Washington, DC’s Top Rated Local® Funeral Homes & Services Award Winner: Tri-State Funeral Services

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Tri-State Funeral Services is the number one funeral home in all of Washington, DC for 2019!

If you’re looking for a funeral home in Washington, DC that’s worthy of your trust, look no further than Tri-State Funeral Services.

Tri-State Funeral Services has received dozens of reviews on multiple verified sites with an average rating of 4.81 stars, earning them a tremendous Rating Score™ of 92.12 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for being ranked the number one funeral home in all of Washington, DC!

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

“Mr. Milton Tellington, the owner of Tri-State Funeral Services, and his staff are the epitome of excellent! They are compassionate and caring as well. I have used other funeral homes in the past, but not anymore. This funeral home is a blessing to anyone they provide service to. We really appreciate how this company helped us during our time of bereavement. Thank you so much!” – B.B.

Not Your Average Funeral Home

We wanted to know what makes Washington, DC’s number one funeral home so special, so we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Milton Tellington.

The first question we had for Milton was what makes Tri-State Funeral Services unique compared to their competition in Washington, DC. He pointed to the fact that they care, the quality of their service and their affordable prices.

Milton went on to say:

“I’m upfront with people. I tell them what my price is, and… I have a reasonable cost for funerals or cremations. …I use the top-of-the-line caskets and materials, and they appreciate that.
We take our time and walk them through everything, and they seem to like that and be very peaceful at the end…”

We also asked Milton about Tri-State Funeral Services’ mission and how they work to make the world a better place. Milton told us that he gives back by being there for his community and by adopting and cleaning up the block they’re located on. They also reach out to neighborhood churches and offer a place to hold chapel services for those that don’t have a church home.

Building Success by Offering a Sympathetic Ear

When we asked Milton what their secret is to such a strong online reputation at Tri-State Funeral Services, he told us that he has a sympathetic ear and provides quality service at the price people are looking for. He added:

“We take our time with families. Whether they use our services or not, we try to give them the information they need, because they are experiencing a death and they need to know what direction to go in. Education is one of the key things, and when people don’t have it, they can stumble, fall and get misled, leaving them vulnerable for people to take advantage of them…”

Every business owner wants to grow their business and build their online reputation the way Tri-State Funeral Services has. Here’s Milton’s advice for them:

“You have to treat people right and give good service. …Treat people right and take care of the things in a timely fashion, and they will appreciate that.”


Congratulations to the team at Tri-State Funeral Services for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Milton, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Tri-State Funeral Services in Washington, DC. Visit their website today!

District of Columbia’s Top Rated Local® Architects Award Winner: Kube Architecture

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Kube Architecture is an award winner for architects in 2019.

If you are looking for a modern architecture studio that challenges the norms of daily life and attempts to reinterpret ways of working and living in the built environment, look no further than this award-winning company!

Kube Architecture has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.87 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 94.72 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for ranking as one of the top 100 businesses and one of the top three architects in the District of Columbia!

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

“We have worked with KUBE Architecture on a number of projects in the past five years, and they have always been a great pleasure to work with. It’s not just that they have remarkable designs, but they are very knowable and professional, and they always bring a great deal of positive energy. We are looking forward to the next project.” – M.W.

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

Not Your Average Architecture Firm

We were excited to learn all about Kube Architecture and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Principal, Richard Loosle-Ortega.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Kube Architecture stand apart from its competitors. Richard told us a bit about their unique style, which he described as “warm modernism.” Richard said that warm modernism means that their work is inspired by and full of color, texture, and materials. Richard said:

“We like to use a lot of color, texture, materials… It’s not just a big picture, but all the way down to the tiny details. How wood meets tile, or how tile meets glass, those details are fun for us to work out.”

Richard went on to tell us about the overall business mission at Kube Architecture, and how they work to improve the lives of their clients. He said:

“We like to work very closely with our clients, and we try to give them what they want for the way they live. It’s not about us imposing ideas on them. They’ve come to us because they like our aesthetic, but in the end, we try and tailor each project to what the client is looking for in terms of how their space will function and how they live in it, which may be unique or different from another client. It’s really a team effort. We’re providing them something, and it’s a big expenditure, so we really want to give them something they are going to enjoy for a long time.”

