I have purchased many appliances for my clients and my own home over the years from these folks. The have a great showroom, attentive salespeople, and pretty good prices. The best part of any visit to their store is their scratch and dent section in the rear of the warehouse. What a great selection of appliances! Ask for Whit when you go...but you better call first because I think he only works a few days a week.

Over the last few years, Sheri and I have joined forces on many projects. I've been fortunate to have her involved in all of our renovation, remodel, and additions. She has drawn all the plans for our projects ranging from historic renovations to attic additions, kitchen and bath remodels, and the many covered patios we've built for our clients. She has a very keen eye for detail and is a font of knowledge when it comes to accessibilities architecture for the physically challenged. Her practice handles both residential and commercial work. It is not surprising to me she stays so busy! She happens to be one of my clients as well! We've done work for her at a building she owns in downtown Mansfield, and at her home.

Since coming to Texas 13+ years ago, I have only used one carpet service. Roger has been in the homes of over 100 of my clients. His carpet cleaning service is, without a doubt, the best I've ever experienced. His knowledge of carpet is so extensive it truly boggles my mind! I asked Roger to stop by a client's home not too long ago to look at stretching and cleaning their carpets. Roger could have easily gone ahead and done the work, but he suggested to my clients to save their money on his services and put the money toward new carpet, instead. Their carpet was beyond repair. What Roger said at that client's home displayed that he's got the client's best interests at heart. When you call him, don't forget to mention The Neighborhood GuyTM. You'll get "my pricing"...and a fantastic job done by a fellow that really cares about you.

I have referred these folks many times to my clients. Each time I've asked for a report card on the service and pricing, virtually every client has been satisfied with the service, timeliness, and pricing! That says a lot about a company. I have never met the owners, Jordan and Angie, but I do know they are active in the Arlington and Mansfield communities...and they run a great service and new install business. When going to their site, look for the coupons for discounts to new clients...tell them a stranger...The Neighborhood GuyTM...sent you!

Many of my clients rely on realtors for referrals to reputable home inspectors. I can tell you that these folks are as professional as they come! Brian and Brenda have about 5 inspectors that can go all over the Metroplex. The clients I've spoken to have been impressed with their abilities, not to mention the vast amount of certifications Brian and each inspector has. When needing to purchase a home, or if you would like to sell yours, please give these folks a call. For my money, Brian Murphy puts the p-r-o in professional!

I have a great many clients in common with Madeline and Stephanie. I can tell you I hand her business card to every client that expresses a need for a trustworthy and empathetic designer. She really gets to know her clients on a personal level! I have been involved in a good many projects with Madeline. Her attention to detail and her ability to produce great looks for a client's home never cease to amaze me! Some designers get in a rut and produce the newest "hot" look in homes over and over. I have never seen the same look in any of Madeline's projects!

Madeline's talents extend to commercial design as well. You really must visit her showroom on Lancaster. They are celebrating their 1st anniversary at the store. The space is so well done, and the items she has on display...they'll make you want to spend the whole day. Each time I am there, I find something to take back to my own home! Last trip there I picked up a huge antique blackened, ornately carved mirror that I hung in the foyer at home. Inventory at the store changes frequently, and she will find anything you desire through her vast resource connections. Madeline's is one of my clients, as well! The Neighborhood GuyTM is performing some cosmetic brick maintenance and repair...so her gorgeous building will look great for another 100+ years. Visit her site online to learn more about this amazing woman...and tell her The Neighborhood GuyTM sent you!

When asked for a referral I always give out the cards and numbers of both Realtors. Why? I have had such wonderful personal and professional relationships with each of them...I prefer the client decide which is the best fit for them! No matter which one you choose, you can't go wrong! Both are the models of professionalism, trust, honesty, and community involvement. You'll see what I mean when you meet them...they're both special.

Jane and Lucy were the first realtors I met when I joined The Mansfield Chamber of Commerce in 2002. Jane and I were in a leads group together. Over the years I've been privileged to refer these hard working women to a whole lot of clients. They've called on The Neighborhood GuyTM to get their client's homes ready to show as many times as I've called on them to help a client sell a home! They are go getters! When you have them on your side, you can count on a lot of traffic through your home...and isn't that what you want? The more prospects that visit your home, the better your chances of getting a quick sale! This mother/daughter team also provides wonderful services for the home buyer! They really listen to what you want in a home...then they show you all the possibilities! Call Jane and Lucy...you'll be glad you did!

