North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Businesses: 2020

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

Known for the beautiful Great Smokey Mountains and stunning beaches, North Carolina is a wonderful state to live in and visit. In addition to being home to the Furniture Capital of the World, the first successful flight of a mechanically propelled airplane, and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which, at 93 feet tall, is the largest lighthouse in the entire country, the Old North State is also home to a number of truly incredible local businesses — from acupuncturists to window cleaners — that work to serve their communities and make the world a better place.

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

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

There are a large number of businesses that work hard to serve the people of North Carolina and provide them with everything they need to thrive, and this year, we’ve identified 406 total businesses that have made the cut. These one-of-a-kind, local businesses have clearly made an impact on the customers and clients they serve each and every day, as evidenced by their impressive average Rating Score of 98.43 and average star rating of 4.92. For comparison, businesses across Top Rated Local average a 70.10 Rating Score and a 4.26 star rating. These businesses are truly the best of the best.

There are so many stand-out businesses in North Carolina that deserve to be recognized for their success, but we’re especially excited to give a shoutout to the number one award-winner in North Carolina for 2020 — Webster’s Import Service. An auto shop that specializes in the maintenance and repair of import trucks, cars, vans, and SUVs, Webster’s Import Service is Greensboro’s premier source for import auto services. Webster’s Import Service has received 2,041 reviews across six verified reviews sites with an average star rating of 4.96, which has earned it a phenomenal Rating Score of 100.00 and the bragging rights of being the number one Top Rated Local business in all of North Carolina for 2020.

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

North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Sign Companies Award Winner: Bravo Signs

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Bravo Signs is an award winner for sign companies in 2019.

If you are looking for a sign company that will get your business noticed, look no further than this award-winning company!

Bravo Signs has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.63 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 92.27 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 10 sign companies in North Carolina!

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

“I can’t say enough about the quality of the product, the value, and the service we received from Bravo Signs. How nice it is to get such personal service from a locally-owned company. Thanks, Andy and staff!! – D.B.

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

Not Your Average Sign Company

We were excited to learn all about Bravo Signs and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Office Manager, Karen Williams. Bravo Signs has been in business for 15 years and is a privately-owned, full-service sign company.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Bravo Signs stand apart from its competitors. Karen told us:

“We do good work and provide excellent customer service.”

She went on to tell us a bit about their service, saying:

“We walk through the entire process with the customer, from beginning to end. We learn what they want, what the budget is, and what they have as far as permitting and size.”

Building Success And Giving Back

In addition to building the kind of online reputation that any small business would envy, Bravo Signs has spread the word about who they are and what they do by networking and staying involved with their community. Karen said:

“We work with the Rotary Club, Backpack Beginnings, and the YMCA. We also reach out and help with golf outings for different youth programs. Most of our outreach has to do with the local youth.”

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

“You have to have quality and good customer service.”


Congratulations to Bravo Signs for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Karen for taking the time to speak with us!

North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Pet Groomers Award Winner: Pets-U-Love Inc

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Pets-U-Love Inc is an award winner for pet groomers in 2019.

If you are looking for a pet groomer that will provide excellent and loving care for your furry companion, look no further than this award-winning company!

Pets-U-Love Inc has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 4.80 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 96.04 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 10 pet groomers in North Carolina!

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

“After interviewing four groomers, Trilby and her girls have gained a lifelong customer. I brought in my Great Pyrenees for his first visit last week, and their customer service and love for animals was above and beyond my expectations! Not only did they do a magnificent job, they were also kind to my boy and made him feel comfortable. Knowing that my boy is safe and around good people is priceless.” – J.F.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Pets-U-Love Inc is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Pet Grooming Company

We were excited to learn all about Pets-U-Love Inc and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Manager, Becca Kallam.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Pets-U-Love Inc stand apart from its competitors. Becca told us that they focus on being good to the animals. At Pets-U-Love Inc, they make people and pets feel like family.

Pets-U-Love Inc is a family business. The owner, Trilby, is a mother to three daughters, who all work together there! The business has been going strong for 35 years.

At Pets-U-Love Inc, they also do what they can to give back to others. Becca told us:

“We work with three or four rescue groups and groom their animals for a discount. We also foster and rehabilitate wildlife. We are state and federally permitted to work with wild animals.”

