Are You Torch Worthy? Austin • Centroplex • Corpus Christi • Laredo • Permian Basin • San Antonio • Victoria • Waco

October 2014

Facebook.com/CentralTexasBBB @CentralTexasBBB Youtube.com/CentralTexasBBB

64 No. 10

• Inclusion in a press release and BBB Newsletter announcing winners• Announcements made via BBB’s social media channels• Inclusion in several BBB promotional vehicles• Lifetime use of the BBB Torch Award Seal (As long as winners maintain a “B” rating with BBB)• Torch Award trophy presentation by BBB• Professional quality photos taken of the winning businesses

• Website recognition• Perpetual placement on Torch Award winners page (As long as winners maintain a “B” rating with BBB)• Announcement and recognition at the BBB Annual Meeting in February 2015• Qualification to enter the International BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence competition

For entry forms and additional information on the nomination process go to: go.bbb.org/1x9wkTc

BBB will also be hosting a 2015 Torch Award webinar Oct. 14, 2014 at 2 p.m. Visit: go.bbb.org/1x2brcA

Enter your business in the 2015 BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics competition

BBB call for entries ends Friday, Nov. 21, 2014.

Are you a business that stands out as a place consumers can trust? Then it’s time to be honored for your business practices! Better Business Bureau

serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin wants to spotlight exemplary businesses in the 2015 BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics competition.

Your BBB is now accepting entries for the awards program. The Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics regional competition was created to recognize and celebrate ethical business practices for businesses located in Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin.

The Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics competition was created to recognize and celebrate ethical business practices. For-profit businesses headquartered in the 79-county service area of Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin are eligible to enter.

BBB Accreditation is not a requirement, but businesses must be in good standing, have at least a “B” rating with BBB, must not have won a BBB Torch Award in the last three years and be in business for at least three years to be considered for the award.

Entries can be submitted through Friday, Nov. 21. Local Torch Award winners will be announced in January 2015. Winners will have the opportunity to advance to the International Torch Awards for Marketplace Excellence competition later in the year.

Five businesses received the award in 2014 out of more than two dozen entries. BBB executives visited each business to present their plaque in a special recognition ceremony. Out of those five businesses, three were named finalists for the International Torch Awards for Marketplace Excellence competition.

BBB Torch Awards for Ethics winners will receive several valuable honors, including:

OctTT2014.torch2.indd 1 9/26/14 5:45 PM

NewAugustAccreditedBusinesses

2

AUSTINA+ Lumberjack RoyA+ ServicesAce DeliveryAce Sand BlastingAmerican AirAmerican Competitive Trail Horse Association, LLC

American Home & Commercial Services, LLC

AMSOIL Direct JobberASAP Remodel / MaintenanceAustin Car Protection & MoreAustin Super SteamBall Brothers Paint & DrywallBartleby Press, Inc.Big Sky Home Inspection LLCBombshell Speed and CustomBracken Design, LLCC & L Septic Pumping & Welding Service

Capital City Garage DoorsCarpentry by DesignCedar Park Wrecker ServiceCentral Texas Leak DetectionChapman’s Heat & AirChinese Acupuncture Clinic LLCCircle G CateringClassic Dream Makers ConstructionClinical Pathology Laboratories IncCowboy’s Stump-N-Grind Tree Service

Critter RidderD&R Wash and DryDeNa’s InteriorsDiamond DoorsElsie F Craven PCEsthetica ToolboxEvolution Salt Co.EyeBuyDirect, Inc.Fast Eddie’s Auto RepairFiberclassy Pools, LLCFirst-ShredFitzharris and CompanyFlint Rock Property Management LLC

Gastehaus Schmidt Reservation Service

Graham Ranch & Oilfield Services LLC

GT Carpet CareGus’s DrugHill Country Pressure WashingHodgkins OrthodonticsHouse Painting By ElvisInnovative Home SolutionsInsulation ServicesIntegrity Tile and StoneJ & L Builders, LLCJoe Shumate Attorney At LawKia of South AustinLongevity Wellness CenterM&R Seamless Rain GuttersMortgage Compliance InvestigatorsMr. NotebookMurpho’s Rods & CustomsMy Tennis Lessons.comNancy Hunter, Farmers Insurance Group

