theabcfamily

12:30 14th Mar 2012

ABC Home and Commercial and Austin’s KGSR Working Together for Make-A-Wish at SXSW

Austin SXSW Join the KGSR staff at The W in downtown Austin at 2nd and Lavaca for their SXSW Live Broadcast March 14th thru March 17th presented by ABC Home & Commercial Services and Polycom.

Make a $5 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas, you’ll enjoy a breakfast snack (for the first 300 people) and 4-hours of exclusive, live interviews and performances from featured SXSW artists!

This year’s broadcast will take place in the Great Roomlocated on the second floor of The W Austin. KGSR will be live 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday thru Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Here’s a sneak peak at the lineup:

Thursday – 3/15
6 Nakia
6:30 Elle King
7 Bahamas
7:30 Jimmy Cliff
8 Rhett Miller
8:30 Blitzen Trapper
9 Ingrid Michaelson
9:30 Delta Spirit

Friday- 3/16
6:30 ZZ Ward
7 Graffiti6
7:30 Fun.
8 Walk The Moon
8:30 Nada Surf
9 Tom Morello
9:30 Charlie Mars
10am James Mercer of The Shins

Saturday- 3/17
8 Kat Edmonson
8:30 Yellow Ostrich
9 Ben Howard
9:30 Ed Sheeran
10 Givers
10:30 Citizen Cope
11 Keane

All acts subject to change. Follow @kgsr on Twitter for updates.

If you can’t make the show, watch all of the performances streaming live on KGSR.com. Search “TuneIn” from your smartphone’s app store, download the KGSR app, and listen to the broadcast though your mobile device.

13:15 17th Feb 2012

Tags: customers abc austin pest lawn

Meet Kenny Rucker, Customer Service Rep for ABC Austin. She loves her job and her customers!

17:53 18th Jan 2012

Notes: 107

Tags: Charity Austin Giving Sharing

“Austin Gives Program” Encourages Area Businesses to Share Profits

The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce today will debut an effort to highlight corporate philanthropy in Central Texas and to encourage more of it.

The initiative — called Austin Gives: Business Giving Back — is to be unveiled this morning by 2011 Chamber Board Chairman Bobby Jenkins of ABC Home and Commercial Services and Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell.

The measure aims to encourage area companies of all sizes to pledge — via an online form at austingives.net — to give a portion of their pre-tax earnings to local nonprofit agencies.

Firms that agree to give at least 1 percent of pre-tax earnings will be honored at a “community celebration event,” where awards will be presented to businesses in three categories — small, midsize and large.

An annual volunteer impact award is also planned.

“Austin businesses have always been supportive of community-based organizations, and I’m pleased that this program will highlight business philanthropy in Austin,” Leffingwell said.

BuildASign.com is one of the inaugural Austin Gives participants.

“This is something a lot of companies want to do but don’t have the outlet,” CEO Dan Graham said.

Philanthropy has been a part of the culture at BuildASign.com since it opened for business in 2006, Graham said. Three of the company’s 180 employees focus solely on donated signage.

“I really see this snowballing,” he said. “It’s a great way to energize your team, help with recruiting and get your name out in the community.”

Other area companies that have already signed on, according to the chamber, include 3M, H-E-B, National Instruments, Southside Flying Pizza and the Steam Team.

The Austin American-Statesman is the campaign’s media partner in the initiative.

“The Austin business community really wants to contribute to the overall well-being of the community,” said Jenkins, CEO of ABC Home and Commercial Services, another one of the inaugural Austin Gives participants. “That’s how we do business in Central Texas — we give back.”

Austin Gives is modeled after the Minnesota Keystone Program, founded by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce. A Central Texas delegation visited Minneapolis in 2010 to learn more about the 35-year-old campaign.

The Keystone Program recognizes businesses that give at least 2 percent of pre-tax earnings annually.

“It works very well for us, and it has become a great model for others,” said Minneapolis chamber spokeswoman Linda Sue Anderson. “We get calls all the time from all over the country. There are a lot of people who look to us.”

