Category: Oregon

Oregon’s Top Rated Local® Businesses: 2019

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

From the vibrancy of Portland (where the dream of the 90s is alive and well) to the breathtaking beauty of Mount Hood and Crater Lake National Park, Oregon has a lot to offer. Oregon is also home to the Chinook salmon — which is the state fish — the Columbia River gorge — which so happens to be considered by many to be one of the best places for windsurfing — and The Oregon Trail. The great state of Oregon has a lot of offer, and today, we’re here to recognize local businesses that make this state truly one of a kind. From dance schools to painting companies, there are so many amazing businesses that serve the people of Oregon, but only the best of the best have made it on our list of Top Rated Local award winners for 2019. Today, we’re ecstatic to announce our 2019 award winners in Oregon.

To calculate our 2019 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 so many businesses that work hard to serve the people of Oregon and provide them with everything they need to thrive, and this year, we’ve identified 399 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 97.71 and average star rating of 4.91. For comparison, businesses across Top Rated Local average a 69.19 Rating Score and a 4.24 star rating. These businesses are truly the best of the best.

There are so many stand-out businesses in Oregon that deserve to be recognized for their success, but we’re especially excited to give a shoutout to the number one award-winner in Oregon for 2019 — Ocean Lodge Motel in Cannon Beach. Just steps away from Haystack Rock, one of the most iconic landmarks in Oregan, they’re Cannon Beach’s premier oceanfront hotel. Ocean Lodge Motel has received 4,960 reviews across seven 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 Oregon for 2019.

Congratulations to all of our award winners in Oregon for 2019, and we commend you for the outstanding service and support you provide for your community day in and day out.

Oregon’s Top Rated Local® Award Winner: Wheeler On The Bay Lodge

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Wheeler On The Bay Lodge is an award winner in 2019.

If you are looking for a beautiful spot on the Oregon coast where you can relax and unwind, look no further than this award-winning company!

Wheeler On The Bay Lodge has received hundreds of overwhelmingly positive reviews across five different verified sites with an average rating of 4.88 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 93.90 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 50 businesses in Oregon!

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

“What a wonderful treasure! The atmosphere is extremely relaxing, and the accommodations are over the top! The wildlife viewing area was charming. Thank you for a fantastic stay. Your efforts to make it a memorable experience exceeded our expectations.” – J.S.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Wheeler On The Bay Lodge is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

A Room With A View

We were excited to learn all about Wheeler On The Bay Lodge and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, Martha Taylor.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Wheeler On The Bay Lodge stand apart from its competitors. Martha told us that they are one of the last 1950s-style auto courts. This charming boutique hotel boasts spectacular views of the Oregon coast. They have their own dock, complete with a kayak, fishing boats, and picturesque local wildlife, like visiting blue herons and otters. They work hard to make sure their visitors have a peaceful and beautiful space where they can create memories. For cozy nights in, they even offer a video library that has over 1,000 movies!

Building Success And Giving Back

Wheeler On The Bay Lodge has earned a fantastic reputation, and they will soon be sharing their success with local artists. They are establishing a residency program where artists, writers, and musicians can apply to have a reduced rate so they can stay there and produce art!

There are many hopeful hoteliers out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Wheeler On The Bay Lodge has managed to. We asked if Martha could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“Be in a beautiful location! Make sure you get a place where you would like to vacation in; that is the first part of it.”

Congratulations to Wheeler On The Bay Lodge for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Martha for taking the time to speak with us!

Oregon’s Top Rated Local® Nail Salons Award Winner: Luxe Nail Studio

Posted on by Top Rated Local®

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Luxe Nail Studio is an award winner for nail salons in 2018!

If you are looking for a nail salon that will make your nails dazzle, look no further than this award-winning company!

Luxe Nail Studio has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.55 stars, earning them an incredible Rating Score™ of 86.49 and a 2018 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 nail salons in Oregon!

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

“This is my go-to nail salon! I love the ladies. They know me and my family personally, and they always do our eye brows. They always treat me so nice, and they massage hands and feet very well. 10/10 recommend.” -Jordan H.

