Memory Lane LLC

We received their bulk mail flyer this past fall. It seemed professional. Took time to explain services and come look at our property to be sure could accommodate it before we committed. [we have a narrow drive lined on one side w/stacked stone and walkways. Recieved copies of the contract and I called because we were told that any damage to driveway, walkways or landscaping would be responsibility of Memory Lane, which was not included in the writing. As requested, I added this in writing to the contract, signed it and returned it with our payment of $190.00. During the first heavy snowfall, December 12, 2010 arrived at our home & began to plow. Please note that we supplemented the short 8 inch flags placed by Memory Lane with a dozen four foot orange markers along the drive and at the corners of our two walkways. They were added to ensure that the edge of the drive and walks are clearly indicated. After the pre-contract visit and later placement of small flags they did not express any concerns about the steps or the narrow nature of the drive. Unaware of their arrival, I was startled when I heard a couple of loud booms and ran out the door to see the edge of the plow hit our step/walkway. I yelled to get his attention but not before it was hit again and consequently one of the bluestone pavers was torn off and missing. I was very upset because the stone step was damaged and because our large dog simultaneously escaped in the chaos and ran in front of the moving truck and was nealy run over. I was horrified by all of this and extremely upset. The owner Karl was dismissive and irritated with me and refused to aknowledge what he had done. He kept attempting to blow me off and leave but when I persisted and told him I expected him to be responsible for damages he said he had to leave. When I reminded him of our agreement which indicates he would be responsible for repairs he stated that he would just refund our contract and be done with us. I stated that I wanted him to acknowledge responsibility for the repair as well but he left. In the midst of all of this my dog was running loose and I was standing outside in my house shoes and a sweater - no coat, no shoes, no gloves. Based upon our phone conversations and previously professional manner, we fully expected that they would honor the contract regarding repairs and that service would either continue as agreed upon or they would additionally refund our contract cost, essentially ending our contract. In the weeks since this incident we have not heard from the owner Karl Ryan or anyone else at Memory Lane regarding the matter nor has our driveway been plowed. This violates the service agreement signed in October. I have sent a copy of the agreement for along with an estimate for repair of the step from our mason and a letter asking for $365 via Certified Mail twice. There has been no response. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and will file a small claims suit as a matter of principal and because I want our money back. Cost of doing business with Karl Ryan / Memory Lane $365 - In return we got one half-completed plow and damage to our stonework. Bad bad BAD. Will never do business with this individual or his company again and will be sure that I tell everyone possible in our small community about this experience. He should know that 7 neighbors have approached me after watching his actions and asked for the name of the person/business so that they will be sure to never hire them. This is a small village and what people dont see they hear very quickly.