Maybe the MN Department of Labor could point you in the right direction. 

Department of Labor and Industry, Labor Standards unit  dli.laborstandards @ state.mn.us,
(651) 284-5070 or 1-800-DIAL-DLI (1-800-342-5354).

Storm into your boss's office, slam your fist on the desk and demand your f***in' money now.

It's really too bad that (one of?) the largest web development firm in Duluth has to have such financial difficulties.

Um, get the money you are due then get the F out and find a new job.

50 Below has been having this problem for over a decade. I remember hearing of employees rushing to the bank when they got their paychecks so they would actually have a chance of getting their money.

I know this doesn't help your situation right now, but you need to consider getting out of there. This isn't a one-time problem and will keep happening.

Why would anyone want to work for a company that can't even regularly pay its own employees? If the owners think this behavior is not known throughout the community, they are sorely mistaken.  It is no secret that they have difficulty regularly paying their employees.  I also know that banks in town have now put holds on checks from 50 Below because they bounce so regularly.  Talk about a joke.

Thanks for the info guys, I'll be following up.

I wish I could say more but I don't want to post any info that could be used to identify me. I simply don't trust the owners to see this as anything other than disloyalty or whatever. I certainly don't trust them not to seek some kind of retribution.

Of course, I'm looking for another job but there aren't many opportunities in Duluth and many from 50 Below are in the same boat, applying for the same jobs so it's not easy. I wish I could just walk out and be done with it but money is tight and obviously even tighter than usual because of all this.

People still leave as soon as their check comes and head for the bank. I think because of this, and other things, the bank said enough is enough and ditched 50 Below. Leading to the mess we currently find ourselves in. That's what I heard anyway.

LOL -- Here's some more wonderful 50 Below Reviews.

Don Bye - The lawyer who represents the city retirees in the current health insurance law suit, is a compassionate and caring man and might be willing to help you for a minimal fee - like write a letter to your employer, etc.

GR: no offense, but that's a broken record cop out that's long worn out what little novelty it had when it was coined, and it doesn't hold much water. I work at a business far smaller than 50 Below. My bosses have never had a problem getting my money to me when it's payday, and the checks are always good.

I see there is some history here. After a little googling, I found this DNT article from April 30, 2008, reprinted here.

Duluth consulting firm, 50 Below, pleads guilty to charges

A Duluth consulting firm with large clients nationwide pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis to embezzlement and theft charges.

50 Below Sales & Marketing Inc. pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft from an employee benefit plan after charges were brought by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota. The company specializes in online solutions for manufacturers, distributors and power-sports dealers, according to its Web site.

According to the plea agreement, the business unlawfully and willfully separated and converted to its own use money, funds, property and other assets of about $45,098.54 from its 401(k) savings plan from December 2004 through May 2005. The U.S. Attorney's Office said the savings plan is an employee benefit plan.

50 Below Vice President Mike Rollo referred questions Tuesday to the firm's Minneapolis attorney Matthew Forsgren.

"50 Below was unable to make timely deposits to its 401(k) plan between December 2004 and May 2005,'' Forsgren said. "50 Below then worked with the Department of Labor to ensure that all affected accounts were current and accurate. During this process, it was undisputed -- and it now remains undisputed -- that no officer of 50 Below personally benefitted from the failure to make timely deposits.''

Forsgren said the company employs more than 125 people. "The company has fully cooperated with the Department of Labor to ensure that the company is in full compliance,'' he said. "The company looks forward to the resolution of this case, and the company intends to continue to do business in Duluth with this situation behind it.''

The maximum penalty the business faces is five years probation and a $500,000 fine. U.S. District Judge David Doty will hand down the court's sentence at a date not yet scheduled.

The case resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Engisch prosecuted the case.

Well, the word's out now. Let's go, DNT. Start investigating.

I'm amazed they are still in business (and still able to find employees) after all the crap they've pulled.

The real reason 50Below is this way, and always will be, is that the people working there have allowed it and the companies that deal with them are ignorant.  I have seen people suffer the worst personal degradation, only to either blame themselves or suck it up for the fantasy of a promotion. Most everyone who works there will slit each others throats to make themselves look better.  

Also remember that most of the outlay of 50 Below is to wine and dine the right executives from their next corporate victim. Their products are ten years behind the current level of design and discredit their clients in performance and credibility. But where else are you going to get a job doing web anything in Duluth, for that great starting wage of $8.50 an hour? 

As long as there is willing fodder for the work force and idiot companies that encourage third party vendors to leech from their agents/distributors 50 Below will continue to be the shining success it is today.

If you do not like your job, quit. It really is that simple.

Lengthy, my apologies..
Speaking frankly and from current direct experience (I am not working there but someone I am living with is)... Something has to be done. period.

