Category: Mississippi

Mississippi’s Top Rated Local® Real Estate Brokers Award Winner: Busch Realty Group

Posted on by Top Rated Local

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

If you are looking for a knowledgeable real estate company that will help you with all of your Real Estate needs, look no further than this award-winning company!

Busch Realty Group has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.91 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 95.08 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top five real estate brokers in Mississippi!

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

“Busch Realty Group went above and beyond when I was searching for an apartment! They were quick to respond and friendly all around. I had the best experience with this group and would recommend it to anyone who needs a Realtor®. I honestly believe that they have the best interest of the customers in mind, and anyone who believes differently has not truly given them a chance. [They] were awesome all around. I will definitely use them in the future. Thanks, Busch Realty!!” – H.N.

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

Not Your Average Real Estate Firm

We were excited to learn all about Busch Realty Group and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Jodi Busch.

Jodi started the Busch Realty Group in 2014, and since then, the staff have been working hard towards their business mission of making their clients’ realty dreams a reality. The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Busch Realty Group stand apart from their competitors. Jodi told us that they truly take the time to stop and listen to their customers and believe that staying in communication with their customers is a top priority.

Building Success, Step By Step

Busch Realty Group has grown and gotten their name out mostly thanks to word of mouth and referrals.

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

“It’s not going to grow overnight; you need to take it step by step.”

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

Mississippi’s Top Rated Local® Flooring Contractors Award Winner: The Flooring Mart

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that The Flooring Mart is a 2019 award winner for flooring contractors in Mississippi!

Reinvigorate your home with the help of the flooring professionals in Gulfport at The Flooring Mart.

The Flooring Mart has received dozens of reviews on verified sites with an average rating of 4.70 stars, earning them an extraordinary Rating Score™ of 90.96 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 flooring contractors in all of Mississippi!

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

“Paul and his staff were very professional and helped me pick the best quality product for our new home. The installers were on time, very friendly and extremely professional. I highly recommend using The Flooring Mart for all your flooring needs.” – Heather B.

Not Your Average Flooring Company

Paul Ellis, the owner of The Flooring Mart, 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 The Flooring Mart apart from the many other flooring contractors in Mississippi. Here’s Paul’s response:

“We have professional service, quality installation and competitive prices.”

Paul went on to share The Flooring Mart’s mission statement with us, which is:

“A room without a rug is like a kiss without a hug.”

Building Success With Combined Local Knowledge

When we asked Paul about The Flooring Mart’s secret to such a strong online reputation, he said:

“We’ve been in business at this location for 65 years; some of our employees have about 30 years of experience, and we also only employ a local installation crew. So combined, we have a lot of local knowledge.”

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, The Flooring Mart has spread the word about who they are and what they do through their deep roots in the community, including in schools, on the school board and by making charitable contributions. They also get a lot of business through word of mouth.

Clearly, Paul 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:

“You have to get those Google reviews.”

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

We highly recommend The Flooring Mart in Gulfport. Visit their website today!

Mississippi’s Top Rated Local® Funeral Homes and Services Award Winner: Riemann Family Funeral Homes

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Riemann Family Funeral Homes is an award winner for funeral homes and services in 2019.

If you are looking for a funeral home that will compassionately help your family and serve their own unique needs, look no further than this award-winning company!

Riemann Family Funeral Homes has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across multiple verified sites with an average rating of 4.74 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 91.43 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 10 funeral homes and services in Mississippi!

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

“They are first class all the way. This is a wonderful family who are always so helpful to families and their community.” – P.M.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Riemann Family Funeral Homes is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Funeral Home

We were excited to learn all about Riemann Family Funeral Homes and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the President, Chad Riemann. Chad is a fourth-generation Riemann Family President. He started working in the cemetery when he was just 15. He took over as President in 2005.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Riemann Family Funeral Homes stand apart from their competitors. Chad told us about some of the unique and special services they provide:

“We have a campaign called, ‘life is short, tell them now,’ which offers families the opportunity to plan their services ahead of time. We want families to have a discussion ahead of time about everybodys’ wishes so that, when something happens, the family knows what the person wants and doesn’t want… We also own our own crematory. At Riemann Family Funeral Homes, we have created a special program for families choosing cremation services. This program, Cremation Assurance™, is an exclusive benefit only available to those families that choose Riemann Family Funeral Homes to help them in their greatest time of need.”

