As I write, two very professional and knowledgeable technicians from the local Storm the Lawn Pro lawn care service are treating the lawn here in Appleton for a family member. I had some questions about the lawn and the best way to cope with some problems, and got some helpful guidance from them. I'm impressed with the technicians and glad that Storm the Lawn Pro was recommended to me by a local contractor.

Before they came, I initially tried to get help from ChemLawn, now rebranded as TruGreen. I used ChemLawn years ago and was fairly happy with them. I have met one of TruGreen's local technicians and think they are also professional and knowledgeable, but am frustrated with the remote customer service out of Indiana, I think. There were multiple gaps in communication and details that had been improperly input into our account information.

For communication about upcoming service, the options were a call from a machine or a text (from a machine). No way to get both! When I explained that I wanted to make sure I was there when the technician came and wanted some kind of personal communication,  I got a lecture about how they are a lawn care company, not a plumber or home repair service, and that "in this day and age" you can't expect personalized service.

That was pretty frustrating, because in this day and age the smart companies are using technology to provide better communication and more personalized service, not less of both. I also learned that what sales tells you and what customer service thinks you have been told is not the same. There were communication gaps and flaws of several kinds before we even got started with the first visit. I canceled the service, but I still think the people they hire out here are going to be good ones.

I may have been really happy with TruGreen also, but their remote customer service got in the way for me. Many others are happy with them, so don't let me little frustrations change your ming if you want their service. But I was very happy with Storm the Lawn Pro's service. I hope the results will be consistent with my initial positive impression.

Labels: Appleton homes, grass, home care, lawn care, yards

Labels: Appleton, Appleton homes, Fox Valley, homes, housing, neighborhoods, photos

Quick update on my experiences as a consumer.

We needed to get a decent used car. We went to Bergstrom's Nissan/Hyundai area out on Victory Lane (terrific street name). We were wowed by the service and expertise (thank you Peter Holt and Jeff Buckner), by the prices, and by the company in general. I soon drove away with a wonderful car that cost less than I had expected. I have no hesitation in recommending Bergstrom, especially their Nissan and Hyundai team. Very pleased.

The next day we went back to pick up a floor mat and get some tips on the sound system (I love being able to plug my MP3 player into my car's stereo system now). Afterwards we drove by Jonathan's Italian Bistro and decided to give it a try for dessert only. It re-opened in May under new management and I've had people tell me it's great. Yes, wow, it really is. We tried two desserts and they were both home runs - artistic, beautiful, delicious. My wife had the Lemon Cialde, which was an amazing creation of lemon wafers and blackberries with chamomile-infused cream. The chamomile cream floored me. Brilliant. I had the strawberry and raspberry bread pudding, and it was also brilliant. The presentation for both was delightful. Real home runs. The rest of the menu looked great, too. Talked with the executive chef (Shawn Covill, I think was the name) and liked how he answered my questions - nice artistic flare to his work. Solid, well executed cooking. Mmmm.

I've also learned that one of my favorite home builders and realtors, Bradd Syring, is the go-to-guy for many people when they have repair needs. For electrical work, plumbing, flooring, painting, or whatever, Bradd knows some of the best people for the job and can send them out. You won't get the cheapest in the Valley, but you'll get the work done right. You can learn more about his home building business at Syring Homes. Tell him Jeff sent you! (I have no financial interest here, but know and greatly respect Bradd as one of the most honest and competent professionals I know.)

So there's my consumer update for the date. Happy shopping!

Labels: Appleton homes, builders, car dealers, cars, restaurants