Charlene Russ Rick Alverez, owner of Island Breeze Home Services, LLC., is a licenced painter, but is not limited to just one talent.

Due to busy schedules, lack of ability or the desire to tackle home projects big or small, many island residents often hire a professional to get the job done. Among them is Island Breeze Home Services, LLC. Owner and handyman, Rick Alverez is a licenced painter, but is not limited to just one talent.

“Painting is something I really enjoy. It comes natural to me, but I also handle other jobs such as pressure cleaning, floor epoxy, refinish doors, masonry repair, light carpentry, rescreening and nearly anything the homeowner needs,” Alverez said. “I have been in this business for more than 25 years and I love getting to meet new people and hearing their stories. I wouldn’t trade living and working here for anything.”

Alverez and his wife, Claudine, moved to Pine Island three years ago from the Keys after having honeymooned at Cabbage Key.

“We were looking for a place to move because the Keys, over the years, has gotten too busy. The Keys once was a lot like Pine Island, but now it more closely resembles Miami and we were looking to recapture that old way of life,” Claudine said. “When Rick and I honeymooned on Cabbage Key, we decided to do some looking around in the area. We had gone to places like Englewood and La Belle, but something was still missing. We then discovered Pine Island and instantly knew this was were we wanted to be.”

In a short period of time, Alverez has established a long list of repeat customers.

“It has been great. Many times I will get hired for a small job and before I know it the customer is calling me back to tackle a bigger project,” Alverez said. “I get the feeling that many of these people were giving me a trial run to see what kind of work I do and once they are satisfied, they call be again.”

Among his happy customers are the St. James Place Homeowners Association. The following is a written testimonial penned by association president, Pat Gulliver.

“Our homeowners association recently contracted with Island Breeze Home Services, LLC. to paint the exterior trim and decking of the 20 units in our complex. Island Breeze performed the task in a professional manner and their workmanship was first rate. Additionally, they were very accommodating in responding to special schedule requests. We are pleased to recommend them and would not hesitate to employ them again in the future.”

Alverez attributes his success to not only the quality of his work, but to his work ethic as well.

“When I get hired for a job, I do the job. Unlike some contractors who come out and begin a job and then disappear for days, I stick with it until the job is done,” said Alverez. “I don’t see the point in dragging out a job when it isn’t necessary. Our aim is to do quality work at a reasonable price.”

Alverez also stressed the importance of hiring a licenced handyman.

“I have seen many instances where a homeowner tries to save money by hiring someone who is not licensed. Many times this ends in disaster,” said Alverez. “If the customer is not happy with the outcome of a project, they are left with no recourse if the handyman is not licensed and it only cost them more money to hire someone else to come in and resolve any issues. Unfortunately, I hear a lot of horror stories when someone hires me to fix someone else’s mess.”

Alverez and his partners, Tim Davis and Geff Rogers are generally available to begin a project within a couple of days of being contracted. For more information about services provided by Island Breeze Home Services, call 283-1839 or 699-1874.