He told us a bit more about the need for personalization when it comes to funeral services:

“Service is number one. We are committed to providing an excellent experience for families. We want their experience to be something that is meaningful to them. No two families are the same, and we personalize the service to their needs and wants. All families experiencing grief need different things, and we cater to those needs.”

At Riemann Family Funeral Home, they offer options for catering, receptions, and services that work for both contemporary and traditional funeral services.

We wanted to know more about their company mission, and Chad told us:

“Our motto for many, many years has been, ‘There is a Difference, Riemann Service.’ Likewise, ‘The Riemann Way’ is an unwritten philosophy dating back to 1920. Bob Riemann once said, ‘Unless it is illegal, immoral, or unethical, make it happen.’”

Building Success by Giving Everything They Have

Riemann Family Funeral Homes has earned a remarkable reputation, so we were excited to hear about some of the ways they have marketed and grown their business. Chad told us that they have used digital ads online, as well as TV and billboards. They also work to educate the community through civic organizations, businesses, and church groups.

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

“You have to give it everything you have.”

Congratulations to Riemann Family Funeral Homes for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Chad for taking the time to speak with us!

Mississippi’s Top Rated Local® Jewelry Stores Award Winner: LaBiche Jewelers

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that LaBiche Jewelers is an award winner for jewelry stores in 2019.

If you are looking for a unique custom piece, a gorgeous engagement ring, or a new family heirloom, look no further than this award-winning jewelry store!

LaBiche Jewelers has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 4.69 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 94.87 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top five jewelry stores in Mississippi!

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

“Everyone who works here is always very helpful. Customers are always greeted with a warm welcome as they enter the store and are given a gracious ‘thank you’ when they leave. This is a warm and friendly, family-operated business.” – W.L.

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

Not Your Average Jewelry Store

We were excited to learn all about LaBiche Jewelers and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Owner (with her husband, Steven), Tricia LaBiche.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes LaBiche Jewelers stand apart from their competitors. Tricia told us about some of their wonderful services:

“We are the region’s most referred jewelry store. We offer unique, hand-selected jewelry, a custom design studio, and an exclusive lifetime warranty.”

We asked Tricia if she could tell us a bit about the LaBiche business mission, and she shared:

“We’re really here to serve our community. We’ve been here since 1953, and we want people to find new things that they can have as mementos and pass down through their family. We also do a lot of repairs so that those heirlooms last!”

Building Success by Advertising Locally

LaBiche Jewelers has gained an impressive reputation, so we wanted to know more about how they have gotten their name out and grown their business. Tricia told us that they utilize a lot of local advertising through TV, radio, and online. They update their community through social media, and they always ask for reviews.

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

“Just take care of your customers; that’s the bottom line! You need to serve them, provide a great product, and be a servant to them! You also HAVE to advertise. You have to keep your message out there.”

Tricia ended our chat with this welcoming invitation:

“Come in, and see what we’re all about!”

Congratulations to LaBiche Jewelers for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Tricia for taking the time to speak with us!

Mississippi’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Blann’s Martial Arts

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Blann’s Martial Arts is an award winner for martial arts in 2019.

If you are looking for a family-friendly, reputable martial arts studio, look no further than this award-winning company!

Blann’s Martial Arts has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.93 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 95.31 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top three martial arts centers in Mississippi!

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

“This is by far the best martial arts school you will find anywhere. You will get individual and group instruction. Sensei Blann teaches almost all of the classes personally. If you are looking for a supportive atmosphere where the instructors and students all encourage and help each other, then this is the place. Adults, children, and teens will benefit from the instruction for fitness, sport, and self-defense.” – M.O.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Blann’s Martial Arts is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Martial Arts Studio

We were excited to learn all about Blann’s Martial Arts and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Jimmy Blann. Jimmy and his wife, Vicki Blann, are the owners of the business. They have been in business for 39 years. When he was a kid, Jimmy originally thought he had wanted to be a football coach. When that didn’t work out, he decided to start his martial arts business. He was a martial arts student for about four years before opening his own business. It was always in his nature to teach and coach others, and it is that passion that fuels his business now.

We wanted to know what it is that makes Blann’s Martial Arts stand apart from their competitors. Jimmy told us that he and his wife understand that it is their customers that keep them in business, so they make it a point to treat everybody as if they are special. He believes that it’s all about what he can do for others, and he wants to show them that karate can help them in their lives, both mentally and physically. He told us:

“I treat everyone like a brother or sister. We have a lot of families that come in and train together. We just had a dad and daughter get their black belts at the same time. The son got his just a few months prior. I have a proven track record and a safe way of teaching you. I’m going to do what I can to make you the best martial artist you can be. I’m not going to bore you with my accomplishments. It’s all about what I can do for you; it’s not about me.”

