J & Z Landscaping

Please note this is a duplicate review. J and Z Landscaping is also known as Vibrance or goes by the owner’s name, Juan Orgado. Vibrance has an F rating with Better Business Bureau and is trying to escape the rating by changing their name.
I have nothing against an honest business owner, even if they’ve done a poor job, after all, everyone makes mistakes. However stealing is another thing. I do not like having to write a bad review but working with Juan could cost you thousands and I feel I must warn others of his bad business practices.
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I’ve used Juan in the past for several projects around my yard. He had always been professional, courteous, and, while not exactly on time, has always completed the work and done a great job. I really like the guy — he’s personable and has an adorable family.
My last project, sadly, has been the exception — I wouldn’t be writing this if it was just a matter of Juan calling me back. It’s really a shame since he’s completed several large jobs and this project was a fairly small job. I’m sure he underbid and I’ve always been willing to re-​examine the project and adjust; I’m probably the most cooperative employer; time, money, I get it. Landscaping is hard labor.
But in this case Juan has refused to return my many calls and emails. Despite our history and promise of extensive continued work, he has stolen from me.
In the past, he has always taken payment at the end of the job once I’m satisfied — that is his stated policy — materials cost upfront, labor when satisfied. He had made a start and then went missing for a week. I called, he came back and worked for an hour or so then said he needed to purchase some crushed granite ($ 70) that he did not include in the original bid. We made an exception on payment for labor because he said he would be able to return and finish the job in a day. I wrote him a check for the labor and the crushed granite, $ 480. See? That’s a dinky job compared to the thousands from past work.
Juan disappeared. I waited several weeks because I knew his prior job he had suffered heat stroke — heck, I wasn’t in a hurry and it’s been hot. I called on a Monday to see when he’d be able to come out and he promised to return later in the week. No show. I waited another week. Called, no answer, left message, no return call. Waited another week, called, no answer, left message, no return call. Emailed then called again. Still no return call. Etc.
I won’t be filing in small claims — I’m busy. But I waited and waited, finally found another landscaper to do the job right. In the meantime the leftover weeds and ivy became a jungle; the new landscaper had to take care of the mess and, of course had to charge me more.
Note: address of business might also be known as
Juan Orgado
Vibrance Landscaping
8513 Shallot Way
Austin, TX 78 745
(512) 650‑9421