We all know there are not a lot of companies in this field in the Twin Ports area for the current employees to go. It is frightening to say the least. Individually fight and fear they will find someway of not having your specific job available to you any longer. Leaving you unemployed. While unemployment may help out, it is not the same as having a job. So suggesting "go find employment elsewhere" is not the wisest unless you wish to work at Taco bell or Holiday gas station.

Honestly my advice would be to bring a class action suit against them. All of the employees who are not being paid need to join in on this. 50 Below can not afford to lose all of you especially when so many are already putting in their notice. A deeper investigation needs to be done legally to figure out exactly what the owners are doing with the monies. 

If they can afford to continue renting out different areas in different buildings, they obviously need to look deeper into how they are spending. I am on the understanding that they currently do not have a CEO to monitor things and keep the financials in check. They also seem to refuse the idea of getting one. This is huge. What it tells me is that the owners can not be trusted and haven't the first clue in running a business of this magnitude. They want to spend the money their way. And clearly it doesn't involve paying the people who actually keep the business running.

Again, all of you collectively need to do something or this is going to continue to happen. I am quite sure you are all tired of hearing excuse after excuse as to why you are not getting paid. Being involved, this makes me livid and if I were the one working there, I would not hesitate in doing something. 

This has been ongoing since the company began, do yourself a favor and stop kidding yourselves into believing the owners reasoning they give you every payday and why you won't be getting the money you are owed. Seek council, report them to the state, and band together because singly, you will accomplish little.

Trust me, we are not unionizing. The last thing we need is to have an outside entity like the AFL-CIO, or Teamsters taking money out of my paycheck to represent what I can do for myself, thank you very much.

I called the Department of Labor and this is what was suggested:

Any employee who has not been paid for 31+ days should call them personally. They cannot do anything about you or any other employee not being paid unless it has been over a month.

Now I know for some it has been only a few weeks and your last check bounced which didn't get paid for another what, week and a half? But when that 31 days is up and you are still not paid, which I am sure you won't be, knowing the exact details of what the reasoning is behind not getting paid, call them.

Don't roll over.

I know you are all angry and scraping up what you can to get by, but please don't just suck it up or complain about it and act like there is nothing that can be done. The owners will never cease in their actions if you just stand by festering. When you actually do get paid does that make it all better? Until the next month when they bounce your check again right?

Ongoing issue is ongoing. Sorry for being obvious but I just don't get why so many folks just deal with it. The owners need to fully understand how wrong they are and be penalized for being corrupt or maybe just flat out ignorant. Though my bet is on being greedy control freaks considering their history. Otherwise this story will just continue on and it only makes every 50 Below underpaid employee look like a whining sniveling pushover who clearly has large amounts of savings and just loves working for free or "whenever," on empty promises. 

Hold them accountable. They are like children and will allow themselves to get away with anything as long as you let them. And how would their business run if you all weren't there? It wouldn't, so it depends on exactly what you folks are doing now, which is nothing.

"Here, look at this salary. Is that OK? This is what we say we will pay you now, but uh, we will only do that when we see fit and when our bank accounts aren't getting closed on us. Happy Holidays! Oh oh and, I know we can't pay you again this week but that rumor of having the Friday after Thanksgiving off and paid to show you ~our trusty employees~ our love ... hahahaha no. Not happenin. Because F*ck You. That's why."

While this company has had issues with paying people on time, the owners, have articulated what the issue is currently in regards to their current banking situation. All employees will be paid. Nothing really constructive will occur by running to the local media, or to the Dept. of Labor. Not that I blame those who are owed money, but you won't see it faster by doing so. Be patient ... it's coming. You have  heard several legitimate reasons why this has occurred, it's frustrating, agreed, but the rationale behind the current state of affairs is being reconciled, and when this is resolved, I doubt the company and its workforce will face this scenario again.

Funny how there is never any praise for the small business. Companies are struggling all over this country to make ends meet and all you people offer is your opinions of how bad the owners are. They have sacrificed a hell of a lot to provide work to over 300 families in a city that has very little opportunity. Funny how our local government gives opportunities to new companies that promise and never deliver, but can't lend a helping hand to companies who have stayed here. Life is never easy and we all have struggles but if you aren't in someone's shoes day to day then keep your negative, pointless comments to yourselves. The reason why you all have something to say now is because you have no skills and brought no value. Keep telling yourself you left so you can feel better!

That is bs Razzle. Sorry but it really is. There is a lot of wrong doing to be had by the owners and the comments above are only the tip of the iceberg.

The owners have been careless and the company has been through this "scenario" since the beginning. Granted, this is a new reason why they are not paying their employees but next week will be another new reason. It just keeps happening. 