Building Success, Online And Off

Kube Architecture has earned a fantastic reputation, so we asked Richard how they have managed to grow their business and get such fantastic reviews. Richard told us that their reviews are organic and are left because of their great work and exceptional customer service. He said:

“We get good reviews because our clients like our work. We don’t ask for those reviews. I don’t think there’s any secret to what we do. We do good work, and they like our work. We have fun with our clients.”

In addition to building the kind of online reputation that any small business would envy, Kube Architecture has spread the word about who they are and what they do by keeping in touch with their clients, hosting parties and open houses, and by getting publicity from the many awards they’ve won. They also send out a newsletter every few weeks and keep their social media accounts up-to-date with their latest projects.

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

“We keep our presence out there by being consistent and by posting, but not over posting. Post enough so that, when you have new stuff, people will notice it. If you post too much stuff, it’s going to wash over them. If you post every week or every two weeks, that’s probably better than overdoing it. What you put out should be interesting and should catch their attention. In terms of architecture, you want interesting projects with good photographs. Most of what you post is professional photography, so it catches people’s eye if it’s done well.”


Congratulations to Kube Architecture for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Richard for taking the time to speak with us!

Washington, DC’s Top Rated Local® Pet Groomers Award Winner: Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa is a 2019 award winner for pet groomers in Washington, DC!

If your pet is in need of a little pampering, there’s no better groomer to turn to than Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa.

Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa has received dozens of reviews on three verified sites with an average rating of 4.41 stars, earning them an extraordinary Rating Score™ of 85.12 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five pet groomers in all of Washington, DC!

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

“[This is the] best dog grooming spot in town. I have tried both the Rockville and Adam Morgan locations and cannot complain. The staff is very friendly, and the grooming prices are actually reasonable!” – Jamila J.

Not Your Average Pet Groomer

Elizabeth Roth, the District Manager of Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa, generously gave us a few minutes of her time to tell us about this one-of-a-kind business and its award-winning online reputation.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that sets Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa apart from the many other pet groomers in Washington, DC. Here’s Elizabeth’s response:

“It all starts and ends with customer service. We greet people with a smile, know the dogs and treat them as our own. We want the owners and dogs to feel at-home when they are here with us.”

Elizabeth went on to add:

“It has been great being a part of the community here in DC! Our grooming salon has more than 30 years of experience between our two groomers.”

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Elizabeth had to say:

“The mission is to focus on the dog and take as good of care of them as possible when they are here. We have participated in Adams Morgan Day, where we did free nail trims for the community. We are partnering with the Kalorama Park Fund in October, where we will be judging a dog costume contest. Whenever we get the opportunity to donate or be involved with charities, we love to do that.”

Building Success Through Face-to-Face Interactions

When we asked Elizabeth about Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa’s secret to such a strong online reputation, she said:

“It all starts in the store. It’s about the face-to-face interaction, and if that is positive, it sticks with people.”

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa has spread the word about who they are and what they do through community involvement, social media and word of mouth.

Elizabeth told us a little bit about their current goals at Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa:

“We are in the works of trying to double our footprint to have more room for our dogs.”

Clearly, Elizabeth knows a thing or two about growing a business and building an online reputation. Here’s her expert advice for the many other business owners out there:

“Don’t be afraid to change something if it’s not working. We have been through a lot of versions of what we have in place now. Be flexible, and let your customers dictate what is the best course. Learn from your mistakes!”


Congratulations to the team at Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Elizabeth, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Life of Riley Pet Hotel & Spa in Washington, DC. Visit their website today!

Washington, DC’s Top Rated Local® Employment Agencies Award Winner: Profiles of Washington, DC

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Profiles of Washington, DC is a 2019 award winner for employment agencies in Washington, DC!

For your employment and staffing needs, you won’t find a better, more reliable employment agency to work with than Profiles of Washington, DC.

Profiles has received dozens of reviews with an average rating of 4.68 stars, earning them a fantastic Rating Score™ of 90.77 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five employment agencies in all of Washington, DC!

