New York’s Top Rated Local® Businesses: 2019

At Top Rated Local®, we are all about supporting local businesses. That’s why we are so incredibly excited to announce New York’s Top Rated Local businesses for 2019!

The total number of verified review sites, the average overall star rating a business has on those sites, and the total number of ratings/reviews they have posted on those sites all play a role in the overall Rating Score™ calculation. The more ratings/reviews a business has posted on verified review sites, as well as the higher the average overall star rating, the higher the Rating Score. The highest possible Rating Score is 100.

All of these businesses shine because of their service and quality of work. We would like to give a special shout out to Remedi Spa, the number one business in the state!

Our New York award winners have an average Rating Score™ of 95.80 with an average star rating of 4.89 on verified review sites, and they are a shining example of what New York local business can be. You can find the full list of New York’s Top Rated Local award winners here.

Congratulations to all of our New York winners for 2019! We are thrilled to celebrate this accomplishment with you. Keep serving your customers well and making your state proud!

How to Keep Your Corporate and Personal Reputations Separate

Keeping Your Personal and Professional Social Media Separate

One of the biggest mistakes you could make when it comes to your business’ social media management is letting your personal life bleed over into your professional life for the world to see. You want all of your content to directly reflect your business’ brand. That means keeping personal things personal and professional things professional. In this blog, we’ll teach you some of the dos and don’ts that will help you make your business stand out on social media — for the right reasons.

DO:

Always Have Separate Accounts

This goes along with the whole “keep it professional” thing. Your business should have an account of its very own where you can really nurture and grow its brand. Not only does this allow you to make sure your brand gets the attention it deserves, but it makes it far easier to keep separate the things you want to share with friends and family and the things you want to share with the entire world. This also helps to ensure there is no crossover of your personal and business social media presence. Just make sure to keep business matters on the business profile and personal things on your personal profile.

Show Them Who You Are

Social media can work as an excellent, invaluable tool for branding. But, in order for it to do so, you need to be clear on what your brand is in the first place. A good way to determine what you want you voice to be is to learn a thing or two from your competitors. Scope out the competition and see what their audiences seem to respond to and what they don’t. Then take the things you learn and apply your brand’s very own spin to make it unique.

Keep It Casual — But, Business Casual

No matter what industry you’re in, you want your target audience to think you’re approachable and friendly — but not too friendly. Always keep it professional on social media, whatever your business is. You can decide how much of your business’, well… business is aired on social media. But, it is of the utmost importance that you make sure to always respond promptly and courteously to your followers.

DON’T:

Air Your Grievances on Your Personal Profile

Running a business is hard, and seeing as social media is a place where many people go to vent or unload their frustrations with all aspects of life, it can be tempting to complain about the challenges that come along with your business on your personal social media profiles. However, it can be incredibly harmful to put it all out there when it comes to your business. Keep your complaints private, it’ll really enhance your professionalism.

Knockoff Someone Else’s Brand

Individualism is key for any business’ social media presence. Although it is absolutely beneficial to check out what your competitors are doing on social media to get ideas, the last thing you want to do is completely copy their branding. All that does is make you blend in, which is absolutely not what you want. Apply strategy and thought to your business’ social media presence and carve out your own space on social media. 

Feed The Trolls

This one is actually good advice for both personal and business profiles, but we’ll focus on the business side of things. There are going to be people who don’t like what you’re doing, and often, those people are a vocal majority. Don’t feed into genuinely rude comments or posts regarding your business. If someone has a genuine concern, address that as you would a negative review, but don’t get mean. Bottom line: keep it professional.

Interested in finding out how Top Rated Local® can help you manage your business’ online reputation? Sign up today.

Arkansas’ Top Rated Local® Massage Therapists Award Winner: Renew Massage Company

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Renew Massage Company is an award winner for massage therapists in 2019!

If you are looking for a massage therapist that will prioritize your relaxation and stress relief, look no further than this award-winning company!

Renew Massage Company has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an awesome Rating Score™ of 95.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 massage therapists in Arkansas!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Breezie is absolutely wonderful! She is very knowledgeable and does a wonderful job at deep tissue! She is also patient and often spends extra time to make sure she has worked through all of my tight muscles.” -Sandra U.

It is because of rave reviews like this that Renew Massage Company is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Massage Therapist

We were excited to learn all about how Renew Massage Company has been able to build such a fabulous reputation, so we sat down with the owner, Breezie Faulkner.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Renew Massage Company stand apart from their competitors. In Breezie’s words, “I do more of a therapeutic-style of massage. They’re closer to medical massages. I have a degree in bio-archaeology, so I have a pretty solid background in anatomy. It better helps me pinpoint what’s going on. I’ve also got 10 years of experience.”