Not Your Average Joe’s, LLCPeace Frog Carpet and Tile CleaningPflugerville Jewelry and CoinsPrecise Custom Homes, Inc.Proact TradersRemember When...Estate Sales, LLCRemodel AustinResidential Solutions

Road Pro PavingSegovia TruckingShale Rental & Equipment Services, LP

Shumate Homes IncSteven W. DeGroot Landscape Architect

Suburbia Real Estate ServicesSummer Hawk Optics, Inc.Texas TruckingTexas Trusted AdvisorsThe Boutique Real EstateTop Dawg ElectronicsTR Manual TherapyTropic Services IncVeterans Flag DepotVeterans United Home LoansWoody RV RentalsWordPress Learning CenterYour Professional HandymanZen Windows Austin

CENTROPLEX/WACOAbove It All Tree CareAll Green Lawn & LandscapeAmerican Installers Siding & Windows

Auto Designs and Signs of WacoAycock ConstructionBluebonnet Properties IncBraids & FadesBright EnterprisesCen - Tex Outhouses, LLCComfort Keepers Of WacoCustom Floors & MoreDarossett InsuranceDivine Living AssistanceFields Electric IncFortHoodPro.comG. Kelly Construction Co.Hewett-Arney Funeral HomeJ & C ConstructionMarsha Marsha Marsha’s CateringMastersson Roofing & RemodelingOzark Leather Company IncPecans.comS & M Radiator & MufflerTexas Meter & Device Company LLCTramel Property InspectionsWillie’s Performance AutomotiveWisener’s Auto Clinic LLCWright Roofing

CORPUS CHRISTI/VICTORIA

1 Stop Muscle ShopAlaniz Engineering & Construction, Inc.

Alliance Solutions, LLCBay Area Pool Service & MoreBullseye Land Surveying CompanyC C American Oilfield, L.L.C.C C MotorsportsC&G Home Builder/ContractorCircle W RV Ranch LLCDiscount Appliance RepairGTA Solar ScreensIgnition Interlock of Corpus ChristiJD’s Auto CenterJorge Caballero ContractingLast Minute MoversMark Jones Plumbing Contractor LLC

Mesquite Builders IncPendley Appliance & A/C ServicePools UnlimitedPrecious Metals Investment GroupQuality Construction and Rentals LLC

R & B Construction

Rampart Financial GroupRandy’s Floor CompanyRock MotorsTeam RehabVargo Plumbing

PERMIAN BASINBarry L Hart, Attorney At LawBasin Limousine & Sedan ServiceBusta Transportation, Inc.Cheshire Cat AntiquesCosmetology SchoolJackie CooperMartinez Insurance AgencyParty Palace Event CenterPermian Basin Ambulance, IncPipe Handling Systems, LLCR & R Grinding and Manufacturing, Inc.

RHW Metals, Inc.Rojas RemodelingRon’s EnginesSagebrush SecurityTadlock Water Solutions Permian Basin

Vanco Insulation, Inc.West Texas Compressor Specialist, L.L.C.

SAN ANTONIO/LAREDO

210Geeks.com, LLCAAlamo Kitchen ServicesAdvantage Foam InsulationAlamo Clear Water FiltrationAlpha House LevelingALT ConstructionAmerican CountertopsAsclepius DentalAsherton InnAtlas Auto SalesAuto Pro Collision and Repair CenterBexar-Metric AirBobby D Kraft Builders IncBoerne Physical Therapy Institute LLC

Braun Road AutomotiveBrenda Hunter & Assoc. LLCCabello Recovery Service IncCadena Appraisal ServiceCalamity Janes Trading CompanyCeiling Fan & Major Appliance Service Center

Central FinanceCerda Foundation RepairCerda TileCircle T Motors IncClayton ServicesCold Car Usa, IncColonial Iron DoorsCowboy Foundations and Construction Inc.

Cross Cleaning CompanyCRT Flooring ConceptsCycle Tech Small Engine Repair & Sales, LLC

Daniel G Arredondo, DDSDenstar Property SolutionsDesigner Wood FlooringDigital Banners PlusEF King’s Well Service LLCElite Auto MallFirst American TitleFive Star RealtyFleming EyecareFM Weinberg Co.

