Category: Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® Businesses: 2021

Posted on by Beth Berndt

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 Wisconsin!

Best known for being America’s Dairyland — Wisconsin is a wonderful state to live in and visit. Home of cheese curds, Chris Farley and Frank Lloyd Wright, the Badger 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 Wisconsin such a phenomenal place to live and visit. There are so many amazing businesses that serve the people of Wisconsin, but only the best of the best have made it on our list of Top Rated Local award winners for 2021. Today, we’re ecstatic to announce our 2021 award winners in Wisconsin.

To calculate our 2021 winners, we’ve looked at each business’s 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’s 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 Wisconsin and provide them with everything they need to thrive, and this year, we’ve identified 395 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 97.08 and average star rating of 4.87. For comparison, businesses across Top Rated Local average a 68.71 Rating Score and a 4.20 star rating. These businesses are truly the best of the best.

There are so many stand-out businesses in Wisconsin that deserve to be recognized for their success, but we’re especially excited to give a shoutout to the number one award-winner in Wisconsin for 2021 — Shannon Z Photography. A documentary-style wedding, family and senior photographer who serves the Kenosha, Milwaukee and Lake Geneva area, Shannon Z Photography offers sophisticated and upbeat photography.

Shannon Z Photography has received 224 reviews across 5 verified review sites with an average star rating of 4.99, which has earned them a phenomenal Rating Score of 100.00 and the bragging rights of being the number one Top Rated Local business in all of Wisconsin for 2021.

Congratulations to all of our award winners in Wisconsin for 2021. We commend you for the outstanding service and support you provide for your community day in and day out.

Want a shot at becoming a Top Rated Local award winner in 2022? Start building a strong reputation for your business. See our plans and pricing.

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® Businesses: 2020

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

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 Wisconsin!

Known as America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin is a wonderful state to live in and visit. In addition to being home to 7,446 charming rivers and streams, the Bratwurst Capital of the world, and Liberace, The Badger 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 Wisconsin such a phenomenal place to live and visit. There are so many amazing businesses that serve the people of Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin.

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 Wisconsin and provide them with everything they need to thrive, and this year, we’ve identified 397 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 97.47 and average star rating of 4.89. For comparison, businesses across Top Rated Local average a 70.15 Rating Score and a 4.28 star rating. These businesses are truly the best of the best.

There are so many stand-out businesses in Wisconsin that deserve to be recognized for their success, but we’re especially excited to give a shoutout to the number one award-winner in Wisconsin for 2020 — King Family Dentistry. A dental clinic that’s dedicated to keeping your family’s teeth strong and healthy, King Family Dentistry is Greenfield’s premier source for dental care. King Family Dentistry has received 1,162 reviews across five 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 Wisconsin for 2020.

Congratulations to all of our award winners in Wisconsin for 2020. We commend you for the outstanding service and support you provide for your community day in and day out.

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® HVAC / Heating & AC Award Winner: Gross Heating & Air Conditioning

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Gross Heating & Air Conditioning is a 2019 award winner for HVAC companies in Wisconsin!

Keep your space comfortable and your energy bills in check with the help of Gross Heating & Air Conditioning in Brookfield.

Gross Heating & Air Conditioning has received almost 200 reviews with a perfect average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a wonderful Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 HVAC companies in all of Wisconsin!

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

“The team from Gross Heating & Air Conditioning did an outstanding job! I now have central air that works. They kept me informed concerning what they were doing, answered all of my questions and left my home looking better than when they arrived. [They are] real professionals!” – Robert H.

Not Your Average HVAC Company

We wanted to learn all about Gross Heating & Air Conditioning and its impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with the co-owner, Joe Mechenich.

The first question we had for Joe was what is it that sets Gross Heating & Air Conditioning apart from their competition in Wisconsin. Here’s Joe’s response:

“We’ve been in business for 1925. We do our best on every job. We stand behind every job we do. We also offer 24-hour service, day or night, 365 days a year.”

Joe went on to tell us that, although he and his partner are new owners, they are both long-standing employees of Gross Heating & Air Conditioning, and they intend to run it the same — with the same high quality of work and ethics — that their customers are accustomed to.