Why would so many banks in the area refuse 50 Below checks if it was a dependable and honest company? Why are insurance premiums company side not getting paid consistently since ... forever? Why is it that it seems every other week someone gets a bounced check fee or is asked not to cash their paycheck? Why haven't they simply gone with direct deposit? Why why why why why. So many reasons to logically know this is not a one-time deal. And definitely why patience is not going to help matters but instead enable the owners to continue mistreating their employees.

Yes, going to people who can do something about it or highlight what is happening can make a difference. 

It is more than frustrating, it is blatantly wrong to put employees through this time and again. This type of rationale is exactly why 50 Below gets away with it consistently.

@Joe Blow and RazzleDazzle,

You are both managers so time to be leaders. Stop talking down to the employees you are mistreating. This is wrong and looks like you've had one wrist slap from the state already. Stay in Duluth and get your house in order! Take a hit where it hurts, your own compensation, looks like it's time to pay the piper.

My family owns a small business in a related field. As principals, you get paid after everyone else ... it's why you sign on the front of the checks. Tang!'s list is dead on, item Z: Pay the principals last. Now it's time for you to actually work, take one (or how ever many is needed) for the team.

Joe Blow must be a manager. It's ok, I understand, I would defend a company that paid me a ton {and on time} for doing nothing too.

If you're not, well then you should take your own advice and walk in others shoes sir. Though I have a feeling you are definitely tied in somehow considering you felt the need to insult employees based off of nothing and only because they are fed up.

These complaints are not invalidated and while I support a small business more than corporations, this company is not considered a small business when it houses near 300 employees. 

Possibly, just possibly, if thinking you can bring in the amount of workers currently while still hiring today (yes, yes, they indeed are) you should first consider: 
*if there is enough work on a consistent basis *can you actually pay them 
*can you keep our bank accounts in good standing
*if we can't even pay our employees why are we renting out more business space and hiring more people
*can we pay our bills
etc, etc.

Your anger response is invalidated however. No need to dismiss and attack real concerns of people who depend on this company to give them what they are owed in a timely manner. It has nothing to do with "no skill" on the employee side but everything to do with this supposed company that has "sacrificed a hell of a lot" to give folks a job they can't deliver on. False security for over a decade is not how it's done.

Funny how when money does come in the owners specifically ask for the folks who have not been paid in over 31 days so they can pay them ... somebody knows the laws.

I think we should ask them to lay off a bunch of our fellow Duluth citizens.  That way, they can solve everything that everyone on here is complaining about.  That would be great wouldn't it?  I have two friends there, and while they seem to have issues, my friends seem to like the job.  Well, except for the paycheck part.  But that seems to be a recent thing for them.  (They have only been there like 2 years).

So, if they lay a bunch of people off will you all be happier that they pay their bills or mad because they laid off a bunch of people?

"...my friends seem to like the job. Well, except for the paycheck part."

WTF to you get out of bed and go to work for?? Warm fuzzies?

Well said and good question Tang.

It is definitely a `between a rock and a hard place` situation. We all know how the job market is in Duluth and the current economy makes it even worse.

The only thing I know for sure with unemployment is that you need to file for it the same week you are no longer working there. And yes I am sure 50 Below may fight your claim if you quit. Though I am not too sure they would overrule it considering.

As far as quitting then looking for employment, I would assume most cannot afford to do that as the average person does not gain employment within the first six months at least. This is the average mind you. 

Looking for employment while still employed, yes it would be the wise thing to do.

As for the situation itself, not making authorities aware of the ongoing situation I think is only hurting this city more than anything. However, that is something each of you have to decide on. I completely understand why someone wouldn't say anything. The outcome of any action against them could vary greatly, from the company wrongfully firing you to even the company closing its doors and everything between. 

How can you get a poorly run business to step up and do the right thing? After a decade of not being so honorable? By not backing down or sucking it up. It could turn out great, it could turn out horribly by the near 300 people not able to depend on getting paid at all regardless if it is a month late. It all depends on what any of you are willing to deal with. My only question is why allow this to continue on for every new grad that walks in the door who in turn ends up dealing with the same thing you all are now and have been for some time.

If the owners would just allow a real accountant and a CEO to come in, they would be able to handle the business smoothly and pay their employees, their taxes, the bills and themselves. So why haven't they? Those who have said that they've had so many opportunities to get their sh*t together and still haven't makes me believe that they are only using everyone as tools to supply their own desires. And so far with only a slap on the hand.

When does it end?

@50belowemployee, why don't you go get a different job?  Seriously?  If you are that bent out of shape, go somewhere else. I'm not even a part of this place, but I don't get the people saying things like this.  

