Water Heater Installation

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I (we) have been installing built-in appliances for twenty-five years, fifteen of those with Maytag for A-Dependable Maytag in Royal Oak, MI. Built-in appliances consist of automatic dishwashers, over-the-range microwave/vent hood combinations, wall ovens, cook-tops, refuge disposers, insta-hot water dispensers, reverse osmosis water filtration units, as well as specialized high efficiency laundry units. We also install residential hot water tanks, by Lochinvar Corporation (used by professional plumbers since the 1920's). We fix toilets too! On the outside of the home, I specialize in custom copper and aluminum gutters, siding and trim. Copper and aluminum bays and metal roofs are areas that we all. We also offer a number of flat roof systems including Duro Last (The world's best roof). Expert repairs, carpentry and handyman services round out our repertoire. Last but not least we offer spring and fall gutter cleaning services as well as rooftop snow removal. No work is beneath us because we love to work, if we are not equipped to handle a particular situation we will inform you post haste and assist you in finding the appropriate entity.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. The customer that we most appreciate is someone that can make a judgement to use our services on face value. We present well, on time, dressed appropriately, professional and prepared. What you see is what you get! My job is my life and each day every day I eat, sleep, and dream work. I will respond to a customer's question of reference accordingly but truly believe that the compulsion to inquire is a media induced sophmoreism. In our world, today is built on yesterday and tomorrow is built on today, being able to say at the end of each day, "...Another good job, onto the next..." exemplifies our humble battle hymn.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. There are somethings that can be done by homeowners and some things that should be left for the professionals. A professional that has done a particular job hundreds of time inevitably can perform the task more efficiently but that doesn't mean that you can't save some money by doing it yourself. We provide a service but also try to educate and inform customers along the way. We will always be glad to talk a customer through the basic steps, and then if you still need help we will offer prompt, professional service.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. An educated consumer is our best customer. The more a customer knows about what they have and what they need or want the better. When pertinent information can be presented at the onset it often saves us time and allows us to bring the appropriate parts and fixtures. Remember the old axiom: Time is money... However, we are here to offer a service, and hopefully the best service possible. Surveying, estimating, and courtesy calls are appropriately and cheerfully offered as part of a comprehensive policy to service above and beyond expectations. "Feel free to call anytime if you have a question or concern," are the words we live by and impart to every customer.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I have been installing built-in appliances for over twenty-five years, fifteen of those for the Maytag Store in Royal Oak, MI. I believe in giving every customer the extra value of going the extra mile. Professionalism, knowledge, dedication to doing the job right are our guiding ideals. No work is beneath us and our customers are the most important people (outside family) in our lives. Almost every customer is so impressed with our service that they call or write in complementary gratitude... I love to work and I am only happy when I am working, this ideal is imparted to our associates for the overall benefit of our customers. If selected to do any work for your family on your home we sincerely promise do a really outstanding job!

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. The direct relationship between the reason of doing things efficiently and the necessity of the same in being self- employed. We cherish our customers and some of them have been around for fifteen years. It is these individuals and their families that have saved us during the tough economical times. I have had a certain degree of satisfaction in having earned the trust of people by doing a good job and offering professional service. Having seen our business grow along with the children, families and trees at each home, foreshadows our goal of earning customers for life. We now look forward to serving the next generation as both our families mature.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Do you fix toilets?

Yes, we can fix a toilet. No work is beneath us. A leaking or malfunctioning toilet can cost hundreds of dollars a year in wasted water.

How often should a hot water tank be replaced?

A hot water tank lasts generally for about ten years. Two major indicators of impending failure (other than leaking) are running out of hot water prematurely and a noticeable percolating noise. A new hot water tank will be more efficiently and will pay for itself in two or three years depending on use.

My clothes are taking longer to dry than ever before, is my dryer need to be repaired?

99% of the time dry time can be reduced significantly by having the vent cleaned or replaced where appropriate. The other benefit to saving money in reduced dry time is increased safety in the reduction in a potential fire hazzard. A retired fire chief from Ferndale, MI (Chief LaPrarrie) told me in no uncertain terms that over his career that a majority of house fires are caused by dryer vent combustion.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. Most of our favorite stories revolve around our beloved Boxer dog "Courage" whom goes to work with us every day. "Courage" now three years old has become the perfect dog but the runt of the litter was a handful when he was a puppy. He certainly picks his favorites, and has a mind of his own. On his first canoe trip at the age of 6 months we visited the Au Sable River near Grayling, MI. After a few stops on shore and an hour into the trip, "Courage" decided he wanted to be in my cousin (whom we work with) Keith's canoe. He pulled back on his harness, freeing himself, barked at me, and jumped into the river toward Keith. Within minutes the current began to accelerate his travel. I yelled out toward my cousin to alert him. Keith began to call the dog and "Courage" swam frantically toward the opposing shore and made it into the security of Keith's arms and canoe. Needlessly to say "Courage" completed the trip in the canoe of his choosing and has always demonstrated an affinity for his best friends both at play and at work.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. We are honest, hardworking people whom wish only to offer the most professional, value packed service that is humanly possible. We try to distinguish ourselves from the competition by offering the amenities of a big corporation with the service and accessibility of a small business. I believe that my first, best place is in the field, dealing one on one with each customer. Taking a great job adding education, explanation, a detailed receipt accompanied by a stamped return envelope for payment, and even learning something about the client like their dogs name. We even bring the empty garbage cans up the driveway when we have a free hand. It more than just doing the job right today it is also about building a customer for life and even the next generation. I not just interested in building a paycheck at the end of each day, I want to build a company for the next generation to take over and continue in a proud heritage.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. Ask a bride or groom at any wedding reception and they will probably each retort in fond surrender, "...It wasn't my idea .!." But with all kidding aside, the trades and fate often pick their own people and set the entrepreneurial paths. I personally have been called back to self-employment again and again primarily because it has had the potential for financial advancement based on merit, as well as it has called upon a natural leadership quality from within. The trades just came naturally and self-employment followed in turn. I can safely say the same for my cousin Keith with whom I work. Looking back over the past quarter century, I cannot imagine changing anything doing anything else. Also, a heart felt thank-you to each and every customer whose patronage made my life fruitful!