Here’s just one of the many five-star reviews that got them there:

“I was very impressed with Profiles and the recruiter assigned to me, who not only followed up with multiple jobs that would fit my credentials but also throughout the entire recruitment process with my current role, consistently maintaining contact with me and patiently answering all of my questions. I highly recommend Profiles.” – Carla D.

Not Your Average Employment Agency

We wanted to learn what makes this award-winning business tick, so we took a few minutes to talk with Christy DeAngelo, Digital Marketing Specialist at Profiles of Washington, DC.

To kick off our conversation, we asked Christy about what it is that makes Profiles of Washington, DC unique compared to the many other employment agencies in Washington, DC. Christy told us:

“We are a relationship-driven company focused on creating meaningful connections to best pair top candidates with our top clients. Our Recruiters go beyond resumes and skill sets to develop deeper relationships with our most talented professionals seeking jobs. Our Business Development Managers take the extra time to thoroughly understand, not only our clients’ needs and expectations, but their culture, brand, business strategy and goals as well. We are there for our customers every step of the way.”

We also asked Christy about the Profiles of Washington, DC mission and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s her response:

“Externally, our mission is to partner with our clients to deliver the most dynamic talent-pool while aligning with industry trends and technology, thus, enhancing the brands and technologies of enterprise corporations through the expertise of our consultants. Internally, our mission is to empower our team to be real advocates for our clients, our cities and our talent.”

Building Success Through Consistency, Data and Engagement

When we asked Christy about their secret to such a strong online reputation at Profiles of Washington, DC, she said:

“We have a data-minded marketing department and are constantly strategizing ways to reach our audiences — such as new technologies, testing copy, testing images, testing channels, tapping into analytics and hyper-targeting. It’s a no brainer that consistency is important to brand and online activity, but it truly does make a difference. Lastly, what helps foster our strong online presence is employer branding and candidate relationship management — tapping into reviews, messaging platforms and NPS (Net Promoter Score) ratings. The engagement from our audiences is what feeds our brand.”

Christy went on to say:

“Our online presence encompasses one entity, but we have brick and mortar locations in four cities — Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA, Richmond, VA, and Washington, DC. This works for us, considering we place candidates nationwide. Where appropriate, we build out separate profiles or additional location pages to alleviate any confusion…”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Profiles of Washington, DC has grown through digital campaigns, by attending networking events and conferences, as well as through employer branding:

“Behind the scenes of the online presence, we are a working cog, tapping into reviews and feedback via messaging and conducting NPS surveys to gather and learn from feedback. We are always open to feedback and continuously have a finger on the pulse of our relationships, not only to see if we are doing well, but to see what we can improve. It is through these activities that we can tell our customers, ‘We hear you!’ It’s one thing to offer the opportunity to share feedback; it’s another to not follow-through.”

There are many business owners looking to grow their business and build their online reputation. Here’s Christy’s expert advice for them:

“Explore processes. Explore technologies. From there, decide what works for your business. If Pinterest does not bode well with the nature of your business or your audience, do not waste your time. Even if you are not in the running for any new resources, it is always beneficial to learn what is available, where the tech is going and what the new trends are.”


Congratulations to Profiles of Washington, DC for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Christy, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Profiles of Washington, DC. Visit their website today!

Washington, DC’s Top Rated Local® Orthodontists Award Winner: Byrdsmiles Orthodontics

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Byrdsmiles Orthodontics has won two 2019 awards in Washington, DC!

If you’ve been dreaming of a healthier, more beautiful smile, look no further than Byrdsmiles Orthodontics in Washington, DC.

Byrdsmiles Orthodontics has received hundreds of reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.97 stars, earning them a stellar Rating Score™ of 97.74 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being among the top 20 businesses and the number one orthodontics clinic in all of Washington, DC!

Here’s just one of the many five-star reviews that got them there:

“I so appreciate the care I get from everyone at Byrdsmiles Orthodontics. Everyone on the staff, from the orthodontists to the aides to the receptionists, is professional, warm, responsive and technically proficient. I’m almost at the end of my adult Invisalign braces, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.” – Liz R.

