Mike & Linda’s Referral List… “Tri-Cities Best of 2023!”
Twice a year we try to give “APPRECIATION!” to Individuals and/or Businesses that have provided us—and our clients—“EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE!” over the past year and, therefore, have earned our (and your) continued support.
This does not mean that if a Person or Business is not noted here, they did not give exceptional service; it can simply mean we just did not have any--or very limited business contact with them over the past year.
NOTE: If you do—or don’t—receive “Exceptional Service” from anyone on this list, we want to know. We do not charge anyone to be on this list, but they have to take “Exceptional Care” of our people so be sure and let them know we referred you to them. And if you have received “Exceptional Service” from someone recently not on our list we’d like to know about that/them also.
Accountants
Appraisers
Attorneys
Auto Repair
Cabinet Refinish
Car Dealers
Carpet/Vinyl/Tile
Carpet Cleaning
Cleaning Services
Computer Services
Concrete Leveling
Decks
Dentists
Doctors
Drapes/Blinds
Drywall: Small jobs and repairs
Electrical
Estate Sales
Fiberglass Tub Repairs-
Refinishing
Financial Advisors
Garage Doors
Garage Floor Coatings
Glass Companies
Golf Courses
Granite
Handyman
Heating/Air Conditioning/Duct
Cleaning
Home Inspectors
Insurance
Landscaping
Locksmiths
Movers
Outdoor Store
Painters
Pools and Spas
Plumbers
Pools & Spas
Restoration: Fire, Water,
Remodel
Roofing
Lenders
Septic Service
Shower Floors
Stucco Repair
Tires/Brakes/Suspension
Tub Repairs
Water Conditioning
Well & Pump Inspections
Windows
Window Washing
ACCOUNTANTS:
E. “Kent” Oswalt. Is our man. Has had our personal back for the past 25 years. Nothing more needs said.
Kent Oswalt, CPA kent@oswaltcpa.com
Work: (509)783-6818
APPRAISERS:
We as a business have been struggling for the past few years with the new appraisal requirements, which means we get a number of out-of-area appraisers with little to no personal knowledge of the area. As a result, many of our clients continue to receive “compromised evaluations” on the sale or purchase of their homes that do not accurately reflect the true market in our area. This makes us appreciate the professionalism of three of our local appraisers even more.
Paul Henderson/Henderson & Associates
Paul@HendersonAppraisalFirm.com
Work: 735-7467
Duane Hattori/NW Appraisal Service orders@appnw.net
Work: (509)946-5720
ATTORNEYS:
Jay Flynn/Kristi McKennon: Plaintiff Personal Injury (Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, etc.)
Flynn, Merriman & McKennon: Jay Flynn flynn@fmm-law.com
Work: (509)783-7326
http://www.fmm-law.com/attorneys/jay-flynn.php
Flynn, Merriman & McKennon: Kristi McKennon mckennon@fmm-law.com
Work: (509)783-7326
https://fmm-law.com/attorneys/kristi-mckennon/
Tim Klashke: Business Law, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning, Probate.
Kuffel, Hultgrenn, Klashke, Shea & Ellerd tasha@khkslaw.com
Work: (509)545-8531
https://khkslaw.com/our-attorneys/tim-klashke/
John O’Leary: Personal Bankruptcy.
Gravis Law: John O’Leary
(509)586-7797
AUTO REPAIR:
A few years ago, local attorney, Tim Anderson, and just retired director of Public Services for Kennewick, Russ Burtner, put us onto Genesis Auto Repair (specializing in Japanese cars such as Toyota, Lexus & Honda) in downtown Kennewick. Some of the best advice we ever received. Through two Toyotas, our contract with them has been, “Treat it like it was yours.” They do, and we’ve never been disappointed.
Brad Solbrack-Genesis Auto Repair
Work: (509)582-6544
CABINET REFINISH:
Can restore kitchen/bath cabinets at WAY under replacement. We have used NHance on our own home.
NHance
(509)328-9663
https://www.nhance.com/
A&G Coatings: Greg Harbert
(509)308-2660
Harbertgreg4@gmail.com
https://www.ag-coatings.com/
CAR DEALERS:
The best car dealer in the Tri-Cities for Pre-Owned and Specialty Cars: Archibalds has been for years.
Archibalds
866-582-1379
6902 W. Clearwater, Kennewick
www.archibalds.net/
CARPET/TILE/VINYL/WOOD/EPOXY:
Choices in CARPET/VINYL/TILE /WOOD/EPOXY is more than just having product; it’s knowledge of the product and assistance in matching the product to your needs and application. Our continuing nod is Costless Carpets and Luke’s Carpets who have provided outstanding service to those we have referred.
