Category: Alabama

Alabama’s Top Rated Local® Businesses: 2021

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

While there’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, we didn’t want to let that stop us from celebrating the amazing small businesses of Alabama!

Best known for being the “Heart of Dixie,” southern hospitality and for being the peanut capital of the world, Alabama is a wonderful state to live in and visit. Home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Harper Lee and the Talladega National Forest, the Yellowhammer State is also home to a number of truly incredible local businesses — from acupuncturists to window cleaners — that work to serve their communities and make the world a better place.

Top Rated Local® is here to recognize the many local businesses that work to make Alabama such a phenomenal place to live and visit. There are so many amazing businesses that serve the people of Alabama, but only the best of the best have made it on our list of Top Rated Local award winners for 2021. Today, we’re ecstatic to announce our 2021 award winners in Alabama.

To calculate our 2021 winners, we’ve looked at each business’s Rating Score™, which is determined by the total number of verified review sites the business is listed on, the total number of ratings/reviews the business has on those review sites and the business’s average overall star rating. The more review sites a business is listed on, the more reviews or ratings a business has and the higher the average star rating, the higher the Rating Score will be, with the highest being 100.00.

There are a large number of businesses that work hard to serve the people of Alabama and provide them with everything they need to thrive, and this year, we’ve identified 392 total businesses that have made the cut. These one-of-a-kind, local businesses have clearly made an impact on the customers and clients they serve each and every day, as evidenced by their impressive average Rating Score of 96.29 and average star rating of 4.86. For comparison, businesses across Top Rated Local average a 68.86 Rating Score and a 4.20 star rating. These businesses are truly the best of the best.

There are so many stand-out businesses in Alabama that deserve to be recognized for their success, but we’re especially excited to give a shoutout to the number one award-winner in Alabama for 2021 — Skydive The Gulf. With the best tandem instructors in the industry, Skydive The Gulf has become Elberta’s premier source for skydiving. Skydive The Gulf has received 575 reviews across 6 verified review sites with an average star rating of 5.00, which has earned it a phenomenal Rating Score of 100.00 and the bragging rights of being the number one Top Rated Local business in all of Alabama for 2021. This is the third year in a row Skydive The Gulf has been a Top Rated Local award winner in Alabama!

Congratulations to all of our award winners in Alabama for 2021. We commend you for the outstanding service and support you provide for your community day in and day out.

Alabama’s Top Rated Local® Businesses: 2020

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

From southern hospitality to mouthwatering gulf seafood, Alabama is known for so many wonderful things. In addition to being home to a long list of famous people, like Willie Mays, Rosa Parks, Harper Lee, and Condoleezza Rice, the Heart of Dixie is also home to a number of truly incredible local businesses — from nail salons to accounting firms — that work to serve their communities and make the world a better place.

Top Rated Local® is here to recognize the many local businesses that work to make Alabama such a phenomenal place to live and visit. There are so many amazing businesses that serve the people of Alabama, but only the best of the best have made it on our list of Top Rated Local award winners for 2020. Today, we’re ecstatic to announce our 2020 award winners in Alabama.

To calculate our 2020 winners, we’ve looked at each business’ Rating Score™, which is determined by the total number of verified review sites the business is listed on, the total number of ratings/reviews the business has on those review sites, and the business’ average overall star rating. The more review sites a business is listed on, the more reviews or ratings a business has, and the higher the average star rating, the higher the Rating Score will be, with the highest being 100.00.

There are a large number of businesses that work hard to serve the people of Alabama and provide them with everything they need to thrive, and this year, we’ve identified 392 total businesses that have made the cut. These one-of-a-kind, local businesses have clearly made an impact on the customers and clients they serve each and every day, as evidenced by their impressive average Rating Score of 96.55 and average star rating of 4.87. For comparison, businesses across Top Rated Local average a 69.35 Rating Score and a 4.25 star rating. These businesses are truly the best of the best.

There are so many stand-out businesses in Alabama that deserve to be recognized for their success, but we’re especially excited to give a shoutout to the number one award-winner in Alabama for 2020 — Terrame Day Spa & Salon. A luxurious day spa, salon, and blow dry bar that is committed to the well-being, comfort, safety, and enjoyment of its clients, Terrame Day Spa & Salon is Hunstville’s premier source for pampering. Terrame Day Spa & Salon has received 3,032 reviews across six verified reviews sites with an average star rating of 4.98, which has earned it a phenomenal Rating Score of 100.00 and the bragging rights of being the number one Top Rated Local business in all of Alabama for 2020.