Building Success, Online And Off

In addition to building the kind of online reputation that any small business would envy, Pets-U-Love Inc has spread the word about who they are and what they do thanks to word of mouth and by posting on Facebook.

There are many pet grooming companies out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Pets-U-Love Inc has managed to. We asked if Becca could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“Be good to your clients and your animals. The animals will let the owners know if they had a good experience. We are just nice to people. I’ll let the owners stay and let them watch me. We’ll also give them advice if we notice anything medically wrong with their animals.”


Congratulations to Pets-U-Love Inc for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Becca for taking the time to speak with us!

North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Smith Family Dojo

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Smith Family Dojo is a 2019 award winner for martial arts centers in North Carolina!

Whether you’re looking to learn self-defense or for the right martial arts center for your child, look no further than Smith Family Dojo in Hope Mills.

Smith Family Dojo has received dozens of reviews on three verified sites with an impeccable average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a magnificent Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 martial arts centers in all of North Carolina!

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

“Both of my daughters attend the Smith Family Dojo, and we could not be any happier with our experience so far. Mr. Kevin is wonderful with the students, and my children have learned so much, become more disciplined and really look forward to karate every week. They really love Mr. Kevin. They are a family-run business and have been so kind with everything. I highly recommend the Smith Family Dojo to anyone looking for a karate class for their children or themselves.” – Vickianna C.

A One-of-a-Kind Martial Arts Center’s Secret to a Strong Online Reputation

Smith Family Dojo 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 Kevin Smith who co-owns Smith Family Dojo with his wife.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Smith Family Dojo unique compared to the many other martial arts centers in North Carolina. Kevin told us that their focus is on karate but that they also offer Okinawa Kenpo.

When we asked what the secret is to such a solid online reputation at Smith Family Dojo, Kevin pointed to the organic reviews they receive from their happy students.

Making the World a Better Place by Strengthening Character and Discipline

We also wanted to know what their mission is at Smith Family Dojo and how they work to make the world a better place. Kevin shared with us that their mission is to strengthen the character and discipline of their students. Kevin added:

“We try to encourage our students to be community helpers. We collect donations for the community.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Smith Family Dojo has grown through fliers and word of mouth.

It’s clear that Kevin 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:

“Do what you say you are going to do, and provide the service the customer is paying for.”


Congratulations to the team at Smith Family Dojo for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner!

We highly recommend Smith Family Dojo in Hope Mills. Visit their website today!

North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Accounting Firms & CPAs Award Winner: Continental Tax and Accounting Services

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Continental Tax and Accounting Services is a 2019 award winner for accounting firms in North Carolina!

From small business accounting to tax preparation, there’s no better accounting firm to rely on than Continental Tax and Accounting Services in Fayetteville.

Continental Tax and Accounting Services has received dozens of reviews on three verified sites with an average rating of 4.61 stars, earning them a tremendous Rating Score™ of 92.07 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 accounting firms and CPAs in all of North Carolina!

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

“I am so grateful for the team here. We were in urgent need to file our taxes before my husband deployed, and they were not only able to squeeze us in but offered a wealth of knowledge that you just don’t find on base. I couldn’t be any more pleased.” – Brooke V.

A One-of-a-Kind Accounting Firm’s Secret to a Strong Online Reputation

Continental Tax and Accounting Services 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 and President, Barbara Mills.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Continental Tax and Accounting Services unique compared to the many other accounting firms in North Carolina. Barbara told us:

“We have a ton of experience, and both accountants enjoy what they do. Our daily goal is to help people. We offer fair, quick, correct and fairly priced service. I have led my company with the Continental difference, which is the way in which we provide expert tax and accounting consultations combined with the highest ethical and customer service standards, as evidenced by our 10-year accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, along with our A+ rating.”

Barbara went on to add:

“Thank you to Christy Mcbride and Cecilia Stone for helping to make Continental tax service a truly special place to work.”

When we asked what the secret is to such a solid online reputation at Continental Tax and Accounting Services, Barbara pointed to the fact that they don’t do anything other than their jobs, which they do phenomenally. She added:

“We do not ask for reviews. Our work speaks for itself.”