We’ve also added Noni’s Custom Creations this year due to expertise in new EPOXY COUNTERS & FLOORS.
Costless Carpets: Work: (509)737-0547
Luke’s Carpets: Ken Striegel
(509)737-1023
Ken.lukescarpet@gmail.com
Noni’s Custom Creations (Noni Bruner)
(509)947-4103.
CARPET/TILE/VINYL/WOOD INSTALLATION:
It’s a father, son and grandson’s operation. They install it all…and they install it right.
Idler’s Carpets: Daryl Idler
idlerscarpet@gmail.com
(509)947-4061
CARPET CLEANING/STRETCHING:
ZION CARPET SERVICES & CHEM DRY. Always a great job, especially the tough ones where animals and heavy smokers are involved.
Zion Carpet Services: Paul Little
zioncarpets@gmail.com
Work: (509)547-7970
Chem Dry: Omar Garcia
(509)948-6601
CLEANING SERVICES:
Cleaning homes for living and cleaning homes for sale are two very different crafts. Our experience shows that most home cleaning services cannot bring a home up to our standards which assists in maximizing the final sale price. But we have one that can...BRANDON BURNS. Not only can he maximize the home for sale, but he also does standard home cleaning…which means that even standard home cleaning is to a higher than standard quality level.
Brandon Burns Cleaning
Bburns1701@yahoo.com
Cell: (509)308-2108
COMPUTER SERVICES:
We have a great go-to guy: Shawn Winget at Win-Tech Computer services. A one man operation. Checks them in, works on them, checks them out. And it’s done right. Absolutely the best of the best.
Win-Tech Computer Services/Shawn Wingett wintech@wintechcs.com
Work: (509)735-3588
CONCRETE REPAIRS/LEVELING:
Concrete repairs, leveling walks/steps/driveways, sealing, filling voids & crack repair these are your guys.
Northwest Concrete Leveling: Jordan Knappeck jordan@northwestconcrete leveling.com
Work: (509)574-6774/Cell: (509)987-4911
DECKS:
Limited but great reviews from our people who have used them.
Dynamic Decks: Mike Schaupp
(509)847-9270
Mike.dynamicdecks@gmail.com
Tricitiesdecks.com
DENTISTS:
We have several friends as dentists (who do great work) but for almost 30 years now our entire family has gone to Dr. Steve Matheson at Clearwater Dental Center. Steve has now retired but his values and services are now continued by an incredible support staff of top dental/oral health professionals which is very noticeable…and appreciated.
Dr. Jerry Han/Dr. Eric Rose/Dr. Steve Matheson Clearwater Dental Center
(509)783-5000
DOCTORS:
For Orthopedic, it’s Chris Kontogianis (Dr. K). For Heart Issues, its Randall Farrar and Ken Curry. They’re great and they care, all in an outstanding manner. For Primary Care, with the retirement of Dr. Jim Campbell, we’ve found an outstanding Nurse Practitioner, Jessica Noble with Trios Health.
Dr. Chris Kontogianis (Dr. K). Work: (509)586-2828
Dr. Randall Farrar Work: (509)946-1004
Dr. Ken Curry Work: (509)942-3272
Jessica Noble (Nurse Practitioner) Work: (509)221-6450
DRAPES/BLINDS:
We built our home in 2000 and had Blinds Are Us install the window coverings for the home…at a very good price we might add. Over the past 10 years, every now and then a pull cord snaps or some minor repair item throws the blinds out of adjustment. We call John and within a day or so he shows up, makes a repair, looks all the units over and touches them up until they meet his satisfaction. Charge? Not a penny. That’s what we call SERVICE. That’s why we would never use or refer anyone else.
John Burseth/Blinds Are Us jburseth@pocketinet.com
Cell: (509)547-0818
DRYWALL/Small jobs-repairs
Kirk Bachison/Diamond Construction (206)459-5792
Brett Kirchoff/Cleancraft Home Services (509)948-8502
Mike Duarte/Paint Master Services (509)588-6421
DRYWALL/PAINTING/CABINENT REFINISHING
A&G Coatings: Greg Harbert
(509)308-2660
Harbertgreg4@gmail.com
https://www.ag-coatings.com/
ELECTRICIANS:
We always seem to need an electrician. Given that, based on the age of a lot of homes we have for sale in the area, we need an OLD SCHOOL ELECTRICIAN who knows how to handle the OLD SCHOOL ELECTRICAL and knows that not everything that was installed day before yesterday is defective and needs to be replaced.
