Category: Virginia

Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Sign Companies Award Winner: Minuteman Press

Posted on by Top Rated Local

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

Minuteman Press wants to help you to get your logo out there! We highly recommend this sign company for all of your promotional needs.

Minuteman Press has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.84 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 94.35 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top three sign companies in Virginia!

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

“Minuteman Press has once again saved me with a large, full-color print job [that] I needed fast. Not only did this print shop deliver on-time, but they also exceeded my expectations with the quality of their work. Their new digital printing equipment is unbelievable. Best of all, their printing prices are lower than Kinkos Fed-Ex Office, and the folks at this copy center actually appreciate my print order business.” – R.H.

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

Not Your Average Sign Company

We were excited to learn all about how Minuteman Press has been able to build such an impressive reputation, so we sat down with the Marketing Director & HR Manager, Gayle Patrick.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Minuteman Press stand apart from their local competitors. When we spoke with Gayle, she told us about the importance Minutemen Press places on taking care of their customers. Gayle shared:

“It starts with the passion and the focus on the client first. We try to provide whatever business needs they have and anticipate future needs. We want to make it easy for our clients to work with us!”

We wanted to know more about the Mission of Minuteman Press, and how their business is attempting to make the world a better place. Gayle told us about how important it is in this online world to offer a personal touch. It is their goal to help communities and small businesses while providing personal service. Gayle says:

“We want to strengthen the business and economy and give back to the community. We want to provide a great place for people to work and strengthen small businesses… We want to help small and medium businesses, and let them know that the in-person, local touch is here to help them. We want to have personal interactions and relationships with our customers!”

Speaking with Gayle highlighted the passion Minuteman Press has for customer service. They are always trying to balance having a strong online presence with offering personalized and exceptional service to each customer. She told us:

“We’re committed to excellence. We absolutely love working with our customers, meeting new people, and being able to do our part in the Hampton Roads area and beyond. We’re not just a printing company, either. We do all of the traditional paper and print, but we also do apparel, cups, stress balls, and anything else you can put a logo on!”

Building Success, Online and Off

Minuteman Press has certainly managed to build an impressive online reputation. We asked Gayle if she would be willing to share some of their marketing strategies with us. Gayle said that Minuteman Press utilizes some social media platforms, and they try to always keep up with their SEO (search engine optimization). They have also utilized Google advertising. While they have managed to stay current in the world of online marketing, Gayle also told us that word-of-mouth is just as important to their business as ever.

“You have to provide great service first. We’re very passionate about providing excellent customer service. We then ask that our clients share their views to help us strengthen our brand.”

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

“I think that you have to put the customers’ needs before your own. Finances are important, but they’re not what is going to drive the business. Don’t focus so much on a one-time sale. Look for lifetime relationships. Move away from transactional relationships, and focus on personal relationships. If you’re doing that, the business will continue to grow!”

Congratulations to Minuteman Press for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Gayle for taking the time to speak with us!

Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Massage Therapists Award Winner: 757 Massage

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that 757 Massage is a 2019 award winner for massage therapists in Virginia!

Relax and let your pain and stress melt away by turning to 757 Massage in Virginia Beach.

757 Massage has received dozens of reviews on three verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a phenomenal Rating Score™ of 97.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 massage therapists in all of Virginia!

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

“I always have the greatest experience. My husband and I always come…to get our feet massaged since we stand long hours for work. She always nails it. But today, for my dirty 30th birthday, I wanted to have a spa treatment for myself. I was so relaxed for the first time in my life. I felt relieved from stress, and it was beyond amazing. Excellent job!” – Natalia I.

Not Your Average Massage Therapist

We wanted to learn a little more about 757 Massage and its impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Luciana Crespo.

The first question we had for Luciana was what sets 747 Massage apart from her competition in Virginia, to which she told us that, as a single mother with four young children, she was determined to succeed, and she had no plan B. As a result, she continues to keep her knowledge up to date by taking classes and shows respect to all of her patients, regardless of the reason for their visit.

We also wanted to know what Luciana’s mission is at 757 Massage and how she works to make the world a better place. Here’s what she had to say:

“[My mission is] to share my knowledge and to never lose the edge of wanting to know more about the human body.”

Building Success Through Knowledge

Luciana credits 757 Massage’s strong online reputation to her strong body of knowledge, which she uses to help all different types of patients.