Not Your Average Orthodontics Clinic

Dr. Sonia Talley, DMD, the owner of Byrdsmiles Orthodontics, took a few minutes out of her day to tell us a little more about this one-of-a-kind orthodontics clinic and the impressive online reputation they’ve managed to build.

To start our conversation, we asked Dr. Talley what it is that sets Byrdsmiles Orthodontics apart from their competition in Washington, DC. Here’s what she had to say:

“We like to keep our practice small, so that we can take time and energy to focus on each patient’s overall treatment. In our practice, we don’t rush through appointments; we take the time to check in, see how the treatment is going and guide our patients to excellent and successful results. When it comes to creating your perfect smile, we use nothing but the best. From clinically proven treatment options, such as metal and clear braces and Invisalign® clear aligners, to advanced digital technology, your experience with us will exceed your expectations. We customize each treatment plan for the overall comfort. A positive patient experience is our main focus. Although each case is different, we pride ourselves on shorter treatment times and individual treatment plans. Our team of experienced staff members is one of our greatest assets. Many of our clinical assistants have more than 15 years of experience, which translates to a better patient experience.”

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at Byrdsmiles Orthodontics and how they give back and make the world a better place. Here’s Dr. Talley’s response:

“We sponsor education through concerts, festivals, sports teams, etc. We have been helping the community for over 33 years. We donate dental supplies to children’s grief camps and mission trips. We support our community by sponsoring events at our local parks and schools.”

Building Success by Creating a Great Patient Experience

When we asked Dr. Talley about Byrdsmiles Orthodontics’ secret to such a strong online reputation, she said:

“We don’t focus so much on our online presence; we focus on creating a great patient experience by creating a customized treatment plan specific for each patient. We deliver quality care that is tailored to meet each patient’s needs.”

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, Byrdsmiles Orthodontics has spread the word about who they are and what they do through referrals from satisfied patients:

“We focus on the patients we have, with the hope that the care we provide will give our patients a reason to spread the word to their friends and family.”

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

“Focus on the customer experience, and the reviews will follow. Give them a reason to spread the word to their friends and family.”

Dr. Talley ended our conversation by thanking their patients for their support and trust:

“A special thanks to our patients; your continued support means the world to us. Thank you for choosing Byrdsmiles Orthodontics and trusting us with your smiles for over 30 years. The highest compliment to us is when we are trusted to treat the whole family. As parents, we always put our kids first, but it’s a special thing when parents begin treatment with us alongside their children.”


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

We highly recommend Byrdsmiles Orthodontics in Washington, DC. Visit their website today!

Washington, DC’s Top Rated Local® Dance Schools & Studios Award Winner: Dance Place

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Dance Place is a two-time 2019 award winner in Washington, DC!

Whether you’re looking for dance classes for yourself or your child, Dance Place in Washington, DC has you covered.

Dance Place has received hundreds of reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.58 stars, earning them a superb Rating Score™ of 90.84 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 100 businesses and the number one dance school in all of Washington, DC!

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

“Dance Place is one of my favorite establishments in DC, period. Their site schedule is diverse and offers something for everyone, and they really focus on local talent, which is special. The classes are also great and quite varied, and the space is good for beginner and intermediate classes.” – D.M.

Not Your Average Dance School

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 Dance Place’s Communications Director.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Dance Place a one-of-a-kind dance school in Washington, DC. Here’s what the Communications Director had to say:

“Dance Place is extremely unique; this is a place where we are not only running adults and kids classes, but we are giving the community an opportunity to get involved with dance. The classes are extremely affordable, and we have different genres of styles. We have after school clubs and ways for teens to be involved with teaching. Building the dance community is something we want to do.”

We also asked the Communications Director what their mission is at Dance Place and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s her response:

“We aim to build a community of arts and support the dance ecosystem as it increases through the whole state. The dance community just wants to see more individuals find a passion. Founded in 1980, Dance Place builds a community of artists, audiences and students through high-quality performances, commissions, training and educational programs. We are committed to enriching the field of dance locally, nationally and internationally. Our thriving arts campus serves as an anchor in our Brookland/Edgewood neighborhood in Washington, DC.”