In my 13 years as a Texan, I've dealt with three or four mortgage companies. Having purchased two homes and gone through two refinances in 13 years has taught me one thing...it is a pain in the fanny...UNLESS you find someone who will really pay attention to your needs. Homes are the single greatest investment we normal mortals will ever make...the least we can expect from a mortgage guy or gal is a little empathy and compassion during what can often be a nerve fraying experience for you and your family!

I was referred to Craig Drake last year when I began to think about refinancing our home. When it appeared 15 year rates had hit a low, I called him and asked him to find the best deal he could...fast! My wife was going to be traveling on business out of the country within 17 days from my initial phone call. He found Nancy and me the perfect program, took our application, and closed us at Alamo Title on Debbie Lane...IN TWO WEEKS! Nancy left that following Monday on her China trip. No kidding! I knew what I had asked of him was next to impossible...but he made it happen...and did it with such ease and professionalism...it made my head spin. What a great guy, too. He still keeps in contact with us. He sends thank you notes with cool stuff the whole family can enjoy...Blockbuster and Home Depot gift cards...all kinds of neat, usable items. Who doesn't like free gift cards? Call Craig for your entire mortgage needs...he will deliver!

The Edward Jones Company Trust Division called my company, The Neighborhood GuyTM, to see if we'd be interested in remodeling a home they managed for a trust client. When I asked the trust officer how he came across my name, he mentioned that the office of Todd Simmons had suggested we be called. I did not know Todd then, but I picked up the phone to thank him for the referral anyway. We were lucky to be awarded the project. It was completed in about a week or ten days...and sold (with multiple offers) in about two weeks! During the project, I would call Todd, or pop in at his office to give him updates on the progress. I even asked him out to the home to inspect it at a couple stages to make sure we were on the same page.

During those visits, I saw how committed he was to his client. It was important to him to have the home sold quickly, and the proceeds reinvested into his client's trust...money his client relied upon for income. It didn't take five minutes to decide who should be trusted to manage my family's investments, 401K rollovers, stocks...and now The Neighborhood GuyTM Charitable Foundation funds! Todd has also generously agreed to be on the Board of Directors of The Neighborhood GuyTM Foundation! He is a fine example of a businessman that gives back to his community. He is very active at his church, as well.

He lives and works in Mansfield. One last observation about Todd Simmons...he is the only financial advisor I've ever had that makes time to talk with me and listen to my crazy ideas...when I pop in on him at his office...unannounced! Please call Todd Simmons, especially if you don't have a huge portfolio to manage. He will treat you like a member of his family...his ability to listen is his greatest asset.

In early October of 2006, JoAnn called on me to assist her with the remodeling of her town home in Arlington. How she introduced herself is a wonderful story in itself, but for brevity's sake, let me just say...she made it impossible to turn her down! We met at her newly purchased home to go over a list of repairs and remodeling concerns she had compiled with the help of her agent and friends. It was her first home purchase...ever! Being in the home building and remodeling business for so many years, I had forgotten what it was like..."not to know"! JoAnn helped me rediscover those scary thoughts that go through every renter's mind as they become homeowners for the first time. I am quite sure that she had been told horror stories about disreputable contractors, but I was determined to make her experience as enjoyable as possible.

As we worked through changes in paint colors, mantle designs and door styles, I began to build her trust by teaching her the "hows and whys" of the remodeling trade. During this process, I learned how her professional career had spanned both coasts. She had been involved with several non-profits that did extraordinary work with women, and had experience working in the governmental and corporate arenas. Little did I know what a gifted writer and speaker she was! When she left her staff position at a large church some time ago, we talked at great length about my plans for growing The Neighborhood GuyTM's business. Seizing on an opportunity, I asked her to help me start a charitable foundation...something I've wanted to do for a long time...and I asked her to help me build the most educational and helpful website any homeowner could possibly need.

Her knowledge and talents have been a blessing. During the many months it has taken to simultaneously create a new website and develop a new charitable organization from the ground up, she has been tireless. So when you go on: www.TheNeighborhoodGuy.com, remember...some one had to write, rewrite, and edit every word and thought that poured out of my brain! What a wonderful job she has done!

Should you need the services of an imaginative, tireless, and brilliant thinker and writer...run, don't walk to the phone, and call her. You'll never be sorry you did!