The Lampo Group, LLC, doing business as Ramsey Solutions, is an American company specializing in self-improvement products and services in personal finance, leadership development, interpersonal relationships, and professional development. Founded in 1991 by Dave Ramsey and his wife Sharon, Ramsey Solutions is based in Franklin, Tennessee.[1][2]

History

Dave Ramsey, 2023.
See also: Dave Ramsey and The Ramsey Show

In the midst of his financial recovery, Ramsey began providing one-on-one financial counseling sessions in the evenings at his church.[3]

In 2021, the second office building was opened, and a 2,500-seat auditorium for weekly staff meetings and live events was finished in 2023.[4] All the land purchases and building construction were paid for with cash, and a tax incentive program was established between Ramsey Solutions, Williamson County, and the city of Franklin to ease the cost.[5]

Controversies

Workplace

In July 2020, Caitlin O'Connor, a former Ramsey Solutions employee, filed a federal lawsuit against the company alleging that she was fired for being pregnant and, since she wasn't married to the baby's father, for violating Ramsey Solutions' employee conduct policies.[6] On May 27, 2021, O'Connor gave her first interview about the termination and her experience working for Ramsey.[7]

On March 10, 2021, Ramsey Personality Chris Hogan left the company, citing "things going on in my personal life . . . that are not in line with Ramsey Solutions."[8] Hogan's resignation followed accusations of having several extramarital affairs, including one with a co-worker at Ramsey Solutions.[9]

In May 2021, Religion News Service (RNS) obtained recordings of Dave Ramsey mocking employees over the policy and explaining Chris Hogan's 2019 absence as a "rest break" following the affair accusations. Melissa Hogan, Chris Hogan's ex-wife, issued a statement to RNS claiming that the company downplayed Chris's behavior, covered for him, and characterized her behavior as "anger, hyperbole, and drama."[10][1]

According to a September 2021 lawsuit, when Julie Anne Stamps, a Ramsey Solutions employee on the customer care team, approached her supervisor regarding coming out as a lesbian in May 2020, the supervisor allegedly explained that company policy would not allow Stamps to continue to be employed at Ramsey Solutions. Stamps alleged that her departure from the company was further expedited once the United States Supreme Court June 15, 2020, ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County was decided. Ramsey Solutions denied the accusations and the matter was settled without the need for a trial.[11][12]

COVID-19

In December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a complaint was filed with the Williamson County Health Department alleging that caterers hired for the Ramsey Solutions Christmas party at its company headquarters were instructed not to wear masks or gloves while serving, which the company said was "absolutely not true. There was no prohibition on that."[13] Ramsey Solutions responded further that there was no truth to the complaint and a worker indicated that many workers in fact chose to wear masks and/or gloves.[14] Earlier in the pandemic, the company remained open after employees tested positive for the virus, ignored recommendations to avoid large gatherings, and hosted a July business conference at the company headquarters after the Marriott hotel originally booked for the event canceled citing safety concerns.[15]

In a December 2021 federal lawsuit, a former employee alleged that Ramsey Solutions violated his religious rights by firing him when he took scientifically prescribed precautions against COVID-19. The employee, Brad Amos, stated he was following the Golden Rule in protecting others from the virus.[16] The lawsuit said Dave Ramsey ran a "cult-like" environment where employees who worried about the pandemic were accused of "weakness of spirit" and told to pray if they wanted to ward off the virus.[17] Ramsey Solutions has denied all accusations and has claimed the suit was "completely false."[18] In December 2023, A U.S. district judge dismissed the lawsuit, ruling there was no proof of religious discrimination. But in August 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit overturned the dismissal, allowing the case to proceed.[16]

Efficacy of teachings

Critics of Ramsey Solutions’ core teachings point out that they are often a "one-size-fits-all" approach that disregards income disparities, investment horizon, and ignores financial emergencies.[19][20] Ramsey's investing advice has also drawn criticism over its reliance on stock investment, as opposed to bonds, using mutual funds with load fees, and its frequent claim of 12% annual returns on investments.[21][22][23]

