[AtlanticWBConst]

This HO, had many other Mason's viewing the work. I was there another time, and there was a differnt Mason looking at the work. Tho HO, told me he had others inspecting it, and giving him estimates.

That's what makes it NOT MY PROBLEM.

BTW - The HO then whispered to me, that he wasn't going to use the guy that was there looking at the work (when I was there), because he didn't like him. He then turned around and asked the guy how soon he could get an estimate (knowing full well, he wasn't going to use the guy).

That says a lot about his character.

 

[oldfrt]

Learned a long time ago,NEVER recommend any one in the trades.
It only takes one bad experience to tarnish a reputation.
My town is too small,and bad news travels fast here.
Sorry to see this happen to anyone,but it's only a matter of time.
This guy seems to have that small town attitude,so *%^# him.

 

[Mike Finley]

Ask the douche if his kid gets pulled over for a DUI and gets jail time is he going to do the jail time for the kid? It's his kid isn't it?

 

[Joasis]

This HO, had many other Mason's viewing the work. I was there another time, and there was a differnt Mason looking at the work. Tho HO, told me he had others inspecting it, and giving him estimates.

That's what makes it NOT MY PROBLEM.

BTW - The HO then whispered to me, that he wasn't going to use the guy that was there looking at the work (when I was there), because he didn't like him. He then turned around and asked the guy how soon he could get an estimate (knowing full well, he wasn't going to use the guy).

That says a lot about his character.

To me, that says it all. I have no need to work for clowns like that, and as a matter of fact, just dealt with one....but that is another thread.

You have not lost a thing...and no telling what he says about you to others now.

 

[joeslob]

Sounds like you have a smart mason. And maybe you should be calling him to apologize for giving his name to an a$$hat customer.

 

[Celtic]

I have given this Mason so much work, by referral, that he has (voluntarily) worked on my own home for free.

As you and the mason appear to be more than working aquiantices, maybe you can ask him [if for no other reason than to tell your captive audience ~ us] ....why this thing went south?

Maybe the HO is a loon....maybe not....

 

[AtlanticWBConst]

FWIW - If I'm not working on a job, I give out my Plumbers Number, My Electricians Number all the time to people, and HO's.

In line with that: I give out my mechanics number.

I tell people where I buy my truck tires, because I like their prices.

We all refer people we know, to other people. We introduce people to friends, and acquaintences, that does not make us liable for them either.

Someone recently asked me to refer them to a good physician in the area.

Does that make me liable for their actions, their prices, or anything else? - I think NOT.

Some of you on this thread, with comments suggesting otherwise, really need to understand "life" in general, and how it works.

People need to put on their big-boy pants, and deal with the Sh*t that comes into their lives, instead of trying to blame a person, for someone else's actions.

 

[Kent Whitten]

I'm also curious to hear the side of the mason. Not saying anyone is right or wrong. He could have something going on that no one even knows about. Maybe someone in his family died and he's having a hard time dealing with it, which would make an interesting return email to the HO.

 

[AtlanticWBConst]

I'm also curious to hear the side of the mason. Not saying anyone is right or wrong. He could have something going on that no one even knows about. Maybe someone in his family died and he's having a hard time dealing with it, which would make an interesting return email to the HO.

I thought of that too. This guy would feel like a real A$$ if something serious happened to that Mason, or his family....

 

[WNYcarpenter]

The one thing I hate more than anything is dealing with other people's unnecessary DRAMA that has nothing to do with me!!

I don't care about your F'n stairs, your schedule....FU, deal with it, I'm not your personal assistant to make your life easier....I have my own stresses to deal with without listening to your whiny, BS and expecting me to make your life easier just because I was willing to offer a little help.........

AAAHHHH.... I hate self center people who involve me in their problems, and expect everyone around them to make them happy!

I do think the mason owes you an explaination for the added drama to your life!...

 

[Mike Finley]

I'm also curious to hear the side of the mason. Not saying anyone is right or wrong. He could have something going on that no one even knows about.

My guess is the mason got a taste of this customers brand of personality and decided against ever talking to him again.

 

[CookeCarpentry]

Why don't you have one of your guys drop a duece on his masonry steps (make sure they leave a business card).

Then, when the h/o calls shouting expletives that you never even heard of....you can simply reply:

"now you know how it feels to be sh*t on for no reason."

 

[Greg Di]

You definitely cut your losses with this "customer". Don't lose sleep over it.

What kills me is when I give a sub's number to a client and then they don't follow up.

I make no bones about it. If I get a call from the HO saying "You know, I never heard back from XYZ," I call the sub up immediately and tell them they made me look bad and that this is the last time we'll ever talk because I'm done with them.

Do you know how many plumbers I've burned through? :laughing:

 

[GC-B]

My wife busts my balls all the time when I come home and vent about some nut job that wanted me to do work for them and I declined (I use the I'm too busy excuse). She tells me that sometimes I will unfortunately have to work for people I don't want to. And then I remind her that I don't have to work for anybody I don't want to, that's the benefit of running my own business.:thumbsup: Back when I punched a clock I had to work for some real _____'s because I didn't have a choice, but now I do and I love it. She seems to think that money is money to which I have to constantly remind her no amount of money is worth the headaches, lawsuits, verbal assaults and time wasted dealing with people like that.... Sounds like it's water under the bridge my friend and I concur that it was probably for the best you didn't end up working for this nut.

