I found Mike originally on Craig's List, and was so happy with his work that I'm the one who urged him to list on Homestars.
He's exactly the kind of tradesperson you want to deal with - honest, clear, responsive, listens well, offers good advice, and works independently. I had him parging, cutting a new foundation window, debricking a doorway, bricking up another two windows and cutting block on an angle for a stair rail. All of his work was perfect, done on fairly short notice, and never once did I have a problem.
I wish all the tradespeople I dealt with were like Mike.