How is This Man Still in Business???

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Some years ago when we were getting ready to landscape our new home I called Mansfield.

Initially, I had to shut up and listen to an approximate half-hour dissertation of how great this man was. After that, I was finally able to get in a few words.
I proceeded to tell him the name of the few plants I definitely wanted in my yard and garden area. It was then the insults flew.
He told me that no one used that plant any longer, that I had to have palms (I didn't want any), that he didn't think he could find a particular plant or tree and if he could, it would be very expensive. These were only a few things I can remember that still leaves a bad taste in my mouth when I think back to our conversation.

The icing on the cake was when I was told that if I signed a contract for the job at that exact moment, I would get his company discount. Otherwise, nothing.
Now, the average person, of course, would want some time to think about a landscaper's estimate and what the job entails.
Mansfield gives you no time to do this. I found him arrogant and self-serving.

I have also heard that he gives his customers an incentive to write good reviews on this site, meaning that if you write something positive, he will "reward" you in some way.

Sorry, but his way is not the way I do business with anyone. As the previous poster (looks like Mansfield must have had it deleted!) mentioned, there are far too many good landscapers out there in the field who truly are a pleasure with whom to do business.
I am so happy we decided not to do business with him (it didn't take long to make that decision).
Just about everything he does looks the same anyway, in his inimitable cookie-cutter fashion.

[BogeyBoy]

Just curious, why are you posting about something that happened to you years ago?

[HogPilot]

About 5 years ago we contacted Mansfield for an estimate, even visited their facility to view the inventory. We had a somewhat similar encounter. The son was a very nice fellow, but the father was a piece of work. We went with someone else.

[bagboy]

Just curious, why are you posting about something that happened to you years ago?

:bigbow::a040:

[Polar Bear]

Sounds like he was a jerk from the beginning. So why did you even consider hiring him?

[seoulbrooks]

Since this gentleman is still in business today, I appreciate the OPS well stated review concerning her past experience with this specific business. Thanks Midnight Cowgirl.

We need more individuals willing to express the truth about experiences with contractors here.

[retiredguy123]

I had a very similar experience as the OP had with this company. I can't comment on his work, because, after one phone conversation, I knew that I never ever wanted to do any business with the company.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Just curious, why are you posting about something that happened to you years ago?


Actually, my comment was in response to someone else's current post who had an issue with Mansfield. I really don't know how it became a separate thread.

The other person's comment was removed. I'm assuming it was removed by Mansfield himself because it was posted where there were accolades praising him, on Mansfield's site.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Sounds like he was a jerk from the beginning. So why did you even consider hiring him?


At that time I spoke to a few different people regarding landscaping. Until I actually spoke with him I had no idea about anything.
It didn't take me long to know that he was definitely crossed off my list of possibilities.

[Velvet]

We need honest reviews. I can’t remember who but some landscaper boasted about the number of palms they put in a few years ago on a property and they posted the address to look at. When I checked it out there was not one single palm on that property!

[lorilorilori]

I called Mansfield on this house 2 years ago - and thought he was full of himself so hired Lori King. Would not recommend her.
Bought another house so again called Mansfield - no change. Egotisical maniac. Went to the "farm" last week and met the guy.
In person he is a bigger egotisical maniac. I then went to Yard Stop in Leesburg cause a wholesaler suggested. Very nice.
Don't know if I will give them the job but so far they are #1 on my list.

[Velvet]

You’re killing me! I can just visualize this guy, Mansfield. LOL

[olliedog1950]

We had the same experience, basically bragged himself up and insulted our landscape ideas.

[Polar Bear]

My comment is...oh wait...it’s the title of the thread. :)

[Villageswimmer]

I had a very similar experience as the OP had with this company. I can't comment on his work, because, after one phone conversation, I knew that I never ever wanted to do any business with the company.


Ditto.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

What I find amazing is the difference between the comments on this thread and the comments on his thread!

This confirms to me that I am not nuts (nor is anyone else)!!?!

[DanfromNC]

I actually called him last year and was told he wouldn't consider any job under $3,500.00!

[CFrance]

Just curious, why are you posting about something that happened to you years ago?
Now that there are more posts, I think you'll see the answer to this in post #16. He keeps putting up rave reviews of his own work with no substantiation.


In reality, the man is very difficult to work with, won't listen to your ideas or even begin to accommodate them, leaves long rants on your answering machine if you choose not to use him, and actually threatened someone on this forum.


We had personal experience with him. It doesn't matter how long ago it was--the point of the thread is with his reputation, it's difficult to believe he is still in business. In the years that we've been here, I have only read maybe three people who were satisfied with him and posted on a thread that he himself did not start.


That's why.

[OCsun]

I actually called him last year and was told he wouldn't consider any job under $3,500.00!

He told me the same thing.

[New Englander]

Now that there are more posts, I think you'll see the answer to this in post #16. He keeps putting up rave reviews of his own work with no substantiation.


In reality, the man is very difficult to work with, won't listen to your ideas or even begin to accommodate them, leaves long rants on your answering machine if you choose not to use him, and actually threatened someone on this forum.


We had personal experience with him. It doesn't matter how long ago it was--the point of the thread is with his reputation, it's difficult to believe he is still in business. In the years that we've been here, I have only read maybe three people who were satisfied with him and posted on a thread that he himself did not start.


That's why.

I know I'll never hire this guy.