For 18 months, we used Ron to trim our palm trees, take care of our yard work. Did an EXCELLENT job. Never any reason to doubt his word. He WAS *Trustworthy*!
On Sunday, August 20th, he came over to estimate backyard landscaping, including demo, new stones/rock (plus delivery), and renovating our sprinkler system. Job was to be done in 3 phases:
P1: $650.00 includes demo, removal of river rock, tree trimming and pulling stumps of specifically designated plants/trees.
P2: $335.00 includes new sprinkler heads & drip lines for backyard. Materials AND labor included.
P3: $440.00 includes ordering and delivery plus spreading of approximately 8 tons of rock for the backyard.
We agreed to pay him 1/2 of the funds upfront in EACH PHASE. So, for starters we gave him $325.00. I wrote in the "memo" section of the check: 1/2 DEMO WORK BKYRD. We knew he had to pay the guys he hired. (again, remember, we never had any reason to doubt a person who has done work for us for 18 months). The first day he dropped off one of his guys and then left - common in construction & demo work; my DH works in construction. No problem.
Day 2 he was here at 9am - 5pm. Demo was *ALMOST* finished, however, he left our yard in a mess (again, common in demo work, still not concerned). He asked if we would pay him the remainder of the DEMO/PHASE I - and we agreed to do so.
I wrote in the "memo" of the check: DEMO PIF, WORK NOT DONE STILL NEEDS COMPLETED. The check was for $125.00 and my DH gave Ron $200.00 cash. A 100/dollar bill plus 5 20's.
Additionally we went over the list of items on his estimate to see what still needed completed and the cost of everything. This was on Tuesday evening, August 22nd.
Ron Kawamoto stated he would be back on Wednesday, August 23rd at 7-7:30 AM.
He failed to show.
He has failed to respond to telephone calls, daily voice messages and doesn't show up. We ended up hiring two guys to finish the demo work on Saturday and Sunday 8/26 & 8/27, laying out an additional $180.00 to complete the work "Ron" was supposed to do.
RONS TREE SERVICE - Ron Kawamoto and Brenda Reaves are SCAMMERS. Do NOT trust them. They work to build your confidence and then will take you for money.
Oh - and apparently Ron Kawamoto is very familiar with the police department. Too bad I didn't know this 18 months ago. I've taken photos of the incomplete work; plus I've transcribed every telephone call, making notes of dates & times. I hope I have enough information for small claims court.
I intend on filing in small claims court against Rons Tree Service, Ron Kawamoto and Brenda Reaves. Brenda's name is on their business card hence she is included.
UNFORTUNATELY - I do NOT know the ADDRESS of their residence to have them served. I am hopefull that I can locate it.
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