This is Martin.
He is a Guardian Angel contractor but he doesn’t know it. Probably would be embarrassed since he is a modest fellow.
My house was inundated by eleven inches of water from “Ike” when my roof gave way. I had four contractors who gave me estimates and then never showed up. I was in a mess!
Martin arrived with his crew like a whirlwind last week. They are still here.
He is not only a meticulous plasterer and painter but works nonstop except for a fifteen minute lunch break. He has been in business for eight years.
At the end of each day, he vacuums everything with a high powered machine. My house, behind heavy furniture, has never been so clean. He then washes the inside of the windows. Whatta guy!
But, there is more.
My Internet telephone has been acting up for months. My cable company has been here a million times. After they left last week, it went out again.
Martin got down from his ladder and said, “Let me take a look at it. I know a little about technology.”
He took the modem apart. It is now working.
Yesterday, I was having problems with my dryer. Turned out the exhaust pipe was broken and unhooked. Martin and one of his guys, Mike, repaired it. They refused to take any payment for it.
There is a service in Chicago called “Angie’s List.” They list only contractors who are highly recommended. They had a television ad on last week about a plumber who walked a customer’s dog.
I am going to sent this to you, Angie. Put Martin on the top of your list.
I don’t know if he walks dogs, as I don’t have one, but I would not be surprised.
I do know that Martin “walks that extra mile” in his life.
Martin can be reached at 773 414 2561 or at his email themarcin@msn.com. He works in Chicago and all the suburbs and does mainly residential painting and small rehab jobs. His motto is “Get it done!”
If you need a “Guardian Angel,” call him. But you can’t have him until he is finished with my house next week! He belongs to me right now.
Even if you are not in the Chicago area, with all the bad news everywhere – we need to know about people like this. They are rare.
I thought it would cheer you up today to know there are still angels among us on this earth!
Attention Angie’s List
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What a great guy! I’ve had contractors before that could not spell vacuum, let alone use one to clean up after themselves. His work ethic sounds admirable, and I’m sure he appreciates the plug from you. I hope his business does well, soulds like he really deserves it!
He sure is a great guy!
Got him by “accident” but I don’t believe in accidents.
Hope it does him some good. I sent the blog to Angie’s List.
These smaller contractors need work in this economy!
Lucky you — all my life I just wanted a man with a hammer who knows how to use it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have met this angel and – and he painted our previous house and then our new house and became a dear friend. He exemplifies talent, hard work and honesty! After he finishes painting his love of his trade excudes through>
I couldn’t have said it better myself, not only does he do great work, but he always has a smile on his face!
Great guy, there is so much work, that I cant do by my own, it is so hard today to find hard working and talented person, so thanks for good advice.
Dear Beth, Jenny and Bowtrol -
Thanks for weighing in here! Glad there are others who have benefited from Martin and his team!
Pass this on to your friends, especially if you are in the Chicago area or any of the suburbs!
So happy to hear you finally got a good contractor. I was lucky to find two brothers in my area. Still trying to find a carpenter. They are all so busy, never call back.
Love,
Patsy
YOu did it again with yet another inspiring article. I love how you promoted Martin like that. You are right – people like him are exceedingly rare.
My goal is to find someone like him to help me with the launch of my new raw food blog – someone who can help me design it for a reasonable price and then help me launch it. Maybe there will be someone on that Angie’s list?
You tell Martin he’s got my respect and lots of love.
Dear Stephen -
Martin has been gone from my house for over a week.
I miss him. Such a fine young man.
If I did not have so many boys already, I would adopt him!
Dear Corinne, I too met an Angel a week ago in the parking lot of the Darien Stop&Shop. He was walking around giving
out papers, on which he had hand written his name and telephone number, and the word Handyman. Will do any odd
job,painting, yard work, etc. I stopped to speak to him. He
was a middle-aged black man, who kept hiking up his pants,
and sniffling in the cold air. He mentioned gutters and I
knew mine were filled to overflowing, so I said he could
come give me a quote on cleaning them. He followed me home
in his car, and after looking at the gutters, said he’s do
them for $40. I almost fainted! I said “Fine!” He not only
cleaned 5 gutters, he swept the roof of an extention of my
house, fixed the down pipes, talking all the while to me,
hiking his pants up and sniffling, but what a sweet man he
was and such a bargain! I told him I’d surely call him again.
Angels should be listed in the Yellow Pages! Louise
Dear Louise -
Angels are everywhere. You opened your heart and one arrived without your calling.
You are also one. Watch to see what you should do to give back to balance the one who was sent to you.
Martin seems like he is quite the handyman, and from I read of your post a great cleaner too. I should learn from him and apply what he does to improve my business.
He is one of the few good contractors out there. It’s hard to find people that will build, clean, and reassure you these days.