I recently terminated services with Strong Roots Web Design
I recently terminated services with Sarah Gershone due to her lack of preparedness and professionalism in actually completing the project. Specifically, we had our first official meeting to start the project, what she limits to one hour. As per our agreement I had sent her all content five days earlier including the proposed website outline, and suggested content for all areas. She acknowledged receiving the information and replied "looks good." At the time of the meeting, it was immediately evident she had not reviewed any of the content. For example, the first document she brought up was a list of assessment tools I use which simply an insert. She described this as the "home page". When I told her this was simply an insert, she could not find the home page, so I had to take over the screen sharing and show her the home page document. She then had no specific comment on any of the documentation I previously sent her. Later in the session she made a general comment that the documentation I had produced was not good, implying it could not be used on the website. For reference, I identified content for every area of my practice (such as anxiety, depression) did searches on typical statements therapist make, created my own version and then ran it through AI several times. I provided her multiple examples in each area. Sarah then proceeded to ask me vague (she describes them as "open-ended") questions, such as the type of client's that come to my practice. When I asked specifics such as mostly males, better educated etc, she wasn't satisfied with my response. The session was ended earlier because it was clear to both of us it was a very unproductive meeting. Within one hour (11 am) I sent her an email specifying three concerns: 1) if she didn't like my content she had five days to review it, she could have told me prior to the meeting and/or rescheduled; 2) if she wants to ask open-ended questions which is how she wants to form the website, she should have let me know the questions ahead of time (per her agreement there is only one hour for the meeting) and 3) it was very unlikely she had not properly prepared for the meeting. I finished the email that I was still willing to work with her, but I needed a very different effort from her. After 24 hours she had not replied so I ended services with her. When she did reply her choice was to say I was defensive during the meeting and not acknowledging the obvious she had not done her job. I requested full reimbursement due to her lack of services and told her I would not pursue matters further. Instead she "itemized" out $1700 worth of services she said she already done, which is remarkable since we had only 30 minutes of the first working session, for which she was not prepared. Sarah notes on her website she is a "busy mom of four [children]". So I understand if someone does not always follow through. What concerns me is her lack of accountability and feeling she is entitled to $1700 with no meaningful work produced. I am sure she will respond to this review with she did what was on the contract. However, much of this is only verifiable by her and she does not acknowledge the obvious (as recorded on her session) she was not prepared to do the work. I gave her multiple opportunities to either change her business approach or refund the money. She did neither. I suggest you think seriously about this before signing any contract with her.