May 24, 2013

Women In Management: An Interview with Regional Service Agreement Manager, Sheryl Stahl

service agreement home-tech managementName: Sheryl Stahl

Position: Regional Service Agreement Manager, from Collier to Manatee County.

How many years have you been a Home-Tech employee? 25 years

What other positions have you held? Office Manager

What gives you the greatest satisfaction?

Offering our customers a great product and seeing them renew year after year. We have many long term customers that have been with us for over 20 years.

What is unique about the Service Agreement Department?

The product itself is very unique and ever changing, which keeps it interesting and challenging.

What is your unique approach to being a successful manager?

Hiring great people, bringing out the best talent in them and then watching them soar. Let them be the best they can be. But, you also have to challenge them to do more than what they think they can do.

What is the future for Service Agreements?

Growth, growth, growth.

Home-Tech is a very woman-friendly organization, don’t you agree?

Yes! I don’t think there are many companies locally that have as many female managers as Home-Tech. Home-Tech watches newer people, and we recognize talent. We nurture them, and allow them to grow.

What is your favorite saying? 

My all time favorite quote is, “Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”  I read it in a poetry book in high school.

What is your organization style?

I am a mental organizer. I have my whole day planned out before I ever get to the office. However, my day gets interrupted all day long. So my day doesn’t always go as planned.

What is the best piece of advise you have ever received?

Don’t oversell your point. Make your point and let it go.

What are your interests outside the walls of Home-Tech?

My 5 beautiful grandchildren. I spend most of my free time with them.

 

Give Seasonal Tenants a Warm Welcome with Home-Tech Service Agreement

home-tech service agreement condo ownersIt’s that time of year again. Time to spruce up the furniture, make everything merry, bright,  and just right for your seasonal guests and tenants. As much as your guests may want to enjoy a worry-free time, condo and home owners can do even more to make their stay the best it can be, with a service agreement from Home-Tech.

Stress Less with Home-Tech

Imagine what it would be like for you, as the owner, to not receive another phone call about a broken dishwasher or air conditioner leak. Your tenants can just call Home-Tech, and a licensed technician will come out and perform the service. Here is the best part, with a Gold Service Agreement there is  NO SERVICE CALL FEE and no fee for parts and labor, service charges or deductibles. And, you have the luxury of unlimited service calls.

Be the best landlord you can be. Provide peace of mind for your tenants, and let them enjoy their time here, instead of wasting it inside the condo waiting on a repairman. Our service agreements cover your major home appliances, air conditioning, and even plumbing and electrical.  If you are the type of landlord or property manager that is on the road and hard to reach, your tenants won’t have to worry with trying to track you down when a repair needs to be made. Give them the only number they need, 800-800-8356.

Service Agreement for Condo Owners

Here is what makes a service agreement great:

  • home tech gold service agreementPriority scheduling for appointments
  • Emergency service included
  • No limit on service calls
  • Annual air conditioning Clean and Check included

The Gold Service Agreement covers: (1) Air-Conditioning System, (1) Heating System, (1) Refrigerator, (1) Icemaker (including replacement, in covered refrigerator), (1) Microwave, (1) Range, (1) Dishwasher, (1)Disposal (including replacement), (1) Washer, (1) Dryer and (1) Water Heater (electrical system only). 

This premier level of service rivals any home warranty. What makes a Home-Tech’s service agreement the best choice for your condo is the high level of customer service we provide. Home-Tech is a local, employee-owned company, and we perform the repairs, not a subcontractor. You are getting a Home-Tech employee-owner when our repairmen show up at your door. Our technicians are background checked, drug tested and highly trained.

Trust Home-Tech, we’ve got you covered. Call today to speak with a Service Agreement representative to learn more about our plans, 800-800-8356 or sign up for a service agreement online.

 

 

The Results Are In! Service Agreements from Home-Tech Win!