Candy Mountain Electric: Mark Bradley (509)438-9368
Cmcustom2011@outlook.com
Empire Electric: Frank Plata (509)430-2806
G&D ELECTRIC: David Ellig (541)731-3511
david@gndelectric.com
ESTATE SALES:
Need to sell a house full of “collectables” when a family member passes on? At least a couple times a year we do for clients and Craig Estate Sales is our first choice, given the great service they have provided and continue to provide. Accurate and honest. We love it.
Rick Craig: Craig Estate Sales (509)539-3355
info@craigestatesales.com
FIBERGLASS TUB REPAIRS/RE-FINISHING:
Mid-Columbia Dura Glaze (Kelly) (509)783-6839
http://www.duraglazetricities.com/
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY:
Absolutely the best!
Breshears Professional Photography: Rich Breshears
https://www.facebook.com/BreshearsProfessionalPhotography Work: (509)586-6695
FINANCIAL ADVISORS:
As in many of our fields, we have a number of friends (with good professional reputations) who are financial advisors. Because of the nature—and responsibility—of the business we are limited here to ones we personally use and absolutely trust: Jared Liebert, Matt Petersen & Dennis Orren. Who’s the best? They all are the best. Interview each and determine the best fit for you.
Jared Liebert: Schumacher-Liebert Investment Group
(509)736-3855
jared.liebert@rbc.com
Matt Petersen: Petersen/Hastings Financial Services
matthewp@petersenhastings.com
Work: (509)735-0484
Dennis Orren: Orren Financial Services
orrenfinancial@gmail.com
Work: (509)374-9767
GARAGE DOORS:
Great service this year for both our clients and ourselves.
Tom Whitney/Overhead Doors
advancedoverheaddoors@clearwire.net
Work: (509)783-0335
GARAGE EPOXY FLOOR COATINGS:
The best we have used…and they stand behind their product/work.
GARAGE & CLOSET SOLUTIONS: Geoff Bouchey
(509)735-6815
Gbouchey1@hotmail.com
GLASS COMPANIES:
We suggest and use Perfection Glass, Superior Glass, The Glass Nook, and Tri-City Glass. They all respond quickly. For “really cool” things you can do with glass, it’s The Glass Nook and Superior Glass.
Perfection Glass
(509)586-1177
Superior Glass
(509)586-6000
The Glass Nook
(509)943-6746
Tri-City Glass
Work: (509)586-0454
GOLF COURSES:
We don’t actually golf ourselves but based on continued client comments, we’ve got to suggest the Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick. We’ve known Mike Lundgren a long time and he just seems to consistently do a great job on a great course year after year. From their website, you can see why.
http://www.canyonlakesgolfcourse.com/
GRANITE:
We see a lot of new construction. New construction with a lot of expensive granite countertop installs. New construction with a lot of expensive “butchered up” granite countertop installs. It you’re going to go the extra for granite, get someone who knows how to cut, seam, and match with something besides a hammer and chisel. We’ve got one for you: Troy Grady/GSS Fabrications. Troy comes to your home with a computer and laser-measures the install. Then, back at the shop, the computer directs the cutting. The edges are clean, the seams match, and nothing has to be hammered into place to fit or super-caulked to fill gaps. The beauty of granite is as much the install as the product. Do not skimp on that part.
GSS Fabrications: Troy Grady
gssfabrication@hotmail.com
Work: (509)375-1960/Fax: (509)375-1962
HANDYMAN:
A good, reasonable, dependable…and licensed…Handyman is, surprising, very hard to find. Excellent results this past year from the Hunny Do Crew.
The Hunny Do Crew
(509)948-0490
http://www.thehunnydocrew.com/home
HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING:
We use a lot of HVAC service. This year we consistently used Dayco Heating, Bob Rhodes Heating, Bruce, Inc. and Campbell & Co. Here’s how it all played out:
For quality of service, all four are fairly equal. For quickness of service scheduling: Bob Rhodes and Bruce, Inc., followed by Dayco, and then Campbell & Co. For value: Bob Rhodes and Bruce, Inc., followed closely by Dayco and then Campbell.
Dayco
heather_b@daycoheating.com
Work: 9509)586-9464
Bob Rhodes Heating servicedesk@bobrhodesheating.com (509)783-3291
Bruce, Inc.: Ron Bruce brenda@bruceinc.com
Work: (509)734-0669
Campbell & Co. kerriet@callcampbell.com
Work: (509)545-9848
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING DUCT CLEANING:
NADCA certified residential, commercial & industrial cleaning services for HVAC systems, furnaces, air ducts, boilers, dryer vents, exhaust systems & blown in insulation removal. Good people.