I'm not sure why they don't have a CFO or accountant.  You work there, why don't you go ask your boss?

New job! Easier said than done. I will guarantee that every single employee at this company has looked at job postings in the past two weeks.

On the question of a CFO or accountant, there never has been a clear answer. Only speculation.

@Reality

Do you work? as in have gainful employment through an employer?

Nope ... not even close to being an owner, just work here. Like it here, like my job, like my co-workers ... frustrated ... a little. But what can I do? I have to wait, have no desire or inclination to quit, nor do I want to collect unemployment. I also do not make 100k, or anything close to that.

@ employee - I agree with you completely except for one factor. What are the problems driven by then if they refuse to bring in the appropriate people to do what needs to be done?

And the average employee sticks around because they have no other option. Late paycheck is better than none right? I can see the management and supers having hope but the typical employee? Not so much.

@reality

I only ask because your comments and questions seem written out of ignorance and not full understanding to the situation at hand.

Your sarcastic remark to me shows perfectly well that you really could care less of the folks here and are just trolling. Go take your nap and enjoy your job.

@ me:

The next time your boss, Mr. David Hogge, treats you with intimidation and aggression, ask him why he hasn't paid his DWIs yet. Christ, they're two years old already.

And as we were informed, that as soon as the matters with our financial institution was resolved we would be getting paid. And we are being paid right now.

@reality

Oh boy, kind of snippity aren't we? My apologies for evoking a pet peeve.

Perhaps you would get answers if you weren't so strongly under-toned with sarcasm. That and actually asking a question instead of making more of an accusing statement. Or was that a real question? So difficult to read you.

But here, I will give it a go since you have been so rudely ignored. What kind of question is that? "Just lay off everyone .. would it make you happy." What exactly would that accomplish? Such a silly and ignorant question. Let's try to be more constructive here shall we? 

And why have you chosen only one issue stated to be your main focus of questioning? Clearly the not getting paid is at the top of the list. So just because people have mentioned 50 Below not paying its bills, that all of a sudden dismisses wanting to get paid or having a job that actually pays them for the work they do? Or is it all of a sudden more important? Can there not be more than one concern? I am confused.

I have yet to see my check and even after I do this is not resolved. This is an ongoing issue that continues to happen.

@ramos

Why?

@anonymous1:
"What are the problems driven by then if they refuse to bring in the appropriate people to do what needs to be done?" - I don't think that it's a case of them refusing to bring in the appropriate people.  I just think they've got themselves into a huge mess and it's not easy to fix. How many accountants do you think would want to get involved and help clean up?

last comment was in regards to Reality's statement.

@employee- Good point and definitely not I. So how could they get themselves out of the gutter now before it is too late? Or is it already?

Mr. Danielson...nothing illegal is occuring here...thus no charges will be filed against 50 Below. Find another "issue" to expose.

@anonymous1, I'm not sure the situation.  Was just stating the Razzle (who seems to work there) said they were getting paid.  Not sure about if that gets him (or her) caught up. 

My friends (again, my friends since I don't actually work there) were behind on a check for like a week or something like that.  Not a month.  So if they are getting paid today, they are back to normal right?  

Sounds to me like they had a bank issue.  Frankly, should we not be surprised that there is an issue with a bank out there?  Should we villianize every mortgage holder for fraud at their banks?  

This blog blows my mind sometimes.  Let's just find something to complain about, no matter which side of the argument we are on.  Hate everyone, every business.  Can we not appreciate a company that has been built here and grown to employ hundreds of employees?  Can we not accept that maybe, just maybe, an issue may come up?  Sounds like they have some long-term things to work out, but can we not wait a bit to put them on the stake?

Glad to see the local news here.  Will be fun to watch their reports tonight that more than likely won't state that people got paid up today (if they did), or that the company is a good company for Duluth.  

Where have they been over the past decade as the company has grown to what they are today?

@employee

For everyone involved I hope there is still hope. Though when we have come to assumption that an accountant really would rather not partake in this adventure;  I fear if things don't turn around soon and great accountants + CFO/CEO don't get hired on, the little hope that remains will be lost.

The issue at hand is that the company is not making strides to improve. Things have been this way for so long and have only continued to get worse. It's time for something to change.

I would like to offer a few assumptions, and then pose a question:

* The employees generally enjoy the type of work that they have elected to do at 50 Below.

* The employees enjoy getting paid for their work.

* The employers enjoy their line of business.

* The employers enjoy paying their employees for their hard work.

* Having a successful company, employing a large staff, in the technology sector, is good for our community.

I have no affiliation with this company, although I know several folks that do work for them. 

Of course, the company should pay the employees. I am hopeful that they will do so ... and soon ... and that they will continue to do so, long into the future.