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. The attorney, Laura E. Sutton whom recently handled my mom's estate after she pasted on October 28th. 2010, contacted me a few weeks after the funeral and asked me if we would be willing to come put up her Christmas lights at her new home in Royal Oak, MI. I cheerfully completed the task during a blizzard the next Sunday. The client was so impressed with our work ethic that she later asked us to come install some recessed lights in her living room. That job was completed proficiently and professionally in about 5 hours. I was very very pleased to have earned our newest customer for life, especially in the apparent juxtaposition of this emanating from the event of such a heartfelt loss. Truly in life it can be said that when a door closes a window will undoubtedly open.!.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. When I was seventeen I knew everything. When I entered my thirties I began to realize the profound extent of of ignorance. There is so much to learn in life and each day we learn something new out in the field. I went back to school in my late twenties and successfully completed my internship becoming a veterinary technician. (We work with our Boxer dog, and I wanted to be a better dog owner). I have a residential builder's license. We carry multiple certifications for plumbing, installation, electrical and restoration. We both (Keith and myself) attend workshops, seminars, and on-line professional technical support education service. My cousin, Keith, is studying solar technology at an on-line university. Lastly, we read and confer with other professionals every chance we get.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Plumbing is being revolutionized by push to connect fittings. These new fittings are ultra expensive but truly have revolutionized the way we do things. When you use an open flame torch it is mandatory to stay on site for two hours minimum after the flame is extinguished. When we employ these solderless connections we can install a fitting a walk out the door five minutes later. The fittings (called Tech-tite or Shark-bite) are QS9000 certified and will last for over one hundred years and are reusable. The idle time saved can often be used to do more for the customer, adding extra value to the customer's dollar! In the world of electricity we are seeing the use of energy star items like L.E.D.'s and higher voltage, lower amperage fixtures. The utilization of these technologies requires a whole new skill set. The new skills are being learned and adapted on a daily basis, all for the benefit of our valued customers.!.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. We recently stepped in to assist the mother of one of our good customers with a basement clean-out, water-proofing and painting. The first step was to survey and take pictures of the space. We found that the recent waterproofing job that was done consisted of smearing cement-like caulk over the cracks. We presented with a detailed five page outline that detailed clearing the space, properly chiseling and filling the cracks with hydraulic cement, painting with Drylock by UGL (water-proofing paint) and cleaning everything to a shine. The job took about five days and the customer saved some money with sweat equity by helping clear some of the storage and washing some of the display pieces. When we were done the customer was so happy and impressed with the work she was nearly moved to tears during our humble reveal. The job (labor and materials) ended up very close to budget at $3,275.00

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. We give exhaustive thought to our pricing. Generally speaking big jobs end up being half materials and half labor. We list many of our every day prices on the services page of our website and this includes our hourly rate for time and material jobs of $75.00/hour (per person). We have advertised specials such as: 40-gallon, gas, high efficiency hot water heater (Lochinvar) installed for only $485 + parts; Automatic clothes dryer re-vent, only $45 + parts; and Gutter cleanings starting at only $35. We also boast of a service call for only $45!
Remember, you get what you pay for, and we will always give you more and do more than we charge for on every job you schedule with our company!

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. We have participated in many co op programs through local high schools. Most of our credit earning co op students that go onto university graduate with a degree and can't find a job. In the modern world it is necessary to have something to fall back on. The trades offer a good supplement to a liberal arts education. Education is the most important aspiration for any young person, but putting roofing experience on your resume will show a perspective employer that you are a hard worker and will give you a skill to supplement your income during recession as well as the ability to day when you acquire your first home. It has often been said that it takes two incomes to accel in life, but it also takes more than one skill set. Plan on your education, resume for your best full time job, and get ahead by doing side jobs. If the trades continue to call to an individual it will become apparent in the course of your lifetime.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. What makes your business stand out from others in the field?

We are a small business that can offer service above and beyond that of a larger company. We have never walked away from a challenge. To the contrary, the more unique and difficult a job presents the more interesting and exciting we find it. We can cheerfully and conveniently schedule work on weekends, evenings, and holidays. Customers can also request specific times for appointments. Our phone number is my cell phone, and I will respond to calls 24/7. Also, many of our customers are so very impressed with our service they often write or call to express their satisfaction.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. What is it like working with your dog?

Working with a dog is a really big pain in the neck! However, it is also one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable and the only life we all know. Our first boxer, "Trouble" went to work for ten years! The peaceful giant met thousands of adoring people. When he passed, peacefully at home on 28 November 2007, customers sent sympathy cards and flowers for weeks. "Courage" , the runt of the litter, was born 24 January 2008 and came home on St. Patrick's Day. My grandma suggested that the runt might be a good choice. He was a little monster full of "piss and vinegar". As the months began to pass he began the the journey to becoming the perfect dog. "Courage" now charms customers on a daily basis. He helps people remember and relate to our company and offers distraction so we can get our work done with less needless hyper-oversight. "Courage" has his own facebook page and thousands of followers on twitter. As our official spokesperson he gives a whole new meaning to customer relations!