[Nebraska]

I would be interested in finding out what motivates them to believe that best and lowest can exist at the same time. My reply has always been "I'll give you my best but it's not my lowest & my lowest is not my best."

I posted it to confirm my thoughts that I was being given the cold shoulder....like it wasn't obvious! It's been a while. I still can not understand the motivation and the thought process....quite honestly it's chicken sh*&! If it was me I would just come out and say, "look, I been working with another company at previous property management company's and I prefer to use them." Honesty goes a long way IMO.

The twist is that I am very connected with the entire family that owns this development company. For the past eight years I have been frequently hunting, fishing, and golfing with all of them. We take care of all their lawn and landscape needs on all their personal residences too. A good relationship has been established. A relationship that this person is completely unaware of. If this person wants to try and weild power like this then I shall weild my power. So as such the phone call was made, email copy's sent, and lunch had. They agree that this person's tactics stink and as a result they are going to develop a poor reputation amoungst their tenants and contractors. They were very upset with the lack of respect and courtesy. They reiterated that they value our relationship as well as value the work we have done over the years. It was also reiterated that we have the contract with them as long as we perform as we've done in the past. This person has been with them for four months and I've come to find out that I am not the only one that has come to them about this person....not just one of a few....

Will see what happens...
...this is the first time I have been in a position with some "power" to alter the outcome....

Very rarely on the commercial end of the business, unless the prospect is a referral, does anyone ever have the slightest respect for your time. Hence the reason I have never really gone aggresively after this type of business......what we do have that is worthwhile has always started with someone's residence.

Bill,
I like your idea (it seems to be a recurring theme with you...) of a consultation fee. I will begin using it more often.