When asked how she’s grown 757 Massage outside of building a powerful online reputation, Luciana said:

“Groupon brought in the initial thrust of clients that have evolved into regulars. I also do a contest on Facebook offering one free massage.

There are many business owners out there looking to grow their business and build the kind of online reputation 757 Massage has. Here’s Luciana’s expert advice for those business owners:

“Be professional and remain professional. Continue your education. Most importantly, take pride in what you do.”

Congratulations to the team at 757 Massage for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Luciana, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend 757 Massage in Virginia Beach. Visit their website today.

Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Brian Hobson Karate Studio

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Brian Hobson Karate Studio is an award winner for martial arts studios in 2019.

If you are looking for a martial arts studio that will support and train you in learning traditional martial arts, look no further than this award-winning company!

Brian Hobson Karate Studio has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across multiple verified sites with an average rating of 4.88 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 96.83 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking in the top three for martial arts studios in Virginia!

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

“Brian Hobson Karate Studio is, without a doubt, one of the best dojos in the state. I first came to the dojo while looking for a place that would help my son develop his focus and discipline, and have received so much more than that in return. Over the past three years, I’ve seen my son thrive in an environment that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else. He has gained so much self-confidence while developing his focus and skills, and has gone on to win medals in all of the tournaments he’s participated in so far. Brian Hobson Karate Studio has helped my son excel both inside and outside of the dojo. The discipline and values instilled in him here also show in his schoolwork, other sports, and his day-to-day life. This dojo has done so much for my son that I also enrolled my youngest son once he turned five years old, and later enrolled myself. They also host several workshops throughout the year, like women’s self-defense, that my family and friends have also attended. My family loves this dojo, and yours will too!”
– Romelin A.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Brian Hobson Karate Studio is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Martial Arts Studio

We wanted to know what it is that helps to make Brian Hobson Karate Studio stand out from the crowd. To get a better idea for some of their business practices, we sat down with owner, Brian Hobson. The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Brian Hobson Karate Studio different from competitors. Brian told us:

“Here you can train with champions; some of our instructors were on the USA karate team and are former champions”

In addition to having staff with a history of excellence, Brian Hobson Karate Studio works to expose the masses to traditional martial arts and helps to enlighten people to find their own path.

Building Success Through Authenticity

We were excited to know more about how Brian Hobson Karate Studio has built such a strong online reputation. On that subject, Brian had this to say:

“Customer service is key — we really believe what we teach here. We try to do great customer service, and we are authentic.”

Congratulations to Brian Hobson Karate Studio for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Brian for taking the time to speak with us!

Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Circa 1918

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Circa 1918 is a 2019 award winner for restaurants in Virginia!

If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers incredible service, mouth-watering eats and an extensive wine list, look no further than Circa 1918 in Newport News.

Circa 1918 has received more than 1,500 reviews on six verified sites with an average rating of 4.72 stars, earning them a tremendous Rating Score™ of 87.47 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 restaurants in all of Virginia!

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

“Our meals on New Year’s Eve were fantastic! All six of us were more than pleased with our selection of four courses and the wine pairings! [This restaurant is the] best kept secret of Newport News! We’ll return again and again — this is no ordinary restaurant!” – Marsha S.

Not Your Average Restaurant

We wanted to learn a little more about Circa 1918 and their impressive online reputation, so we sat down with Kip Mullin, Office Manager.

When we asked Kip what sets Circa 1918 apart from the many other restaurants people could frequent in Virginia, he told us that at Circa 1918, they make friends with their clients.

We also wanted to know what their mission is at Circa 1918 and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Kip had to say:

“We strive to provide an excellent dining experience.”

Building Success Through Online Reservations and Social Media

Kip credits Circa 1918’s strong online reputation to the fact that they make it easy to make reservations online and to their social media pictures.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Circa 1918 has gotten their name out there by being on the paybill for the local theater.

There are many business owners out there looking to grow their business and build their online reputation. Here’s Kip’s expert advice for those business owners:

“Ask yourselves, ‘Are we doing the best we can do?’”

Congratulations to the team at Circa 1918 for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Kip, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend making a reservation at Circa 1918 in Newport News. Visit their website today!

Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Child Care Providers Award Winner: Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center is a 2019 award winner for child care providers in Virginia!

