Iowa’s Top Rated Local® Event Planners Award Winner: Perfect Events

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Perfect Events is an award winner for event planners in 2019.

If you are looking for an event planner that will take the stress out of planning your next big event, look no further than this award-winning company!

Perfect Events has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across five different verified sites with an average rating of 4.74 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 97.36 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top three event planners in Iowa!

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

“We hired Perfect Events for our wedding reception. Bonnie was a great help. She made our event perfect. Perfect Events did a great job with decoration and coordination. I would recommend Perfect Events to anyone who is planning an event. Thank you, Bonnie, for everything. YOU ARE A SAVOIR.” – R.K.

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

Not Your Average Event Planner

We were excited to learn all about Perfect Events and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Bonnie.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Perfect Events stand apart from its competitors. Bonnie told us about the incredible service they provide, saying:

“We focus on customer service. The big thing when you’re dealing with bridal events is to really understand your customer and what they’re looking for. We also give a lot of advice on what would work and share good ideas that help guide them to get the look they want. Our employees are great, and they always look out for what the customer wants so they have a great day.”

She went on to tell us about her experience in the industry and the value she is able to offer her clients:

“I’ve been doing this for 16 years, and I know that, if they hire me to do their wedding, I can save them a lot of money. People can’t afford not to hire me, because we know what we’re doing. We know how much things cost and can get better prices than if you were doing it yourself. I get them better prices and better everything. We also manage all of the details, so our clients can relax and just enjoy their day.”

Building Success, Online And Off

In addition to building the kind of online reputation that any small business would envy, Perfect Events has spread the word about who they are and what they do by networking and by offering great service. Bonnie said:

“The best way to advertise your business is to do a great job, and the referrals will come. Make sure you create a network of good vendors that do an excellent job. This allows you to give the best experience to your clients and also can help save you money, because the vendors want your business.”

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

“Build up a reputation of excellence, and you will get hired over and over again. You also need to have an exceptionally good website, so people can see what you’re all about. This creates a place where people can see what other people say about you and helps spread your good reputation.”


Congratulations to Perfect Events for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Bonnie for taking the time to speak with us!

Iowa’s Top Rated Local® Painting Contractors Award Winner: J & H Painting

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that J & H Painting is a 2019 award winner for painting contractors in Iowa!

For professional interior and exterior painting services in Le Claire, there’s no better company to turn to than J & H Painting.

J & H Painting has received dozens of reviews on verified sites with a perfect average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a fantastic Rating Score™ of 92.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five painting contractors in all of Iowa!

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

“J & H Painting did a great job of painting my new home. I love the accent walls they created and the finish. Joe recently did a touch up in my hallway after several years, and it looks great! I would recommend J & H for any painting job, and Heath, the owner, is a pleasure to work with.” – Jennifer M.

A One-of-a-Kind Painting Company’s Secret to a Strong Online Reputation

J & H Painting has managed to build the kind of reputation any business owner would envy, and to learn a little more about that reputation and this one-of-a-kind business, we sat down with the owner, Heath.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes J & H Painting unique compared to the many other painting companies in Iowa. Heath told us:

“Overall experience and quality are important. We just want everyone to have a great experience from start to finish. We pride ourselves on keeping the process clean and easy for people.”

When we asked what the secret is to such a solid online reputation at J & H Painting, Heath pointed to the fact that their ultimate goal is to provide excellent service to their clients:

“We just try to make this an all-around good experience. We try to take complaints and refine and make our process easy for people.”

Making the World a Better Place With a Great Experience

We also wanted to know what their mission is at J & H Painting and how they work to make the world a better place. Heath told us that their mission is to create a great experience for their employees. He added:

“We try to grow people, whether they’re with us or with another company. We also support things in the community. For me, it’s awesome to see people grow and to help them get where they want to go in life.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, J & H Painting has grown through social media.