Building Success With the Right Team

Joe attributes Gross Heating & Air Conditioning’s strong online reputation to their amazing team, which includes everyone from their techs — who, Joe says, are the best of the best — to the ladies who answer the phones and the salesmen who do the consultations.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Gross Heating & Air Conditioning has gotten their name out there through word of mouth, blogs, newsletters, church bulletins, tradeshows and social media. They also work with an outside marketing company.

There are so many business owners out there looking to build the kind of online reputation Gross Heating & Air Conditioning has. Here’s Joe’s expert advice for them:

“Referrals are the name of the game. Do a good job. Be respectful, and treat the customer with respect.”

Congratulations to the team at Gross Heating & Air Conditioning for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Joe, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Gross Heating & Air Conditioning in Brookfield. Visit their website today!

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® Carpet Cleaners Award Winner: Steam Plus Carpet & Floors

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Steam Plus Carpet & Floors is a two-time 2019 award winner in Wisconsin!

Make your carpets look like new again with the help of Steam Plus Carpets & Floors in Madison.

Steam Plus Carpet & Floors has received almost 200 reviews on four verified sites with a perfect average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a marvelous Rating Score™ of 93.10 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 100 businesses and the top 10 carpet cleaners in all of Wisconsin!

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

“Steam Plus Carpets did an excellent job, and I would highly recommend them! Alex was prompt in responding to my request for a quote and did a great job on our carpets. He was efficient and courteous. Thanks again!” – Ellie S.

Not Your Average Carpet Cleaning Company

We wanted to learn more about this two-time award winner and how they managed to build such the owner of Steam Plus Carpet & Floors.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Steam Plus Carpet & Floors a one-of-a-kind carpet cleaning company in Wisconsin. Alex told us that it’s their experience, customer service and advanced equipment that set them apart. In addition to carpet cleaning, Steam Plus Carpet & Floors also offers water damage restoration.

We also asked Alex what their mission is at Steam Plus Carpet & Floors and how they work to make the world a better place. He shared with us that their aim is to keep cleaning.

Building Success Through Quality Service

Alex attributes Steam Plus Carpet & Floors’ strong online reputation to their commitment to providing quality service to their clients, as well as to completing all parts of the puzzle.

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Steam Plus Carpet & Floors has. When we asked Alex what advice he has for those business owners, he said:

“Hard work pays off.”

Congratulations to the team at Steam Plus Carpet & Floors for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Alex, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Steam Plus Carpet & Floors in Madison. Visit their website today!

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® Restaurants Award Winner: Sanford

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Sanford is an award winner for restaurants in 2019.

If you are looking for a fantastic dining experience in Milwaukee, look no further than this award-winning company!

Sanford has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across five different verified sites with an average rating of 4.84 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 98.40 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 100 businesses and the number one restaurant in all of Wisconsin!

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

“Sanford’s is a unique dining experience. It is an exceptionally intimate small setting with exceptional staffing… The menu of creative and unusual dishes, combined with the presentation and service, makes one feel culinarily pampered. This is a stellar choice for a special occasion. [They provide] outstanding service and a chef who has amazing vision and utilizes the local market for seasonal dishes that taste out of this world.” – H.L.

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

Not Your Average Restaurant

We were excited to learn all about Sanford and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the General Manager, Sarah.

Sanford pays close attention to the needs and wants of their customers, and their level of service and attention to detail are unmatched. Sarah said that they pay close attention to celebrations, too! This fantastic service is paired with even more outstanding food.

Sarah shared a bit about their general mission and philosophy at Sanford:

“It is the philosophy of Sanford Restaurant to start with the finest possible ingredients, coming from as close to home as possible, and supporting local farms and artisans whenever possible. We then treat those ingredients with the utmost respect, coaxing and elevating their natural flavors to the highest possible level. We treat people with the highest level of respect.”

Building Success Through Word of Mouth

Sanford has grown their incredible reputation thanks to word of mouth and recommendations from nearby hotels. Sarah said that while they appreciate the online reviews, they don’t usually ask for them! Their reviews are organic.

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

“Do not procrastinate!”

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

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® Family Doctors Award Winner: Armando Sanchez, MD

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Armando Sanchez, MD is an award winner for family doctors in 2019!

If you are looking for a family doctor that will put your wellbeing as their top priority, look no further than this award-winning company!

Armando Sanchez, MD has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an outstanding Rating Score™ of 98.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking not only as the number one family doctor in Wisconsin but as one of the top 100 businesses in the state overall!