If you need a professional and well respected child care provider in Virginia, look no further than Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center in Lynchburg.

Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center has over 60 reviews on three verified sites with an average rating of 4.81 stars earning them an incredible Rating Score™ of 94.13 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for being one of the top 10 child care providers in the entire state of Virginia.

Here is just one of their many five-star reviews:

“I saw the growth and development of both my children. They were exposed to greatness, allowed to be individual with positive instruction and correction. The connections they made with the professional staff is immeasurable. The opportunity to walk through those doors and absorb, flourish and learn, even with relative failure, will never be forgotten. It created a great foundation for their social and educational futures.” – Eric T.

Not Your Average Child Care Provider

We took a few minutes to speak with Jane Gerdy, executive director of Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center, to learn a little bit more about the business and how they managed to build such a striking online reputation.

The first thing we wanted to know was how Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center separates itself from the other child care services and why parents should choose their service. This is what Jane had to say:

“We don’t just provide child care. Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center is a fully accredited school and we provide a quality comprehensive early childhood education.”

We also wanted to understand what Jane and the rest of her team’s mission is every single day. Jane said they want to make the world and their community a better place through inclusiveness. Their goal is to provide all families nurturing care and exceptional childhood educational services.

Building Success Through A Commitment To Excellence

We also asked Jane how Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center had built their amazing online reputation. Amazingly, Janee told us:

“To be honest, this comes as a complete surprise because we don’t even ask our clients for reviews. We are very honored to have so many positive reviews from our clients.”

The fact that they are not actively soliciting their reviews makes their reputation even more impressive. Here is another five-star review from a happy parent:

“I leave there everyday feeling safe and secure with our baby boy in the care of those at Elizabeth’s! I couldn’t find a better place if I tried!” – Whitney L.

We know there are many small businesses that are striving to achieve the same level of success as Jane and her team at Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center, so we asked her to provide some advice for other business owners. Here is the expert recommendation Jane provided:

“Ensure you have a strong mission and a dedication to providing excellent quality. It is important to provide for the needs of your community.”

Congratulations to the team at Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Jane, for taking the time to speak with us! Learn more about this business online today.

Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts School Award Winner: American Freestyle Karate

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that American Freestyle Karate is a 2019 award winner for martial arts schools in Virginia!

Whether you’re looking for a martial arts program for your child or yourself, you won’t find a better martial arts school than American Freestyle Karate.

American Freestyle Karate has received many positive reviews across four verified sites with an average rating of 4.80 stars, earning them a phenomenal Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 martial arts schools in Virginia!

Here is just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Our family started our journey to black belt 7 months ago. In that time we have become closer to each other, yet stronger and more confident individually, stronger both physically and as a family unit, and healthier and more energetic. If we have come so far already as purple belts I can only imagine what we will become together as black belts…thank you AFK Salem” – Cynthia S

Not Your Average Martial Arts School

In order to learn more about the business and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation, we took a few minutes to talk with Eddie, the owner of American Freestyle Karate.

When asked about what makes American Freestyle Karate different from other martial arts schools, Eddie shared that integrity is key. He believes that, as a business, you have to do what you say you’re going to do.

We were also curious as to how American Freestyle Karate works to make the world a better place. On that subject, Eddie had this to say:

“One block at the time. We try to make a positive impact to people’s lives. We teach people how to be disciplined. Be responsible for your own actions. We help people be leaders.”

Building Success Through Integrity

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, American Freestyle Karate has grown through their presence on social media platforms, like Facebook, and through their involvement in community events.

There are many business owners out there looking to grow their business and build their online reputation. Here’s Eddie’s expert advice for those business owners:

“Lead by example. Do who you say you are going to do. Have a clear mission, show people that you care about them first.”

Congratulations to the team at American Freestyle Karate for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Eddie, for taking the time to speak with us!

Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Attorneys & Law Firms Award Winner: Haven Law Group, P.C.

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Haven Law Group, P.C. is a 2019 award winner for attorneys and law firms in Virginia!

With more than 20 years of combined experienced, Haven Law Group, P.C. is the law firm to turn to when you’re facing bankruptcy in Hampton.

Haven Law Group, P.C. has received dozens of reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.83 stars, earning them a phenomenal Rating Score™ of 96.25 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 attorneys and law firms in Virginia!

