Naperville couple launches MindMyManor

A Naperville couple has left behind their law practice to launch a Web portal for home services.

Elizabeth and Lawrence Griffin debuted www.MindMyManor.com a few weeks ago so consumers could get estimates, schedule appointments, set up auction bidding and even pay for the service all on the same site.

Consumers can search for a landscaper, plumber or other home vendor among roughly 10,000 listed. The site also offers a message board for discussions about experiences and the chance to rate a company.

"We felt that a single site was needed to compare and contrast services and pay for them all at once," said Lawrence Griffin.

When the Griffins moved from Aurora to Naperville, they realized they needed to establish new relationships with local vendors, such as a new lawn-cutting service and others. But it often was frustrating when trying to find someone or scheduling appointments with new contractors who didn't always show up when promised.

"We didn't like the Web sites that were already out there. On some, you had to pay to get on. On others, we would end up getting inundated with a lot of providers just hustling for business," he said.

That's when he and his wife decided to launch the Web site, worked with several friends and colleagues who helped, especially with custom-designed software and usability of the site.

While the site now offers around 10,000 basic listings, about 50 of those companies so far have expanded their profiles for a fee. It allows space for detailed information on the business with photos and videos. They also can say whether they're insured, if employees have undergone criminal background checks or other information In just the few weeks since the launch, about 100 consumers also have registered for free.

There is no cost to use the site. Once they fill out the registration site, that information will automatically appear on any bids they seek, so they don't have to type in their information again. The account also keeps tabs on their transactions and offers an online home maintenance calendar.

Besides the Chicago area, the site also offers businesses in Orange County, Calif.

"As the site grows, we plan to expand to other markets later," he said.

Surfing: Waukegan-based Consumers Credit Union introduced mobile banking, which includes mobile alerts and on-demand text messaging. For information, see mobile.myconsumers.org.

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