People And Companies We Know And Can Recommend

In case you are wondering, we have never asked for nor received any "freebies", kickbacks, or benefits from any of these companies by having them on our site.  Nor would we accept anything if they offered it to us.  We either know these people and have used them ourselves, or they have come highly recommended by someone we know and have worked with.

Every so often one of these companies will call us to thank us for a referral and offering us something in return.  Our comment is always the same ... "We don't want anything from you.  Just take good care of the people who come to you through our site.  That's all we ask."

Every couple of months or so we also receive a request from a company or individual we don't know asking us to add their name to our site.  I have to tell them in a nice way that we just cannot do it unless their name comes to us unsolicited by someone we know or have worked with.   

None of these are extremely large companies (with the exception of GoDaddy and Carbonite), but I have always preferred the services I have receive from smaller outfits anyway.  I think they try harder. 

If you call and one of these companies is out of business, or if you feel you were taken advantage of by any of them, I would appreciate you letting me know.

Our "No Brainer Logo" signifies Rhonda and I have personally used the company and were 100% happy with their work.

Accountant (CPA)

•   Patty Watson -  (972)747-8294 - We have worked with Patty for years.  She is excellent and best of all, lives in Allen.  She does our payroll and prepares our corporate and personal returns.  She works seamlessly with our Quickbooks files, which was important to us.   Very responsive and responsible and always pleasant to work with.

Adoption For Dogs

•    (641) 715-3900 Ext 61442  -  http://www.collincountyhumanesociety.org/

These folks are doing fantastic work in rescuing dogs from euthanasia in the shelters, then fostering them until a home can be found for them.  They are my kind of people!!

Appraiser

•   Beaty Appraisal -  (972)727-9184 - If you live on a home with acreage, and your home is in Fairview, Lucas, or Parker, Beaty Appraisal is a good one to keep in mind.  I don't always agree with their opinions of value, but that doesn't mean I am right and they are wrong.  Remember, that's why they are called "opinions of value".  But they do understand this very niche market, they office in Allen and live in Fairview, they will support their opinions with the best information they have available to them, and they will reconsider their opinions if I can provide information to them that they might not have. 

Arborist

•   Rick Zampino - Advance Tree and Shrub - (214) 544-8733 - Their place is on Meandering Way in Fairview.  They not only care for your trees and shrubs, but will also prune, fertilize and maintain them.  They will cut down diseased or unwanted trees.  They also sell firewood by the truck or trailer load (if you load it yourself). 

• Also look under "Hauling" and "Nursery" categories above

Arbors - See "Outdoor Kitchen and Living Areas"

Attorney -

• Michael Pezzulli - See Article

Blinds, Plantation Shutters, Window Treatments

•   Jeff Bishop (The Shutter and Blind Factory) - (214) 415-7266 - Jeff did our entire home in plantation shutters, but he also does blinds and shades.  Builders like Paul Taylor love working with him because of his prices and customer service. They are locally owned and operated in Plano and have been serving the metroplex for many years.  

Cabinetry

• Pierce Custom Carpentry - Tim Gilbert (214) 495-0275 - He has done carpentry work for us and one of our clients - We were both very pleased with his work - He lives in Lucas - www.piercecustomcarpentry.com

Carpet

• Mike Furney (Builder's Carpet) - 972-380-1200 extension 107 - They were referred to us by a quality builder who uses them quite a bit. We have never used them, but when this particular builder speaks highly of someone, we take it to heart.

Carpet Cleaning

•   Scott Exler (214)213-7529 - We have known Scott for many years.  He has done work for our clients and us.  Honest and reliable.  He has low overhead so he'll easily beat the large company competition.  He's the guy companies call if they cannot get a stain out.  If he can't get it out, it's not coming out.

Computer Consulting and Repair

•   PC Geeks - See Article

Concrete work  

• Steve Caraway (Caraway Concrete Construction) -  (214)502-2757 Mobile - Not the "cheapest" around nor the most expensive, but he does good work.  We used him on several of our personal jobs.  What's nice is he will even do the smaller jobs that most of the big companies don't want to mess with.  Shows up on time with his workers, gets the job done quickly, and cleans up afterward.  He doesn't do asphalt (nor would I recommend that surface anyway). 