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

“Mr. Havener and team are very knowledgeable and helped us through our bankruptcy process. He was very patient working with us through our many amendment needs during our payment period. [I] highly recommend [them] for any bankruptcy needs.” – J.C.

Not Your Average Law Firm

To learn a little more about Haven Law Group and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation, we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Charles Havener.

The first question we had for Charles was what sets Haven Law Group apart from the many other law firms and attorneys in Virginia. He told us that it’s their experience that truly makes them different:

“We do a ton of cases; we’re very well versed in this specific area. We hire based on competence and compassion — and a lot of lawyers don’t. We try to level with our clients, and a lot of people are relieved not to be treated like morons just because they don’t have a law degree. We try to understand the situation to the fullest.”

We also wanted to know what their mission is at Haven Law Group and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Charles had to say:

“As lawyers, we have the ability to fix people’s situation and really help people. Doctors do physical healing for people — we have the ability to really heal people from a legal perspective. It is a privilege to be an attorney. If I were in another area of law, I might be ashamed, but being able to actually help people is a great feeling.”

Building Success Through Christianity and a Passion for Helping People

When asked what their secret is to such a strong online reputation at Haven Law Group, Charles credits their Christianity and their passion for helping people:

“My staff is Christian, and we try to help people in the name of what we believe in. We are passionate about helping people, and our reviews reflect that.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Haven Law Group has grown by spending money on advertising and marketing, including lead generation, pay-per-click and website design:

“It’s unfortunate, but you have to spend a boatload of money to put your brand in front of a large volume of people. Maybe one in a hundred people will convert, so to find them, you have to really put content out. And you can’t view it as a waste of money; it’s a professional investment.”

It’s clear that Charles has a lot of knowledge when it comes to growing a business and building an online reputation. Here’s his expert advice for the many other business owners out there working to do the same thing:

“Go overtime to do a very good job and to be compassionate and caring. Happy clients go a long way, and even if making them happy costs a little more, one bad review is much worse.”

Congratulations to the team at Haven Law Group, P.C. for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Charles, for taking the time to speak with us!

If you’re looking for a law firm that can help you with a wide array of bankruptcy services, we highly recommend scheduling your free consultation with Haven Law Group, P.C. Visit their website today!

Virginia’s Top Rated Local® House Cleaning Award Winner: Dust Bunnies of Hampton Roads

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Dust Bunnies of Hampton Roads is not only the number one house cleaning company in Virginia, but one of the top 50 businesses in the state overall!

As a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, Dust Bunnies of Hampton Roads has an impressive 99.20 Rating Score™, a 4.92 average star rating, and 50 phenomenal reviews on verified review sites. Here’s just one tremendous review they’ve received:

“My fiancé and I hired the Dust Bunnies to clean the apartment we were moving out of in Hampton. We were moving into our first house and the thought of relocating from a third floor apartment and having to take on a three bedroom house seemed daunting. Neither one of us wanted to clean two places! Luckily, the Dust Bunnies were available! Very flexible with scheduling, professional, and we trusted them since they were bonded and insured. We’re excited to get our security deposit back since they did such a great job! I know we will use them in the future!” -Suzanne M.

Not Your Average Cleaning Company

Victoria Mitchell, the owner of Dust Bunnies of Hampton Roads, took some time to speak with us about her business’ outstanding online reputation.

Our team was particularly interested in finding out what it is that makes Dust Bunnies of Hampton Roads such a stand out company. “We take great care of our staff so they can take great care of you and your home,” Victoria said. “Our mission is to provide the highest quality cleaning and service at a competitive price.”

Building Success Through Online Savvy

We asked Victoria what the Dust Bunnies of Hampton Roads secret to success is. She said, “[It’s] a user-friendly website with lots of information and online functionality for our clients.”

Being an award-winning business owner, Victoria knows what it takes to make a business shine online. This is her advice for other businesses:

“A variety of social media platforms are the key to being discovered, and an informational website will get people on the phone. The attitude and service they receive after the first call is what keeps you in business.”

Congratulations to the team at Dust Bunnies of Hampton Roads for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Victoria, for taking the time to speak with us!

Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Dance Schools & Studios Award Winner: Linda Watkins School of Dance

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Linda Watkins School of Dance is a 2019 award winner for dance schools and studios in Virginia!

