The usual inquiry will go something like, “OK, Sandy, you gave me three names. Which one would you use?”
Tom: Hi, Sandy. I have a topic that I would like to put forward for this month. You are always talking about the hundreds of calls you get from folks in our area, and I have always wanted to ask you, what are the types of calls you receive? Are you up for that?
Sandy: Yes, Tom, that could be fun. I do get some strange requests for information.
Tom: Great! Let’s get started. What is the strangest request you get the most?
Sandy: OK, the most consistent call I get, at least the one that makes me smile and wonder why they called YCCA, is from families new to the area wanting to know when their trash pickup day is. I must get this call several times during any given year.
Tom: That ranks right up there with things that make you go, “Huh?” What do tell them?
Sandy: Well, I start by asking them which jurisdiction they are in. They need to know if they are in the City of Prescott, or if they have private pick-up in Prescott Valley or Yavapai County and then I give them the applicable companies to call. I live in Prescott Valley, so I have that pick-up day down pat!
Tom: I can see where this sort of thing takes some time on your part.
Sandy: It is all part of our goal to share and educate. That is so important.
Tom: It is for certain. What other types of calls make you go, “Hmm?”
Sandy: Well, a weird one is from people who want to know where I buy tires.
Tom: OK! That is a little out of the scope for YCCA, isn’t it?
Sandy: Yes and no. While not a construction related question, it does speak to the reputation YCCA has as a trusted place to turn to for everyday answers.
Tom: YCCA outreach is ubiquitous for sure. Not a day goes by that I do not hear some manner of reference to you or the YCCA. Readers of this article, when I let them know that we write this, refer to me as, “You’re the guy with Sandy! You are famous.”
Sandy: Well, I don’t know about that, but it is gratifying that YCCA is so well trusted in our community. I also get calls for the names of a seamstress and where I get my hair cut.
Tom: And, you know a seamstress or two. Do you tell people where you get your hair done? Or is that a trade secret (pun intended)?
Sandy: Well, yes, I do know a seamstress and not a trade secret as you put it, but no, I don’t let on where I get my hair done, who would want a head of hair looking like mine? LOL. Another call I get frequently is when people think they need a new roof when they do not have any symptoms.
Tom: Symptoms, such as…?
Sandy: No leaks, no broken tiles, no missing shingles, no mineral particles building up at the downspouts. And their roof is only five years old. They want three or four roofers to come out and inspect.
Tom: I get it. What do you tell them?
Sandy: Well, once I understand their concerns, I usually tell them they really do not need all that.
Tom: It’s kind of like talking them off the ledge.
Sandy: Exactly. I usually get calls from people who do not necessarily understand the process they need to go through. They put the cart before the horse. I take the time to help them understand what they need to do and in what order of sequence.
Tom: I imagine many people are grateful.
Sandy: They are usually grateful for the information. There is always a retired engineer that knows what needs to happen and just wants a name. I try to drill down a little, but they just want a name. I might hear from them again a month later wanting more assistance, which I willingly provide.
Tom: Let us talk a little bit about the information and advice you give out. I imagine you get lots of calls for subcontractors and contractor recommendations, how do you determine the names you give out?
Sandy: Good question. The usual inquiry will go something like, “OK, Sandy, you gave me three names. Which one would you use?” And I just don’t go down that rabbit hole. I just give them the names and tell them any one of those companies would be happy to assist.
Tom: Smart. So let’s get back to how you choose what name to give out.
Sandy: I spend time with the caller to find out more of what they are looking for. I try to understand their project needs and where they live. With all this information, along with knowing all my lovelies out there, I try to give out three or four names of who I think will fit their needs. If somebody calls me about a project in Paulden, I try to send them to businesses I know will go there. That is usually not somebody from Dewey-Humbolt.
Sandy: Another frequent call is from homeowners wanting a window company and window replacements. After talking with the homeowner, we find out they just need glass replacement and there is nothing wrong with the window, it does not leak, it operates great and all that is needed is new glass.
Tom: So, you must ask a lot of questions. And knowing you, Sandy, you do not blindly accept the questions and give information.
Sandy: You are right, Tom. Sometimes it is like an analysis and synthesis of figuring out what the issue is and coming to the right decision on how to manage a problem or answer a question.
Tom: Serving the community, engaging in a partnership, moving obstacles, being relevant to the community, sounds to me like what YCCA does.
Sandy: And Tom, I receive a gazillion questions on mold, deck replacements, permitting questions, survey questions, square-foot price to build, and as you know the list goes on and what is even more exciting is that I have an entire treasure trove of contractors to call. For example, you have been my “lifeline,” my “call a friend” and my Wikipedia.
Thanks for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN
Tom Reilly, LEED Accredited Professional, Architect.
Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association. (928) 778-0040
Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7:00 am on KQNA 1130 am/99.9 fm/95/5fm or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and her wingman Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.
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