It is because of enthusiastic reviews like this that Luxe Nail Studio is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Nail Salon

We were excited to learn all about how Luxe Nail Studio has been able to build such an impressive reputation, so we sat down with the owner, Helen.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Luxe Nail Studio stand apart from their competitors. In Helen’s words, “We engage with our clients. We take pride in knowing who they are and what their story is when they walk in the door. That type of relationship allows them to open up to us. We know our clients on a first-name basis, making them very comfortable when they come visit us, and we offer a superior service compared to other businesses in our area.”

When asked about the Luxe Nail Studio mission, Helen said, “We do things differently. It’s the passion of making someone feel good. When someone comes in, they could have had a bad day, and having your nails done can really make a person not only feel great, but change their attitude and whole day for the better.”

Building Success Through Service

Of course, we couldn’t let Helen go without finding out what she considers to be her business’ secret to success. “It’s the customer service. We try our best to please the customers and do a great job. Honestly, I didn’t even know we had so many loyal customers leaving us all these great reviews. Thank you to my customers!”

When it comes to marketing, Luxe Nail Studio focuses on Facebook, Instagram, and word of mouth.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as stellar a reputation as Luxe Nail Studio has managed to. We asked if Helen could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“My main suggestion would be to give the best customer service you can. Even if you don’t do the best job, treating people well and providing excellent customer service will lead to second chances and referrals.”

Congratulations to Luxe Nail Studio for being a 2018 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Helen for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website here!

Oregon’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Centers Award Winner: Dynamic Martial Arts

Posted on by Top Rated Local®

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Dynamic Martial Arts is a 2018 award winner!

A 97.00 Rating Score™, a 5.00 average star rating, and tons of incredible online reviews make Dynamic Martial Arts one of the top 10 martial arts centers in Oregon for 2018! This is just one of those reviews:

“Master Jeremy does an amazing job engaging with students and pushing them to grow in a positive way. In six months our son has developed so much focus, respect, self-control, and it’s his first experience appreciating something with long term goals and rewards. All of that growth has been facilitated by the amazing instruction.” -Derek F.

Not Your Average Martial Arts Center

Jeremy Smith, the owner of Dynamic Martial Arts Center, took some time to speak with us about his business’ tremendous online reputation.

First things first, we wanted to know how Dynamic Martial Arts center sets themselves apart from other martial arts schools in the area. Jeremy told us, “ Every individual student and family has different needs and expectations. We try to make sure the classroom is flexible enough that we are not trying to fit people into a mold. We structure class differently for different students’ needs. We talk with the parents about their child’s needs and work to improve the daily lives of our students by leading by example.”

Jeremy and his team are wholeheartedly dedicated to doing the best for the people they serve. “We are trying to do genuine good in the community. We try to give without remembering and receive without forgetting,” he said.

Building Success Through Integrity

Of course, we couldn’t let Jeremy go without finding out his secret to success. He told us, “Honesty is key. I take pride in being open and honest and sharing from the heart about my passion. We engage frequently with the community and offer a free class to kids in foster care.
We are not interested in nickel and diming people. We don’t do testing fees.”

Here’s Jeremy’s advice to other businesses that are working on boosting or maintaining their online reputation:

“Engage and communicate with your customers. Give people what they want. Ask good questions, and be open enough that your customers can be open and honest with you.”

Congratulations to the team at Dynamic Martial Arts for being a 2018 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Jeremy, for taking the time to speak with us!

Oregon’s Top Rated Local® Event Planners Award Winner: ae creative

Posted on by Top Rated Local®

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that ae creative is a 2018 award winner!

As one of the top five event planners in the entire state of Oregon, ae creative has earned a 99.29 Rating Score™, a 4.93 average star rating, and dozens of excellent reviews on verified sites. Here’s just one of the reviews they’ve received:

“Abby was a delight to work with — she knows her stuff and helped me handle details I wouldn’t have even thought of! I don’t live in the area, so she was able to oversee a lot of vendor details while we planned and prepared for the big day. She knows everyone in the area, so she had recommendations and resources for all our needs (favors, transportation, babysitting, etc.). On the day of, she helped everything run smoothly and was quick-thinking and solution-oriented when a few details needed to change as the day unfolded. She’s a lovely person and a true pro. [I] could not recommend working with her more highly!” -Erika

Not Your Average Event Planning Company

The owner of ae creative, Abby Elvebak, took some time to speak with us about her business’ tremendous online success.