It is because of rave reviews from happy clients that Armando Sanchez, MD is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Family Doctors

We were excited to learn all about how Armando Sanchez, MD has been able to build such an extraordinary reputation, so we sat down with Dr. Sanchez himself.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Armando Sanchez, MD stand apart from their competitors. In Dr. Sanchez’s words, “I run a bilingual practice. Lots of my patients like the fact that I am part of the boxing world, and it is a nice conversation piece. I have been a ‘ringside doctor’ for a couple of decades. I am able to build a relationship with the patient, which helps to break the ice and build a rapport.”

When asked about his practice’s mission, Dr. Sanchez said, “I want to improve the health of my patients. I listen, talk, guide, and medicate.”

Building Success Through Honest Care

In Dr. Sanchez’ eyes, the secret to his business’ success is simply taking care of and helping people. When it comes to marketing, he focuses on word of mouth.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as stellar a reputation as Armando Sanchez, MD has managed to. We asked if Dr. Sanchez could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“Listen to the concerns of your clients/patients; that goes a long way.”

Congratulations to Armando Sanchez, MD for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Dr. Sanchez for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website here!

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® Physical Therapists Award Winner: Fox Valley Physical Therapy & Wellness Clinic

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Fox Valley Physical Therapy & Wellness Clinic is an award winner for physical therapists in 2019!

If you are looking for a physical therapist that will work hard to help you feel better and get back to life as usual as soon as possible, look no further than this award-winning company!

Fox Valley Physical Therapy & Wellness Clinic has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 4.78 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 93.78 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 physical therapists in Wisconsin!

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

“They are the best. No one else could help my frozen shoulder. I also found the pool workout most helpful to start out, then, hands-on was good too.” -Bonnie Y.

It is because of enthusiastic reviews like this that Fox Valley Physical Therapy & Wellness Clinic is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Physical Therapist

We were excited to learn all about how Fox Valley Physical Therapy & Wellness Clinic has been able to build such an exemplary reputation, so we sat down with their IT and marketing manager, Justin Sobojinski.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Fox Valley Physical Therapy & Wellness Clinic stand apart from their competitors. In Justin’s words, “We make sure to treat the patient as a whole, we will treat an injury but try to find the root of the problem.”

Building Success Through Service

According to Justin, Fox Valley Physical Therapy & Wellness Clinic’s secret to success is the high quality of service they provide. As for marketing, they focus on organic traffic through social media and word of mouth.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as remarkable a reputation as Fox Valley Physical Therapy & Wellness Clinic has managed to. We asked if Justin could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“Do the right thing for the customer and that will help your reputation, your reputation is what people will see online.”

Congratulations to Fox Valley Physical Therapy & Wellness Clinic for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Justin for taking the time to speak with us! Check out their website here!

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® Dance Schools and Studios Award Winner: Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Milwaukee and Brookfield

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Milwaukee and Brookfield  are award winners for dance schools and studios in 2019.

If you are looking for a graceful and fun exercise outlet, dance might be for you! We highly recommend you turn to the award-winning, most trusted dance studio in the Greater Milwaukee and Brookfield areas!

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Milwaukee has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across five different verified sites with an average rating of 4.72 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 96.94 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top three dance schools and studios in Wisconsin!

In addition, Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brookfield has an impressive average rating of 4.99 stars, which earned them a Rating Score™ of 97.88. This also earned the Brookfield location the top spot among dance schools studios in Wisconsin.

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

“I’ve been a student at the Milwaukee studio since 2012 and have enjoyed every minute of my lessons with my excellent and inspiring teachers. The parties are always fun, and even though I come alone, the teachers make sure I dance most of the dances. As a senior, I can vouch that ‘motion is lotion.’ Dancing here is the joy of my life! I highly recommend taking ballroom lessons here!” – B.C.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Milwaukee and Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brookfield are now able to call themselves Top Rated Local award winners!

Not Your Average Dance School

We were excited to learn all about Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Milwaukee and Brookfield and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Marketing Director, Natalie Noggle.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Fred Astaire Dance Studio stand apart from their competitors. They have a strong brand name to live up to, so their standards are very important to them. Their staff is professionally trained and dedicated to upholding consistency in representing their brand.

“We are a global family in pursuit of the excellence of life through dance.”