From ballet and pointe to tap and jazz, Linda Watkins School of Dance in Roanoke has a dance class for everyone.

Linda Watkins School of Dance has received dozens of reviews on three verified sites with an average rating of 4.92 stars, earning them a stellar Rating Score™ of 95.15 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 dance schools and studios in all of New Jersey!

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

“My daughter has danced at Linda Watkins since 2009. As a former student there, I did not hesitate to send her there when I had the chance. The instructors are excellent. The annual recital is wonderful, with excellent choreography. My daughter has learned discipline through dance because of the instructors and the support of the other students.” – Lindsey G.

Not Your Average Dance School

We took a few minutes to talk with Elisabeth Burton, owner and Lead Instructor at Linda Watkins School of Dance, to learn a little more about the business and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation.

We first wanted to know what sets Linda Watkins School of Dance apart from the many other dance schools in Virginia. Linda points to their family atmosphere and their desire to provide a place where people want to come and enjoy the art of dance. Although they have a strong structure for dance at Linda Watkins School of Dance, they focus on keeping things fun as well. She also mentioned that Linda Watkins School of Dance has been around for 42 years.

The next thing we wanted to know was what their mission is at Linda Watkins School of Dance and how they world to make the world a better place. Here’s what Elisabeth has to say:

“Our mission is to provide a safe haven for kids to have a good outlet, and to provide kids with discipline without having to use technology.”

Building Success with a Family Atmosphere

Elisabeth credits Linda Watkins School of Dance’s strong online reputation to their commitment to maintaining a family atmosphere.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Linda Watkins School of Dance has grown through word of mouth and by keeping in touch with customers via email. Other than that, they haven’t had to do much to market the business.

It’s clear that Elisabeth has a lot of wisdom to share when it comes to building an online reputation and growing her business. Here’s her advice for the many other business owners working to do the same thing:

“Use Facebook, and learn all of the updated technology. Leverage social media.”

Congratulations to the team at Linda Watkins School of Dance for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Elisabeth, for taking the time to speak with us!

If you or your child is interested in learning to dance, we highly recommend Linda Watkins School of Dance in Roanoke. Visit their website today.

Virginia’s Top Rated Local® Financial Advisers Award Winner: Financial Freedom Planners

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Financial Freedom Planners is a 2019 award winner for financial advisers in Virginia!

Whether you need help planning for retirement or determining how much life insurance you need, Financial Freedom Planners in Richmond is the company to turn to.

Financial Freedom Planners has received dozens of reviews with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a remarkable Rating Score™ of 93.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 financial advisers in all of Virginia!

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

“My wife and I were newly married and wanted to get our finances straight for the long run when we started working with Charles over a year ago. Before him, we had tried an advisor with a major company who made us feel uncomfortable during our meetings and pressured us to invest our money in ways we did not agree with. Charles was, thankfully, a breath of fresh air with his level of professionalism, knowledge and dedication. Today, we feel confident and well-organized with our financial plans.” – Justin M.

Not Your Average Financial Adviser

We took a few minutes to talk with Charles R. Roberts, founder and Chief Executive Officer at Financial Freedom Planners, to learn a little more about the business and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation.

We first wanted to know what sets Financial Freedom Planners apart from the many other financial advisers in Virginia. Charles points to the fact that they are hourly or project-based, which results in long-term savings for their clients. At Financial Freedom Planners, they hold themselves to the highest fiduciary standards in the business, and in addition to recommending investments for their clients, they also keep an eye out for their expenses.

The next thing we wanted to know was what their mission is at Financial Freedom Planners and how they work to make the world a better place. Charles shared with us that Financial Freedom Planners’ mission is to help their clients become financially independent and to help them maintain that independence.

Building Success Through Client Satisfaction

Charles credits Financial Freedom Planners’ strong online reputation to their commitment to satisfying their clients and making a positive impact on their clients’ lives.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, word of mouth has been their main source of growth, as well as referrals from other financial companies.

There are a number of business owners out there who are looking to grow their business and build their online reputation. Here are Charles’ words of wisdom for those business owners:

“Have integrity. Always do the best job you possibly can for your clients and act in the best interest of your clients.”

Congratulations to the team at Financial Freedom Planners for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Charles, for taking the time to speak with us!

Are you ready to work with a different kind of financial adviser? Visit Financial Freedom Planners online today.