Professionalism, courtesy, business acumen lacklng in Manatee County home improvement services

I originally come from New York. Having been in the military, I have lived across the United States. Unfortunately, nowhere have I experienced what I have come across living here.

I am a homeowner in the local area. I refinanced my home and have planned several home improvement projects. As most would do, I sought out referrals and looked up some of the popular companies in the area for flooring, lanai extensions, bathroom overhauls, etc.

You would think that local businesses would be chomping at the bit to gain my business. Not only did more than half of the companies state, when called, that they don't come to the house, you have to come into the store. The problem with this is that it not only puts consumers out, but colors look different in your home than they do at the retail establishment.

What really gets my dander up is that over half of the companies never showed for their appointments nor did they call. When company representatives arrived well beyond the appointed time, without notice, I thanked them for at least showing up and explained that if this is the way you handle appointments, it is obvious my business is not important to you, so thanks, but no thanks.

Another 25 percent of the companies were late and did not call. So now when I see someone is 15 minutes late and has not called, I call the company and inform them that their salesperson will not be allowed in the door.

What has happened in Florida? I have lived all over the country and have never experienced anything like this. First impressions count. Anyone can run behind, but take that 30 seconds to call, show respect, courtesy and a willingness to work together. It also shows my business is important to them.

Stuart Taube

Bradenton

This story was originally published April 17, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Professionalism, courtesy, business acumen lacklng in Manatee County home improvement services ."