When asked about the Renew Massage Company mission, Breezie said, “I’m here to listen to the client, find out what they need, and meet and exceed those needs!”

Building Success

We were particularly interested in finding out what Breezie believes to be her secret to success. “I don’t ask for reviews or anything like that. My clients leave them on their own,” she told us. As for marketing, Breezie let us know she focuses on word of mouth.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as remarkable a reputation as Renew Massage Company has managed to. We asked if Breezie could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“Listen to your clients! If you pay attention, listen, and take care of your clients they will come back and send more people your way! Focus more on the client than on money. Put more emphasis on the client experience money will follow!”


Congratulations to Renew Massage Company for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Breezie for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website here!

Maryland’s Top Rated Local® Beauty Salons & Spas Award Winner: Bella Salon & Spa

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Bella Salon & Spa is an award winner for beauty salons in 2019!

If you are looking for a beauty salon that will help you both look and feel amazing, look no further than this award-winning company!

Bella Salon & Spa has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across six different verified sites with an average rating of 4.96 stars, earning them an exemplary Rating Score™ of 99.57 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking not only as the number one beauty salon in Maryland, but as one of the top 100 businesses in the state overall!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“This is the best salon. Its beautiful the stylists are amazing. This is the highest-quality balayage I’ve ever gotten, and it cost a fraction of what I thought it would. I will only go to Bella now.” -Chiara B.

It is because of tremendous reviews like this that Bella Salon & Spa is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Beauty Salon

We were excited to learn all about how Bella Salon & Spa has been able to build such an awesome reputation, so we sat down with the Spa and Marketing Director, Christy.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Bella Salon & Spa stand apart from their competitors. In Christy’s words, “We honor each and every single customer. We have several professionals within the company, and we make sure customers have an amazing experience!”

Building Success

We were particularly interested in finding out what Christy considers to be the business’ secret to success. “We ask for reviews! We strive for customer satisfaction,” she told us. As for marketing, Bella Salon & Spa focuses on community participation.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Bella Salon & Spa has managed to. We asked if Christy could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“Just be very community-minded, and keep up with your education!”


Congratulations to Bella Salon & Spa for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Christy for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website here!

Ohio’s Top Rated Local® Funeral Homes & Services Award Winner: Strawbridge Memorial Chapel

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Strawbridge Memorial Chapel is an award winner for funeral homes in 2019!

If you are looking for a funeral home that will treat you with the compassion and kindness you need at this trying time, look no further than this award-winning company!

Strawbridge Memorial Chapel has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.61 stars, earning them a phenomenal Rating Score™ of 92.10 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 funeral homes in Ohio!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“I have to say that the staff of Strawbridge Memorial Chapel showed me more than professionalism. They gave so much love, compassion, and understanding that I knew I would make it through the hardest part of life (burying my mother). Thank you so much. My mother was beautiful in life, and you did such a wonderful job with her. I’ll be forever grateful to you all.” -Ira D.

It is because of tremendous reviews like this that Strawbridge Memorial Chapel is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Funeral Home

We were excited to learn all about how Strawbridge Memorial Chapel has been able to build such an extraordinary reputation, so we sat down with the owner, Stephanie Strawbridge.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Strawbridge Memorial Chapel stand apart from their competitors. In Stephanie’s words, “I would say price, but customers say we are more compassionate than most. That is not what they are used to. Most funeral homes feel cold; we are told we feel warm and very welcoming. We do not start the conversation discussing money; it is more about the family.”

When asked about the Strawbridge Memorial Chapel mission, Stephanie said, “We are the new standard in funeral homes.”

Building Success Through Service

Of course, we were particularly interested in finding out what Stephanie considers to be her business’ secret to success. “Customer service speaks for itself, so people go online and leave reviews,” she told us. When it comes to marketing, Strawbridge Memorial Chapel focuses on word of mouth and referrals, as well as ads on social media.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as transcendent a reputation as Strawbridge Memorial Chapel has managed to. We asked if Stephanie could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“Make sure you have an online presence, especially on social media. Solicit reviews.”


Congratulations to Strawbridge Memorial Chapel for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Stephanie for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website here!

North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Real Estate Brokers Award Winner: Regina Drury Real Estate Group

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Regina Drury Real Estate Group is an award winner for real estate brokers in 2019!

If you are looking for a real estate broker that will help you move on to your next step as seamlessly as possible, look no further than this award-winning company!