The very first thing we wanted to know was what Abby and her team do to differentiate themselves from other event planners in Oregon. “We take a bigger design approach than many event planners. So we are not only working on overall event logistics, but the overall design, look, and feel of the event,” she told us. “Every detail tells a story. Sometimes, those details are overlooked, but at ae creative, we put a high value on those details. We are also a green company so we try to minimize our footprint for each event. We like to educate our clients on sustainability. On average, 500 pounds of trash get generated at each wedding, so we try to limit that.”

We also asked Abby about her and her team’s mission and how they make the world a better place. She said, “Touching on the sustainability aspect, I think when throwing events, it’s a one-time thing so people tend to think it’s okay to create a lot of waste. But understanding that there are a lot of one time events, we all have an impact, we want to do what we can with the time we have about the impact we are having on our environment.”

Building Success Through Community

When it comes to the ae creative secret to success, Abby chalks it all up to her community. She said, “[Our secret to success is] having a good sense of community. We’re local Oregonians, and we’ve established ourselves in this community. It doesn’t take one person to make a success; it takes a group effort. We all work together as a team to be successful.

Here’s Abby’s wise advice to other businesses that are working on their online reputation:

“Do not neglect your clients or your competition. Meet as many people as you can, demonstrating the positive impact you can have.”

Congratulations to the team at ae creative for being a 2018 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Abby, for taking the time to speak with us!

Oregon’s Top Rated Local® Real Estate Brokers Award Winner: Paris Group Realty

Posted on by Top Rated Local

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

If you’re looking for a Real Estate Broker in Portland, Oregon, we highly recommend Paris Group Realty!

Paris Group Realty has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with a perfect rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 97.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top three real estate brokers in Oregon!

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

“As of today, we have bought and sold five properties with Claire Paris of Paris Group Realty. I remember when we bought our very first property and how scared/indecisive I was when we started the process. Claire did such an amazing job of walking us through the entire process, explaining everything, and she was so supportive that it made the whole moment enjoyable and memorable (instead of some of the horror stories you hear from your friends who had bad realtors). She truly loves what she does, it’s a labor of love for her. She’s constantly striving for more and more knowledge so she can be a leading expert in the real estate market. Whether it’s your first home, your forever home, or an investment home, trust me when I say you really want to have Claire and Paris Group Realty on your team!” – A.S.

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

Not Your Average Real Estate Brokers

We were excited to learn all about how Paris Group Realty has been able to build such an impressive reputation, so we sat down with the owner, Claire Paris. The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Paris Group Realty stand apart from their local competitors. Claire said:

“I do my best to keep your goals and dreams in front of everything else and I keep you on task for what you want to achieve.”

Claire says that she believes in always putting the customer first.

Building Success Through Connection

We were excited to learn more about how Paris Group Realty markets and grows their business. Claire shared with us that Paris Group Realty utilizes social media to run ads as frequently as they can. She was also excited to talk about their client appreciation program, where they stay in touch with clients after closing deals by offering them information about the market, which leads to many referrals.

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

“You have to stay on top of it. Look at your online presence on a regular basis to make sure things are accurate.”

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

Oregon’s Top Rated Local® Flooring Contractor Award Winner: Willamette Hardwood Floors

Posted on by Top Rated Local®

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Willamette Hardwood Floors is a 2018 award winner!

A 95.10 Rating Score™, a 4.61 average star rating, and tons of positive reviews on verified review sites make Willamette Hardwood Floors one of the top 10 flooring contractors in the entire state of Oregon. Here’s just one example:

“We have a 1954 house that we were trying to remodel with a very tight timeline and budget. I quoted out quite a few other refinishing services and chose Willamette Hardwood Floors for several reasons. Their price was extremely reasonable. Bill was very helpful, coming right out with a bid within a few hours of my call, and he worked stuff out to get me scheduled right away. [The person], who did the job, even worked on Saturday to get our job completed so that we could move furniture back in to accommodate our timeline. They were professional, kind, and considerate. They draped everything and cleaned up after themselves. Best of all, the floors look amazing. Thank you so much, Willamette Hardwood Floors!” -Rebecca R.