Frank’s House LevelingGarrett Insurance AgencyGarza Medical AssociatesGarza, Garza, & Associates, LLC.Graham Collision CenterGTZ Machine & Welding ShopGuardian Power Cleaning of San Antonio

Gutierrez Machine Shop & WeldingHill Country Scapes & Design, LLCIntegrity Builders Construction & Remodeling

J Brooks PavingJ. Roberts ContractingJewelry and BagsJoe Carpet GuyJohn Goodman Tree ServiceJose Perales Law OfficeKerrville Mattress GalleryKO Fencing EnterprisesLa India Packing Co.LAMMCO Property Management, LLC

Law Office of Marc A. Notzon, P.C.Leago PlumbingLeija RoofingLone Star Copiers, Inc.Lopez Printing IncLuna’s ConstructionMario ElectricMaster’s Touch Commercial CleaningMasters Electrical Services, Ltd.Meds IncMirage Reception HallNational Hearing CentersNew Haven Assisted Living of Cibolo, LLC

New You Smile CenterNVS Customs Body & PaintOrona Roofing & RemodelingP. Torres RoofingPaisano Service & Supply, Inc.Palomar FashionPHL Foundation RepairPremier Medical ImagingPreston Pest ControlPRS Solutions, Inc.R. Ponce Construction CoReal RentalsReeso Tiles Inc.Rios and Sons PlumbingRoyalty Coins, IncS & K Electrical Contracting LLCSandler TrainingSerapolo & CoSouthwest Lawn Care ServiceSuttle and Company Real EstateTexas Lock & Door Closer IncTexas MediaLink LLCTexas Security SelectThe Creek BoutiqueTransmaritime IncUp-n-Jacks, Inc.Visionary RemodelingZ-Man’s Zuperior Zervice

®

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

OctTT2014.torch2.indd 2 9/26/14 5:45 PM

Verified BBB Customer Reviews offer feedback you can trust

Frank’s House LevelingGarrett Insurance AgencyGarza Medical AssociatesGarza, Garza, & Associates, LLC.Graham Collision CenterGTZ Machine & Welding ShopGuardian Power Cleaning of San Antonio

Gutierrez Machine Shop & WeldingHill Country Scapes & Design, LLCIntegrity Builders Construction & Remodeling

J Brooks PavingJ. Roberts ContractingJewelry and BagsJoe Carpet GuyJohn Goodman Tree ServiceJose Perales Law OfficeKerrville Mattress GalleryKO Fencing EnterprisesLa India Packing Co.LAMMCO Property Management, LLC

Law Office of Marc A. Notzon, P.C.Leago PlumbingLeija RoofingLone Star Copiers, Inc.Lopez Printing IncLuna’s ConstructionMario ElectricMaster’s Touch Commercial CleaningMasters Electrical Services, Ltd.Meds IncMirage Reception HallNational Hearing CentersNew Haven Assisted Living of Cibolo, LLC

New You Smile CenterNVS Customs Body & PaintOrona Roofing & RemodelingP. Torres RoofingPaisano Service & Supply, Inc.Palomar FashionPHL Foundation RepairPremier Medical ImagingPreston Pest ControlPRS Solutions, Inc.R. Ponce Construction CoReal RentalsReeso Tiles Inc.Rios and Sons PlumbingRoyalty Coins, IncS & K Electrical Contracting LLCSandler TrainingSerapolo & CoSouthwest Lawn Care ServiceSuttle and Company Real EstateTexas Lock & Door Closer IncTexas MediaLink LLCTexas Security SelectThe Creek BoutiqueTransmaritime IncUp-n-Jacks, Inc.Visionary RemodelingZ-Man’s Zuperior Zervice

BBB Adds Customer Review Feature to Your BBB Business ReviewBBB serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin recently added a verified customer review feature. Customers can now submit positive, negative or neutral experiences on any BBB Business Review.

Why is BBB offering verified customer reviews?

Because people want to post and read customer reviews. Consumers can now post positive experiences (not just complaint information) to be shared on BBB Business Reviews. BBB Customer Reviews also give businesses an opportunity to demonstrate how they interact with their customers.