In everything they do, they are working towards their business mission, which is a commitment to excellence.

Building Success By Putting the Customer First

Blann’s Martial Arts has earned a remarkable reputation, and Jimmy says it’s all thanks to word of mouth.

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

“You always need to put the customer first and give them your best.”

Congratulations to Blann’s Martial Arts for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Jimmy for taking the time to speak with us!

Mississippi’s Top Rated Local® Electricians Award Winner: Everett Electric LLC

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Everett Electric LLC is a two-time 2019 award winner in Mississippi!

For electrical services you can rely on in Madison, there’s no better company to work with than Everett Electric LLC.

Everett Electric LLC has received dozens of reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.97 stars, earning them a marvelous Rating Score™ of 97.70 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 100 businesses and the number one electrician in all of Mississippi!

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

“I was having an outdoor kitchen built, and they installed the range hood as well as lighting for my outdoors. They were very courteous, professional and always on time. I have recommended them to all my Reunion neighbors and would give them 10 stars if I could!” – A.B.

Not Your Average Electrician

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 Amanda Kittrell, Office Manager at Everett Electric LLC.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Everett Electric LLC a one-of-a-kind electrician in Mississippi. Amanda told us that they are a minority- and women-owned business that’s local to Madison. Georgia Everett is the majority owner of the business in addition to being a master electrician herself. Amanda added:

“We enjoy the option of being able to send a female electrician into the field, and from the feedback we’ve received, it is mutually enjoyed and appreciated by our customers! Ryan Everett started Everett Electric in 2009, and it became incorporated in 2019.”

We also asked Amanda what their mission is at Everett Electric LLC and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s her response:

“[Our mission is to provide] the best service at the best prices. We are Mississippi’s answer to affordable and quality residential electrical work. Plain and simple, we are electricians.”

Building Success Through Good Service

Amanda attributes Everett Electric LLC’s strong online reputation to their commitment to providing good service to their clients. They don’t ask for reviews.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Everett Electric LLC has gotten their name out there through Facebook, their website, DexYP, Thryv, Yellow Pages and print advertising.

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Everett Electric LLC has. When we asked Amanda what advice she has for those business owners, she said:

“Treat everyone you come into contact with kindness.”

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

We highly recommend Everett Electric LLC in Madison. Visit their website today!

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

Posted on by Top Rated Local®

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not Your Average Law Firms

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

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

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

Building Success Through Experience

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

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

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

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

Mississippi’s Top Rated Local® Barber Shops Award Winner: Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa is the number one barber shop in all of Mississippi for 2019!

For your next haircut in Southaven, you won’t find a better option than Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa.

Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa has received almost 100 reviews on three verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a remarkable Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for being ranked the number one barber shop in all of Mississippi!

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

“[This is the] best barber shop in north Mississippi, hands down, and they also get you in and out in a timely manner. [This is] definitely my new barber shop.” – Mason N.

Not Your Average Barber Shop

We wanted to know what makes Mississippi’s number one barber shop so special, so we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Chris Newson.

The first question we had for Chris was what makes Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa unique compared to their competition in Mississippi. Chris pointed to the consistency of their haircuts, the hours they are open and the fact that they are always punctual about keeping appointments; although, they do accept walk-ins as well. He added:

“The environment speaks for itself as well. We have a great staff that is family oriented.”

Chris went on to tell us that he comes from a family that has always done hair, and he started cutting hair at home. He never thought he’d be cutting hair, but decided to go to barber school.

We also asked Chris about Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa’s mission and how they work to make the world a better place. Chris told us that their mission is to promote the “OG lifestyle,” and he said:

“It’s not just about money, it’s about serving the community and loving what you do.”

Building Success Through Great Service and Quality

When we asked Chris what their secret is to such a strong online reputation at Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa, he told us that they give people great service and that their quality speaks for itself.

Apart from building the kind of online reputation any business would envy, Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa has spread the word about their service through Facebook and Instagram, but most of their business comes from word of mouth, repeat business and referrals.

Every business owner wants to grow their business and build their online reputation the way Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa has. Here’s Chris’s advice for them:

“Stay consistent; always post different pictures of work that you do. Give people the insight into how you do business and what type of service you do. Relationships are much more important than money.”

