Phoenix Home Theater Designers Phoenix, AZ

Best Phoenix Contractors of 2009

Budget Blinds | Phoenix

When Emily Holliday hired Brad Lewis and his Budget Blinds franchise to install plantation shutters in her picture window, she knew the custom order would take time to arrive.

But Lewis communicated throughout the process and was meticulous in making sure the correct order was placed. "His level of service was phenomenal," Holliday says. "And the product is unparalleled."

Lewis, who's licensed by the state, says it's important to make sure his customers are happy. "I want to make sure they get a quality product with quality service," he says.

He offers a wide range of products, including those with no animal products and Honeycomb cellular shades that reduce ultraviolet rays and increase energy efficiency.

The Super Service Award winner also serves as the Arizona State Commissioner for Cal Ripken baseball's 4- to 12-year-olds division - a league of about 6,000 kids, and he started Advancement Via Individual Determination, a booster club that prepares students for college.

The Hook Up | Gilbert, Ariz.

Pat Wilkes hired Alan Brown's company, The Hook Up, for the third time when she needed two new TVs installed. She says Brown is the kind of person you welcome into your home.

"He's an outstanding individual," says Wilkes, adding that he's dependable and his prices are great. "I feel lucky to have found him."

Brown, who previously worked in sales for Sony, opened his home theater business in 2003 after noticing an increasing demand from customers who wanted quality installation.

"People asked all the time if we knew of someone who could set up their equipment for them," Brown says.

He works to empower customers on how to run, operate and even do minor troubleshooting. He also tries to resolve simple problems over the phone.

The three-time Super Service Award winner, who's not required to have a trade license, recycles electronic materials and takes discarded equipment to Dyna-Tronics or Westech Recyclers in Phoenix.

Arizona Air Duct Cleaning Co. | Chandler, Ariz.

When Kimberly Maney hired John Smedstad to clean her air ducts, she appreciated that he arrived at an appointed time rather than giving her a 4-hour window to wait for his arrival.

She says he finished the work quickly and still had time to give some attention to her dog.

Smedstad says he prides himself on punctuality as well as hard work.

"Getting the job done right makes all the difference in the air quality," Smedstad says. "If we do a good job, the customer just might tell somebody else about us."

Smedstad, who's not required to be licensed, says 60 to 70 percent of his business comes from referrals, including those who call him based on reports from Angie's List members.

The company has five Pages of Happiness nominations this year.

Shannon Dougherty of Gilbert hires Smedstad to clean her air ducts every six months.

"John is a great old school guy who provides upfront estimates, does the work well, informs you of his company's services but never pressures you to do more than you want," she says.

— reporting by Kristen Rojowski