I recently wrote a blog about a Dad that just wore me out. Well, as the late, great Paul Harvey used to say, "Here's the rest of the story".

Got a call on Wednesday from Dad. I saw him on caller ID, and have to say I cringed. I really didn't have time to spend going over each item in the report. Should I let it go to voice mail? No, I'll just answer it.

The first thing he said when I answered was, "I want to thank you for doing such a great job for my kids. I did not expect the detail and thoroughness of your report. How did you take those pictures of the roof. Did you go all the way up there?". 

I have to say that while I have a pretty good idea my clients appreciate my work, most don't go out of their way to express it. I get the  Thanks, and Great job comments a lot, but not often do I get a "from the heart" lengthly expression of thanks. It feels pretty good.

He then told me that the other reason for his call, was to get the phone numbers of some of the people I recommended. A painter, a contractor guy, and my insurance guy. After I gave him the numbers and we chatted a bit, he told me he was going to tell his friends about me. I thanked him for the call.

On Thursday I scheduled an inspection for a friend of his son's. He said that if Charles recommends someone, he's as good as gold. What he said next, was what was gold to me. He said that Charles was an extremely picky guy, and very hard to please, so if he thought that someone was good, he must be REALLY good. THAT comment made my day.

CLARIFICATION: I don't mean to make this post sound like I am a super inspector. Far from it. I do know I am pretty darn good at what I do, but I also know there are a bunch of guys out there that have been doing this longer than I have, and know a bunch more. It was really intended to show how good it feels to hear appreciation from the people we work for, AND to have a little more patience, because it may pay for itself many times over.