Continuing Education and licensing from the Texas Real Estate Commission

• Bobbette Chronister (Champions School of Real Estate) -  (972)867-4100 - Their Website - I have been using Champions for my state required continuing education courses for as long as I can remember.  They offer classes at their facility or on-line.  They are friendly and make the unbearable, bearable.    Best of all, they have finally moved out of their old office suite into a very nice, new facility. 

Data Backup and Storage

•   Carbonite -  www.carbonite.com - Hands down, the best value in the market.  For $50 (2007 prices) I can back up my entire hard drive or any part thereof, and save  any changes on a daily basis.  It works silently in the background.  Your computer WILL crash some day and you may very well lose some or all of that info.  If you are like me and tired of making endless copies on flash drives, external backup drives, etc. this is the only way to go.  I was paying an exorbitant price (about $1,000 per year between two computers) for this same service through a competitor before I stumbled onto Carbonite.  It is easy to use, setup, and understand.  I don't know how they do it for the price they are charging, but if ever there was a "no-brainer" this is it. 

Day Labor

•   Jerry Stevens (903) 454-6705 home or (903) 458-0110 cell - He usually can only work on weekends, but keep him in mind for smaller jobs that require some physical labor.  He has a trailer and can haul off trash, old air-conditioning units, trim trees, light demo work, etc.  Going the "day labor" route is also good for this kind of work, but if you don't speak Spanish and don't want to pick the workers up and return them, Jerry is the way to go.  He brings his own lunch and has a car.  We use him ourselves and can tell you first hand that Jerry is a hard worker! 

Dirt work, brush clearing, or tree removal

•   Scott McCroskey - 214-202-3907 - He has the heavy duty equipment to handle major jobs - He dug one of our tanks to about 30' and hauled the dirt off with dump trucks - He has been doing work in this area for many years and has a good reputation

Dog Adoption - See "Adoption for Dogs"

Drug Store

•   Allen Family Drug - (972) 390-9888 www.familydrugrx.com - Not only do we like and support the "home grown" companies, these guys are great.  It is located in an older building at 400 N. Allen Drive #102, right down the street from the post office.   They have a drive through, but so does everyone else.  We like them because they are friendly and professional.  They do everything every other drug store does, but much more.  This includes tuberculin screening, tetanus shots, flu shots, cholesterol screening, blood pressure monitoring, and they also offer vaccinations and compounding for pharmaceutical and veterinary prescriptions.  We have used them for many years.

Fencing (Iron, Pipe, Decorative)

• Alfredo Ortiz - 469-667-8065 or 469-667-4541 - I have known Alfredo for many years.  I have watched him built a LOT of fences on our property and our neighbors' properties.  He builds them straight and strong.  I have recommended him so many times and never heard a complaint and many compliments.  He knows what he is doing and is a hard worker.  He is a great welder and has built decorative arches, hitches, and specialty iron items I asked him to manufacture from scratch.  He can build pipe and cable, pipe and wire, or decorative iron. Alfredo speaks broken English so you have to make sure you are on the same page and he understands exactly what you want, but I wouldn't have anyone else build my fences.

Floral Arrangements

•   Edwards Floral Arrangements in McKinney - 972-548-9911 Website - We have used them for years for our company.  We always receive compliments on their arrangements and all are one of a kind.

Garage Floor Sealing

•   Premier Garage - Premier Garage.com - We had them seal our garage floors.  Here is a link to an article I wrote about sealing garage floors.