Pride in business service agreements hometechIt’s a great day to be an American, isn’t it? Think about how much we have to be thankful for as we sit in our homes tonight, in air conditioned comfort, watching the election results. We know we are lucky here in southwest Florida. Not every citizen in every country in the world has the personal freedoms that we do.  So tonight, regardless of the outcome, let’s celebrate our right to choose. Let’s celebrate our civil liberties, our abilities to support our local businesses in our communities and how lucky we all are to be Americans.

Exercise Your Right to Choose

Is your home warranty coverage not all it was cracked up to be? Are you having trouble keeping up with major appliance breakdowns?  What if there was a solution to these problems that was easier than standing in line to vote? The quick fix you are looking for is a service agreement from Home-Tech. Big homes or small, condos or mansions, Home-Tech can cover all of your major home appliances and air conditioning system as well as plumbing and electrical. You can even apply online for a new service agreement.

If something goes wrong with your air conditioning and major home appliances, we will be there for you, and that’s not just a campaign promise! This is the confidence and comfort that comes standard with Home-Tech service agreements. This is what we cover: (1) Air-Conditioning System, (1) Heating System, (1) Refrigerator, (1) Icemaker (including replacement, in covered refrigerator), (1) Microwave, (1) Range, (1) Dishwasher, (1)Disposal (including replacement), (1) Washer, (1) Dryer and (1) Water Heater (electrical system only).

The Clear Winner – Home-Tech Gold

home tech gold service agreementsIf our Gold plan had to run for election it would certainly beat out the competitors because of  its VALUE and benefits. For one low annual fee your air conditioning system and major home appliances are covered. You also get the luxury of a premier level of service with unlimited service calls and no fees, deductibles or service charges on parts and labor. But wait, there is more! How about priority scheduling for appointments, emergency service, no limit on the number of times you call for service, and an air conditioning Clean and Check included.

Do you not have all of this with your current home warranty? It may be time to make the switch and experience the Home-Tech difference. Call us today at 800-800-8356 to speak with a Service Agreement representative who can fully explain each detail. 

 

 

Satisfied Customers of Home-Tech Air Conditioning Service for 31 Years

air conditioning service agreementThirty-two years ago, my wife and I moved from Pennsylvania to Naples, Florida. We built a home on Poinciana Street. This was in 1980, and in 1981, we subscribed to your service. We never missed a year with you and told all of our friends and neighbors about Home-Tech.

After twenty years in Naples, we moved to Port Charlotte. Our air conditioning was operating as good as new after nineteen years with your service in Naples. The first thing we did in 2000 was subscribing to Home-Tech’s Service Agreement in Port Charlotte. This was a new development called Heritage Oak Park. Since 2000, many of our neighbors here are replacing their air conditioning systems. Ours is running fine, due to the care Home-Tech provides. Only the rust on the outside of the compressor proves that the air conditioning system is twelve years old.

We believe when someone provides us with good service for thirty-one years; we should be sure to acknowledge our satisfaction.

Sincerely Yours,

Dave Heckler & Marion Heckler, Port Charlotte

Service Agreement Vs Home Warranties – What’s Up with the Fine Print?

No guess work on which home warranty plan to take for new home buyers.  No deductible.  No problem!

Imagine you are a home buyer and the realtor pulls out a large stack of home warranties and service agreements for you to review.  They tell you to select appliances from column A, two items from column B, and for an upcharge, three from column C.  Purchasing a warranty or service agreement should not be similar to purchasing a value meal at a chain restaurant. 

Service Agreements for Home SellersHome warranty plans offer a variety of items.  Each company is different and the fine print can be complex.  The pile of plans is confusing.  It is hard enough when you are considering buying one for one property, but what if you manage multiple properties and have renters?  How do you keep all of the appliances and air conditioners running at their best?  One plan stands out!

The best solution for one home or many is the Gold Service Agreement from Home-Tech.  It covers all of your major home appliances, air conditioning/heating and water heater. These are the most important and expensive systems in the home to have replaced.

Home-Tech’s Service Agreement Has No Competitor

We are a local business that can respond to you quickly.  We are based in Fort Myers and Lakewood RanchOur employees live and work in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee counties.  Home-Tech is employee-owned.  The technicians that come out to do the work on your air conditioning or appliances have a stake in the success of our company. 