Building Success Through Community Outreach

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Milwaukee is the second franchise in the Fred Astaire franchise history, and this location started in 1948, which means they are 71 years in the making! In that time, they have kept up with their incredible reputation by doing extensive community outreach, like weekly dance parties. This also enabled them to open their 2nd Wisconsin location, Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brookfield.

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

“Overdo the showcasing of what the business has to offer. Use free online advertising, like social media, and ask customers to spread the word for you as well!”

Congratulations to Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Milwaukee and Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brookfield for being 2019 Top Rated Local award winners, and special thanks to Natalie for taking the time to speak with us!

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® Child Care Providers Award Winner: Mother’s Day Out

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Mother’s Day Out is an award winner for child care providers in 2019.

If you are looking for a child care provider that will provide a safe and nurturing environment to your little one, look no further than this award-winning company!

Mother’s Day Out has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across multiple verified sites with an average rating of 4.94 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 93.42 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 10 child care providers in Wisconsin!

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

“All three of my children are attending or have attended MDO. It is a wonderful program! The teacher-to-student ratio is small, which allows for lots of learning. My oldest just completed kindergarten this past school year, and he was WELL prepared for school. I attribute a lot of this to the great 4-K program at Mother’s Day Out.” – C.H.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Mother’s Day Out is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Child Care Center

We were excited to learn all about Mother’s Day Out and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the Director, Michelle Halstead.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Mother’s Day Out stand apart from their competitors. Their hands-on educators make it fun for the kids to be in their care. She shared:

“Our goal is to enrich the lives of families within a Christian environment so that they know that their children are safe, nurtured, and challenged appropriately, while gently receiving the individualized support needed to move them towards success and contentment in the future.”

Building Success Through Consistent Care

Mother’s Day Out has managed to gain an impressive reputation. Michelle said that since they are attached to Faith Bridge Church, that’s where their primary enrollment comes from. After the church families have enrolled, they open registration to the public. Michelle said that all of their growth and recognition is thanks to word of mouth. They are excited to be expanding their program in the fall to offer care to infants!

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

“Offer good quality care; be consistent, and be welcoming to everyone, regardless of race or needs.”

Congratulations to Mother’s Day Out for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Michelle for taking the time to speak with us!

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® Employment Agencies Award Winner: Drake & Company Staffing Solutions

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Drake & Company Staffing Solutions is a 2019 award winner for employment agencies in Wisconsin!

If you’re looking for a great and reliable staffing agency in Madison, you need to go to Drake & Company Staffing Solutions.

Drake & Company Staffing Solutions has received 20 reviews on three verified sites with an average rating of 4.71 stars, earning them a fabulous Rating Score™ of 93.05 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top 10 employment agencies in all of Wisconsin!

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

“I had a very positive experience working with Drake & Company. They helped me find a job that fit my schedule and worked with me with whatever questions or concerns I had. I would highly recommend working with them if you are in need of a job and don’t know how to go about it.” -Tabitha

Not Your Average Employment Agency

We wanted to learn a little more about Drake & Company Staffing Solutions and its tremendous online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with the CEO and Co-owner, Kelly Starr-King.

The first question we had for Kelly was what is it that sets Drake & Company Staffing Solutions apart from their competition in Wisconsin. Here’s her response:

“For us, it’s not about the almighty buck. It’s about what’s right. We go beyond matching skills and we match personality.”

We also wanted to know what their mission is at Drake & Company Staffing Solutions and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s what Kelly had to say:

“By placing generation after generation after generation in the career of their desires.”

Building Success by Quality Service

Kelly attributes Drake & Company Staffing Solutions’ strong online reputation to her commitment to giving her customers quality service. You treat people right and they will reward you with kind words. From that, people will recommend you to their close group of friends.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Drake & Company Staffing Solutions has gotten their name out there with local advertising, word of mouth, and building a great online presence.

Kelly went on to explain to us:

“Everything online now, from Careerbuilder to ZipRecruiter…We get out there in the community and meet our neighbors and get to know them and focus on quality placements looking beyond skill.

There are so many business owners out there looking to grow their business and build their online reputation the way Drake & Company Staffing Solutions has. Here’s Kelly’s expert advice for them:

“Do the right thing even if it means it’s going to cost you.”

Congratulations to the team at Drake & Company Staffing Solutions for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Kelly, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Drake & Company Staffing Solutions in Madison. Visit their website today!