Building Success Through Customer Service

The Communications Director attributes Dance Place’s strong online reputation to their commitment to customer service and providing great relationships within the community. She added:

“We are a local non-profit that has been around for over 40 years.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Dance Place has gotten their name out there by posting videos on social media, sending emails and handing out flyers. It also helps that they have close ties with their neighborhood.

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Dance Place has. When we asked the Communications Director what advice she has for those business owners, she said:

“Listen to what your audience is really asking for. Your audience is who your customer might be. How are they finding you? What are their needs? And how can you impact their lives in a positive way?”


Congratulations to the team at Dance Place 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 Dance Place in Washington, DC. Visit their website today!

Washington DC’s Top Rated Local® Therapists & Psychiatrists Award Winner: Maheen Patel, M.D. PLLC Psychiatry

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Maheen Patel, M.D. PLLC Psychiatry is a 2019 award winner for therapists & psychiatrists in Washington DC!

When you need professional psychiatry in Washington DC, you need Maheen Patel, M.D. PLLC Psychiatry.

Maheen Patel, M.D. PLLC Psychiatry has received dozens of reviews with an average rating of 4.60 stars, earning it an outstanding Rating Score™ of 88.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five therapists & psychiatrists in all of Washington DC!

Not Your Average Psychiatrist

Dr. Maheen Patel, the owner of Maheen Patel, M.D. PLLC Psychiatry, generously gave us a few minutes of her time to tell us about this one-of-a-kind business and its award-winning online reputation.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that sets Maheen Patel, M.D. PLLC Psychiatry apart from the many other psychiatry clinics in Washington DC. Here’s Dr. Patel’s response:

“I would say that I am very outside of the box, and I approach healing very differently. I endeavor to look at struggle and suffering in more complex and multidimensional ways. I have many of my own treatment innovations. I seek the origin of presenting symptoms and endeavor to incorporate avenues of healing that address the root of issues. I truly care about my patients and forge a compassionate connection with every person who comes through my doors seeking help. The psychiatric care I provide is not just left-brain and analytical. My work with patients also powerfully incorporates my really intuitive and very creative right brain. When you align the two, that is where I have found the most profound healing occurs.”

Dr. Patel went on to say:

“I went into medical school knowing I wanted to be a psychiatrist. From age 12, I was fascinated by the mind and proceeded to study it from every perspective, from psychoanalysis to neurochemistry to existential philosophy. For me, the choice of my profession actually consolidated slowly over the course of my entire life. Psychiatry is not just a destination of education for me.”

We also wanted to know why Dr. Patel does what she does and how she works to make the world a better place. Dr. Patel told us that her aim is to provide compassion and caring for her patients, and said

“Everybody deserves to have a better life and to be happy! I have always been involved in pro-bono work. I do not operate from an elitist perspective. I believe everyone deserves to feel better and to forge a happy and fulfilling life. I love what I do and find it deeply fulfilling.”

Building Success Through High-Caliber Psychiatric Care

When we asked Dr. Patel about Maheen Patel, M.D. PLLC Psychiatry’s secret to such a strong online reputation, she said:

“I strive to provide high-caliber psychiatric care that is not bottom-line oriented. I operate from a holistic perspective, with deep compassion for my patients and focus upon maximizing overall health and healing, rather than upon simply alleviating a constellation of symptoms.”

In addition to being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, Dr. Patel has also been named one of America’s Top Psychiatrists from 2007 through 2016 by the Consumers’ Research Council of America and has won the Patients’ Choice Award from 2014 – 2018.

Clearly, Dr. Patel knows a thing or two about growing a business and building an online reputation. Here’s her expert advice for the many other business owners out there:

“Focus most on the quality of your contribution to people’s lives, and be less concerned by image. Strive to transform people’s lives, every patient every day. I won’t accept a patient to just accept a patient. I need to be certain that I can do justice to every patient I assume and that I can provide the highest level of care for each of them. For that reason, I cannot accept all patients who approach my practice. Each patient merits a considerable investment of time, energy and care. I do not take this lightly.”