Did you know that national home warranty companies will send out a  subcontractor?  They call a bunch of subcontractors and then whoever is available will come to your home.  Sometimes, they can come as far away as Orlando to service your home in Sarasota.  It can take days to get on their schedule.

Exceptional customer service

Why Go with a Home-Tech Gold Service Agreement?

  1. Home-Tech is locally owned and the others aren’t.
  2. Home-Tech sends out Tech Specialists who are employee-owners of Home-Tech.
  3. Home-Tech employees are criminally background checked, drug tested, highly trained and NATE certified.
  4. There is No Service Call Fee.
  5. There is No Parts or Labor Fee, and No Deductible.
  6. A Home-Tech Gold Service Agreement includes annual air conditioner maintenance.
  7. Home-Tech provides emergency service, 365 days a year, including nights, weekends and holidays.
  8. Home-Tech is licensed and bonded, and adheres to the state requirements regulated by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

Do You Have Service Agreement Questions?

Do you have general questions about a Service Agreement?  Our Service Agreement department representatives are awaiting your call.  They can walk you through the details of our plans and take the guess work out of the entire process.

Read the fine print of other home warranty plans.  Be careful.  Ask questions.

You can trust Home-Tech, as they have been serving southwest Florida for 31 years.  Ask your neighbors for a referral.  Chances are good many of them have been our Service Agreement customers for many years.

You can feel good about selecting Home-Tech and know if you have a problem, you can call 800-800-8356.  We will send a Technician right away and fulfill our promise -  Service that Works!

You Get a Friend When You Get a Service Agreement with Us

Service Agreement

Name: Jacqueline Maxwell
Position: Service Agreements, Inside Sales

Number of Years with Home-Tech: 21

What positions have you held at Home-Tech?

Customer Service, Dispatch, Venice Office Team Member in Parts/ Service Agreements/Dispatch, HCA Department Member.

What are the BEST benefits?

If time is short, I quickly try to highlight the main benefits of our Service Agreement contract.  The main points I focus on are:

  • No Service Call Fee
  • No Deductible
  • The main differences on what we cover vs. our competition

What surprises people the most when you explain Home-Tech and the Service Agreement?

Most people are shocked when we tell them we will replace an appliance under the age of ten years old, if it is irreparable.  In our Sarasota service area, they are surprised that we have been in business so long and have been servicing that area for more than 30 years.  

What are some of the challenges of being a Service Agreement salesperson?

Here is an excellent example of a challenging Service Agreement sale.  There was a potential customer who I was communicating with over the course of six months.  During this time, we went back and forth on every option to add on to the Agreement.  In the end,  this customer was glad to purchase a Service Agreement.  But it taught me any important lesson – Patience.  There are some people who will call back a year or year and a half after our initial conversation, and then be ready to sign up for a Service Agreement.

Can you share with us an example of a Service Agreement success story?

We have one client in particular who has a love/hate relationship with Home-Tech.  He loves us so much that he constantly sends us referrals.  One day, we hit a minor repair snag.  He vowed he was finished with Home-Tech and would no longer refer his neighbors to us.  Low and behold, not more than two weeks later, a call comes through from this client again, with a group of new referrals.  Some of our customers are like family.  This client and I may go back and forth at times, but in the end, he knows he can always rely on service and professionalism from Home-Tech.  We appreciate his business as much as he appreciates ours.  For me, building personal relationships with our customers means so much to me, and this really shows our customers that you get a friend when you get a service agreement.

Tell us a secret.

My daughter is four months pregnant with twins, who we lovingly have named “Thing 1 & Thing 2.”  We find out on Tuesday if she is having boys and/or girls.

Peace of Mind is Golden

Our customers love the convenience and savings of the Home-Tech Service Agreement.  When your air conditioner or major appliance breaks down, you make ONE call.  Home-Tech offers three plan types of coverage, to fit every Southwest Florida homeowner’s needs.  With highly trained technicians ready to make a repair, peace of mind and quality service is what you’ll enjoy.  For more information about Home-Tech’s Service Agreements, please check out our plans online or call us at 800-800-8356.

