Leave it to school officials to teach us something about ourselves.
In an effort to improve our services, we asked some of our clients what they like about us, and were particularly struck by the comments we received from our friends in education. Instead of talking about our experience or expertise, they talked about something much more fundamental: customer service.
“Your company is very responsive, dependable, and always there for us, especially when we call at the last minute,” said Gerard A. Devitt, the director of facilities for the Encinitas Union School District. “We feel that you are truly part of our team and are always looking out for our best interest. Your employees are always willing to go the extra mile. Your attention to detail and listening skills are a credit to your company. You truly understand the needs of your customers.”
Over at San Dieguito Union High School, where we’ve been providing electrical and data services for the last few years, Debbie Johnson offered a similar sentiment.
“Fredrick’s has been most cooperative, attentive, and extremely easy to work with, from the time we submit our work orders until the job is completed and invoiced,” said Johnson, the school’s administrative secretary for technology. “Their entire crew is a pleasure to work with.”
Delivering more for less
We were lucky enough to be involved in the construction of a brand new school, the Sierra Madre Academy. It was a big job—we handled not only the school’s electrical needs, but also worked on the school’s computer, voice, public-address, and fire alarm systems.
After we were awarded the contract and began work, we realized there might be ways to save the school money, and passed our ideas along to Ned Heiskell, the board member who was managing the project.
“Some of these ideas were substitutions where we received basically the same product or result for less money, but in some instances we received a better product for less money,” he recalled. “When you are on a tight budget, having a contractor that is willing to work hard throughout the contract term to save you money is a rare situation and a tremendous benefit.”
The lesson for us, of course, is that it’s not enough to simply have a passion for engineering. The real trick is to use all that technology to provide the greatest value to our clients.
“As an advertising and design firm, we rely on our
data and voice network for virtually everything we do.
We can’t afford to miss a deadline or lose even an
hour of productivity. If anything goes wrong, I know
I can call Fredricks Electric and they’ll have someone
over here in 10 minutes.”
Susan Lyon, Principal
Lyon & Associates Creative Services, Inc., Solana Beach
“I’ve worked with Fredricks Electric since I started my
(high-end residential remodeling) company in 1995.
I can tell you they do good work. They’re on time,
their price is fair, and they get the job done.”
Kevin Miller, Principal
Miller Building Company, Carlsbad
“(As a general contractor) it’s my reputation on the
line. I own the job. They’re timely, they do quality
work, and they do what they say they’re going to do.”
Blair Rasmussen, Principal
Blair Rasmussen Construction, Inc., San Diego