Dr. Patel ended our conversation with this sentiment:

“I am grateful for my patients, who have allowed me into the deepest recesses of their minds and hearts and have invited me to help.”


Congratulations to the team at Maheen Patel, M.D. PLLC Psychiatry for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Dr. Patel, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Maheen Patel, M.D. PLLC Psychiatry in Washington DC. Visit their website today!

Washington DC’s Top Rated Local® Interior Designers Award Winner: Hudson & Crane

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Hudson & Crane is the number one interior design firm in all of Washington DC for 2019!

Reinvent your home or workspace with the help of Hudson & Crane.

Hudson & Crane has received dozens of reviews on three verified sites with an average rating of 4.75 stars, earning them a spectacular Rating Score™ of 93.46 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for being ranked the number one interior design firm in all of Washington DC!

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

“As soon as you walk into Hudson & Crane, you want everything!! The team there selects very modern, unique items, and what’s even better is how affordable they are! I would highly recommend their design services. For a fee that can go towards the cost of your furniture, they will come to your home and put together a proposed design based on your style, home layout and budget. And they will even put small decor all over your house that they recommend, and you can pay for what you like and send back what you don’t. I felt like I was on an HGTV show; it was awesome!” – Rebecca L.

Not Your Average Interior Design Firm

We wanted to know what makes Washington DC’s number one interior design firm so special, so we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Jaye Langmaid.

The first question we had for Jaye was what makes Hudson & Crane unique compared to their competition in Washington DC. Here’s what he had to say:

“Some designers are really product-driven, but our process is much more client-focused. We do a lot of research and design specifically for our clients. Our work is really tailored to our clients. We try to really take a lifestyle and client approach to each one of our projects.”

Jaye went on to say:

“We opened in December 2014. Design isn’t just for the upper echelon of people. What we are trying to do here is to help people realize that working with a designer should be as ubiquitous as working with an accountant to do your taxes. You spend the majority of your life in your home. Why do you put that on yourself to design it? Let a professional do it for you.”

We also asked Jaye about Hudson & Crane’s mission and how they work to make the world a better place. Jaye told us that they are frequently contacted about making donations to silent auctions and charity organizations.

Building Success Through Customer Service

When we asked Jaye what their secret is to such a strong online reputation at Hudson & Crane, he attributed it to their commitment to customer service and said:

“We are a small team here, and all of our staff touches all projects. That is how we differentiate ourselves. We understand that you cannot get good design services for free. The personal touch is how we differentiate.”

Apart from building the kind of online reputation any business would envy, Hudson & Crane has spread the word about their service through grassroots marketing and word of mouth, which comes from their strong focus on their clients. They will even throw a house-warming party for their clients, giving them a chance to meet new prospective clients.

Every business owner wants to grow their business and build their online reputation the way Hudson & Crane has. Here’s Jaye’s advice for them:

“Be the Nordstrom of customer service.”


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

We highly recommend Hudson & Crane in Washington DC. Visit their website today!

Washington DC’s Top Rated Local® Veterinarians Award Winner: Animal Clinic of Anacostia

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Animal Clinic of Anacostia is a two-time 2019 award winner in Washington DC!

From wellness exams and vaccinations to dental care, Animal Clinic of Anacostia has what it takes to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Animal Clinic of Anacostia has received more than 100 reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.76 stars, earning them a remarkable Rating Score™ of 95.59 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 100 businesses and the number one veterinary clinic in all of Washington DC!

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

“The staff and doctor are excellent and caring. They don’t try to stack up the bill, and they [have a] genuine concern for your pet. [This is a] very professional and a well-run office. I like the first-come-first-served process because when my pup is sick or acting out of sorts, I can just bring her in and she will be seen.” – Carolyn L.

Not Your Average Veterinary Clinic

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 Dr. Ashley.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Animal Clinic of Anacostia a one-of-a-kind veterinary clinic in Washington DC. Dr. Ashley told us that her aim is to provide the best experience for a client’s puppy or kitten and to ensure that they have their animal for its lifetime.