Air Conditioning Savings That Sizzle

The More Efficient the Air Conditioning System, The Bigger the Rebate!

Air Conditioning Summer Sale on Maytag

air conditioning

Sizzling Summer Savings on Maytag Air Conditioning Systems

Purchase a new energy efficient Maytag system from Home-Tech and take advantage of savings up to $3,070 (based on a 4 Ton system at 22 SEER).  Now through August 31st, you can qualify for an instant FPL utility rebate and an instant matching Home-Tech rebate.  What ever the utility company kicks in, Home-Tech will match it.  The higher the efficiency- the Bigger the Savings!  Come into our showrooms to experience the most energy efficient air conditioning systems on the market today or call for a Free Estimate – 1-800-800-8356.

The Maytag 1200

If you are seeking an air conditioning system that is powerful and efficient, than look no further than the Maytag 1200.  Home-Tech only carries the best air conditioning products on the market, and we highly approve of the Maytag 1200 with iQ Drive.  With a 24.5 SEER rating, this system leads the way in comfort and performance.  Here are the technical specifications:

  • The Quietest Air Conditioning Available: Maytag iQ Drive air conditioners operate at the industry’s lowest sound levels – down to 59 decibels.
  • Completely Unique: No other air conditioning system operates like an iQ Drive.  Its inverter-rotary technology constantly adjusts to exactly offset the cooling demands on the home.  This unit modulates from 40% to 118% of capacity.
  • Dehumidification Mode:  The Maytag iQ Drive runs longer at very low levels, it provides superior dehumidification for a more comfortable home.
  • Innovative Controller:  This air conditioner utilizes the iQ Drive controller to give you complete control over your indoor environment, including maintenance reminders, programmable comfort schedules and troubleshooting diagnostics.
  • Stainless Steel Jacket:  High degree of corrosion resistance.
  • Durable:  Top and control panel designed using galvanized steel with a polyester urethane finish.  The 950-hour salt spray finish is 1.5 mil thick and resists corrosion 50% better than standard finishes.
  • Earns our ecoLogic™ Seal:  The energy efficiency and high-end comfort features in this air conditioning system qualify for the Maytag ecoLogic™ green seal.
  • ENERGY STAR Most Efficient:  Awarded the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation in 2012.
  • The Latest Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant:  Non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
  • Designed and Assembled in the U.S.A.:  Factory checked 144 times before being shipped.

Who Needs the Maytag Man When You Have Home-Tech?

For years, Maytag has been delivering the most dependable air conditioning systems for homes.  Since every home has specific comfort issues, Maytag and Home-Tech have the right solution.  Whether your air conditioning problems are hot or cold spots, allergens or a little bit of everything, Home-Tech offers a worry-free system for reliable, total home comfort.  Maytag has a line of complete comfort products to balance temperature levels, clean the air, control humidity and more.

Air Conditioning by Maytag

Cool Down with Maytag's Air Conditioning Systems

Home-Tech proudly carries Maytag air conditioning systems in our showrooms.  We honor Maytag’s Worry-Free Limited Warranty and Dependability Promise that offers a standard, equivalent Maytag replacement guarantee if the compressor or heat exchanger fails within the first 12 years.

At Home-Tech, we only sell what we service.  Should you need assistance with your air conditioning during the first 12 years, Home-Tech’s NATE Certified Tech Reps can repair your system and keep you cool.  To ensure that your air conditioning system is working at its best year round, consider Home-Tech’s Gold Service Agreement.  It includes an annual clean and check, and covers any repairs that may be needed.

For more information about the Maytag 1200 with iQ Drive or other air conditioning systems, or to schedule an air conditioning repair service, call us at 800-800-8356.

Home-Tech, Service That Works!

Service Agreement Should Include Honest Service

Service Agreements for Home Sellers

service agreements


Service Agreement – Man Arrested for Selling Fake Service Warranties in Port Charlotte

Is it too much to ask for ethical service with your Service Agreement or appliance warranty program?  Just this past Tuesday, we posted about the Today Show’s story on unethical air conditioning and appliance repairmen. The next day, a Home-Tech employee came across this story on NBC 2′s website: Man arrested for selling fake appliance warranties.  This is another prime example of a rip-off and scammer that reflects poorly on our industry.

