M & G Landscaping & Construction

I will start by getting right to the point. You should not use this company under any circumstances. Now I will tell you why…
Mike Gallo, the company’s owner, accepted a job he said would take 4 – 5 days. I paid him most of the agreed upon fee up front in cash (which he said was better for him and saved me sales tax). He and 1 crew member arrived almost 3 hours late for a first day of work and put in around 3 hours. Over the next month, I fought and struggled to get him back to the job a handful of times. He made excuses over and over, arrived very late the few times he came, did less than a half day of work each time making no progress, and promised over and over again end dates and results he failed to deliver. During struggles to get him back to the job site, he was incredibly rude to me and my wife on the phone — actually quite offensive to her.
Finally, after more than a month of this, I told him I would hire someone else to finish the job. He said that would be great and agreed to return $ 4000 of the cash I had paid him to date. He then began making daily excuses as to why he was unable to return the money. He blamed bouncing checks and delinquent clients. During the first few weeks of this, I tracked him down in person and managed to collect a total of $ 500. He swore he’d pay the rest back and begged me «as a gentleman» not to post any negative reviews. I told him I wouldn’t as long as he paid me back what he owes me.
It has now been more than 6 weeks since he has paid me anything. I paid another contractor to finish the job. He actually had to undo the little bit Mike and his guys had done poorly in addition to finishing the aspects that had not yet been addressed. Meanwhile, Mike hasn’t answered his phone since Aug 19. Each time I call, he texts back saying he can’t talk but he’ll get me my money by the end of the week. Prior to Aug 19, I generously offered an installment plan to which he agreed. I drew it up and sent it over. He texted that he’d sign it and honor it. He never did… no payments, no signed agreement. I reminded him several times. He responded the first few times saying he’d sign it right away and apologized for the delay. Then he finally said there was no point in the installments and that he’d just pay it all back at once. He has been belligerent and suggested I’m wasting his time. Meanwhile, it’s my time and money he’s made off with.
The bottom line is this:
Mike Gallo has $ 3500 that belongs to me. He has agreed it is mine, and he is making no effort to return it.
Mike Gallo was never actually qualified to do the job he agreed to. The few days he was here, I realize he was flailing and had no real plan.
Mike Gallo took over his family business. He used to work in the field for his brother, and before that for his father. He shared this with me when I questioned his ability to run his business. He has neither the organizational nor the technical skills required to do the work listed on his company profiles.
Mike Gallo is incapable of communicating in a respectful and professional manner.
Mike Gallo is not an honest man. He has lied to me so many times I’ve lost count. I am convinced he has no plan to pay back the money he owes me. Essentially, he has stolen $ 3500 from me and my family. If he ever does pay me back, I will say so here.
DO NOT TRUST THIS MAN. DO NOT HIRE THIS COMPANY.