Congratulations to all of our award winners in Alabama for 2020, and we commend you for the outstanding service and support you provide for your community day in and day out.

Alabama’s Top Rated Local® Electricians Award Winner: Mister Sparky

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Mister Sparky is an award winner for electricians in 2019.

If you are looking for a reliable local electrician, look no further than this award-winning company!

Mister Sparky has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across five different verified sites with an average rating of 4.82 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 98.21 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for ranking as one of the top 25 businesses and the number one electrician in Alabama!

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

“The electrician was very friendly, and he found out that my unit had no power, even though all of the breakers were on. Mister Sparky does great work and tells you up-front about what’s wrong, how to fix it, and for what cost. They have done other work for me, and they did a great job. I recommend Mister Sparky to fix your electrical problems.” – A.V.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Mister Sparky is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Electrician

We were excited to learn all about Mister Sparky and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Jay Stutts. Jay purchased Mister Sparky six years ago. He is a third generation electrician and in his 36th year of electrical contracting.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Mister Sparky stand apart from its competitors. Jay told us about the personal care they offer. He said:

“The number one thing that sets us apart is that we answer the phone when you call. Customers tell us how happy they are to be able to talk to somebody in the office and not a machine or answering service. Candy is usually the one in our office answering the phones, and she is phenomenal with customers. A lot of our success is because of her. We also have software that we use that sends a text that allows customers to see the name and picture of the technician. We have clean uniforms and vans, and are very professional as well.”

When we asked Jay about the Mister Sparky business mission, he said:

“You’re busy, and your time is valuable. Having to wait on any service contractor simply isn’t acceptable, and that’s why when you call Mister Sparky. We’re on time; you’ll see, or the repair Is free!”

Building Success, Online and Off

Mister Sparky has earned an incredible reputation, so we were excited to hear about how they have managed to get their name out. While their corporate team handles most of their marketing, they have greatly benefited from their wonderful online reviews. We asked Jay what the secret is behind getting those online reviews. Jay said:

“We’ve educated our technicians to push getting reviews. We will ask customers for reviews in person and through follow-up texts and emails. We know how important it is for potential customers to see reviews before deciding on an electrician. We are only as good as the people out there doing the work, and I’ve been lucky to have great technicians. Our reputation comes from their hard work and diligence”

Mister Sparky is also committed to giving back to their community. Jay told us a bit about how they get involved:

“My team and I try to get involved in the community as much as possible. I support a lot of local charities, and at least once a year, our technicians will get involved with charity work as well. We’ve done a lot of great things with Habitat for Humanity over the years.”

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

“The biggest thing is that you will need enough capital to start, because it can take some time to build a customer base. You also have to be prepared for at least four years of grinding and getting your name out there. You are only as good as your reputation in the service business.”

Congratulations to Mister Sparky for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Jay for taking the time to speak with us!

Alabama’s Top Rated Local® Award Winner: Backus Orthodontics

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Backus Orthodontics is a 2019 award winner in Alabama!

If you dream of a healthier, more beautiful smile, there’s no better orthodontics office to turn to in Hoover than Backus Orthodontics.

Backus Orthodontics has received almost 100 reviews with an average rating of 4.93 stars, earning them a tremendous Rating Score™ of 97.34 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 100 businesses in all of Alabama!

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

“Dr. Backus did my braces over 15 years ago! People who don’t even know me keep coming up to me to tell me how straight and beautiful my teeth are. I am so thankful that he was my orthodontist. My smile is one of my favorite things about myself, and it always gives my ego a boost when other people recognize it as well. I’ve even had several dentists ask me who did my braces because they are amazed as well.” – C.K.

Not Your Average Orthodontics Clinic

We wanted to learn all about Backus Orthodontics and its impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with Aimie Marshall, who handles their patient relations and marketing.

The first question we had for Aimie was what is it that sets Backus Orthodontics apart from their competition in Alabama. Here’s Aimie’s response:

“Dr. Backus started his practice in Alabama 20 years ago. Because we only have one doctor, we can be very personable and try to make every patient feel at home. We are also very big on technology and have some of the latest and most advanced in the industry. That helps us achieve the perfect smile for the patients.”

