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Nov 2009  |  By Mibs  |  Comments

I Know A Better Guy ... Mibs' Recommended Help for Your Family's Every Need

Who are you more likely to trust to do work for you—the resource that you found in a directory or the one recommended by a neighbor or friend? Personal recommendations win Mibs' business every time.

Photo caption: Computer whiz Vishal Vaid with his son.

And we've made knowing those great sources into a game of one-upmanship.

We call it "I know a better guy"—as in, "Oh yeah, think your plumber is good? Well, mine is better because ... "

We've built the "I know a better guy" mentality into our Better List. Most resources included in the Better List were recommended by someone who thinks highly of them and have been vetted by Mibs.

We also occasionally digress into "I know a better guy" during our meetings, as we did last week. We decided to share this insider information with you, with hopes that you will send us recommendations of the "better guys" you know.

-Susan B. Noyes, Founder

Help in the Home

Pest Control

Brad Jardine at Dominion Pest Control
773-545-2990
Because he becomes one with the insect. He knows where they live, he knows what they like. And like Raid, he kills bugs dead, only organically!

Electrician

Robert Keith at A-lectric
847-966-0251
Because he built a scaffold in our two-story living room to install new chandeliers.

Plumber

Bob at Evanston Plumbing
847-864-6611
Because he remembers when it's time for the annual fall rooting without being told. I can tell him the leak's in my son's room and leave the back door open and when I come home everything is fixed.

Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Repair

Uri Brill
847-912-4328

Handyman

Glen at Home Front Solutions
847-816-6260
847-343-7174 (cell)

Glen at Home Front Solutions is the ultimate handy man. Water pump not working? Trim need replacing? Windows need washing? Screens need mending? He can find a solution to problems you can't even imagine, and he does it promptly and with such a great disposition. Glen is a jolly man that you're always happy to see again (even if it means more things have gone awry in the house).

Marcin Knapik
Tip Top Carpenter
773-771-4433
Marcin specialized in kitchen and baths. He's multi-talented, reliable, reasonable.

Education and Home Office

Computer Whiz

Vishal Vaid
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ,
847-910-6079
He's reasonable, fair, knowledgeable, and reliable.

Math Tutor

Sandy Prince
250 Essex
Wilmette
847-256-4162
Sandy is knowledgeable and caring, and explains the math in a way that makes it easy to understand.

Psychoeducational Diagnostician/Educational Testing Professional

Dr. Marjorie Getz
Lutheran General Children's Hospital
1675 W. Dempster St.
Park Ridge
847-318-9067

Speech and Language Therapist
Ms. Mara Lane
140 Greenbriar East Dr.
Deerfield
847-945-8977
She's well-trained, compassionate and hard-working.

ACT Tutor

Patsy Price at Academic Tutoring
Academic Tutoring Center
Patsy is experienced and conscientious. She helped my child get a better score.

College Essay Coach

Sally Abraham
584 Cherokee Road
Highland Park, IL
847-432-2718
Sally is talented, smart, timely and efficient.

Sports & Fitness Trainers

Trainer

Eddie Conley
Fitness Defined
847-677-2348

Baseball/ Softball Trainer

Pete Dallas of North Shore Baseball
1550 Old Deerfield Rd.
Highland Park
847-831-3250
Pete is focused, kind and great with kids of all ages.

Boxing Trainer

Albert Falcon at the Warehouse Gym & Boxing Club
Albert seems to know just about everything there is to know about fitness, and on top of that, he's very friendly.

Speed and Agility Trainer

Eric Smoot and Silviu Gansca at Redefined Fitness
www.redefinedfitness.net
Eric and Silviu are attentive, knowledgeable and caring. Plus, they make training fun.

Training in the Arts

Acting Coach

Susan Handleman
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
1495 Sunnyside Ave.
Highland Park
847-579-1656
Susan is smart, talented, savvy and well-connected.

Guitar Teacher

Mike Sassetti
773-282-2942
Mike is an expert who your kids will find cool and fun.

Entertaining Services

Best D.J.

Marz at Charizma
www.charizmadjs.com
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
1200 Shermer Rd., Suite 210
Northbrook
847-480-7210
Marz always know what music kids are into; he stays very current. He's fun, cool and makes DJing look effortless.

Party Band

Gentlemen of Leisure Band
www.gentlemenofleisureband.com
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Attn: Rudy Jones
10551 S. Longwood Dr.
Chicago
773-233-0174
The Gentlemen of Leisure are one of President Obama's favorite bands. They offer a wide repertoire including current hits, variety, top 40, motown, classic rock and dance tunes. The sound is always top-quality.

Personal Care

Masseuse

Therese Holland
Fountain Square Building
1601 Sherman Ave.#210
Evanston, IL
312-282-0847
Therese is reasonably priced and very thoughtful.

Nail Technician

Mindy Vo at Vanity Nails and Spa
523 4th St.
Wilmette
847-256-2523
Mindy is a perfectionist who is reasonably priced, hardworking and pleasant to be around.

Dermatologist

Dr. Jerome Garden
150 East Huron Street, Suite 1200
Chicago
312-280-0890
Dr. Garden specializes in laser treatments.