It’s clear that Heath knows a thing or two about growing a business and building an online reputation. Here’s his expert advice for the many other business owners out there:

“Find a mentor who can help you with your business, and just listen. I’m part of a business group and tap into that knowledge.”


Congratulations to the team at J & H Painting for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner!

We highly recommend J & H Painting in Le Claire. Visit their website today!

Iowa’s Top Rated Local® Sign Companies Award Winner: LeDoux Signs

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that LeDoux Signs is a 2019 award winner for sign companies in Iowa!

From vehicle wraps and awnings to business signs, LeDoux Signs is the sign company to turn to in Mason City.

LeDoux Signs has received dozens of reviews with a perfect average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an extraordinary Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five sign companies in all of Iowa!

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

“I have to say, Bob and his team at Ledoux Signs are ‘Top Notch!!!’ I have used Ledoux Signs for a few different projects at our dealerships, and every time, Bob has executed above my expectations. With the amount of work and how busy his company is, they still manage to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Most recently, Ledoux Signs installed some vinyl lettering throughout our Nissan store, and it looks far better than I could have expected. His installers were not only great at what they did, but they were well-mannered and seemed to enjoy what they were doing! Thanks, Ledoux Signs!” – Mason City Motor Company

Not Your Average Sign Company

We wanted to learn all about LeDoux Signs and its impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with Production Manager/Install Manager, Bobby LeDoux.

The first question we had for Bobby was what is it that sets LeDoux Signs apart from their competition in Iowa. Here’s Bobby’s response:

“We are a real diversified company. We offer sandblasting, vehicle wraps, etc.”

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

“We donate to local sports teams and suicide prevention causes. We do free work for businesses/functions that need it in the community.”

Building Success Through Customer Service

Bobby attributes LeDoux Signs’ strong online reputation to their commitment to customer service:

“We just focus on customer service and never ask for reviews.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, LeDoux Signs has gotten their name out there through word of mouth, which says something about the caliber of service they offer their clients.

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

“Work hard, and have great customer service. A lot of hard work pays off. Do not take ‘no’ for an answer.”


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

We highly recommend LeDoux Signs in Mason City. Visit their website today!

Iowa’s Top Rated Local® Auto Shops Award Winner: Acheson Auto Works

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Acheson Auto Works is an award winner for auto shops in 2019.

If you are looking for a reliable, local auto shop that will get you back on the road, look no further than this award-winning company!

Acheson Auto Works has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across seven different verified sites with an average rating of 4.89 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 98.91 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for ranking as one of the top 50 businesses and the number one auto shop in Iowa!

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

“Acheson Auto Works is a great place to go for car maintenance in the area! When I moved to Des Moines, I was a little distraught about trying to find a new place I could trust that wouldn’t bleed my pockets dry. Acheson turned out to be that place! They have a shuttle if you need it and will let you know what’s going on with your vehicle, and they lay out the services for reasonable prices. They are customer-centric, and I’ve been happy with the services I’ve received!” – Z.A.

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

Not Your Average Auto Shop

We were excited to learn all about Acheson Auto Works and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Sam Acheson.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Acheson Auto Works stand apart from its competitors.

It is clear that Sam loves what he does and the people he gets to work with. He passionately told us:

“Acheson Auto Works literally has hundreds of competitors in Des Moines and the surrounding communities. When a potential client calls our phone number, pulls into our drive, or contacts us on the internet, it’s important that we demonstrate an immediate, sincere desire to help. Given all the choices they have, we really should be flattered they’ve contacted us. We need to be expert listeners. Instead of thinking about what our reply will be as the customer is speaking, we must focus instead on what our client is saying, because they’re literally telling us what we must do to please them. Our clients must witness the desire to help in our faces, hear the sincerity in our voices, and understand just how appreciative we are for this opportunity to help them. If we are successful in gaining our clients’ trust, then we will up our chances to earn a customer for life… Instead of telling them why they should patronize us, we can show them they’ve made the correct decision in stopping by Acheson Auto Works by quickly and efficiently developing a plan with them to address whatever problem it is they’re experiencing.”