Gates (Iron swinging, sliding, security)

•   Steve and Sherri Reeves (Access Entry Systems) - (972) 699-7503 - Installed our sliding gate many years ago - He knows what he is doing, does good work, and will service the gates after the sale (any gate is going to break down periodically)

Granite

•   Rick Zupa - A&A Marble and Granite -  972-670-7267 - They are located in Sunnyvale.  I liked them for three reasons.  First, they can offer smaller granite and marble pieces (called remnants), not just the large slabs.  You can get a better deal on these pieces because you don't have to buy an entire slab just for a smaller piece like a secondary bathroom counter.  Second, they have plenty of samples to choose from, but it isn't overwhelming.  I have been to some of the huge warehouses with rack after rack of granite and marble slabs, and it was almost overwhelming.  We picked all of our four different types of granite in our home from their lot in about one hour's time.  And third, they spent the time with us without pressuring us to buy quickly.  They are happy to get their forklift and pull the slabs out of the racks so you can get a good look at the entire piece.

Hand Scraped Hardwood Floors - See Hardwood Floors

Hardwood Floors

•   Paul LaJoie - Heritage Hardwoods - 972-562-8610 - They installed our handscraped hardwoods and did a great job for us.  They are members of NOFMA (National Oak Floors Manufacturers of America) and install their floors by their standards.

Hardwood Floor Repairs

•   Scott Exler (214)213-7529 - We have known Scott for many years.  He has done lots of work for our clients and us.  Honest and reliable and I'll bet he'll beat the prices of his competition because he doesn't have all the overhead.  He doesn't really install but does more repairs.

Hauling, trash removal, tree trimming

•   Jerry Stevens (903) 454-6705 home or (903) 458-0110 cell - He usually can only work on weekends, but keep him in mind for smaller jobs that require some physical labor.  He has a trailer and can haul off trash, old air-conditioning units, trim trees, light demo work, etc.  Going the "day labor" route is also good for this kind of work, but if you don't speak Spanish and don't want to pick the workers up and return them, Jerry is the way to go.  He brings his own lunch and has a car.  We use him ourselves and can tell you first hand that Jerry is a hard worker! 

• Also, see Yardwork below

High Speed Internet Access - See Internet Service

Insurance

•   Rick Walker - Walker Insurance Company - (972) 727-8949 - insurewithwalker.com - I carry all of my insurance through Rick.  I had been with State Farm for 30 years or so, but became very disillusioned with what I was reading about them in the paper and their general lack of caring and communication with me.  I finally switched to Allstate a couple of years ago and thought I was doing pretty well.  I saved quite a bit of money over State Farm but I still didn't get that "warm fuzzy feeling" that they really were taking the time to understand my needs.  Rick asked to give me a competitive quote.  He not only saved me about $1,500 per year, I got better coverage in every area.  Instead of sticking me with one provider, he researched the market for the best provider for my needs.  And he took the time to understand what my needs were.  I learned from Rick that insurance companies tend to specialize in certain areas where they can be very competitive.  But they are less competitive in other areas.  Rick ferreted out the best companies for my particular needs.  He is honest and honorable and I recommend him highly.

Internet Service (High Speed Wireless)

• Tier One - 214-217-8626 - We used one of their competitors for many years because that was our only choice.  We just assumed we had to live with poor customer service, no-one to talk to after hours, non-caring technical support, and continual Internet connection problems.  It seemed like there was always a different reason when we couldn't get on-line ... but it was never on our side.  We switched to Tier One right away when they came out to the area and have never looked back.  They better pricing for faster Internet connections.  There is always someone to talk to if there is a problem and they get on it right away.  Unfortunately, out here, you are limited to line of sight between your rooftop and one of the water towers so you may or may not be able to connect with them.  They will come out to your home and find out for you at no cost.

Lawn care - See Yard Work

Lawyer - See Attorney

Limousine Service

• Rich Limousines - Rich Effren - (972) 409-4091 Their Website Link - One of our clients told us about them and just raved.  I'm not sure how we got on the subject, but they just sang their praises.  They said they are head and shoulders above any ohter limousine service they have ever used.  They take control of the situation, call ahead and find the gate if you are going to the airport, they are punctual, professional, and always go the extra mile.  About a month later, someone else mentioned the company and reiterated their same experience. 

Locksmith

•   Bill Stratton - 972-727-5043 - We have been using Bill for as long as we have lived in Lucas.  The real old timers all know him and wouldn't use anyone else.

