Mel Thomas, dba KALM Contracting

The work performed was mediocre at best. Worst experience with a business ever! Upon my ad on Craigslist to solicit for extensive seasonal yard work, such as deadheading, weeding (i.e. paradise tree saplings, crown vetch, etc), edging, mulching, debris removal, shrub trimming - in short - winter clean-up at my rental property, Mel Thomas contacted me under the name KALM contracting. He described the business as a professional contracting business doing "it all". Upon meeting with all individuals who contacted me, he was selected and in February contracted to do the job. During the site visit we discussed the job. He was given detailed instructions of my expectations, as outlined in the ad. I pointed out the undesired growth and common weeds. I also explained that all my banking for the rental property is done on-line for tax purposes, and a check would be cut and mailed upon completion of the job or receipt of invoice, and he agreed to do the job during the first week of March. He kept delaying the job. It was either too hot or too wet for him or other assignments had priority. Finally on March 28 I suggested I hire someone else. He assured me he would get to it and on March 30 he called to say it was done. Upon site inspection it was found that he removed one broken branch but none of the other agreed upon work was done. He was called promptly and informed of the findings. He suggested he would return at a later time to complete the job. He never did, but submitted an invoice of $50 for his "minimum charge". Invoice was paid by check promptly. Check was returned to my bank. I called him and was given a "corrected address" and I resend the check, the check was returned to my bank again. He proceeded to demand payment by cash. He was told I'll be happy to meet him at my bank to have this settled. He accused me of "breaking a contract" and failure to pay. I contacted the BBB to file a complaint. He finally came to my bank to be paid by cashier's check, not before sending me threatening email messages first. I would never recommend him to anyone.