After the Minnesota trip, Austin Gives was born through collaboration between the chamber, Entrepreneurs Foundation, Austin Community Foundation, United Way Capital Area, Successful Giving and I Live Here, I Give Here.

“There’s a lot of need out there, and I know a lot of businesses will be willing to step up,” Jenkins said.

Founding Austin Gives Partners

ABC Home and Commercial Services

BuildASign.com
Convio
PayPal
Ticket City
Wells Fargo
Workplace Resource
Yellow Cab
Austin Gives participants
3M
Alt Creative
BBVA Compass
BuildASign.com
DPR Construction
eBay
Farmers Insurance Group
Flynn Construction
GenerousArt.org
Give As You Get
Give Realty
Harden Healthcare
H-E-B
Heldenfels Enterprises
Heritage Title
Hotels for Hope
K Friese & Associates
Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP
National Instruments
Southside Flying Pizza
Successful Giving
Texas Gas Service
The Steam Team
Truluck’s
Wells Fargo Bank
Workplace Resource

By Gary Dinges
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

11:56 10th Jan 2012

Notes: 20

Tags: Baseball Sponsor Pest Control HVAC Services

Skeeter’s Baseball brought to you by Houston ABC Home and Commercial Services

SUGAR LAND – ABC Home & Commercial Services, Houston’s premier pest control firm, has been officially named the Presenting Sponsor for the 2012 Inaugural Season of the Sugar Land Skeeters minor league baseball team. As part of the agreement the Skeeters will be granted amnesty from ABC’s mosquito control program.

“To have the area’s leading pest control company grant amnesty for Skeeters and Skeeters’ fans is a giant step,” said Matt O’Brien, President of the Skeeters. “Much to the relief of our mascots, Swatson and Moe, they and the rest of the team will be protected in Sugar Land for years to come.”

Confusion between “mosquito” and “skeeter” could be attributed to a clear oversight in the definition of “Skeeter” by Webster’s New World Dictionary. At current, Webster only provides two references for “Skeeter”. Reference one is an informal name for a mosquito. The second reference is to an iceboat 16 feet (5 meters) or more in length equipped with a single sail. There is no mention of the new Sugar Land team or mascots Swatson and Moe. The Club has written a formal change request to the behemoth organization that seemingly controls all the world’s words. The club has no issue with 16 foot ice boats.

ABC has decided to join the “Pro-Skeeters” movement regardless of the outcome. The movement calls for support of everything “Skeeters”. To prove their commitment to the cause, ABC, the Official Pest Control Provider of the Skeeters, will ensure the ballpark is pest-free for fans to enjoy all year round.

“We’re excited to be onboard with the Skeeters,” said Raleigh Jenkins, President of ABC Home & Commercial Services. “We’ll stay focused on pest control and join the fans of the Sugar Land Skeeters cheering on the area’s new home team.”

As the team’s Presenting Sponsor for the 2012 Inaugural Season, ABC Home & Commercial Services will be prominently displayed on the commemorative Inaugural Season logo featured on home uniforms at each game as well as on merchandise, stadium cups and tickets.

Article Courtesy: YourHoustonNews.com

15:56 6th Jan 2012

One Customer’s Appreciation …

In our industry, service is everything, and we constantly work to improve ours. Recently we received this letter from one satisfied customer in our Austin territory. We are proud to recognize the specialist that make the ABC Home and Commercial name stronger everyday.

“I have been wanting to write you this letter and am glad that I finally found the time to let you know how lucky you are to have such great people working at your company. Several months ago, I had engaged your company’s service for water heater replacement, entire HVAC system replacement, plumbing and pest check. It was one of those “when it rains it pours” experience for me. Although I had expected and waited for my old systems to expire, it was still quite stressful when all those problems and more happened at once. And I’m glad I called ABC.

Ryan and Billie (Specialists from Austin) were meticulous in their work. I was told that Billie is a perfectionist when it comes to doing the job right and I can testify to that. They answered all my questions and addressed my concerns during the installation process thoroughly and knowledgeably. They were courteous and friendly. I’m particularly appreciative that they kept my house clean throughout the entire project.