Not Your Average Flooring Company

Bill Daun, the owner of Willamette Hardwood Floors, took some time to chat with our team about his business’ stupendous online reputation.

Being an award-winning company, Willamette Hardwood Floors is doing something very right. When we asked Bill what exactly that is, he said, “We’re a third generation, family-owned company that has been around for 30 years. We’ve done everything from NBA basketball courts to 50-foot fir flooring restorations.”

Flooring is a family legacy for Bill’s family. “My grandfather started well over 60 years ago in hardwood flooring. We decided to carry on the family business, and later on, branched out on our own,” he told us.

Building Success Through Excellent Service and Incomparable Value

What’s the Willamette Hardwood Floors secret to success? If you ask Bill, he’ll say, “We provide an excellent service at an excellent value! We treat our customers and our clients as we’d like to be treated ourselves. Most folks leave reviews on their own.”

Here’s Bill’s advice to other businesses that are looking to improve their online reputation:

“I recommend giving great customer service and treating people the way you’d like to be treated yourself. Everything else will work itself out!”

Congratulations to the team at Willamette Hardwood Floors for being a 2018 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Bill, for taking the time to speak with us!

Oregon’s Top Rated Local® Dentist Award Winner: Smiles On Sandy

Posted on by Top Rated Local®

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Smiles On Sandy is not only the number one dentist in Oregon, but one of the top 100 businesses in the state overall!

With a 99.42 Rating Score™, a 4.94 average star rating, and more than 200 reviews on verified review sites, Smiles On Sandy is a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner! This is just one of the outstanding reviews they’ve received:

“I’ve been going to Smiles on Sandy for probably the last six years, and I love them so much. You can’t often say that about the dentist, but everyone here is so nice and makes you feel super comfortable all the time. The recent remodel is so impressive, and I loved the massage chair option during my cleaning today. I even had Dr. Daby do a root canal a few years ago and he made it as painless as possible. Love, love, love Smiles On Sandy!” -Candice Z.

Not Your Average Dentist

Olivia Hightower, the office manager at Smiles On Sandy, took some time to speak with us about the business’ tremendous online reputation.

First things first, we wanted to know what it is that Olivia believes sets Smiles On Sandy apart from all the other dentists in the area. “The dentistry here is excellent, but what really sets us apart is how personable our staff is. We care about our patients and get to know them! Generally, everyone here just really cares! So much of the medical field is impersonal these days. We just want to be different than that,” she told us. “Smiles On Sandy is a team, and we strive to provide dental care that will last! We want to educate our clients on dental care, and provide service in an environment that is calm and relaxing for both our patients and our staff.”

Building Success Through All-Around Outstanding Care

When it comes to the Smiles on Sandy secret to success, it’s actually not all that complicated, according to Olivia. She said, “We ask our patients to leave reviews often. After they leave their appointment, we text and email them asking for a review, too.”

As a key player of an award-winning team, Olivia knows a thing or two about what it takes to make your business stand out online. This is her advice to other businesses that are working toward an excellent online reputation:

“I think your work speaks for itself. If you have integrity in what you do and guarantee what you do, good things will happen. Treating your staff well is key, too. When you treat them well, they will take care of your business!”

Congratulations to the team at Smiles On Sandy for being a 2018 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Olivia, for taking the time to speak with us!

Oregon’s Top Rated Local® Award Winner: Oak Hill Bed & Breakfast

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Oak Hill Bed & Breakfast is a 2018 award winner in Oregon!

If you’re looking for an incredible bed and breakfast experience in Ashland, look no further than Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast.

Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast has received more than 175 reviews on six verified sites with an average rating of 4.98 stars, earning them a spectacular Rating Score™ of 99.78 and a 2018 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 100 businesses in all of Oregon!

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

“My wife and I stayed the night for a top-notch murder mystery dinner. Brian and his wife, Anna, put a great deal of work into the event, and it turned out magnificent. The room was cute and cozy, and the food was excellent. We cannot wait to stay again.” – Jared K.