BF Power Vac Furnace and Air Duct Cleaning: Shawn & Tammy Mattoon
https://www.facebook.com/bfpowervac/ (509)628-9389
INSURANCE: Auto, Home, Personal
We have always received great service from Scott Smith.
State Farm Insurance: Scott Smith
scott.smith.ul5k@statefarm.com
Work: (509)783-0172
HOME INSPECTORS:
There are a lot of Home Inspectors. We need an inspector who doesn’t turn match flames into nuclear events (or the opposite). We need a good, clean, logical inspection as a protection to the clients on both sides of a sale. We have received great service this year from Ron Schenck, Ryan Brightman and Randy Scott.
Ron Schenck/NPI Property Inspections npipro@gmail.com
Cell: (509)832-3427
Ryan Brightman/Proper Home Inspections properhomeinspections@gmail.com
Cell: (509)420-0948
Randy Scott/Arscott Home Inspections r.scott@charter.net
Cell: (509)531-2852
LANDSCAPING/LAWN CARE/SPRINKLER REPAIR:
Lawn Enforcement: Kevin Jones Lawn_patrol@yahoo.com
(509)539-3384
Murphy Mowing: Adam Murphy
(509)366-7700
Heritage Landscaping: Randy Mendenhall randy@heritagelandscaping.com
Cell: (509)727-1411
SLM Landscaping/Lawn Care
Mobile: (509)539-9156/office: (509)380-2206 LENDERS:
There are a number of good…and great…mortgage lenders in the Tri-Cities but for our bucks, no one does it better than Community 1st Mortgage. You not only get the best of the best in the quality of the Lenders but in the back-up staff also and you’ve got the bank itself backing the staff and the Lenders. The process just goes quicker and better. As a note our son, Derek, chose Community 1st to be a Lender there for all the same reasons.
COMMUNITY 1st: Derek Robinson
DRobinson@community1st.com
Cell: (303)888-8654
COMMUNITY 1st: Jamin Clark jclark@community1st.com
Work: (509)820-4003/Cell: (509)948-2935
LOCKSMITHS:
And as every previous year, it’s Mount’s Lock & Key in downtown Kennewick.
Mount’s Lock & Key
415 W. 1st Ave.
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509(586-9300
MOVERS:
Best Local Movers: Help U Move and Smooth Move and Speedy Movers. Best Long-Distance Mover: Larsen Transfer/United.
Help U Move Work: (509)547-2212
Smooth Move
(509)460-8158
Speedy Movers: Derek Hatke
(509)531-2800/Cell: (509)440-0789 derrick@callspeedy.com
United-Larsen Transfer: Rick Schneitter
rick@larsentransfer.com
Work: (509)943-9139
OUTDOOR STORE:
Got to be REI. Full time staff trained in their fields. And, even though it’s had some recent changes, you still can’t beat the warranty on the products.
REI
(509)734-8989
124 N. Ely, Kenenewick
PAINTERS:
We received great service from four local companies: Smile A Mile Painting, Jeff’s Color Chart, CSC Painting & Wall covering and AG Coatings. All provide absolute top-end work.
Jeff’s Color Chart: Jeff Kadinger
(509)586-3965
Kadco777@gmail.com
Smile A Mile Painting
http://www.smileamilepainting.com
(509)987-4774
CSC Painting/Wallcovering-Mike Cassens
mcassens@hotmail.com
Cell: (509)737-7816
A&G Coatings: Greg Harbert
(509)308-2660
Harbertgreg4@gmail.com
https://www.ag-coatings.com/
PLUMBERS:
We have not had exceptional recent service from a number of local companies…except this one…Professional Plumbing Services.
Professonal Plumbing Services
fbproplumb@aol.com
(509)628-1002
POOLS & SPAS:
Two companies stood out for us this year: Leisure Pool & Spa and Mirage Pools and Spa.
Leisure Pool & Spa
(509)783-7150.
Mirage Pool & Spa
miragepoolnspa@verizon.net
Work: (509)735-2000
REMODELERS
We have four recommendations if you are considering a remodel…say, a new kitchen, bath, room, deck, etc. Be prepared however that, due to all four doing great work, they can often be in high time demand. But WELL worth it.
Easton Construction: Dan Easton
eastonbuild@gmail.com
Cell: (509)528-2932
All-City Restoration & Remodel: Bruce Schmidt bruces@allcityrestore.com
(509)783-4404/Cell: (509)539-7710
http://allcityrestore.com/
S&C Maintenance & Const.: Steve Christian scmaint@live.com
Cell: (509)582-7671
SDC&E, Inc. (Troy Dornbusch)
Sdce_inc@live.com
(509)430-8571
RESTORATION: Fire, Water, Remodel
Have a flood or fire? How about a remodel? We have two references here: Zion Restoration and All-City Restoration & Remodel. These two have great references going back, maybe, to Lewis & Clark. What is great about their remodel options is that, because of their extensive restoration work with the demands of insurance companies, they know how to do the job right.