Congratulations to the team at Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa 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 Oasis Grooming Barber and Beauty Spa in Southaven. Visit their Facebook page today!

Mississippi’s Top Rated Local® Garage Door Contractors Award Winner: Garage Door Doctor Express, LLC

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Garage Door Doctor Express, LLC is an award winner for garage door contractors in 2019.

If you are looking for a professional garage door contractor that cares about customer service, look no further than this award-winning company!

Garage Door Doctor Express, LLC has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across multiple verified sites with an average rating of 4.80 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 92.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 10 garage door contractors in Mississippi!

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

“First off, I live 55 miles away. Secondly, they are open on a Saturday. That’s enough right there. Lowell is extremely nice and does quality work. It took him longer to get to my house than it did for him to replace the spring on my door. He offered several maintenance suggestions that I will follow to the letter. It was refreshing to deal with someone who has a high sense of customer service.” – C.R.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Garage Door Doctor Express, LLC is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Garage Door Contractor

We were excited to learn all about Garage Door Doctor Express, LLC and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Lowell Leach.

Lowell’s dad was a general contractor, and growing up, Lowell used to help him with construction. Eventually, he got a job working at an oil change place. It was at that time, that he was offered a job doing garage doors, even though he had no experience! He was sent to a training school in Florida, and the rest is history. Lowell has been working with garage doors since 2003, and now, he and his little brother run Garage Door Doctor Express, LLC.

Together, Lowell and his brother operate a business that provides the highest quality of work and expertise. They are a reliable team that offers same-day service within 24 hours, which is something many of their excellent reviews have expressed gratitude for!

Garage Door Doctor Express, LLC stands apart from its competitors due to its impeccable standards and genuine dedication to customer service.

Building Success by Providing Exceptional Care

Garage Door Doctor Express, LLC has earned a wonderful reputation, so we were excited to learn about some of the ways they have marketed and grown over the years. Lowell truly believes in helping people. Sometimes, he will arrive at a job and only needs to take a few minutes to tighten a screw. He doesn’t charge his $85 fee for something simple like that and, instead, will ask that they leave him a review if they can. It is thanks to service like this that word of mouth, referrals, and recommendations have been his greatest source for new and returning business.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Garage Door Doctor Express, LLC has managed to. We asked if Lowell could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“Spend your money where it is most needed for the business. Instead of buying a brand new 2019 truck, use a dependable 2007 truck. Customer satisfaction is key!”

Congratulations to Garage Door Doctor Express, LLC for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Lowell for taking the time to speak with us!

Mississippi’s Top Rated Local® Janitorial Companies Award Winner: Grime Stoppers

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Grime Stoppers is an award winner for janitorial companies in 2019.

If you are looking for a janitorial company that will put the hurt on dirt, look no further than this award-winning company!

Grime Stoppers has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews with a perfect average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 93.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top three janitorial companies in Mississippi!

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

“I am beyond pleased with Grime Stoppers! They are incredibly professional and knowledgeable. My stairs and downstairs carpet were beyond disgusting from having pets and daily wear. Now my carpet looks clean and smells fresh! I definitely recommend getting the pet treatment; it’s life changing.” – E.B.

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

Not Your Average Janitorial Company

We were excited to learn all about Grime Stoppers and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Jarrod Buchanan.

Jarrod once had the opportunity to partner with another local company, where he learned that he loved the operational side of things and the families he got to work with. He recognized his passion for offering a service others could benefit from, and so, in 2015, he founded Grime Stoppers.
Grime Stoppers does what they advertise and offers top-tier quality at an affordable price. Jarrod said that they are always respectful when entering someone’s home, and they will always treat your items as if they were their own.

Jarrod also shared their company’s mission, which is:

“We put the hurt on dirt.”

Building Success Through Consistency

Grime Stoppers has earned a wonderful reputation and are even about to expand to Atlanta, Georgia, so we were excited to hear about some of the ways they have marketed and grown their business over the years. Jarrod told us that, when he started out, he would go door to door and really had to put the footwork in. Now, they put their focus on brand ambassadors and believe in the power of unity, collaboration, and trust.

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

“Have a sincere belief and foundation in God. Interact with your base, and be sincere. Do what you say you are going to do, and be consistent.”

Congratulations to Grime Stoppers for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Jarrod for taking the time to speak with us!