Not Your Average Bed and Breakfast

We talked with Brian Runyen, owner of Oak Hill Bed & Breakfast, to learn a little more about his business and how he managed to build such an impressive online reputation.

The first thing we wanted to know was what sets Oak Hill Bed & Breakfast apart from their competition in Oregon. Here’s what Brian had to say:

“We’re very accommodating to all of our guests. Our breakfast is a huge part of it, and we work very hard to accommodate all dietary preferences in unique ways. We want to make sure that everyone has a high-quality breakfast! Nobody should ever be out on good food, and no one ever is here.”

We also asked Brian what their mission is at Oak Hill Bed & Breakfast and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s his response:

“Our mission is to provide guests to the area the best possible stay and the best possible information for things to do in the area. We’re not just a place to stay; we also act as a concierge! It’s a level of service you just can’t get at a larger property. It’s one-on-one, dedicated service for each guest.”

Building Success by Providing the Best Service.

Brian credits Oak Hill Bed & Breakfast’s strong online reputation to their commitment to always providing the best service for their guests:

“We provide the best service to everybody at all times! We don’t ask for reviews, but people do ask where they can leave a review.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Oak Hill Bed & Breakfast has grown mostly through word of mouth; although, they do advertise on Tripadvisor when the Oregon Shakespeare Festival comes to town.

It’s clear that Brian knows a thing or two about how to grow a business and build an online reputation. Here’s his expert advice for the many other business owners out there working to do the same thing:

“Understand your customers’ needs and desires, and meet as many needs as you can before they ask for it.”

Congratulations to the team at Oak Hill Bed & Breakfast for being a 2018 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Brian, for taking the time to speak with us!

If you’re looking for a charming, one-of-a-kind stay in Ashland, we highly recommend Oak Hill Bed & Breakfast. Visit their website today.

Oregon’s Top Rated Local® Pet Groomers Award Winner: Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming is a 2018 award winner for pet groomers in the state of Oregon!

If you are in Oregon and need a professional pet groomer for the special animals in your life, make sure to check out Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming in Creswell.

Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming has over 20 ratings on 3 verified sites with an average star rating of 4.84 stars earning them a incredible Rating Score™ of 94.42 and a 2018 Top Rated Local award for being one of the top 10 pet groomers in the entire state of Oregon.

Take a look at what one of their many happy customers said:

“It is amazing to me that they are so good with dogs. I have a large dog who doesn’t like nail trimmings. All the other groomers were not able to handle my dog, but the team at Blue Ribbon made her comfortable and calm. It’s a great place. Thank you!” – Linder R.

A One-of-a-Kind Pet Groomer Secret to a Strong Online Reputation

We wanted to find out some inside information regarding Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming’s fantastic reputation, so we sat down with the owner of the business, Brenda.

The very first thing we wanted to know was what the secret was to Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming ‘s success at building an impressive online reputation. Brenda told us:

“It isn’t complicated at all. I show up every day and do a good job. I have been around for 30 years, and I know this industry and the clients very well.”

Another thing that helps set Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming apart from their competitors is their relationship building. Brenda said that they pay attention to every single detail and are extremely careful to do a good job. This helps them build strong relationships with their clients, which supercharges their word of mouth.

Making the World a Better Place Through Compassion

So many of our award winners are adamant about improving their community and the world, and Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming is no exception. We asked Brenda what the mission of the business is and here is what she said:

“Compassion is key in our world. Some people think pet grooming is a beauty venture, but we focus on the maintenance aspects. Just like people need to take care of themselves, animals have that same need as well.”

Outside of their strong reputation, Brenda says that Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming also advertises in other channels additionally, such as the newspaper. Nothing beats referrals and word of mouth, so Brenda obviously makes sure that is always at the forefront.

Finally, we asked Brenda to provide some advice for other business who are hoping to achieve the same level of success as Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming. Humorously, Brenda said:

“Just don’t be a weirdo! Be kind, be compassionate, and always listen to your customer.”

Congratulations to the team at Blue Ribbon Pet Grooming for being a 2018 Top Rated Local award winner! Check out their business online today.