This story is reposted from NBC-2.com:

A 36-year-old Punta Gorda air conditioner repairman was arrested on Tuesday for selling a fraudulent warranty to a Port Charlotte woman.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a woman on April 13th complaining about being scammed by Nathan Sasse.

The victim said she hired {OMITTED COMPANY NAME} to service her air conditioner in January. When she asked about renewing or extending her appliance warranty, Sasse told her he had a friend who could provide service warranties cheaper than Sears, and handed her a brochure with the company name, “Service and Security Excellence.”

Later that month, Sasse returned to the woman’s home and she provided him with a $400 check to purchase the SASE warranty.

A representative contacted the woman in February and told him that Sasse had been fired from the company for stealing from them and that the warranty she purchased from him was likely a scam.

On May 22nd, detectives with the CCSO Economic Crimes Unit contacted the Florida Division of Corporations on the status of SASE and were told it was a “rejected filing.”

The Charlotte County Tax Collector’s Office said they had no listing for SASE, and the Florida Department of Financial Services said home warranty sales are required to be licensed.

Sasse was arrested Tuesday on charges of grand theft and violating licensing requirements to sell home warranties.

If anyone has purchased a warranty from Sasse and his fake company, you’re asked to call CCSO at 941-639-2101.

The Home-Tech Level of Protection – We’ve Got You Covered

With a Home-Tech Service Agreement, we provide you with peace of mind.  Not only is every technician NATE certified and background checked,  but Home-Tech’s license requirements protect our customers.  As a licensed Florida company, we adhere to stringent state requirements regulated by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation according to regulations defined in Chapter 634, Part II, Service Warranty Associations.

Florida licensed since 1985, Home-Tech:

  • Maintains cash deposits and/or surety bonds to ensure performance
  • Maintains sound financial stability
  • Reports all Service Agreements sold and premiums collected to the State of Florida
  • Submits to audits by the office of Insurance Regulations every two or three years
  • Holds reserves of all premiums collected until the expiration date of the Service Agreement

A Home-Tech Service Agreement Holds Up

For one low annual fee, you get unlimited service calls, including parts and labor at no additional charge on your covered air conditioning system and major appliance repairs with Home-Tech’s Gold Service AgreementThere is never a deductible and an annual air conditioning clean and check is included!  With a Gold Service Agreement, you can expect to receive emergency service, 7 days a week and free replacement of your air conditioner and appliances.  You can trust Home-Tech.  We fix it right, the first time.

Good Old Fashioned Service on AC and Appliances

AC Service - like the old days

Remember back in the “good ‘ole days” when…

How would you finish that sentence?  At Home-Tech we finish that sentence the same way every time.  Whether it was the “good old days” when Home-Tech was founded or in our modern times today, we always have and will focus on Service That Works.

Wow! What a Difference!

We are constantly perfecting our service experience to be sure that every interaction between our service personnel and our customers is one that ends with a wistful, “Wow!  What a difference!”  We are happy to share with you what we do to go the extra mile and make your life easier.

AC and Appliance Repair Service

Do you remember the old days when you went to the service station and actually got more than gas?  That’s our goal for our customers as well.  We want to give you more than just a professional repair on your appliance or ac.  We start the process by making it easy to find us when you need help.  We are still in the phone book for those of you who like to let your fingers do the walking.  As well, we are all over the internet.  If  you Google the type of repair that you need, Home-Tech’s Service hotline number will come up for you.  With one quick call, our professional technicians are dispatched and coming to your aid.  Your technician will even call you on the way so you will know exactly when he will be there.  And, once he gets there he will make your necessary repair and answer any questions that you may have or give you advice on other appliances or ac problems that might be around the corner.