Sam went on to tell us that his mission is to conduct business in an ethical and polite manner, and to provide not only outstanding work but also unmatched customer service. He shared:

“Acheson Auto Works was founded in 1947 by my parents, Sam and Mary Frances Acheson. Back then, most business was conducted with a nod and a friendly handshake. While today’s legal requirements are more stringent; there’s really no reason why a business can’t still employ good, old-fashioned standards while conducting business. You need to do what you say you’re going to do. Produce a high-quality product in a friendly, helpful environment, in a timely manner, and at a reasonable price. Handle problems gratefully, quickly, and efficiently. Say you’re sorry when you make a mistake. And finally, have fun on the job. I absolutely love what I do, and I hope our clients and employees alike can see this.”

Building Success And Giving Back

In addition to building the kind of online reputation that any small business would envy, Acheson Auto Works has spread the word about who they are and what they do by being active and contributing members of the community. Sam told us a bit about how they give back:

“Acheson Auto Works has been a member of the Clive Iowa community since 1990. We have tried to be a vibrant and contributing member of this community by serving on the Chamber of Commerce, attending ribbon cuttings and luncheons, providing assistance with fund-raising, making regular donations to our local first responders, pet-rescue projects, kids’ foundations, and by providing free services to our City when presented with the opportunity. For example, the City of Clive recently purchased a flat-bottom boat to help in flood rescue. For budgeting purposes, Acheson Auto Works was asked to submit an appraisal to paint this boat, but in an effort to contribute, we were pleased waive all charges. When our local Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization needed their large ornamental lawn characters brought up to date and repainted, we were more than happy to oblige. In other words, be helpful, be consistent, and be there. ‘YES’ is our answer, now please tell us how we can help.”

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

“Ultimately, it all boils down to the culture of a business, doesn’t it? Are the employees happy to come to work, even on Mondays? Do they have a bounce in their step? Are they whistling or humming a tune? How does the business look? Is the front façade tasteful, with up-to-date paint? Is the parking lot free of debris? How’s the landscaping look? How does the entryway smell? Are the windows smudge-free? Is the office clean? Is the coffee fresh? Do the TVs work? Are there current magazines to read? Are the washrooms inviting? Is there a safe place for kids, and a comfy chair for Mom? Have the toys been sanitized? What about the shop? Is it clean and tidy? Is your equipment in good working order? I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Finally, but perhaps most importantly, are you enjoying the interaction with your clients? All of these things seems like no-brainers. It’s part of doing business, right? Well, yes they are, but it’s also easy to become complacent. So, it becomes critical for one to recommit oneself to the duties at hand, no matter how menial they seem. Why? Because it all matters.”

Sam ended our chat with this touching sentiment:

“Thank you to the wonderful people who make up Acheson Auto Works and who work so hard for our customers, and thanks, sincerely, to our valued clients. We enjoy working for you.”


Congratulations to Acheson Auto Works for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Sam for taking the time to speak with us!

Iowa’s Top Rated Local® Award Winner: Ginsberg Jewelers

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Ginsberg Jewelers is a 2019 award winner in Iowa!

If you’re looking for a jewelry store that offers a wide selection of options and next-level customer service, look no further than Ginsberg Jewelers in Cedar Rapids.

Ginsberg Jewelers has received more than 175 reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.79 stars, earning them an exemplary Rating Score™ of 97.86 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 100 businesses in all of Iowa!

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

“I’m thankful [that] my first experience buying jewelry was with Ginsberg Jewelers. They were very helpful every step of the way and went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and taken care of every time I walked into their store. I will be taking my business back to Ginsberg for any future jewelry purchases because of the professional and caring experience they gave me these past few months.” – Brennan G.

