I had Pete come out to advise on how to properly cap off pool equipment prior to a house demolition so it wouldn't be damaged. This was intended to be a paid service visit, but upon arrival he said the work was very simple and that he wasn't even going to charge me, mentioning that he lives in Dunedin as well.
Unfortunately, the interaction quickly became unprofessional and disrespectful.
When the conversation briefly shifted to pool heating options, I mentioned that I was considering photovoltaic solar panels tied into a heat pump system that would also serve the house. Pete immediately responded by calling this "the singular dumbest idea ever." When I clarified that I was not referring to traditional solar pool-heating panels (roof-mounted water circulation), but rather PV panels feeding a heat pump, he continued to dismiss the idea outright without listening.
I made it clear that I would only pursue any option if it made financial sense. Despite that, he repeated that it was "the dumbest idea ever," which was unnecessary and insulting. He then became irritated, said I wasn't listening, and abruptly announced he was leaving.
Before leaving, he made an entirely inappropriate comment asking if I was "on psych meds." This remark was made directly to me in a professional service setting and was shocking, offensive, and completely unacceptable.
While Pete may have technical experience, his communication style is dismissive and unprofessional. Disagreeing with a customer or choosing not to take on a job is one thing; insulting them and questioning their mental health is another. Prospective customers should be aware of this experience when deciding who to hire. read more