Zion Restoration: Paul Little
(509)547-7970
paul.zion@charter.net
http://zionrestorations.com/
All-City Restoration & Remodel: Bruce Schmidt bruces@allcityrestore.com
(509)783-4404
http://allcityrestore.com/
Still the best-of-the-best…
ROOFING:
Perfect Circle Roofing/John Weese
Work: (509)735-1178
http://www.bbb.org/eastern-washington/business-reviews/roofingcontractors/perfect-circle-construction-in-kennewick-wa-24000652/
Palmer Roofing wa@palmerroofing.net
(509)586-3741
ROOFING: Coating
We’ve got a new hero: Roof Maxx. With their coating process they can extend the life your roof a minimum of 5 years and save you thousands of dollars. We had them do our 40 year roof at 20 years just as a preventive maintenance program. Great people.
Roof Maxx: Jeremy Dimond/Pete Kelly jeremy@roofmaxx.com
https://roofsaverstricities.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TCRoofmaxx/ Work: (509)845-0818
SEPTIC SERVICE:
Who’s the go-to service for many of the municipal districts: Ray’s Twilight. Who’s ours: Ray’s Twilight. Professionally done, accurate reports with digital pictures of the systems provided and kept on record. Makes our life a LOT easier.
Ray’s Twilight Septic Services service@twilightseptic.com
Work: (509)375-3333
SHOWER FLOORS:
Forget tile and all its upkeep! Solid (and textured) cultured marble is the ONLY way to go. No grout cleaning and repair fuss EVER! We installed it on our recent bath remodel and have never looked back.
Columbia Cultured Marble: Barry and Karen Barnhart
https://www.facebook.com/columbiaculturedmarble
Work: (509)582-5660
STUCCO REPAIR:
Several companies in the Tri-Cities offer stucco repair. However, our clientele over the past year has only given us one that not only provides great work but actually will return your phone calls in a reasonable time and will actually show up at the time they say they will. Go figure.
Generation Plastering” Miguel Escamila
(509)545-8222/cell: (509)308-5040
miguel@generationplastering.com
Padilla Masonry, Inc.: Damian Padilla pmi@padillamasonryinc.net
Work: (509)543-9424/Cell: (509)521-9929
TIRES:
When you pull into the Les Schwaub Tire Store in Enterprise, Oregon at 5 minutes to closing time running on a Space-Saver spare and a 150 miles still to go and you roll out 30 minutes after closing time with a new tire, you are again reminded why you have only used Les Schwaub tires and service for the past 40 years.
TUB REPAIRS (fiberglass):
You’ve got a chip or a deep scratch in your fiberglass tub/shower. You can get a “kit” at Home Depot to attempt a “less-than” and “very noticeable” repair or you can call an expert and get it done so well you might have to mark the spot to find it. For us on resale, there is no other option.
FRS (Fiberglass Repair Service)/Heidi Redfield
(509)430-1923
WATER CONDITIONING:
Locally, it’s always Culligan and Kinetico. We’ve received great service from both with a value edge to Culligan.
Culligan Work: (509)586-1174
Kinetico
Work: (509)586-4217
WELL AND PUMP INSPECTIONS:
The best we have found to date is Noley Morse with Schneider Water Services.
SCHNEIDER WATER SERVICES: Noley Morse
noley@schneiderwater.com
Work: (509)943-0331/Cell: (509)607-5433
WINDOWS: See Glass Companies
WINDOW WASHING:
Always great service and fair pricing from three: CleanWorks, Sparkling Clean, and Wayne’s Windows. All can do hard water stain removal like no other. And how about this: hard water stains from your GLASS SHOWER DOORS? Never thought about that have you? When they do your windows, have them do your shower doors at the same
time. Incredible difference. And, Sparkling Clean is now offering Holiday Lighting for homes and yards.
CleanWorks/Mike & Barb Moore moorembb@gmail.com
Cell: (509)737-1971
Sparkling Clean/Jason Klovansky sparklingclean@live.com
Work: (509)586-5550/Cell: (509)430-4293
Wayne’s Windows wayneswindows@gmail.com
(509)627-3373
Well, that’s our “Tri-Cities Best of March 2023!” report. If we’ve left anyone out, we’ll follow up on the next report.
And how about you? Have you had some great service this year? Drop us back a note; we’d like to know.
Hoping this report is of assistance, Have a great Year!