What happens when a customer submits a review?

When a customer submits a review, BBB first verifies it was sent from a working email address. Inappropriate language and personal information like names, addresses and phone numbers are redacted to protect the privacy of the parties involved. Once the email address is verified, the review is forwarded to the business. Businesses have three follow-up options once it receives a review:

Ignore: If the business chooses to ignore the review, BBB automatically publishes it within three days.

Respond: If the business responds to the review, the response will be forwarded to the customer and published.

Challenge: If the business challenges the review, BBB will alert the customer and request substantiation of the marketplace interaction.

As a business owner, what else should I know about BBB Customer Reviews?

• A valid email address is required to submit a review.

• Third-party comments are not permitted; only the reviewer and the business may add comments to a BBB Customer Review.

• A BBB Customer Review is not part of the BBB ratings formula and will not affect a company’s BBB letter grade.

• A customer may not submit both a review and file a formal complaint; if they’ve had a negative experience, they must choose one or the other.

Can I tell people to post a customer review on my report?

Yes. BBB Accredited Businesses can download a “submit customer review” button for their websites.

Go to bbb.org/central-texas, log in into your account and install this option today.

For help, call 512.445.4748

3

Special thanks to our Corporate Partners!

OctTT2014.torch2.indd 3 9/26/14 5:45 PM

Better Business Bureau, Inc.1005 La Posada DriveAustin, TX 78752

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

AUSTIN, TX

PERMIT NO. 60

BetterBusinessBureau®

Return Service Requested

Trust Talk is published by Better Business Bureau 1005 La Posada Drive, Austin, TX 78752. Trust Talk is published for executives and employees of BBB Accredited Businesses in its 79-county service area. All rights reserved: the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent of the publisher. References to or mention made of any company, product or service herein is not to be interpreted, per se, as statements derogatory of such company, product or service, but as information obtained from sources believed to be reliable for the use of BBB Accredited Businesses and subscribers. Because the matters contained in this Trust Talk concern matters of the utmost public importance and concern in providing a free flow of information to our companies concerning business enterprises in the Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin area, BBB encourages BBB Accredited Businesses to contact their local BBB with any follow-up material concerning the reports in this newsletter or any other matter to assist BBB in fulfilling its mission of advancing marketplace trust.

Impa

ct &

Influ

ence

Rep

ort

Inside this issueAre you Tourch Worthy? ........................................1

New Accredited Businesses ................................ 2

Verified BBB Customer Reviews .......................... 3

Impact & Influence Report .......................................4

In August 2014, your BBB...Provided customers with 245,035 BBB Business Reviews

Handled 1,907 disputes

Hosted 169,883 website visits

Sent 423 Request-A-Quote referrals to Accredited Businesses

Supported 12,158 Accredited Businesses Locations

In August 2014 your BBB was mentioned 1,241 times by 58 local media outlets including...

Get news as it happens! Join BBB’s press release list at: bbb.org/central-texas.

Contact BBBBBB® Corporate Office1005 La Posada Drive Austin, TX 78752

P: 512.445.4748 F: 512.445.2096@: info@centraltx.bbb.org

August

Top 1

0 I

nquir

ies

youtube.com/user/CentralTexasBBB

twitter.com/CentralTexasBBB

facebook.com/CentralTexasBBB

instagram.com/CentralTexasBBB

watchyourbuck.com

Find BBB on...

4

Prepaid Debit/Credit Cards - 8,013

Roofing Contractors - 7,825

Home Builders - 6,964

Air Conditioner Contractors & Systems - 6,616

Construction & Remodeling Services - 6,076

Auto Dealers/Used Cars - 5,024

Auto Repair & Services - 4,355

Contract/General - 4,075

Plumbers - 3,879

Pest Control Services - 3,711

Trust Talk | October 2014

B&W Tire & Towing, IncFailure to maintain required competency license.

Bowman InspectionsFailure to maintain required competency license.

Escobar ConstructionUnresolved consumer complaint(s).

RevocationsMD Septic Service, LLCFailure to respond to one or more consumer complaint(s).

OctTT2014.torch2.indd 4 9/26/14 5:45 PM