Making the World a Better Place by Helping People

We also wanted to know what their mission is at Continental Tax and Accounting Services and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Barbara had to say:

“The goal is to be able to help people. Tax and accounting is not a simple process, and there are people who are good at art and are born being artistically inclined. I feel accounting is similar in its own way. I still draw stick figures though.”

She added

“I love providing clients with peace of mind by being the go-to person to help navigate the complicated world of finance and taxes. Our team has three dedicated Accountants and Tax Preparers, and we would be happy to meet you!”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Continental Tax and Accounting Services has grown largely through referrals from clients, but it doesn’t hurt that they’ve been serving Fayetteville since 1972.

It’s clear that Barbara 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:

“Have good relationships with the clients you already have. It will behoove you to ask for online reviews in today’s age.”


Congratulations to the team at Continental Tax and Accounting Services for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner!

We highly recommend Continental Tax and Accounting Services in Fayetteville. Visit their website today!

North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Restoration Companies Award Winner: SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte is a 2019 award winner for restoration companies in North Carolina!

From fire damage and water damage to mold remediation, the team at SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte has what it takes to meet all of your restoration needs.

SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte has received dozens of reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.74 stars, earning them a tremendous Rating Score™ of 95.39 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 restoration companies in all of North Carolina!

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

“In a time that the family needed timely service and efficiency [as well as] sensitivity and compassion, the SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte team delivered. They quoted quickly, arrived on time and took care of our needs efficiently, and the follow-through was exceptional. I would highly recommend SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte.” – Mike S.

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

SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte 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 Roger Mathews, who handles their commercial marketing.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte unique compared to the many other restoration companies in North Carolina. Roger told us:

“I can’t express how professional our guys are. Things are protected. We vacuum. We go above and beyond for safety…”

When we asked what the secret is to such a solid online reputation at SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte, Roger pointed to their commitment to asking for reviews, as well as to their phone app, which they run through clients with after the service has been completed.

Making the World a Better Place by Prioritizing Quality Work

We also wanted to know what their mission is at SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte and how they work to make the world a better place. Roger shared with us that they prioritize quality over quantity and said:

“We care for your home as if it were our own.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte has grown through the connections they’ve built with contractors and property managers.

It’s clear that Roger knows a thing or two about growing a business and building an online reputation. When we asked what advice he has for the many other business owners out there, he emphasized the importance of taking pride in the end result and thoroughly communicating with your clients.


Congratulations to the team at SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner!

We highly recommend SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte. Visit their website today!

North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Interior Designers Award Winner: Big Sky Design Inc

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Big Sky Design Inc is a 2019 award winner for interior designers in North Carolina!

Take your space to the next level by relying on the experienced professionals at Big Sky Design Inc in Wilmington.

Big Sky Design Inc has received dozens of reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.90 stars, earning them a fantastic Rating Score™ of 97.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 interior designers in all of North Carolina!

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

“We love working with Big Sky! They are an amazing team of women who have a great eye for detail. They will work hard to make sure your home reflects who you are.” – Southern Moving & Storage

Not Your Average Interior Design Firm

We wanted to learn what makes this award-winning business tick, so we took a few minutes to talk with Rileigh Wilkins, Retail Manager at Big Sky Design Inc.

To kick off our conversation, we asked Rileigh about what makes Big Sky Design Inc unique compared to the many other interior designers in North Carolina. Rileigh told us:

“We strive to reflect the client’s personality and style instead of reflecting ourselves. We tailor it to the client and what works best for them. We like to think big, dream a little bigger and help make those dreams come true.”

We also asked Rileigh about the Big Sky Design Inc mission and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s her response:

“Our interior surroundings inspire meaningful experiences, and so should yours. When you share your dreams with us, we shape them into artistically functional interiors, adding meaning to the space you’re in. With more than 20 years in business, our pioneering, woman-led team is attuned to the ever-evolving interiors industry. We are a dynamic ensemble of interior design mavericks. Collectively, we inspire one another. Nothing is more important to us than elevating your everyday environment to enhance your day-to-day experience. It’s what we do. Together, we think BIG! We believe design can change someone’s life.”