Moving and Storage

• I used to recommend a company here, but will not do so any longer as a client of ours had a big problem with them on a move.  Sorry.  I would check with the Better Business Bureau.

Mowers (commercial and residential), Weed-eaters and Saws

•   McKinney Lawn and Timber - (972) 562-5296 - They have been around a long time (at the corner of McDonald and El Dorado Parkway in old McKinney near the airport)  and all the commercial companies up here know and use them.  They sell commercial and residential grade equipment and also service them.  They sell a great little "zero turn" mower built by Dixon.  These are the kind of mowers you see mowing the side of the road (two handle bars for turning).  If you have a lot with trees, a zero turn mower will cut your mowing time in half.  Not only that, they are a blast to drive.  We have had ours for three years and not once have I ever regretted buying it.

Mowing - See Yard Work

Outdoor Kitchen and Living Centers

• Craig Kooda or Steve Barr - Kooda Exteriors - www.koodaexteriors.com - Their phone # is (972) 530-8005 - They come very highly regarded by one of our subcontractors - She said they did everything they said they would, stayed on-time and on budget, and delivered exactly what she was looking for.  I have actually received two very good recommendations on this company.

   

Patios - See "Outdoor Kitchen and Living Areas"

Pet Adoption - See "Adoption for Dogs"

Pools

• Jeff Moreland - Water Frontiers - (214-215-7910) - Their website is www.waterfrontiers.com - They came highly recommended by Tim Jackson Custom Homes, LP, a high end builder in the Fairview/Lucas area.  Tim told me not only are his prices very competitive, he likes the way he pays special attention to areas such as the foundation, engineering, gunite and quality equipment.

Radiant Barriers

•   Joseph Perry - (817) 789-1057 or (214) 762-3808 - www.foilbarrier.com - He was recommended to us by Innovative Insulation, Inc. who makes the product - They did a good job for us when we had it done to our home

Remodeling

• Art Ferreira -  972-679-2473 - aferreira@archgatehomes.com  Although Art is a home builder by trade (Archgate Homes), he also does remodels.  I have never listed or sold any of his homes, however we used him to do a remodel on our own home.  We converted our formal dining room into a second study which required moving walls, installing French doors, paint and texture, etc.  Art had some great ideas we would have never thought of which we incorporated into the design. 

  The room turned out beautifully, in fact, better than we had hoped for.  We have referred him to other friends of ours and they have been just as happy with his work as we were.

  Art genuinely tries hard to make his customers happy and takes a lot of pride in his work.  He was at our home every day the work was going on to make sure things were going smoothly.  Art is not the person for small, handyman jobs or repairs, but he has the experience to build a room or a home for you.

•   Fred and Susan Bivens - 972-442-4968  - fredbivens@verizon.net  I have had the advantage of watching Fred and Susan with Summit Homes build a home from the ground up.  I can tell you first hand, they take a great amount of pride in their work.  They were on site every single day overseeing the work.  They treated their subcontractors with respect, and anyone in the business will tell you a builder or remodeler are only as good as their subs.  They have a long list of happy customers who they have not only built homes for, but also done remodels at a later date.  They have only recently (2009) started actively pursuing remodels.  If I were undertaking a remodel or building a home, they would definitely be one of the companies I would talk to.  I received an exceptional email from a homeowner after a remodel they did in July of 2010.  To see it, click here.

• Frank Fitzgerald - (972) 727-1147 - Frank is also a home builder (Custom Cottage Homes).  He is not a high volume contractor, and works on a "pick and choose" mode when it comes to building or remodeling.  He was building and remodeling out here long before I ever starting working this area.  He has a very good reputation.  Every client of his I have ever met spoke very highly of him.  I have also sold several of his homes over the years and they always seemed to get top dollar.  He is very creative and has a great eye.

Residential Service Contract - See Home Warranty Company

Septic Tank Pumping

• All Metro - 972-843-4100

Septic Tank Repairs, Installs and Inspections

• AAA Sand and Gravel - (972)843-0135 - Your Norweco System was probably installed by them.  Pretty big outfit and they know what they are doing.  We have sold many, many homes with their systems in place and heard good things about them.