Service Agreement

Home-Tech is so dedicated to providing excellent service that we have an agreement you can enter into with us that guarantees we will be there for you when you need us to make any necessary repair to your kitchen appliances, washer, dryer, ac, water heater, wine bar, or even your pool heat pump.  See the full details of our Service Agreement.  After you enter into the agreement with us, you even have your own Concierge in our Service Agreement Department to help coordinate your ac clean and checks, answer any questions and assist you with customizing your Agreement for your home.

Ultimate Service When Buying a New Applianceappliance sales service

Did you know we have an appliance store/showroom?  Not everyone does, but for those who have shopped with us, they have certainly spread the word to their friends.  Buying an appliance from Home-Tech is a completely different experience than buying from a big box store.  We have REAL appliance specialists who will come to your home at your request, help you measure and determine exactly what you need.  And, when you visit one of our showrooms, an expert is there waiting to answer any questions you have and guide you through all of the changes in technology in the new appliances.  They are thoroughly trained and know the features of each appliance and can explain them to you.  And with our 15 Day Satisfaction Guarantee, you can be sure you will be happy with your purchase.

Delivery and Installation Service

Once you have made your appliance purchases, your good service experience will leap to the next level.  We do not contract out our delivery process.  Our own Home-Tech employee owners, who are full time employees, will professionally and oh so carefully deliver and install your new appliances.  They will also take the time to answer any questions you have and explain the operation of your new, shiny appliances.

We Still Offer It

Dependable, on time, friendly, professional service given by clean, polite, safe technicians is what Home-Tech offers.  Just like the good old days . . .   A Service contract that is actually worth the paper it’s written on.  Just like the good old days . . .  More value than what you planned on getting.  Just like the good old days . . .

Call us at 800-800-8356!  We are always here to help!

Air Conditioning Advice for Weathering the Storm

Air Conditioning Anchoring and Other Helpful Tips

Air Conditioning Tips During Tropical Storm Debby

Photo Courtesy of Marcomedia.com

As Tropical Storm Isaac approaches, it is important to Home-Tech that we educate our customers about staying cool and safe during the storm season.  Here are some preliminary questions that test your air conditioning and storm knowledge.  We ask that you try to answer the following questions:

  • Can your air conditioning hold up against high winds, heavy rain and flooding?
  • Do you know if you should pre-cool your home, in case of a power outage?
  • Have you had your air conditioner strapped down or do you know why anchoring your air conditioner is important?
  • What do you do, or who do you call if your air conditioning system is broken during the storm?

How did you do? If you needed some help answering them, don’t worry.  Home-Tech is here to help with storm related air conditioning repairs.

air conditioning units strapped downAnchor Time!

If you purchased your AC unit prior to 2007, it may not be properly grounded or secured, compromising the durability of this equipment during an electrical storm, tropical storm and hurricane.  In the 2007 Florida Building Code, anchoring cooling and heating systems were made mandatory, in order to insure the integrity of the unit in hurricane force winds.  Many residential air conditioning systems are strapped or anchored to the ground, but think about our fellow residents that dwell in apartments and condominiums.  Their units have to be properly strapped down to the roof. Home-Tech’s Comfort Specialists and technicians can get your equipment properly secured before the next big storm.

Keeping Cool While the Storm Heats Up

Home-Tech recommends a pre-cooling of the home prior to the storm. Lower your thermostat a few degrees below your normal comfort level.  To keep you and your equipment safe, turn off your air conditioning system as the storm is passing. Turning off the AC avoids electrical surges from taking out a compressor or another system component.  After the storm has passed and electrical surges have subsided, turn your air conditioner back on, as long as you have power.  Getting your system back up and running is important to avoid any mold issues from occurring.

Storm Aftermath

Should a severe storm cause your air conditioner to malfunction or cease operation, your first call should be to Home-Tech.  Our qualified technicians will inspect the unit, informing you of any repairs that need to be made.  If our technicians find that your system is beyond repair, we will work with your insurance company to get you the correct system replacement.  We will be there  to help you every step of the way.

To schedule an appointment to anchor your air conditioning system, for a post-storm repair, inspection or to purchase and install a new AC system, call Home-Tech at 1-800-800-8356, or schedule online.