Without knowing Bill or having a reference for his work I phoned him to have a look at a grandfather clock owned by my employers which had stopped working. I've worked for my employers for over 3 decades and I am entrusted to make intelligent choices. There was no question that Bill knew the business from the questions he asked on the telephone about this particular brand of clock. Upon arrival he explained that the movement and all moving parts needed a complete rebuild/overhaul because of lack of tri-annual maintenance. With great hesitation and unable to contact my boss to 'buy into this,' I gave him permission to do the work. He gave me a reasonable price up front and delivered and installed the rebuilt parts before the deadline he gave me. He explained things to me about the care and maintenance of the clock that neither my boss or I understood about the clock. The clock has worked and kept correct time since the repair 3 months ago.
When he came to install the repaired parts I brought a vintage 1700's clock from Paris which was dry, split in many areas, the face was in need of repair and it just needed a lot of TLC. Several weeks later I picked up my clock and the price was less than quoted - because 'he had fun' rebuilding my clock.
Bill is not only a stellar clocksmith but one of the most genuine, happy and honest men I've ever met! Thanks Bill for all you did for both of us.