So, on to my question... 

What can we do, as a community, to help the company get on track, and stay on track?

I appreciate your constructive comment, rnarum!

@ramos

I guess that makes sense. I think there can be a clean-up forced by us the employees, but at the same time, I have been looking for employment and there is very little out there that pays about the same. So before I jeopardize the well being of my family I have to be cautious how I approach. Pitch forks won't work. 

I'm not afraid. I'm just trying to be positive. One of the few things I can control. 

Also they never stole from me. I can see how you'd make that assumption.  That was years before my time.

@employee

Only the more reason to take a stand together. All of you. Like I said before, they cannot afford to lose all of you. Changes are made by the masses not accepting the bad conditions they have been forced to swallow down. Things get done when people start speaking up and coming together.

I understand that you (all of you) are scared into keeping quiet when they react the way they do with you on an individual basis, but what are they going to do when all of you walk up and refuse to keep quiet? Fire you all? I don't think so.

@Bad Cat, I can't believe you would say something like that.  My friends that work there both are married with kids.  So, you are hoping that their employer doesn't get future business and goes down, for what?  So you can feel better.  You won't even remember them the next week, but 300 families in our community will be left with no income.  Great idea.

Reality - get a fricking life. I thought you were gonna take a nap?!

100!

Shorter version of this thread:

1- We have serious concerns about getting paid on time and with valid checks.

2 - Shut up! Nothings wrong, and it's being fixed anyways! Don't you dare let the media do a story on this! Bend over and grab your ankles we're a small business and you should be thankful we allow you to work at all, trust us!

I'm sorry that some people find it hard to deal with facts, but here's another DNT article, dated March 24, 2006.

U.S. Targets 50 Below's Tax Record

The United States Department of Justice has initiated a suit against 50 Below Sales and Marketing Inc. of Duluth, alleging that the company owes the Internal Revenue Service as much as $3.7 million in unpaid employment taxes. 

Mike Rollo, a partner in the e-commerce company, said late Thursday that he was unaware of the suit. He also said he and partner Dave Hogge believe the matter will be cleared up next month. 

The issue of unpaid withholding from 50 Below's employees' wages isn't new, Rollo said. 50 Below has been working with the IRS for years on the matter, he said. 

The periods during which the Justice Department said the company didn't pay the IRS its due go back to 2000. 

50 Below, founded in Duluth, has about 110 employees. It specializes in medical, tire, pool and spa, power sports and financial consultinge-commerce and has large clients nationwide. Former staff members have said 50 Below offers good wages and benefits. 

The court complaint, filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, says 50 Below is required to withhold federal income tax and Social Security taxes, but since the company began in 1997, it has been "routinely failing to meet its obligations to pay over employment taxes to the United States."

"Employers who withhold taxes from employees but fail to pay them over to the United States, as is alleged here, undermine our federal tax system, " Department of Justice spokeswoman Cynthia Magnuson said. 

Rollo said he didn't know whether the total balance owed cited in the complaint was correct. It includes $2.5 million in assessed taxes from various calendar quarters of 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005 as well as $800,000 to $1.2 million in anticipated liabilities from the second half of 2005 and the first quarter of this year. 

As the company has been negotiating with the IRS, the agency at times has suspended collection procedures, the complaint says. It also says that 50 Below did not pay $1 million in employment taxes in 2003 and 2004 while the IRS evaluated a compromise offer from the company. The IRS rejected the compromise. 

50 Below filed suit in July seeking to set aside an adverse collection due process hearing determination or a remand of the decision to the IRS appeals officer. 

A hearing on that suit is set for April. Rollo said he and Hogge have been working with their lawyers on a course of action that will be presented to the court then. "We do have a plan for getting it all cleaned up and moving on," he said. 

50 Below laid off at least 18 employees last year and for a while had less money going in the door than going out, Hogge said in May. 

Rollo said he is optimistic that the employment tax can be dispensed within the next month. "We've had a really rough year, and we're optimistic things are going to get better," he said.

---------

 And here's some follow-up documentation.

@ Gorilla Radio

What shouldn't I be believing?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cMEat1tJ7I

Just another day at work.

@Jack Samuelson.  How much does rent in a building cost?  a few grand maybe?  What is payroll for a company of 300 for a month?  750K?  Not too hard to see how it is not impossible to imagine being able to expand into a building and have difficulty making payroll for a payroll of that size.  You must be a CPA huh?  Especially when they had an issue moving between banks.  Man, do you guys hate a family member if they get a speeding ticket?  WTF.

If they got all their financial issues in line, would you people jump on here and talk about how great they are?  I'm guessing no.  Hey, mom is calling, let's all run upstairs for dinner then meet back up for a wicked game of WOW.