Not Your Average Jewelry Store

Steve Ginsberg, co-owner of Ginsberg Jewelers, generously gave us a few minutes of his 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 Ginsberg Jewelers apart from the many other jewelry stores in Iowa. Here’s Steve’s response:

“My great grandparents started this in the 1800s. This is a multi-generational business and we are woven into the fabric of the community. Part of what sets us apart is our expertise, which has been passed down along the generations. I’ve come along, and I bring a little more formal education to business. There is reliable expertise that sets us apart. We don’t make things up about our products; we have expertise. We are locally owned by a family, and the owners are onsite, giving you get that personal touch with us.”

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at Ginsberg Jewelers and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Steve had to say:

“[Our mission is to] be able to meet people where they are at in their story and to be able to serve their story with jewelry. With you, you can add value to your story and will be able to pass jewelry along to the next generation and share that experience.”

Building Success by Asking for Feedback

When we asked Steve about Ginsberg Jewelers‘ secret to such a strong online reputation, he said:

“We ask for feedback. We have been here so long, and we focus on the customers and their story. Jewelry tells a story and lets us know more about our grandparents and previous generations. Jewelry is one of the most important personal possessions that you can associate with your story, and it lasts the longest. Jewelry doesn’t have to be the most expensive thing either.”

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, Ginsberg Jewelers has spread the word about who they are and what they do through Facebook, Instagram, their email database and multi-generational word of mouth.

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

“Stay in a growth mindset, and always look to get better.”


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

We highly recommend Ginsberg Jewelers in Cedar Rapids. Visit their website today!

Iowa’s Top Rated Local® Plastic Surgeons Award Winner: Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery is a 2019 award winner for plastic surgeons in Iowa!

From breast augmentations to tummy tucks, Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery in Des Moines has what it takes to meet your needs.

Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery has received more than 125 reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.40 stars, earning them a stand-out Rating Score™ of 88.98 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five plastic surgeons in all of Iowa!

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

“I can’t thank Dr. Bergman and his staff enough for recognizing breast implant illness. He is the expert in explant surgery. Thank you so much for giving me my life back! I am forever grateful!! I highly recommend him, the most compassionate and caring surgeon ever!” – Sandra F.

Not Your Average Plastic Surgery Center

Dr. Ronald Bergman, the owner of Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery, generously gave us a few minutes of his 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 Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery apart from the many other plastic surgery centers in Iowa. Dr. Bergman told us that he has 40 years of experience and is internationally recognized, and that Bergman Folkers Plastic surgery is located in the Historic Bergman Mansion in Des Moines.

Dr. Bergman went on to tell us that, in addition to trauma and cosmetic surgery, working with people who have breast implant illness — an illness where an individual’s immune system will attack the silicone in the implants — has become the forefront of the practice, and a lot of what he does involves removing implants.

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery and how they work to make the world a better place. Dr. Bergman shared with us that he gives back through Bergman Academy, which offers kindergarten through eighth grade, and donates to charities for arts, education and religions of all types. He’s also taught Fellows working to become surgeons and has been involved with medical education.

Building Success Through Experience and Quality Work

When we asked Dr. Bergman about Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery’s secret to such a strong online reputation, he attributed it to his many years of experience and the quality of his work.

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery has spread the word about who they are and what they do through word of mouth, which is very powerful in the plastic surgery industry.

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

“Have persistence and a passion for what you do. If you stay the course, it will work.”


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

We highly recommend Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery in Des Moines. Visit their website today!

Iowa’s Top Rated Local® Real Estate Brokers Award Winner: Skogman Realty

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Skogman Realty is an award winner for real estate brokers in 2019.

If you are looking for a trusted, local real estate brokerage that will help you get into the home of your dreams, look no further than this award-winning company!

Skogman Realty has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.15 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 62.53 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top three real estate brokers in Iowa!