Dr. Ashley went on to say:

“For the current time, we are focused on wellness, routine care and older animals! For anything else, I am more than happy to give a recommendation on who to see! We like to have a dialogue with anyone who comes through the door. We are here to help your friend. We are here mornings and evenings daily for your pet’s needs.”

We also asked Dr. Ashley what her mission is at Animal Clinic of Anacostia and how she works to make the world a better place. Here’s her response:

“[My mission is] to keep the animals who come in front of me as healthy as possible. Some people come in with a lot of knowledge, and they are quite well aware of what to do and how to do it. Then there is the opposite end of the spectrum, and that’s where I really make a monumental impact. I help others choose the best breed of dog to help fit their personalities. I educate my clients in every way I possibly can to increase the quality of life for themselves and their pets.”

Building Success by Following the Golden Rule

Dr. Ashley attributes Animal Clinic of Anacostia’s strong online reputation to her commitment to treating people the way she would want to be treated:

“I provide my client’s animal with the highest level of care possible! I try to ‘see’ everyone who comes through my door instead of just ‘looking’ at them…”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Animal Clinic of Anacostia has gotten their name out there through a small amount of advertising.

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Animal Clinic of Anacostia has. When we asked Dr. Ashley what advice she has for those business owners, she said:

“Small business is tough, and you have to be prepared to take the bitter with the sweet. You aren’t going to make a lot of money initially. Pick a good location; know the ins and outs of your industry. Hire like-minded people to collectively work towards a goal with you.”


Congratulations to the team at Animal Clinic of Anacostia for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Dr. Ashley, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Animal Clinic of Anacostia. Visit their website today!

Washington DC’s Top Rated Local® Massage Therapists Award Winner: Bluebell Spa DC

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Bluebell Spa DC has won two 2019 awards in Washington DC!

When you’re in need of a great massage in Washington DC, there’s no better massage therapy center to turn to than Bluebell Spa DC.

Bluebell Spa DC has received almost 200 reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.96 stars, earning them a stellar Rating Score™ of 97.63 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for ranking among the top 100 businesses and the top five massage therapists in all of Washington DC!

Here’s just one of the many five-star reviews that got them there:

“My boyfriend and I went here for an aromatherapy couple’s massage. We have been to several massage places in DC and multiple in other parts of the country — this place is by far one of the best experiences either of us have had. Yordanos and Denise were both amazing and so kind. They used varying techniques and adjusted pressure as requested. They are clearly experts in this field. We had a full body massage, plus head and feet, and they also used hot stones! It was wonderful. We chose the lavender aromatherapy scent, which was so relaxing and cozy. The decor and little touches in the room and in the waiting area made this place very comforting. Highly recommended!” – Jessica M.

Not Your Average Massage Therapy Center

Carlos Machado, the owner of Bluebell Spa DC, took a few minutes out of his day to tell us a little more about this one-of-a-kind massage therapy center and the impressive online reputation they’ve managed to build.

To start our conversation, we asked Carlos what it is that sets Bluebell Spa DC apart from their competition in Washington DC. Here’s what he had to say:

“We hire the best professionals, and I guarantee good facilities. With us, you’re going to get the best service in DC, including the best massage and the best facial.”

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at Bluebell Spa DC and how they give back and make the world a better place. Here’s Carlos’s response:

“We try to promote our clients’ well-being. DC is a very stressful place, and people have tight schedules. Our mission is to make their lives better.”

Building Success by Providing Good Service

When we asked Carlos about Bluebell Spa DC’s secret to such a strong online reputation, he said:

“I think it’s just providing good service. People leave our facility satisfied, and they want to share their experience online. We try to do our best and try to meet everyone’s expectations as much as we can.”

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, Bluebell Spa DC has spread the word about who they are and what they do by donating to local schools and through social media, word of mouth and referrals.

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

“Be professional; be fair with your clients. Provide good customer service. You should always try to do your best. Always deliver the best service possible. Be nice.”


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

We highly recommend Bluebell Spa DC. Visit their website today!