We also wanted to know how Backus Orthodontics works to make their community a better place. Here’s what Aimie had to say:

“We are very big into working with the schools, such as attending their events and fundraisers. We also do a lot of sponsorships with their athletic programs.”

Building Success With a Personal Touch

Aimie attributes Backus Orthodontics’ strong online reputation to the personal touch they provide their patients. Aimie added:

“We will occasionally send out emails to patients asking for feedback and/or reviews, and let them know where they can leave a review.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Backus Orthodontics has gotten their name out there through word of mouth and referrals. They also get a lot of business from repeat patients.

There are so many business owners out there looking to build the kind of online reputation Backus Orthodontics has. Here’s Aimie’s expert advice for them:

“When you are starting and building a business, word of mouth is very important. Marketing your business correctly is also key.”

Congratulations to the team at Backus Orthodontics for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Aimie, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Backus Orthodontics in Hoover. Visit their website today!

Alabama’s Top Rated Local® Pet Groomers Award Winner: Tangled Tails Pet Salon (Madison)

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Tangled Tails Pet Salon (Madison) is an award winner for pet groomers in 2019.

If you are looking for a pet groomer that will compassionately care for your pet while getting them squeaky clean look no further than this award-winning company!

Tangled Tails Pet Salon (Madison) has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 4.77 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 90.92 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top three pet groomers in Alabama!

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

“This is the spot to have your dog groomed! The staff does a great job. They don’t keep your dogs all day. They are groomed, and you pick them up immediately. My dogs never come home stressed out; it’s truly like spa time for them.” – P.K.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Tangled Tails Pet Salon (Madison) is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Pet Grooming Facility

We were excited to learn all about Tangled Tails Pet Salon (Madison) and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Amy Holt.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Tangled Tails Pet Salon (Madison) stand apart from its competitors. Amy told us that their focus is always on the dog, and they will always do what is right for the pup in their care. They do express grooming, which means that dogs only have to be away from home for a few hours, which helps them to not feel as much anxiety. In order to do this, they only take a limited number of appointments every day, ensuring that they can provide a quality grooming experience to each client.

Building Success, Online and Off

Tangled Tails Pet Salon (Madison) has earned a fantastic reputation, which Amy says is mostly thanks to word of mouth.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Tangled Tails Pet Salon (Madison) has managed to. We asked if Amy could share any expert advice with these companies. She said to make sure to use pictures and videos to connect with your community.

Congratulations to Tangled Tails Pet Salon (Madison) for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Amy for taking the time to speak with us!

Alabama’s Top Rated Local® Tree Care Companies Award Winner: Chris Francis Tree Care

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Chris Francis Tree Care is a two-time 2019 award winner in Alabama!

When you need professional, reliable tree care services in Mobile, there’s no better company to turn to than Chris Francis Tree Care.

Chris Francis Tree Care has received dozens of reviews on four verified sites with an impeccable average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a phenomenal Rating Score™ of 98.00 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 100 businesses and the number one tree care company in all of Alabama!

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

“These guys did an absolutely stupendous job. They go above and beyond, AND do so much cheaper and faster than anyone else. We had Chris give us a very thorough and fascinating survey first, then went with his recommendations. He quoted less than anyone else. His team had the job done in a single working day, removing two huge laurel oaks very close to our house, plus trimming branches. They cleaned up after themselves extremely well and did way more than we expected. We couldn’t be happier with their service or feel better about the decisions we made. I felt much more confident knowing that Chris is a proper arborist. Everyone on his team was friendly, polite and extremely helpful with answering all questions and taking all requests. I wouldn’t go to anyone else!” – Astoria J.

Not Your Average Tree Care Company

We wanted to learn more about this two-time award winner and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with Chris Francis himself the owner of Chris Francis Tree Care.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Chris Francis Tree Care a one-of-a-kind tree care company in Alabama. Here’s what Chris had to say:

“I am a board-certified Master Arborist. It’s definitely something clients look for. The licenses and worker’s comp is something that we also have. This protects our workers, who we value.”

We also asked Chris what their mission is at Chris Francis Tree Care and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s his response:

“My mission is to be a safe and professional arborist in caring for your trees.”

