Get matched with top audio/visual and computer pros in Vernon Hills, IL

"I hired this agency to replace an amplifier and connect my old speakers to my computer, television, CD/DVD to the speakers, including wireless and hard wiring connections. Bob worked a long time -- over nine hours over three days -- but could not connect my PC to the speakers through wireless connection. Everything was connected through bluetooth or hard wire, but what I really wanted was a wireless connection to my PC. He charged me $75/hr for two hours work, although he spent over nine hours trying to solve the problem, so that was fair."

"Robert knows his stuff when it comes to networking and home audio. He does not have the glamor of the big guys but his work quality is absolutely comparable."

Flowing Through Connections, Inc., sends a commitment to our clients with a signature that says, Telecommunications Experience you can trust. We are a Telecommunications Services provider designed to meet your business needs. Minimum Charge: $175.00 per hour x 2. Give us a call today! . . V E T E R A N -- O W N E D \n\nPLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE A BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS COMPANY ONLY. We DO NOT service RESIDENTIAL customers.\n

Your IT Guy provides a wide range of technology services that small businesses and Home users need. We are a small agile company that could take on both small and large projects. With excellent responsiveness and communication, we pride our selves on quality work at a reasonable price.

"I recommended to my nephew that he hire SmarTek Success to mount his TV above his fireplace, even though I had mounted several flat screens for family and friends myself. However, this mount was more complex. What really impressed me was the technician for SmarTek came out to assess the project before committing his services. That gave me the opportunity to give him what I will call an oral exam. He passed with flying colors and then his work exceeded my expectations. I would rate his electrical, cabling and audio/visual skills all 5.0. I don't do many reviews like this unless I feel I need to warn others of someone's poor efforts. This was different. SmarTek Success earned my praises."

"I contacted Mike when my computer suddenly and dramatically slowed down. I left him a message and he called me within a few hours, ready to help me immediately--remotely. Mike was extremely knowledgeable and efficient—and very personable. I gave him access to my computer and he carefully explained every step he took. Even though I know little about the inner workings of a computer, I felt very comfortable asking him my questions. While waiting for a scan of potential malware on my computer, Mike provided helpful tips on keeping my computer running efficiently. I highly recommend Mike to anyone suffering from any problem(s) with their computer. I will definitely contact him again if I experience any problems with my computer."

"Mark is very knowledgeable with computers, parts, accessories, and programs for rebuilding computers. Mark created a fantastic computer for me compared to what I had before, and I am just so satisfied with the new product that Mark created for me!!"

"Marcos and his assistant were very knowledgeable and professional. Marcos solved the problem with my antenna quickly and got me back in business with good TV reception. Marcos' rates were very reasonable. I would highly recommend Marcos at AV Techs for all audio, networking, TV antenna and CCTV security camera installations."

"Bill went above and beyond. In 2 days he helped me find a new computer for my needs and he got it up and running and spent time helping me understand it. Would definitely hire again and highly recommend!"

"Poor. I took a year to really think this one through as I wanted to give an honest rating and opinion. Once I was able to step back for a while, the answer became clear. My rating is based on my explanations below and the frustration I felt through this whole project.

Being charged by the hour covers many different types of work around a home, but there needs to be some common sense when things run awry and at no fault of the customer or even the contractor. In this case, it was the fault of the on-site contractor and owner.  The installation of new Leviton switches and circuits was a nightmare. Their contractor, God bless him, worked hard to install these switches, however, he was not familiar with installing them and I had to work with him and even explain to him how the new switches were to be installed in the correct order and matrix per the manufacturers specs. I spoke to Faith on several occasions about this and that I was a little disturbed that while their contractor eventually got the work completed, I was being charged by the hour for something he was essentially learning on. I estimated his unfamiliarity costs me an additional 6 hours. Whoa! I'm a project manager of construction project so I'm very familiar with situation like this. However, my work deals in the millions and not the hundreds, and I would expect the same ethics. Also, I'm a computer contractor by trade. If I came into one of my clients and charged by the hour and well past what was reasonably expected for setting up a server, for example, and I was not familiar with how to set it up and stumbled my way through it, I would be out of a job. No one should be learning on a job their being paid for. Its unethical. I pay with the understanding that the handyman or whomever I hire to work in my home has the expertise and knowledge. If not, then surely don't charge me hourly and the full amount of the extra time it took as well. Once I explained this this Faith, she understood and gave me a discount. I was appreciative, but felt this is something that should have initially offered by HM & MH.

HM & MH is on the expensive side. I have paid for services through AL that were more expensive, but their work was suburb and they always finished ahead of time due to extensive knowledge and expertise.

HM & MH did a good job adding track lighting to existing track lighting in my kitchen and track lighting in my garage.

HM & MH did a okay job installing a heater in my garage. However, their contractors had issues running the natural gas line and there was a blown transformer. They handled both but this was another case of extreme hourly charging. If issues come up like this and above, when does a contractor-owner stop and say to themselves, 'this is costing my customer past the point or reason". Faith gave me a discount to reflect this per my request.

HM & MH pulled coax and Ethernet. The coax as far as I can tell is working fine. However, several Ethernet connections did not work after they left. Being in computers and networking, I personally re-terminated one the the Ethernet cables. It works perfectly now. However, I still have two Ethernet cable they installed that due not work. I've re-terminated to no avail. I'll have to re-pull both cables myself.

HM & MH had to come back due to my porch lighting not working at all. This was one of the switches that was replaced by a new Leviton switch. It had worked while their contractors were on-site and immediately after they left that night. However, the following day, it stopped working. I replaced several 'working' bulbs thinking it was a bad bulb. No light! So I called Faith to have their contractor come out again as I believed after my troubleshooting that is was the switch. Their contractor took the switch out and checked the connections. Everything seemed to look good but I wasn't working working on the switch. However, once he placed the switch back into the wall, the light started working again. I was told it was the bulb and nothing was wrong with the switch. I was charged accordingly. This infuriated me! I'm not a dolt! And I was made to feel that way! This was the finally draw and left a bad taste in my mouth.

To finish off, this experience had unfortunately left me very cynical of home contracting companies. Honestly, I believe Faith and her contractors had good intentions but at times lose sight of the customer for the bottom line - money. This isn't meant to be derogatory. Everyone has their own opinion. 'Perspective is one's reality.' I'm just stating mine as honest as I can.  I'm sure Faith will completely deny or disagree with my statements. Just because this one disagrees with another, doesn't mean the others account or recollection should be ignored or discounted. And I would advice HM & MH that they can both take care of their businesses finances and be more sensitive to home owner's wallet's in these tough economic times. In the end, and along with quality work, this what usually builds customer loyalty! Since this experience, I have hired several handymen, each for a particular skill to match the work. But all capable of building a house. They also charged by hour and per two dozen interviews and bids, the amount was more align with the industry standard. However, anytime an issue went past an unreasonable point due to no fault of mine or theirs, they worked out a deal with me that benefited both of us and in the interest of professionalism and REASON. This renewed my hopes that there are contractors that can be paid their worth and value but also look out for the customer as well. Now these contractors are finishing my basement and I have referred them to several of my friends for work on their homes. ALL are HAPPY!!!"