• White Eagle Water Systems - (903) 527-3730 - They maintain our septic system.  Reliable, honest, and they care about their customers.  We know that first hand and would recommend them without question.

Shutters - See Blinds, Shutters, Window Treatments

Sprinkler Repair and Sprinkler Install

•   Jack Gilstrap - Gilstrap Irrigation - 214-649-6333  - We have known him for years.  He's honest, takes pride in what he does, and best of all, he lives in Lucas.  Being local and without the high overhead a lot of companies carry, you'll probably like his prices.  He loves dogs and horses too, and anyone with those qualifications rates high in our book.   We can recommend him highly.

•   Jayson Shannon - Texas Waterboys - texaswaterboys.com - 972-733-4343 - I had heard about this company for years from clients.  I finally had a chance to see them in action on the home we lived in and sold.  Long story short, I had three different control boxes operating zones from our garage all the way up to the barn.  It was cumbersome, but I did the work myself and figured no-one else would be able to figure it out.  The buyer of our home hired them and within 3-4 hours, they straightened out my mess, found and fixed a valve that wasn't working, and consolidated all three boxes into one.  They charged about $700 or so, which I would have gladly paid had I known about them before.  We shortly thereafter used them on the home we purchased.  They reworked our system so we weren't wasting water in some areas and over-watering in others, plus found a missing zone that wasn't working.  These guys really know what they are doing.

Stonework - See "Outdoor Kitchen and Living Areas"

surround sound systems - See Audio/Video

Tile Work

• Nick Wallace - Wallace Tile - 214-356-2240 - He comes very highly recommended by one of our clients. 

Title Company - Here are three of the best in the business.  I give virtually all of my business to these three title companies because they stay on top of things and have never let me down.

•   Crystal Binegar, Allen - Hexter Fair Title in Allen - 972-768-3920

•    Kathi Riddle, McKinney - Republic Title in McKinney -  972-569-9808

•    Donna Hunt, Allen - Commonwealth Title in Allen -  972-727-9898

Trash Removal - See "Hauling" and "Arborist"

Tree Trimming - See "Hauling" and "Arborist"

Veterinarian

•   Allen Veterinarian Hospital - Dr. Overton (972) 727-8383 - A wonderful man who truly loves animals of all kinds, shapes, and sizes.   He has a big heart and we wouldn't trust our dogs or cats to anyone else.  His office is near the Braums on McDermott.  We have heard from other vets that he is highly regarded.  He has really saved the day with a couple of our dogs when they showed up with strange ailments.  He researched the problem, called his vet friends, and finally nailed the problem.  We are very attached to him and his staff.

• Parker Road Veterinary Hospital - Charles Kerin D.V.M. 972-442-6523 www.parkerroadvet.com - Small animal surgery, and he's also the guy to go to for large animals in this area.  We have many, many horse friends who have been with him for years and swear by him.  We've heard many stories of horses he has diagnosed correctly and saved.  He was also our vet for when we had horses and we think highly of him.

Warranty Company - See Home Warranty Company

Web Hosting

•   GoDaddy.com - 480-505-8899 - www.godaddy.com - I have been through a LOT of web hosting companies and Internet Service Providers over the years.  These guys are head and shoulders above the competition in my opinion.  They are the largest domain name seller in the country.  No one sells domain names any cheaper.  I was cut my Internet costs in half when I switched over to them.  They offer 24 hour tech support.  I have called them at 3 in the morning and if the person I am talking to doesn't know the answer, there is someone there that does.  Their tech support people are knowledgeable and friendly.  I love their business model.  They stay lean and mean and pass the savings on to their customers.  I especially like the way they will ask you if you wouldn't mind replying to a short e-mail after after every tech support call.  This lets them know how they are doing.  Who couldn't like a company like this? 

Welding - See Fencing

Window Treatments - See Blinds, Shutters, Window Treatments

Wireless Internet - See Internet Service

Yard Work - We are working on this one

Back to Our Home Page