Chris went on to tell us that he and his team see trees as our most valuable resource, which is why they use the most advanced scientific practice in order to provide structure to trees and help to preserve them for future generations.

Building Success by Never Settling

Chris attributes Chris Francis Tree Care’s strong online reputation to their commitment to never settling and always striving to get better for their customers:

“We value training and education a great deal. I continue and maintain certain degrees and certifications. We’re always striving to get better for our customers. We never settle. We also take care of our clients, and we’re always putting them first. They almost feel obligated to leave a positive review.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Chris Francis Tree Care has gotten their name out there through Facebook, their website, minimal advertising on the radio, their branded trucks and word of mouth. Additionally, all of their employees also wear company shirts.

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Chris Francis Tree Care has. When we asked Chris what advice he has for those business owners, he said:

“Be a decent human being, and treat other people how you want to be treated.”

Congratulations to the team at Chris Francis Tree Care for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Chris, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Chris Francis Tree Care in Mobile. Visit their website today!

Alabama’s Top Rated Local® Computer IT Services Award Winner: ProTek

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that ProTek is a 2019 award winner for computer IT services in Alabama!

From data recovery to computer repair, ProTek is the company to turn to in Huntsville.

ProTek has received more than 100 reviews with an average rating of 4.66 stars, earning them a wonderful Rating Score™ of 92.62 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 computer IT services in all of Alabama!

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

“I truly appreciate the honesty of ProTek. The technician found a loose connection and brought that to my attention. Most places would have ordered unnecessary parts and charged me some outrageous price.” – Anthony D.

Not Your Average Computer Repair Company

We wanted to learn all about ProTek and its impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Clint Silver.

The first question we had for Clint was what is it that sets ProTek apart from their competition in Alabama. Here’s Clint’s response:

“We don’t specialize in one thing; we work on everything — the hard stuff that nobody else wants to deal with. They might take it somewhere else, and they won’t want to work on it, so they bring it to us. We are the only company in town that has a clean room for data recovery.”

We also wanted to know what their mission is at ProTek and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Clint had to say:

“We just want to help out the local community and do their repairs. We get out of the community what we put into it. [With our help,] people don’t have to buy new products, reducing the creation of more waste, etc.”

Building Success by Providing the Best Service at the Best Price

Clint attributes ProTek’s strong online reputation to their commitment to providing the best service for their customers at the best price while always being transparent:

“I think we get all of the reviews because we do good work and we stand behind that work with a great warranty.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, ProTek has gotten their name out there through word of mouth and organic search results online. Clint told us that they used to do Adwords, but these days, their reviews are what lead their customers to them. He added:

“It’s really all about taking care of the customer.”

There are so many business owners out there looking to build the kind of online reputation ProTek has. Here’s Clint’s expert advice for them:

“Be personable with as many clients as you can. It is very, very difficult to do. Even if you have a great staff, you want to make that one-on-one [interaction] a priority. You want people’s feedback. If there is a problem, you need to address it immediately. Every single customer that is mad is going to tell at least five or 10 other people, and it will cost you a lot more in business than it will to make it right. Customer service is essential. It is very easy to get negative reviews; it is very hard to get positive reviews.”

Congratulations to the team at ProTek for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Clint, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend ProTek in Huntsville. Visit their website today!

Alabama’s Top Rated Local® Senior Living Communities Award Winner: Crimson Village

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Crimson Village is an award winner for senior living communities in 2019.

If you are looking for a senior living community that will encourage healthy living in a fun and active environment, look no further than this award-winning company!

Crimson Village has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across multiple verified sites with an average rating of 4.66 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 81.50 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 10 senior living communities in Alabama!

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

“We had a wonderful afternoon yesterday at Crimson Village for their first-ever Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair! We thoroughly enjoyed visiting and interacting with the staff and residents. It is a beautiful, cheerful environment. I would love to live there!” – J.B.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Crimson Village is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Senior Living Community

We were excited to learn all about Crimson Village and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Executive Director, Rebecca Dennis.

Rebecca told us that Crimson Village stands apart from its competitors thanks to the care they offer, which is always of the most outstanding quality. She said that they always strive to be the best.

In addition to the excellent care they provide, they also have great facilities and a fun and active atmosphere. They are one of the newest and most outstanding assisted living communities in the area, and are also owned and operated by a physician.

