Really? My gardener? Yes, very much and so deserved. Business owners everywhere could learn something here. It has become painfully clear that many businesses do not embrace or study Customer Service 101. Owners and employees are rude and unconcerned -- not always, but more often than not. I acknowledge that in my youth I wasn't always at my best in the realm of customer service and learned my lessons the hard way. They were good lessons. I know the difference between good service and not so good -- it has become part of what I do everyday. In the Yelp, TripAdvisor, Facebook and Twitter world of today where good and bad is just a Tweet away, you need to bring your A-game at all times.
I was without a gardener. Someone to do just the mundane of mow and blow. Down the street I heard the hum of the same at my neighbor's house -- mower and blower. I wandered over and shook hands with the man behind the noise, William.
"Hi, my name is Barbara. I only need someone every other week. Are you available to do my lawn? " The response was in the affirmative and William went to work that same day. And every two weeks after that.
What set William apart in my mind was a simple gesture, "Hello Barbara," he said two weeks later. Wow! He greeted me and remembered my name. Whenever we would see each other, there was a greeting of hello. My previous gardener also was very reliable and did great work. But in all the years we knew each other, I don't think he ever called me by my name.
When I moved I let William know I would be in touch. It was winter and the yard didn't need much tending. A few months later I made the call. Days later, William arrived. "Hello, Barbara!" Even his staff waves when I approach. Something so simple. The perfect customer service. Today, when I arrived he was trimming my boxwood hedges -- unasked. It was then I knew I had to tell the world.
William Ruiz is my gardener of choice. Working in the area for more than 10 years he covers Sacramento, Elk Grove, Natomas, Greenhaven and downtown Sacramento. He does clean-ups, can provide some other landscaping needs such as bark or gravel, and pruning small trees and shrubs. I wasn't really looking for a house with lawn maintenance needs. But I'm glad this is where I landed to keep this personable and professional gardener in my life and to support local economy.
Whether it's providing lawn service or fine dining, Customer Service 101 should be top of mind. Thank you William! If you want 5-star, call 916/647-3077.