"99% of what I have written is from experience and obviously my own opinion"

What is the other 1%?  Ouija Board?

This is a stupid blog with anonymous posters who could say whatever the hell they want and all the readers, including the local media, take it as gospel.  

I'm reminding you to not believe everything that you read.

Maybe the bung hole newspeople will do their job and get to the bottom of things.  Maybe they won't.  Maybe they will take a bunch of anonymous comments and report it as gospel.  Maybe they won't.

Ok, I am not going to reiterate what I previously said, but yes you are correct in the fact that people can say whatever they want. 

I guess I am just not understanding what you think I read here to be "gospel." But if you do not wish to correct me with anything I have said, there's not much I can do by ways of apologizing if I am mistaken on that 1% Ouija board outsourcing I've done.

Ok, so now people who complain about not receiving agreed wages in exchange for work, are not only selfsish whiners, but they're also losers who live in their parent's basement?? WTH is wrong with you??

And of course I do not want a local business to go under! Jobs in Duluth are hard to come by, especially awesome tech jobs! What I want is 50 Below to fix their house, or another company come in and take over their shit. Duluth does not need yet another company that abuses it's employees because they know there is no where else to go.

Who said those who didn't get their agreed upon wages was whining or selfish?

The ill feeling toward 50 Below doesn't stem from this latest pay check disaster.  If this event was a one-off, out-of-the-blue thing nobody would be posting here, the employees would understand and that would be the end of it. However, that's not the case. Checks have been bouncing for longer than I have been there, people have routinely been asked not to cash checks until after the weekend and so on. This latest financial disaster is just the straw that broke the camel's back. With this in mind, 50 Below employees aren't just indulging in bitching for the sake of it, we're not anti-local business or anything of the sort. To suggest as much is insulting.

The way the business is being run has to change. I hope it will. I fear, based on past experience, that it won't.

@Insider; Nailed it. All the way back to the late '90s. There's no simpler truth regarding the financial mismanagement, and funding operations/debt on the backs of employees. Look hard enough, and you'll find today's employees echoing the experiences of employees more than a decade ago. Want further proof, ask the IRS, or just read above...which was 5 years ago!

They're going to be hiring for many more than three soon, Jack.

With the economy the way it is, they might just fill them too.

Any other company the size of 50 Below would have board members and shareholders to back it up in case payroll can't be made. That being said, ask anyone who owns and runs a large business, or even a small business for that matter, whether they have an accountant, or if they ever have trouble making payroll. 

50 Below frequently lives and spends beyond it's means. I like everything about my job there, but the whole not getting paid on time and being asked to withhold my check for over a week is too much. I'd be willing to say that Duluth Pack, or any other well-known company in Duluth has never had a problem making payroll. 

When I tell people that I work for 50 Below, I get looks that suggest I'm crazy. We've had checks backed up now for about 2 weeks. Some people haven't got paid from 2 weeks ago, and we're supposed to get paid again on Friday. How would you like to try and raise a family and pay bills along with everything else in life without getting money in your hand for nearly 3-4 weeks at a time? It's a terrible situation, and it needs to be fixed. Mike and Dave need to realize that they need to bring in someone that can straighten this out.

I had a friend that used to work there.  She was a sales rep who renewed companies contracts.  She used to call me upset that she was asked by her supervisors (via owners I would guess) to renew companies up to 4 months early.  She said most of these companies had "no clue" and just paid it.  She finally quit - not sure exactly but would guess part of it was the guilt she had.  She said other 50 Below employees just got used to it and didn't bother them after a while. Sad.

300 people in the tech industry certainly is considered a small business. Perhaps not in Duluth's realm, but its payroll and revenue would almost certainly qualify as a small business under SBA guidelines. 

Odd that the city will step up and throw millions at a dreamy semi-high-speed railroad that isn't guaranteed to be sustainable, yet they won't lend a helping hand to a large local employer.

What do you mean, what about presents for the kids? Kids don't need presents. Tell them Christmas was cancelled this year.

It sounds like Joe Schmo wouldn't benefit even if he worked for 50 Below.

Glad I stuck to roasting coffee. 13 employees (including the owners), 350K lbs of roasted coffee a year ... never had a problem getting paid.

This "you should just be happy you have a job" bullshit is just that ... a bullshit "don't blame the company, it's the employees fault" cop out, and smacks of someone who works on the management team of this trainwreck.

Blaming employees for wanting to get paid ... on time ... in full ... with checks that will clear ... is bad business. If my bosses pulled that crap, they wouldn't have theirs for very long.

If any of the 50 Below employees would like to contact me about rights that they have and avenues they can take, please do not hesitate to contact me at 218-391-2733, 218-728-5174, or via email at [email protected]. 

