I also live in Ohio and had my shop (2 car garage) built, cost of
$15000, contractor never met my wife nor had any desire to.
I did put 1/3 down before work started.

The ones defending the contractor for demanding to see both
parties just for an estimate obviously are salesmen themselves.
Any contractor demanding to see both parties before giving an
estimate doesn't have much confidence in his product or his ability.

Of course I don't call people out just to socialize. If I want an
estimate I am ready to buy.

Steve