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

“[They] helped my fiancé and me find our perfect home! [They] walked us through all steps of the process and made home buying a breeze! I wouldn’t have gone with anyone else!! Thank you!!!” – A.S.

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

Not Your Average Real Estate Brokerage

We were excited to learn all about Skogman Realty and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Vice President of Marketing, Jeff Janssen.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Skogman Realty stand apart from its competitors. Jeff said:

“We’re truly local. We’ve been a family-owned brokerage for 50 years. We’re very invested and supportive of the community. When you combine that local aspect and our community investment, it really sets us apart!”

He went on to tell us about their company’s goal of being a valued community resource:

“We want to be a resource! Our agents are some of the most highly educated agents in the area. They have a lot of upfront training combined with continuing education. We want to make sure the client experience is seamless and easy. We want our experts to make our clients experience excellent!”

Building Success And Giving Back

Skogman Realty has earned a truly incredible reputation, so we wanted to know more about how they have gotten their name out. Jeff told us that they are very active on social media, as well as in local publications. He said that it’s important to them that they don’t just market themselves but that they also make themselves a resource by sharing their knowledge.

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

“Be honest and sincere! Put your customers first. Make sure you understand your customer, too. If you’re local, don’t just say it, act on it by making sure you serve the community.”


Congratulations to Skogman Realty for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Jeff for taking the time to speak with us!

Iowa’s Top Rated Local® Senior Living Communities Award Winner: Northcrest Community

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Northcrest Community is a 2019 award winner for senior living communities in Iowa!

If you’re looking for the right retirement community for yourself or your loved one in Ames, look no further than Northcrest Community.

Northcrest Community has received dozens of reviews on three verified sites with an average rating of 4.75 stars, earning them an outstanding Rating Score™ of 93.52 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five senior living communities in all of Iowa!

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

“[This is a] beautiful property that is super clean and ‘homey.’ The staff is friendly, and the residents are very happy and social.” – Angie M.

Not Your Average Senior Living Community

Linda Dowele, the CEO and Administrator of Northcrest Community, 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 Northcrest Community apart from the many other senior living communities in Iowa. Here’s Linda’s response:

“Our culture and our life care commitment set us apart. Once someone moves here, they are granted a home for the rest of their life, including if they run out of money. Northcrest comes in and picks up the tab. You’re OK even if you outlive your assets.”

Regardless of whether their residents are at the independent level of care or if they require long-term care, they all pay the same price for long-term care. Linda added:

“We take all of the ‘what ifs’ out of people’s lives when they move here.”

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at Northcrest Community and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Linda had to say:

“Our mission is to do what’s right. As soon as you arrive, you’ll feel the difference at Northcrest — a sense of a vibrant, engaging community for those who embrace this special time in their lives. You will get the feeling of belonging with a close-knit community of friends and neighbors. You will feel welcomed. You will feel at home.”

Building Success by Constantly Posting

When we asked Linda about Northcrest Community’s secret to such a strong online reputation, she attributed it to their hard work and told us that they have a lot going on and are constantly posting.

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, Northcrest Community has spread the word about who they are and what they do through word of mouth. Linda told us that they’ve been at it for 50 years.

Clearly, Linda 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:

“Make sure that everything you do, you do for the people you serve.”


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

We highly recommend Northcrest Community in Ames. Visit their website today!

Iowa’s Top Rated Local® Award Winner: The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center is a 2019 award winner in Iowa!

Whether you’re looking for the perfect setting to say, “I do,” or you want a luxurious place to stay in Muscatine, there’s no better option than The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center.

The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center has received hundreds of reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.83 stars, earning them an outstanding Rating Score™ of 98.28 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 100 businesses in all of Iowa!

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

“We visited family in the area and decided to stay at The Merrill. The room, restaurant and general atmosphere of the hotel were great. I can say it exceeded our expectations, and we will definitely be returning customers!”