Regina Drury Real Estate Group has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a terrific Rating Score™ of 98.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top three real estate brokers in North Carolina!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Regina made our home selling experience a breeze. Our house was under contract within 48 hours of listing it, and she was there to assist every step of the way. Thank you, Regina, for making this process as easy as possible.” -Danny I.

It is because of phenomenal reviews like this that Regina Drury Real Estate Group is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Real Estate Broker

We were excited to learn all about how Regina Drury Real Estate Group has been able to build such an extraordinary reputation, so we sat down with the Regina Drury herself.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Regina Drury Real Estate Group stand apart from their competitors. In Regina’s words, “Every single one of the people that works for me, whether they’re my staff or my buyer agents, has to have a personality that wants to help people. We have a very positive outlook. We don’t look at things as a negative at all. We’re always trying to find a solution to things.”

When asked about her business’ mission, Regina said, “One of my big things is that I love helping first-time home buyers. My oldest client was in her 50s, and she referred to me as her angel. She thought of me as her angel because she’s always rented all her life. One of the things I tried to do in my career is to show people how easy it is to purchase a house. Because a lot of times, people think they need a lot more money down or they think they need a higher credit score or they need to be in their job for 10 years. So one of the things that I think has been my big contribution to this business is helping people with buying their first home…”

Building Success by Treating Clients Like Family

As for her secret to success, Regina told us it’s all about treating her clients with the utmost care. “First of all, I treat all my clients like family, every one of them. So I take the time that they need instead of making them feel like I’m rushing on to another appointment. So that’s a big deal. A lot of times, my clients, when I ask them if they would like to receive a review from other people, to get to know me, a lot of times, they’re very excited to do that,” she told us.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as fantastic a reputation as Regina Drury Real Estate Group has managed to. We asked if Regina could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“It’s always important to remain professional. But also now, people want to know people. So when you’re trying to grow your online presence, the best thing I can say is that, with whatever you’re putting out there online, pretend like you’re at a party. You’ve invited all these people to your party. You want to be the most interesting person for them to read about or see on social media. If you just put all kinds of posts about houses for sale or whatever product your selling or constantly boasting things about yourself…”


Congratulations to Regina Drury Real Estate Group for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Regina for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website here!

Mississippi’s Top Rated Local® Attorneys & Law Firms Award Winner: Wessler Bankruptcy Law Firm

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Wessler Bankruptcy Law Firm is an award winner for law firms in 2019!

If you are looking for a law firm that will fight for you, look no further than this award-winning company!

Wessler Bankruptcy Law Firm has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an excellent Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top three law firms in Mississippi!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Leaders in bankruptcy law, this family-run practice has the only board-certified bankruptcy attorney on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and he has been the longest certified in Mississippi!” -Z.S

It is because of fabulous reviews like this that Wessler Bankruptcy Law Firm is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Law Firms

We were excited to learn all about how Wessler Bankruptcy Law Firm has been able to build such a terrific reputation, so we sat down with Wessler himself.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Wessler Bankruptcy Law Firm stand apart from their competitors. In Wessler’s words, “We represent banks and finance companies, so we see how the collection process works. We know how it works on both sides. That helps us defend both sides.”

When asked about the Wessler Bankruptcy Law Firm mission, Wessler said, “Don’t promise people something you can’t deliver. Always give them more than what they paid you for. This is how we have retained repeat consumers.”

Building Success Through Experience

We were particularly interested in finding out what Wessler considers to be his business’ secret to success. “We do a better job than anyone else. I’ve been doing this for 40 years. It works because we work better with fewer middlemen. We’re a family-owned and -operated businesses,” he told us. As for marketing, this award-winning business focuses on referrals and word of mouth.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as outstanding a reputation as Wessler Bankruptcy Law Firm has managed to. We asked if Wessler could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“Do what you know how to do, and don’t try to do what you don’t know how to do.”


Congratulations to Wessler Bankruptcy Law Firm for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Wessler for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website here!

Maryland’s Top Rated Local® Flooring Contractors Award Winner: Kustom Floors

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Kustom Floors is an award winner for flooring contractors in 2019!

If you are looking for a flooring contractor that will work tirelessly to give you the floors you desire, look no further than this award-winning company!

Kustom Floors has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.92 stars, earning them an outstanding Rating Score™ of 95.21 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five flooring contractors in Maryland!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Rudy and his team came and saved the day after my original contractor botched the install of my floors. I interviewed three flooring companies and ultimately picked Rudy because he was the most knowledgeable, professional, and responsive. They finished the job ahead of schedule, and I was very happy with the results.” -Mara J.