 

[Aframe]

Atlantic,

You and your mason need to bring this episode to a peaceful conclusion, if you are ever going to work together again.

You should call the HO(because you gave the referral) and set up a time for the three of you to meet and put this to rest. No he said she said stuff.

Then you and the mason should meet at least 15 minutes before you are to meet HO.
Then head out for a beer or two while HO waits on his busted stoop for you to show, and have a laugh about how you avoided this nightmare

 

[Magnettica]

Yeah.

I gave a name out (to the HO). That's it. I never "sent" the mason anywhere.

FWIW - To Clarify: I didn't do any work on this guy's house. I had nothing to do with the Masonry work that this revolved around.

I had nothing financially vested, and nothing to gain from it.

Things that make you go hmmm.

Hearing that noise and not even getting any pay for it is hard to take.

 

[jtpro]

I’m not defending the HO per say as you added on that you got a bad “vibe”.


One thing to consider though is recommendations are a two way street.


You were happy when he called singing your praises on the referral and now the referral stiffed him.


NOT CALLING is NO excuse. If the mason also got a bad vibe and felt the guy was a mental case one call to cancel with brief explanation done and done.

AtlanticWBConst

I'd like to add this. The Mason did miss another previous appt with the HO about 3-4 weeks prior. I "intervened, and called then". I normally do that as a courtesy. I am not getting involved again. I have no idea what is going on between the HO and the Mason.

Sorry but from my POV you set the precedence. You should have established this on the first call that YOU are not responsible. Only that you would do it as a favor IF that’s what your choice would have been.


So what was his excuse?


Personally if I hand a name out (RARELY anymore) it’s MY NAME attached to it. I make it CLEAR up front I don’t control them.


I also make it clear to the referred guy who it was that gave him the referral and that it WON’T happen again if he F’s it up.

 

[Gus Dering]

I understand that you are happy with the result and thats all good.

I would have a potential issue with the mason provided everything is OK with him and his family. If he saw this guy as a person he had no interest in working for he should have handled it up front and professionally with the HO. Then jumped on the phone and alerted you.

Personally i have little patience with people that avoid confrontation to the point of no communication at all. Be a man and say what you need to say with tact and no charge. What is the worst thing that can happen? IMO it is not near as bad as the results you had to deal with.

This lifestyle we live is built around our reputation and our relationships. I think that anything that compromises either one is a direct assault to me personally and professionally.

Now I don't get all twisted into rage over things like your situation, I'm not saying that at all. But that concept would be the subject matter with my next conversation with the mason.

I do agree that this HO is wack. You should have seen that when he was jacking the other mason around.

Just another perspective.

 

[AtlanticWBConst]

I’m not defending the HO per say as you added on that you got a bad “vibe”.


One thing to consider though is recommendations are a two way street.


You were happy when he called singing your praises on the referral and now the referral stiffed him.


NOT CALLING is NO excuse. If the mason also got a bad vibe and felt the guy was a mental case one call to cancel with brief explanation done and done.





Sorry but from my POV you set the precedence. You should have established this on the first call that YOU are not responsible. Only that you would do it as a favor IF that’s what your choice would have been.


So what was his excuse?


Personally if I hand a name out (RARELY anymore) it’s MY NAME attached to it. I make it CLEAR up front I don’t control them.


I also make it clear to the referred guy who it was that gave him the referral and that it WON’T happen again if he F’s it up.

FWIW - I posted this as an "experience"....as a topic open to discussion (not as a request for advice). I thank you for your input.

Now, I never set a precedence, because, the HO didn't know I called the Mason the first time: I called the Masonry contractor out of my own accord (the 1st time), NOT because I was told to, NOT because I felt an obligation to anyone. NOT because I told the HO I would, NOT because I felt an obligation to, NOT because I felt responsible.

I would do that for anyone, that I have a repoir(sp) with, or any kind of professional connection (I may have) in the industry with. I made a courtesy call - to give him a "heads up" on the situation. Nothing more.

 

[AtlanticWBConst]

......If he saw this guy as a person he had no interest in working for he should have handled it up front and professionally with the HO. Then jumped on the phone and alerted you.

Who said that I had this HO pegged from the start?

You observe people over time, and interactions. Over time, and thru personal interactions. You make your personal evaulation, about whether they are a good match for your services, and your business - with - their needs (Example: There are some people that want cheap labor, and don't really care about the quality - Personally, That is not my company, and I would rather not work for such Clients)

There are stages, to understanding, and figuring people out my friend. A book cannot be judged by it's cover. That is the same with Clients and HO's. Balanced, and more accurate anylization comes from:

1. Observations of the way the home, or office is kept. Observations of their clothing, manners, speech, and communications skills. The way they conduct themselves, how they refer to others, and treat others. How they treat their own spouse (Big Observation Clue). I could go on and on. I am far, far from being a rookie, or a niave (sp), young person in this industry.

2. Random, or associated comments that strike you kind of funny.
3. Quirks, that are noticable.
4. Comments from others - that make you wonder.
5. Unsual or unreasonable requests.
6. etc, etc ,etc...

I observe how people treat their pets, their children. How they comment about their neighbors, what questions they ask me, how they keep their home, their yard, the "toys" they have in their garage, how they maintain, or not maintain their property/home/belongings. Etc, Etc, Etc....

I have worked for HO's and Clients: and completed several stages of multi phase projects.

If/When I see things, observe issues (red flags), etc, I will conventiently remove my company from the Bid list, or future availibility.

It's common sense, not rocket science....