In his teachings, Dave Ramsey has described the timeshare industry as "scummy."[24] In April 2023, a group of listeners of The Ramsey Show filed a $150 million lawsuit against Ramsey Solutions alleging Ramsey received $30 million to promote a timeshare exit company who engaged in deceptive practices.[25][26] Ramsey Solutions disputes the allegations and is currently fighting the litigation. In December 2023, a U.S. district judge allowed the lawsuit to move forward, though one of the claims was dismissed.[27]

References

  1. ^ a b Smietana, Bob (2021-01-15). "Is Dave Ramsey's empire the 'best place to work in America'? Say no and you're out". RNS. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  2. ^ https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/religion/2022/12/15/dave-ramseys-righteous-living-religious-debate-at-ramsey-solutions/69683957007/
  3. ^ Ross Jr., Bobby (March 31, 2003). "Christian financial guru crusades against overspending". Google News. Archived from the original on January 5, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  4. ^ West, Emily R. "Ramsey Solutions creating 600 more jobs on Franklin campus". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  5. ^ Cowan, Jill. "Franklin approves incentives for Dave Ramsey's company". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  6. ^ West, Emily R. "Lawsuit: Former Ramsey Solutions employee alleges firing over pregnancy". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  7. ^ Finley, Jeremy (May 27, 2021). "'It's Like Leaving the Cult': Former employee suing Dave Ramsey speaks out for the first time". News 4 Nashville. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  8. ^ Finley, Jeremy (March 11, 2021). "Lawsuit alleges Dave Ramsey's company fired/disciplined employees for premarital sex". WBIR 10 News.
  9. ^ Smietana, Bob (2021-03-10). "Chris Hogan, retirement expert and Dave Ramsey protégé, departs Ramsey Solutions". RNS. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  10. ^ Finley, Jeremy (May 24, 2021). "Secretly recorded audio of Dave Ramsey reveals question of double standards in company". News 4 Nashville. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  11. ^ Morris, Chuck (September 30, 2021). "Woman sues Dave Ramsey company after being fired for coming out as lesbian". News 4 Nashville. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  12. ^ Hale, Steven (2021-09-30). "Former Ramsey Solutions Employee Says She Was Fired for Coming Out as a Lesbian". Nashville Scene. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  13. ^ Finley, Jeremy (December 11, 2020). "Dave Ramsey's company Christmas party subject of non-mask compliance complaint". News 4 Nashville. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
  14. ^ Hale, Steven; Jamieson, Dave (December 14, 2020). "Personal Finance Guru Dave Ramsey Just Threw A Huge Indoor Christmas Party". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  15. ^ Hale, Steven (2020-07-08). "Dave Ramsey to Host Business Conference in Franklin as COVID-19 Cases Rise". Nashville Scene. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  16. ^ a b Dallas, Kelsey (2024-08-12). "Dave Ramsey faces religious discrimination case". Deseret News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  17. ^ Cramer, Maria (2021-12-14). "Dave Ramsey Fired Employee for Taking Covid Precautions, Suit Says". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  18. ^ "Dave Ramsey fired staffer for taking Covid precautions, ran work environment where masks were 'mocked', lawsuit says". NBC News. 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  19. ^ Olen, Helaine (2013-10-28). "The Prophet". Pacific Standard. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  20. ^ Bahler, Kristen. "Broke Millennials Are Flocking to Financial Guru Dave Ramsey. Is His Advice Any Good?". Money. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  21. ^ Carrns, Ann (May 13, 2011). "Dave Ramsey's 12% Solution". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  22. ^ Stoffel, Brian (2013-06-03). "Dangerous Retirement Planning Advice From Financial Guru Dave Ramsey". The Motley Fool. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  23. ^ Salmon, Felix (September 26, 2013). "Save like Dave Ramsey ... Just Don't Invest Like Him?". Money. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  24. ^ Smietana, Bob (2021-05-27). "Dave Ramsey declares war on timeshare industry: 'You done pissed off the wrong hillbilly'". RNS. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  25. ^ Bella, Timothy (June 3, 2023). "Dave Ramsey promoted a timeshare quick-fix. His listeners called fraud". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  26. ^ Smietana, Bob (2023-06-01). "Dave Ramsey sued for $150 million by former fans who followed his timeshare exit advice". RNS. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  27. ^ Foley, Ryan; Reporter, Christian Post (2023-12-29). "Judge dimisses lawsuit against Dave Ramsey as class-action complaint moves forward". www.christianpost.com. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsey_Solutions
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