Finding good contractors is tough. Really tough. So when I needed someone fast to repair and replace the front and back gates, plus the railings around one of our properties, I had to look outside my usual go-to list—everyone was tied up.

If you’ve ever been in this boat, you know the typical routine: Call → Leave a voicemail → Wait → Site visit (maybe) → Wait again → Get a quote… a week later.

But then came Jose.

Jose, picked up the phone. No voicemail limbo. We had a solid conversation. He said he’d check out the property the next day and send me a quote right after. Sounded promising, but I’ve learned to stay skeptical until people deliver.

Sure enough, the next day, right on the dot, Jose called me from the site, asked a few smart questions, and BOOM—20 minutes later, I get a text with a picture of a handwritten estimate on his contractor pad.

Now, normally I prefer email for documentation, but the speed, precision, and personal touch? That impressed me. And the quote was reasonable too. I decided to give him a shot.

We scheduled the job, and I met him on-site just to see how he operated—thinking, maybe he could be someone we work with long term.

He showed up 20 minutes early in a fully loaded work truck. Not only was he punctual, but he came prepared. He offered three different locking mechanism options, extra protection add-ons, and even pointed out a side gate issue we hadn’t discussed—and fixed it.

By 4pm, I got a call. Job done. Multiple photos sent. I stopped by the next day and was beyond impressed—clean work, well-finished, and painted.

Within days of the job being completed, neighbors began reaching out, asking for the contact info of the person who did the work. The craftsmanship spoke for itself—and it was already turning heads and generating more business for him.

Moral of the Story – What Made Jose Stand Out:

– Answer the Phone. No fancy systems needed. Just be responsive—and when you say you’ll call back, actually do it.
– Offer Real Value. That can mean a fair price, expert advice, fast response, or simply showing your client that you care.
– Be Punctual. On time is good. Early is better.
– Come Prepared. with the right tools, knowledge, and plan—says more about your professionalism than any sales pitch ever could.
– Overdeliver. Leave your client with a great feeling. That’s what people remember—and that’s how you earn repeat business.

Jose didn’t just get the job. He earned a spot on my now list. He’s no longer just a fence guy—he’s my fence guy.