Not Your Average Hotel

Cathie Lienen, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center, and Lisa K. Adams, Area Marketing Manager with Hostmark Hospitality Group, generously gave us a few minutes of their 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 The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center apart from their competition in Iowa. Here’s Cathie and Lisa’s response:

“The Merrill’s celebration of artistry, its thoughtful guest details and sense of community inspire the artist, innovator and storyteller in the hearts of our guests. The Merrill stands apart. A true Muscatine experience melded with comfortable luxury, it invites and inspires travelers to experience the magic of the Mississippi.”

Cathie and Lisa went on to tell us that The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center is a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. 

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Cathie and Lisa had to say:

“The Merrill is breathing new life into Muscatine, telling its rich, colorful history with expressive brush strokes, carefully penned chapters and a pioneering spirit. We are Muscatine, and Muscatine is The Merrill. Together, we will improve the quality of life for the residents and the experience for visitors to our picturesque river town.”

Building Success Through Four-Diamond Service

When we asked Cathie and Lisa about The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center’s secret to such a strong online reputation, they said:

“We are lucky to represent a brand new, unique, luxury, boutique hotel. With four-diamond service, we quickly rose above the competition in Muscatine. At this stage, the reviews practically write themselves!”

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center has spread the word about who they are and what they do by connecting with their local community:

“We aim to capture the stories of our Iowa town, from Mark Twain sunsets to our famous pearl buttons. Working together, we can grow our business while boosting the economy of Muscatine.”

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

“Consistency is key. Tell your unique story consistently across all channels, and it will begin to resonate with your customers.”


Congratulations to the team at The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Cathie and Lisa, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center in Muscatine. Visit their website today!

Iowa’s Top Rated Local® Award Winner: Becker’s Jewelers

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Becker’s Jewelers is a 2019 award winner in Iowa!

With a wide selection of jewelry from all of your favorite designers, Becker’s Jewelers in West Burlington is the very best option for your jewelry needs.

Becker’s Jewelers has received more than 125 reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.99 stars, earning them an incredible Rating Score™ of 97.91 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 100 businesses in all of Iowa!

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

“We have bought jewelry from Becker’s on several occasions, and Lori has always helped us. We have never been disappointed! She takes a personal interest in her job and always checks back with us to make sure we are happy with our purchase, big or small. From repair work to special order jewelry, Becker’s Jewelers has always been the best!” – K.F.

Not Your Average Jewelry Store

Bill Becker, the owner of Becker’s Jewelers, generously gave us a few minutes of his 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 Becker’s Jewelers apart from the many other jewelry stores in Iowa. Here’s Bill’s response:

“I’m a second-generation jeweler. We are, by far, the oldest generation store in the area. We are a part of the community, and our customers’ lives. We don’t want to be faceless company. I know 90 percent of the people who come in by their first name.”

Bill went on to tell us that he started working at Becker’s Jewelers back in high school, and today, he’s the President of the Iowa Jeweler’s Association.

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at Becker’s Jewelers and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Bill had to say:

“We want to make a friend rather than a sale.”

Building Success by Providing a Next-Level Customer Experience

When we asked Bill about Becker’s Jewelers’ secret to such a strong online reputation, he said:

“It’s all about the experience. We try to make this experience fun and celebratory. It could be intimidating for a guy who knows nothing about diamonds. We go back to square one and help him through the processes. We make it fun…”

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, Becker’s Jewelers has spread the word about who they are and what they do through community involvement:

“We are very involved in the community and give back to a lot of charities. We gave away a carat diamond to a local charity. We work with the church and school organizations. We are giving away raffle tickets to win $100,000. It’s really about the community more than the business. Being socially responsible is important.”

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

“I think the difference between a good and a great business is fixing the mistakes. We make every situation positive. In today’s society, someone will leave a bad review. You can’t let that happen. Everyone who walks out the door needs to be happy.”


Congratulations to the team at Becker’s Jewelers for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Bill, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Becker’s Jewelers in West Burlington. Visit their website today!