thanks doug you too
the boxes is how you level up but the initial expirience a model starts with does not give an advancement roll, they are given that much so all models are close to equal. which is why the cheaper models have 0 exp since they will become better faster (in theory).
in almost every forum i have seen all the pros have noted to always start with max heroes, since they level up and get skills.
so no, no models start with skills unless specified under that model ( for example the carnival brute model starts with strongman)
i hope this clarifies things for you
-Dave g II