with a career in house flipping. She attended Armando’s events so she can eventually earn more money to help her working mom and mentally ill sister. She’s trying her best to keep it together for them, and she’s put a lot on the line.
Then there’s Sarah, who is the Free Preview Event Room Director and is a “rock star” seller. Call Service Agent Amanda is a great employee as well.
3. His Seminars Have Been Rated an “F” By the Better Business Bureau
Montelongo gives seminars to entrepreneurs on how to become a success like himself. Forbes gives the rundown, stating:
The one certain multimillionaire to emerge from Montelongo’s seminars? Montelongo himself. His formula is simple: First, expose people to his system through a 90-minute free seminar. Then funnel them into a second (cost: $1,497 per couple) and, finally, a third: a three-day extravaganza like the one I attended that runs $40,000 for two.
The Better Business Bureau has reported that Montelongo’s seminars have received a grade F because it hasn’t responded to complaints or resolved them. The explanation reads:
Complainants who attend the three-day seminar allege they were misled regarding what information or services would be provided. Consumers further express dissatisfaction that the seminar encouraged them to purchase additional real estate investment education packages starting at $12,000 and/or they were dissatisfied with the education received. Some complainants allege that they cancelled their purchase with the business and requested a refund. Business responses to disputes generally state that Armando Motelongo Seminars, LLC stands behind their product with seminars giving consumers the tools they need to get started, as a result, a refund is not available. Business responses have also asked for some consumers to call the business directly to reach a resolution outside BBB dispute process. In some cases the business issued a refund.
Despite the F rating on its seminars, the company itself has earned an A+, with no complaints filed.
4. Montelongo Has A Body Double On the Show
CBS writes:
Armando Montelongo, the chief executive officer of Armando Montelongo Companies hires a body double to help conceal his identity while under cover.
Montelongo has a body double on the show because he is very recognizable to his company, which was a worry. Check out the video of the body double above.
5. A Major Issue Occurs With His Company’s Computers And Montelongo Has Trouble Keeping His Mouth Shut
When Montelongo is working in the call center with Call Service Agent Amanda, the system on the computer shuts down and business in the entire office is at a stand-still. She says this happens about twice a day and they just have to deal with it because it’s an IT problem. What really gets under Montelongo’s skin is that everyone just stands around and no one tries to do anything about it. Amanda says she gets frustrated, but just has to deal with it. Her CBS bio states:
Being a team leader with Armando Montelongo companies requires passion and skill, and Amanda has both in spades. She strives to make sure each and every student who calls gets the care and respect he/she deserves. She loves the company, but feels there are a lot of ways to improve the call center and communication between the departments.