Roman and Justin continued the excellent work and attitude. They worked efficiently and provided a high level of service.

John, who installed my water heater, is quite possibly the best plumber and mechanic I have ever encountered in my life. He made installing my water heater look like a walk in the park. He was also very flexible when I had requested some work that was mistakenly not included in his paper. He even told me that my car might have a brake fluid issue simply from hearing the sound/noise when I backed it out of the garage.

Mike saved the day, not once but twice when he fixed my clogged drainage disaster and later replaced my broken/leaking kitchen disposal. He truly went above and beyond to accommodate my germ-phobia when he unclogged the drainage from / through the roof vent. I didn’t even know such thing is possible. Truth is there was another more practical reason to that but nonetheless it made my day. He also gave me great assessment and fair options/recommendations on my second bathroom problem/remodeling plan.

Steve, who checked on a few minor issues after the insulation and HVAC installations, was as professional and excellent as the rest of the team.

Gracie patiently scheduled and rescheduled my various appointments, and listened to my failed attempts to describe various (technical) problems coherently. She resolved my rebate discrepancy and called a few weeks after to ensure that I receive the check. She’s efficient yet courteous and professional.

Last but not least, Adam was an excellent Project Manager. I had compared his bid with bids from other larger and smaller AC companies. It was an easy decision. Not only that he had given me a competitive quote and better equipment but his professionalism, courtesy and knowledge certainly won over your competitors. Unlike your competitors, he did not pressure me to make the sale, instead he gave me a sense that he was there to help and to deliver a complete and best solution. Indeed, he delivered and exceeded on all his commitments.

He took off his shoes without me saying a word on his initial appointment. He showed vast experience evidenced by his recommendation and answers to my various questions and challenges, mostly inspired by others’ bids. Adam took care off all the paper work and various inspections. He was organized, detailed and was a pleasure to work with. A few weeks after everything was completed when I had a few minor issues related to the project, he responded promptly and scheduled the follow-up work. By far, Adam exceeded my expectations when it comes to level of service that he provided.

Please extend my appreciation to your team.

With my work/travel schedule, it’s a great convenience to have one-stop shop for all my home catastrophes. It’s an important added benefit to have scheduling, paper works, billing, all kinds of logistics taken care of so easily and promptly.

During the project I have recommended your company to a friend who indeed replaced his water heater using your service. I will continue to use your company for my home services as well as recommending you to friends and family. I commend you for your great business and team, wish you a continued success and urge you to recognize and reward your team for job well done, great service and for representing your company in the best light possible.”

Sincerely,

GR

16:18 29th Dec 2011

ABC Home and Commercial Services Volunteer with the Christmas Angel Tree Program

A team from ABC Home and Commercial Services - Dallas & Fort Worth - volunteered their time to help the Salvation Army and NBC Channel 5 with their annual Christmas Angel Tree Program.

Amberlee Black in orientation

Angel cards – representing 16,000 families across the DFW Metroplex – hung on trees in local malls, surrounding companies, and churches in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton and Ellis counties waiting to be adopted.

Wish llist items for Angel Tree recipients

Each angel showed a needed item, and a wish item requested by each child or elderly family member for the Christmas holiday. NBC 5estimated that more than 57,000 people will receive 250,000 donated gifts this year.

Dennis Jenkins and Max Mungia stocking items

The unwrapped gifts were collected then packaged and distributed by volunteers throughout the weekend.

Together with other volunteers, each volunteer picked a station in the toy section divided into age groups and sorted the items appropriately. Many sections comprised this Angel Tree distribution operation.

Amberlee Black sorting items

Buses carried a member of the family in need to the Salvation Army location where they waited at the checkout tables outside to receive their Christmas goody bag. Another group of volunteers would then take the list tagged with identification numbers to the warehouse and pull the bag with the corresponding ID number.

Dennis having fun 225x300 ABC Home and Commercial Services Volunteer with the Christmas Angel Tree Program

Dennis Jenkins having fun!