Building Success by Tailoring Service to the Client

Rileigh credits Big Sky Design Inc’s strong online reputation to their large client base, which is the result of fostering clients throughout the entire process and making sure that everything is tailored to the client and their needs.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Big Sky Design Inc has grown through print advertising, their community presence and word of mouth.

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

“Relationships are the most important thing. Think about how you’re starting the conversation with clients, and carry that through. Don’t just walk away and just forget about them when the job is done.”


Congratulations to Big Sky Design Inc for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Rileigh, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Big Sky Design Inc in Wilmington. Visit their website today!

North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Jewelry Stores Award Winner: Ring Master Jewelers

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

If you are looking for a reputable jewelry store with uniquely beautiful pieces, look no further than this award-winning company!

Ring Master Jewelers has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 98.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 10 jewelry stores in North Carolina!

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

“We bought our wedding bands here nine years ago, and we loved the experience. I recently returned to have my rings and a watch re-dipped and cleaned. The team is so friendly, prompt in servicing my jewelry, and they have beautiful jewelry in their store. I also designed a custom ring, and I love it! It was so fun, and they worked with us to be sure I was 100-percent pleased. I will most definitely continue coming to Ring Master Jewelers.” – P.B.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Ring Master 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 Ring Master Jewelers and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Michael Scott.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Ring Master Jewelers stand apart from their competitors. Michael told us that romance is their product, and their service is built on trust. He told us that they are focused on always providing great service and that, no matter the situation, they turn to their customers with a big “yes.”

“We are focused on providing great service, always. Anyone can have a product, but today’s customers are more educated about what they want, so we have to have the customer care to make them want them to come to us instead of going online. We started out making jewelry for big stores, but now we are here for the customers.”

We also wanted to know more about their business mission at Ring Master Jewelers, and Michael told us:

“For over 50 years, Ringmaster Jewelers has earned the reputation of providing exceptional quality diamonds and impeccable service with the best prices in the Triad area. Once you enter our door, you will notice what we call ‘Celebrate your Love.’ Our friendly staff include experts in gemology, jewelry design and craftsmanship, watchmaking, and hand engraving.”

Building Success by Offering an Exceptional Experience

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

“You always have to be on top of your game. You have to offer an experience with each purchase, do your follow-up with your clients, and love your customer, but don’t smother them.”


Congratulations to Ring Master Jewelers for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and, of course, a very happy upcoming 50th anniversary to you! Special thanks to Michael for taking the time to speak with us!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not Your Average Real Estate Broker

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

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

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

Building Success by Treating Clients Like Family

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

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

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


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

North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Veterinarians Award Winner: Seventy First Animal Hospital

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Seventy First Animal Hospital is an award winner for veterinarians in 2019.

If you are looking for a reliable and customer-service-oriented veterinarian, look no further than this award-winning company!

Seventy First Animal Hospital has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across five different verified sites with an average rating of 4.80 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 98.04 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 10 veterinarians in North Carolina!

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

“I have been taking my pets to Seventy First Animal Hospital for over 10 years. I have always received prompt and courteous service there. My pets were seen at their appointed times, never having to wait for an extended time for the doctor to see them. The staff is friendly, and you can tell that everyone loves animals. I would definitely recommend them to other pet owners.” – P.D.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Seventy First Animal Hospital is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Veterinarian

We were excited to learn all about Seventy First Animal Hospital and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Office Manager, Marie Grayot.

Seventy First Animal Hospital was established in 1994 and has been able to stand apart from its competitors because of its commitment to communication and client education. They offer excellent customer service, make a genuine attempt to educate their customers, and always follow-up to make sure that the pet is improving after the treatment. Marie told us about the importance of communication:

“Excellent communication is a must with all of our clients.”

We also asked if Marie could tell us about their business mission. She shared:

“We treat your pets like we would treat our own.”

Building Success by Listening to the Client

Seventy First Animal Hospital has managed to earn a phenomenal reputation, and Maries says that is largely thanks to word of mouth and referrals.

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

“Listen to the client; it is that simple. Educate the client, and make sure their needs are being met.”


Congratulations to Seventy First Animal Hospital for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Marie for taking the time to speak with us!