As the owner of VC Backflow, I am sharing my personal experience with Rudy, the owner of Cobos Fire & Safety, and the circumstances surrounding his conduct toward my business.
While performing backflow testing at a commercial property, I was approached by representatives of the company operating at the location. They asked whether VC Backflow could replace a valve or recommend someone who could perform the work. I was informed that Rudy had been given approximately three months to complete the job, but the work remained unfinished.
I explained that I would look into the request and get back to them.
Unbeknownst to me, the company subsequently informed Rudy that his services were no longer needed for that particular job and that VC Backflow would be handling the work.
Shortly afterward, a one-star review appeared on my company's Yelp page under the name Rudy C.
The review contained serious allegations about VC Backflow's licensing, insurance, qualifications, and business practices. Rudy made these statements without having knowledge of our insurance coverage, internal operations, business relationships, or who performs our contracted work.
After receiving the review, I contacted the company at the job site to ask who Rudy was. They identified him as the individual they had previously hired and subsequently informed that VC Backflow would be handling the job.
I then contacted Rudy directly to discuss the review. During that conversation, he made threatening remarks toward me and stated that I should not be taking other people's jobs. He also refused to remove the review.
The review was originally published under the name Rudy C. on July 25, 2024. The same review subsequently appeared under the name Jennifer S., after the reviewer's Yelp display name was changed. I have preserved screenshots documenting both versions of the review.
Following this incident, several positive reviews of my business were reported and removed from multiple platforms.
As a fellow business owner, I find this entire experience extremely disappointing.
VC Backflow was approached by a customer who needed assistance with an unfinished job. We did not solicit Rudy's customer or interfere with an existing agreement. The customer made its own decision regarding who it wanted to perform the work.
No business owner should have to deal with damaging allegations about their company simply because a customer decides to hire another contractor.
I believe professional competition should be based on the quality of work, customer service, and the ability to fulfill commitments--not on making allegations about another business's qualifications and operations.
I am sharing this experience so that other business owners and prospective customers can make their own informed decisions about working with Cobos Fire & Safety. read more