I believe the owner (Jan Brinkman) does satisfactory metal fabrication, and is pleasant enough when speaking with prospective customers; that said, my 2nd effort to have work performed went as follows:
1) 6/02/25 - Went to shop & spoke to Jan regarding a job I needed performed on-site at my home. He agreed he could do so and estimate the cost to be between $300-$400.00. I indicated this was fine and I would email him with photos & measurements.
2) 6/12/25 - Jan confirmed (via email) receipt of my email, but stated he couldn't open the attachment (w/photo). So, I re-sent same & later rec'd his email confirmation that he had everything & could see the picture.
3) 6/20/25 - Friday, (18-days following our original discussion in his office), He emailed me to advise that he was heading up north that day for a "little job", and would be returning on Sunday (6/22), whereafter, he would get hold of me (on Monday, 6/23), to set up a date for "my little project". He confirmed a cost of $400.00 to complete the work, which I indicated was "fine."
4) 7/06/25 (approx. 15-days after Jan's proj'd return fm: "up North", and 14 days after he stated he would be back in touch with me); As of this date, no follow-up contact had been rec'd. So, I reached out, once again emailing Jan to ask if he still planned on doing the work we discussed and how we could proceed. To date, Jan has never acknowledged this last email, nor otherwise contacted me to explain the delays in getting back to me, nor indicating he decided he no longer wished to perform the work. Just 'crickets'...
Summary: Everyone needs to decide for themselves what level of professionalism & customer courtesy & satisfaction they want from contractors they hire to perform work on their behalf. However, as a minimum, I look for good craftsmanship, honesty,4 fairness in pricing, and finally, respectful customer service & communications.
For the owner of a company that advertises "No Job Too Small" (on their business card), yet, continues to keep referring to work he's indicated he'll perform as, "your little project"; who subsequently fails to honor several time commitments and breaks off all communication, absent any explanation or apologies for problems experienced preventing him from doing so...well, I choose not to engage this company/owner with further business. I only would suggest to possible future customers here, "proceed with caution" involving any out-of-shop work you need performed. Especially if completion of said work is dependent upon a tight timeframe. read more