Disclaimer: I do work for a union, which could be one of your options, but this is not a push to organize you into a union, but rather, give you tools to help you ensure your financial security.

Francis, nobody wants 50 Below to go under.

What they want is for 50 Below to pay its employees on time and follow employment laws like every other business out there. Instead of using their employees like an interest-free bank, they want them to have a buffer of cash so that if they don't have enough for payroll, they can cover it and not make their employees suffer.

^What they said.

I am a 50 Below employee. I (for the most part) enjoy my job. I like what I do and the field I work in. I am college educated and recognize that a lot of companies in Duluth don't pay the highest wage. I also recognize that high-tech jobs are far and few in between in this region. I am thankful for the fact that I have a job, but I am not OK with how things have been going at 50 Below.

I could probably be OK with what is going on with this company if things were being done to change. In my almost a year of employment at 50 Below, I have not seen any changes to improve their situation. In fact, I have the exact opposite. It has gotten worse. 

I see coworkers whose checks bounce time after time. I have been asked numerous times if I could hold off being paid till the middle of next week. Just  because I have a decent job in the field I am educated in, doesn't mean I am content with the state of this company. Things need to change, things need to be done differently. That is why employees at this company are complaining and are upset. Granted this is 300 jobs in the Duluth area that wouldn't normally be here. If things don't start getting better at this company. That could be 300 job in Duluth lost. You can only run a business in this manner for a limited period of time before there is no hope of coming out of this financial state. 

I want to see the business I work for succeed, this will not happen unless the owners of this company change their ways. You will constantly have high turnover if you continue to screw up payroll. There is pride in how much 50 Below has grown, but is this growth unsustainable?

Well said Bad Cat!  Well said indeed.

I worked for 50 Below for two years while I was finishing my degree at UWS. On multiple occassions my paycheck was late, or bounced all together. Although there are a ton of awesome employees that work for 50 Below (some of which will remain lifelong friends) upper management is severely lacking integrity. I for one would have no problem speaking with Kevin Jacobsen or whoever would care to write a story on this subject matter.

I work at 50 Below. There have been hiccups here and there. But I have always been taken care of. 

50 Below is a team. My co-workers and I see this as our company. Are there issues? Sure. Are they things that can be fixed? Most definately. Is it anyone's business outside our walls? No. Has it sucked for a week or two here and there? Yep. 

This blog does nothing but hurt current employees and jeopardizes our future. Just stop. Stop rubbing the hardship in. Stop giving your two cents when you don't work here. Just stop. 

Media, you will only hurt the people that work here and threaten our chance at future profit. 

No, I'm not a manager, an owner or a supervisor. Just a person in front of a monitor working hard for my team, my company, myself, my customers and my 50 Below. 

Shame on you all who don't see our courage and drive to be the best, as anything other than that. So just stop.

Thanks JustStop, you said it well.  There are a lot of good people that work at 50 Below that bust their ass every day and will make a difference with this company.

You are welcome "JustStopsfriend" and "GetALife" and thank you. "Serious," you are exactly right. Last I checked I wasn't chained to my desk.

Boy, there is sure some fuckwit appologencia going on here.  This is illegal labor practice according to MN statute 181.101

"If wages earned are not paid, the commissioner of labor and industry or the commissioner's representative may demand payment on behalf of an employee. If payment is not made within ten days of demand, the commissioner may charge and collect the wages earned and a penalty in the amount of the employee's average daily earnings at the rate agreed upon in the contract of employment, not exceeding 15 days in all, for each day beyond the ten-day limit following the demand. Money collected by the commissioner must be paid to the employee concerned. This section does not prevent an employee from prosecuting a claim for wages."

I am a previous 50 Below employee.  I had worked for this company for many years and these "issues" have been around for as long as I had been there and if you ask people who were there before me, long before that too.  

I firmly believe that any hope of things "getting better" died the second Dave and Mike decided they were justified in telling people they weren't going to get paid, issuing bad checks, stealing, embezzling, even from employee retirement, taking 10% of everyone's pay making over $30,000 per year, lying to their employees, making empty promises, telling their employees they are disloyal if they look for other jobs, and if they find your resume online any hope you had of a raise in your 50 Below future is gone, all the while making sure they themselves are taken care of; when they decided that paying their bills, and their employees was second to them having a penthouse apartment at the Sheraton, hope for improvement, and an accountant was lost.