After comparing the Angel Tree program child and/or elderly to the bagged gift, they would either stop by our section to fill the need and hopefully the requested gift of the angel not adopted off of an angel tree before taking it to checkout where the person was waiting.

The flow of our section came in spurts, but was full of energy the entire time as we energized from the incredible feeling of making a child or elderly smile on Christmas. It wasn’t long before the ABC team started discussing their commitment for 2012.

Amberlee Black, Alicia Jones, Terry Cooper, Max Mungia, and Dennis Jenkins volunteering at Salvation Army Angel Tree

As a company dedicated to charity work, we hope to inspire others to give the gift of donation. We wish you a very merry and safe Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

16:44 27th Dec 2011

Notes: 18

Tags: ABC Home and Commercial HVAC AC Heating Plumbing Lawn Yard Landscape Handyman

Congratulations to ABC Home and Commercial Services on accepting the 2011 Super Service Award!

ABC has won the Angie’s List’s Super Service Award in the following category(s):

Pest Control/Exterminating (Austin / Dallas)
Handymen (Austin)
Heating & A/C (Austin)
Landscaping (Austin / Dallas)
Lawn & Yard Work   (Austin / Dallas)
Lawn Irrigation   (Austin)
Plumbing (Austin)
Tree Service (Austin)
Water Heaters   (Austin)

14:58 20th Dec 2011

image: Download

She can’t quite tell you yet, but this little one knows the answer is Solar power!

Pictured, Granddaughter of ABC’s Scott Esler

14:27

Notes: 1

Tags: Christmas Lights Trail of Lights Austin ABC Home and Commercial

ABC Austin and The Long Center Revive the Trail of Lights

Austin is big on traditions, and there are a couple that standout: swimming at Barton creek, catching a show at Antones, watching the bats fly out from under Congress Bridge, and during the holidays, going with the family to see the annualTrail of Lights.

Last year the extremely underfunded Trail of Lights display was cancelled, along with a traditional outing for many families. Multiple sources say it may return in 2012, but what about this season?

Don’t count the Trail of Lights completely out, ABC Home and Commercial Services (Austin’s go-to expert for hanging holiday lights) and The Long Center for the Performing Arts, along with the city of Austin have partnered to revive a portion of the exhibit, running now at the Long Center.

The history of the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park goes back to 1965 according totrailoflightsaustin.com:

“The event, originally known as Yule Fest, began in 1965 by Mrs. Alden Mabel Davis and former Parks and Recreation Directory Beverly Sheffield as a holiday gift from the Parks and Recreation Department to the citizens of Austin and its visitors. The first artistic display, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, was initially set up in Zilker Park and holds a prominent location on the Trail every year. The first event lasted four days and consisted of a candlelight path, dance performances, a live nativity scene, and the Yule log. In 1967 the Zilker Tree, the “World’s Largest Man-made Tree”, made its first appearance. In 1992, the event was renamed the Trail of Lights.”

So head over to the Long Center, and then to Zilker Park where the large Christmas tree will still be in place.

Long Center Executive Director and CEO Jamie Grant says, he is pleased to provide continued hope for the Trail of Lights to one day return.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to host a few representative pieces of this much-loved holiday exhibit, and hope we and ABC Home and Commercial Services can play a small part in keeping the spirit of the Trail of Lights alive until it is re-launched in 2012.”

If you need help hanging your holiday lights, let us know! We’ll be there!
Visit ABC Home and Commercial Services for more information, or follow us on Facebook.

13:25 14th Nov 2011

Notes: 2

Tags: ABC Home & Commercial American Youthworks'Bicycle Bike Ride Wurst Ride Austin Texas

Riding with The Family

Our ABC Ausitn family participated this past weekend in the 9th annual Wurst Ride, part of the 2011 Bicycle Sport Shop Signature Cycling Series to benefit American Youthworks’ Bike Corps.
www.AmericanYouthworks.org

(L to R) Scott Esler, Brian Kelly, Matt Burns, Anthony Langley, and Bobby Jenkins