Local Basement Contractor Earns BBB Integrity Award

A Chatham-based basement waterproofing firm has scooped up the 14th annual Integrity Award from the Better Business Bureau of Western Ontario.

Advanced Basement Systems was established in 2003 by Martin Bates.

Bates grew up in London and worked as a bricklayer but decided to take the opportunity to become an independent dealer for Basement Systems Inc., based in Connecticut.

Bates chose Chatham as a home base because it is central to the area his business serves.

The company has 25 to 30 employees including a certified radon gas technician and a master plumber.

The home renovation and repair sector generates a lot of the consumer complaints received by the Better Business Bureau, but Bates said his business works hard on customer satisfaction.

"We don't leave any customer unhappy. If we make a mistake, we fix it," he said.

The Integrity Award was announced at a breakfast meeting on Wednesday.

Dura Med Mobility Products Inc., and Armour Shield Roofing were finalists for the award.

An independent committee selects the winner based on high ethical standards in areas such as marketing practices, community involvement and treatment of employees.

Along with the award, Advanced Basement Systems received a $2,500 scholarship presented by the Rotary Club of London Foundation, to be given to a student or students of their choice attending a post-secondary institution.

Guest speaker at the awards breakfast was Andy Spriet, a veteran of London's construction industry, and president of Spriet Associates, Engineers and Architects.

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