It is because of phenomenal reviews like this that Kustom Floors is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Flooring Company

We were excited to learn all about how Kustom Floors has been able to build such an excellent reputation, so we sat down with the owner, Rudy Arrevondo.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Kustom Floors stand apart from their competitors. In Rudy’s words, “We are dedicated. We follow the guidelines for the flooring industry, which a lot of companies don’t. We run the extra mile! We are the premiere wood flooring company in Maryland, DC, and Virginia.”

When asked about the Kustom Floors mission, Rudy said, “I like to see customers be happy. When you do something good for people, you can see the happiness in their eyes! I also like that we leave great work at people’s houses that they will remember forever. I had one client tell me that, every day she wakes up and sees her floors, she thanks us for the work that we did.”

Building Success by Doing Quality Work

It was important to us to find out what exactly Rudy considers to be his business’ secret to success. “Just do quality work! If you do quality work, the clients are happy and are willing to post reviews about how they feel about your work. I do ask for reviews. A small percentage offer to write us a review and refer people in the neighborhood to us. They’ll even offer to show their neighbors their new floors,” he told us. As for marketing, Kustom Floors focuses on review sites and referrals.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as fantastic a reputation as Kustom Floors has managed to. We asked if Rudy could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“Just be fair with your clients and your employees. You also need to be an expert in whatever industry you are in. Never stop learning about the industry!”


Congratulations to Kustom Floors for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Rudy for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website here!

Ohio’s Top Rated Local® Orthodontists Award Winner: Rob Forché Orthodontics

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Rob Forché Orthodontics is an award winner for orthodontists in 2019!

If you are looking for an orthodontist that will dedicate themselves fully to giving you the very best care, look no further than this award-winning company!

Rob Forché Orthodontics has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 4.96 stars, earning them a phenomenal Rating Score™ of 97.58 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five orthodontists in Ohio!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“The staff and Dr. Forche are so wonderful! Everyone is always so friendly. This is my third child to bring to Dr. Forche, and I wouldn’t even think of going anywhere else! They have done an amazing job on my children’s teeth!” Storm W.

It is because of fantastic reviews like this that Rob Forché Orthodontics is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Orthodontist

We were excited to learn all about how Rob Forché Orthodontics has been able to build such an extraordinary reputation, so we sat down with the Practice Manager, Alison.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Rob Forché Orthodontics stand apart from their competitors. In Allison’s words, “We take a very patient-centered approach to a customized treatment plan and result. It is all about the patients’ experience. We are grateful to everyone who chooses us over our competition… We also offer continuing education opportunities for employees.”

When asked about the business’ mission, Alison said, “We want to create a perfect smile and provide information to everyone we serve.”

Building Success Through Individualized Care

We couldn’t let Alison go without finding out what she considers to be the business’ secret to success. She told us, “We take pride in providing the highest level of care to every patient.” As for marketing, Alison told us they focus on social media and community participation.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as stellar a reputation as Rob Forché Orthodontics has managed to. We asked if Alison could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“Engage with patients via social media. Encourage your patients to be a part of the orthodontic experience electronically.”


Congratulations to Rob Forché Orthodontics for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Alison for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website at https://rforthodontics.com/.

Maryland’s Top Rated Local® Nail Salons Award Winner: Kosmo Nail Bar

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Kosmo Nail Bar is an award winner for nail salons in 2019!

If you are looking for a nail salon that will make your nails look fabulous, look no further than this award-winning company!

Kosmo Nail Bar has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.56 stars, earning them an awesome Rating Score™ of 86.53 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 nail salons in Maryland!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“This is my regular nail salon, and I have really, really liked it since my first experience. All of the stylists are very friendly and professional; the salon itself is very clean and modern. They have a great color selection and also do the SNS dip powder.” -A.K.C

It is because of remarkable reviews like this that Kosmo Nail Bar is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Nail Salon

We were excited to learn all about how Kosmo Nail Bar has been able to build such an impressive reputation, so we sat down with the co-owner, Gary.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Kosmo Nail Bar stand apart from their competitors. In Gary’s words, “We’re just really good at we do. We do what we can to make sure the customer is satisfied.”

When asked about the Kosmo Nail Bar mission, Gary said, “We’re just a place where people can get pampered and look and feel better when they leave than before they came in.”

Building Success Through Service

According to Gary, the secret to Kosmo Nail Bar’s success comes down to excellent customer service. As for marketing, Gary told us he focuses on word of mouth.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as wonderful a reputation as Kosmo Nail Bar has managed to. We asked if Gary could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“Provide good-quality service.”


Congratulations to Kosmo Nail Bar for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Gary for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website here!