To those who may not understand the current employees who are defending this company, all while not getting paid, what you need to know is the culture of fear and brainwashing that takes place there.  To go to work every day, being expected to perform above and beyond your job requirements on a daily basis, to constantly be in a crisis mode trying to make the websites faster, or the failing equipment work so the company doesn't lose money, and then worry if you are going to get paid, or if your check is going to bounce, or if you are going to get yet another letter in the mail from your insurance company saying that you are no longer insured because your employer didn't pay the premium required would be stressful enough, but on top of that when you question your employer about this you are met with hostility, smugness, and an attitude of "well if you don't like it, there are 500 other people waiting to take your job," and then also guilting you, telling you that if you and your co-workers don't help out "the team" by holding checks, you could be partially responsible for layoffs or the company going under, yes, trying to make the employees take responsibility for their failure and selfishness, that environment every day makes you feel like you are in this, you are part of this problem and you better stick with it, or you will be replaced by someone who will, or worse yet, you could be a catalyst for something bad happening to your fellow co-workers, the people you care for, who are in the trenches with you, and how would you be able to live with yourself then?  That is what you are faced with there.  

Physically chained to your desk?  No.  Mentally sabotaged until you go crawling back to your desk feeling like you better produce more or you and your friends could be homeless and it would be your fault?  Yes.
Honestly Dave and Mike would make great cult leaders, and at least then they wouldn't have to worry about legally having to pay their followers, and taxes?  "Churches" are tax exempt.  Too bad there's no Black Water on cultist communes, huh, Dave?

There are some defendable the undefendable things here. I worked in middle management nearly 10 years ago and they did the same things they are doing here.  They would give me my employees paychecks, I would have to determine who could hold them, then they would add it up to see if they could make payroll. When I left, I was owed 5 weeks back pay and I worked nearly 80 hours a week due to the expectations. 

Hogge and Rollo are incompetent at leading a business. They would get 10-fold back if they hired a COO or CEO but they have dug themselves in so deep they couldn't possibly open their books to anyone or their demons and skeletons would tumble out. 

I like the comment about Hogge selling cars -- he would be awesome at it.

Chickonen...BS...People are inserting themselves into this matter, because those who blog, love to speculate, advise, criticize, chest thump, and spout all sorts of drivel regarding matters they have no clue about. They are safe behind their monitor and feel important they someone reads and replies to them. I say this..because I have been guilty of it myself. As a friend of mine likes to say...."Mind your own bobber!"

lol Razzle.  Mind your own bobber?  Are you sure you work at 50 Below?  No one there minds their own "bobbers." Hypocritical man (I'm assuming) is hypocritical.

@Razzle Dazzle: I suppose the best I can do is ask you to take another look at Tang's post, which addresses this question better than I could hope to.

@Charlie Van Derven: It is concerning that you characterize people giving their labor, a piece of themselves, as "sucking money from a company."

@chickonen: and then bad mouthing the company that pays them?  Their comments and attitude do nothing to solve the problem.

@Charlie Van Derven Didn't you start in 2009?

@bobman: after a 3 month hiatus.  I began my career with 50B in 1999.

I'd like the phone numbers for David Hogge and Mike Rollo, please, Charlie. I need to ask them something.

As a former Duluthian and ex to someone who still works for the company I am aware of the problems my ex faced regularly with this company. I'm not commenting on their behalf but my own. This is for those who are just out of college with the mindset that you'll make a difference in your community. This is for those who want to work because it is in your gene pool. This is for those who want to live a positive life because it breeds positivity, makes people smile, laugh not cry, and breath deep rather than stress.

This company is obviously not going to change because the owners aren't willing to change. It starts at the top and ends with intention.

I recently moved from Duluth this year in search of better opportunities because I am like the people straight out of college looking to get into a career after spending 4+ years deciding where to go in life only to find jobs not there for the time and experience poured into a particular field. I am not in my field right now but am at a company that does what companies should be doing, making money and sharing the wealth. My company not only pays me $11/hour to help run a grocery store but offers me full health, dental, and eye insurance, pays into a 401k without a match, hands out vacation days because it knows getting away is important, and (I just found out) pays 5% of annual wages in bonuses to all part-time (yes not full-time, they get more) employees for Christmas. A grocery store.

I'm not telling anyone to flee this company or discredit the things it has intentions to do well on (trust me, they have good intentions just like the rest of you). But I am saying for those of you who are looking for something you're not finding, it's out there. Just keep looking. You're never "stuck" in life unless you tell yourself you are. And if you have good intentions you'll attract people with good intentions into your life and the suffering will turn into prosperity whether or not you have money in your pocket. Or you can reject my advice and I'll leave you to your fate. It's your decision.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/charlie.vanderven

Here you go Fran

The fact that this company is based around web development using Microsoft products indicated to me a high likelihood of incompetence years back, when I looked into the vague possibility of employment there.  Glad to hear I saved myself not just from that slice of hell, but worse yet.

Good luck getting paid everyone!

Woot! We make a difference!