We asked Rebecca to tell us more about their business mission or how they work to make the world a better place. She said:

“Seniors live longer if they are active and can enjoy being in a community. We do a lot of exercise with our patients and have lots of activities available for them to do.”

She also told us that their business motto is:

“We own FUN!”

Building Success Through Community Involvement

Crimson Village has earned a remarkable reputation, so we wanted to know more about how they have gotten their name out and grown their business. Rebecca told us that they stay very involved in the community. They do bingo at churches, sing at nursing homes, and bring in local youths to spend time with the seniors.

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

“Encourage feedback from vendors and family, and use that to improve and get visible.”

Congratulations to Crimson Village for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Rebecca for taking the time to speak with us!

Alabama’s Top Rated Local® Photographers Award Winner: Amy P Photography

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Amy P Photography is a 2019 award winner for photographers in Alabama!

When you need a photographer in Birmingham unlike any other, you need Amy P Photography.

Amy P Photography has received dozens of reviews on multiple verified sites with a perfect average rating of 5.00 stars, earning her a fabulous Rating Score™ of 85.50 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 photographers in all of Alabama!

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

“Amy has been capturing our family moments since my daughter was born in 2014. We bought the Watch Me Grow package and loved all of the pictures so much that we did it again with our son. The quality of her pictures is unmatched, and we will cherish them forever. It is such a treasure to capture those moments in time. Oh, and she has the best Santa around as well for holiday pictures. We have done those annually! I would highly recommend her to anyone that needs family pictures done.” – Karen P.

Not Your Average Photographer

We wanted to learn what makes Amy P Photography different from other photographers in Alabama, so we took a few minutes to sit and talk with Amy Pate herself.

The first question we had for Amy was what is it that sets her apart from the many other photographers people could choose to work with in Alabama. Here’s her response:

“Having a studio in a trendy area definitely helps. Customer service is, of course, really important. You need to make the client feel special and individualized. Every client is a relationship.”

We also asked Amy what her mission is and how she works to make the world a better place. Here’s what she had to say:

“I want people to remember me not just from the photos but for their experience.”

Building Success by Providing a Great Experience

Amy attributes Amy P Photography’s strong online reputation to her commitment to not just providing photos they can cherish but also a memorable experience.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Amy has spread the word about her services through Instagram.

There are so many photographers out there looking to build the kind of online reputation Amy P Photography has. Here’s her expert advice for them:

“Don’t expect to have a huge consumer base right away; be patient. Don’t be afraid of hard work.”

Congratulations to Amy P Photography for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Amy P Photography in Birmingham. Visit her online today!

Alabama’s Top Rated Local® Family Doctors Award Winner: Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD is a 2019 award winner for family doctors in Alabama!

If you’re looking for a family doctor who can help to manage your health care needs, look no further than Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD in Madison.

Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD has received dozens of reviews with an average rating of 4.58 stars, earning them a stellar Rating Score™ of 88.84 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 family doctors in all of Alabama!

Here’s just one of this award-winning business’ many five-star reviews:

“Dr. Mancuso is simply fantastic. She always takes the time to listen to my issues and then find the best methods to improve my health. She is extremely easy to talk to; I never feel rushed, and never feel any lack of concern. I feel so privileged to have found such a caring, concerned person to help me figure out the path to good health!” – Sharon B.

Not Your Average Family Doctors Office

We wanted to learn all about Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD and its impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Dr. Dawn Mancuso.

The first question we had for Dr. Mancuso was what is it that sets Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD apart from her competition in Alabama. Dr. Mancuso pointed to her one-on-one care, and told us that, with a smaller practice, the provider can work with each patient more efficiently.

We also wanted to know what their mission is at Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Dr. Mancuso had to say:

“[Our mission is] to treat the patients as family.”

Building Success Through Events and Word of Mouth

Dr. Mancuso attributes Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD’s strong online reputation to strong backing they get from their marketing association.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD has gotten their name out there through events held at the facility and word of mouth — which comes from establishing a rapport between the patient and the provider.

There are so many business owners out there looking to build the kind of online reputation Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD has. When we asked Dr. Mancuso what advice she has for them, she emphasized the importance of communication.

Congratulations to the team at Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Dr. Mancuso, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Dr. Dawn B. Mancuso, MD in Madison. Visit their website or call today to learn more about their services!