Legitimate List of Winners
Every summer I’m bombarded with pleas to vote this business or that as the Best of Omaha in their category. This lobbying is not unique to Omaha. It was the same deal when we lived in Sioux Falls, Charleston and Atlanta.
I’m not naive. I know this is a way to raise advertising dollars for publications. Businesses run ads begging for reader’s votes and then run another ad congratulating themselves as winners.
It’s all a bit narcissistic and self-serving.
I give little credibility to businesses topping the categories.
At best, they have a more sophisticated marketing/lobbying staff and perhaps more advertising dollars too.
Rarely do they convince me to vote for them simply because of their marketing prowess.
What Makes a Winner?
What defines best of any business category for me has remained constant for decades:
- Exceeding customer expectations
- Prompt and satisfactory response to customer inquiry
- Community involvement.
Maybe I’m an odd duck—one not influenced by marketing noise, but
I Always Vote & Buy From Businesses That
- Buy an ad on the back of a church bulletin
- Manage a customer complaint with tact and peaceful resolution. [This doesn’t mean the customer is always right. It means they listened and offered agreeable solutions.]
- Are led by those who hire, reward and retain outstanding staff
- Have entrepreneurial spirit
- Are involved in the community-sponsoring youth teams, supporting Rotary and other civic organizations and showing other ways of ownership in their hometown
- Treat me both like a lady and a valued customer with a brain
My 2019 Best of Omaha Winners
Appliance Sales: Scott Saalfeld at Lowe’s 3333 N 147th Street Omaha NE 68116
I visited every appliance retail outlet in Omaha.
By miles, Scott knows and understands his products and his customers better than any other sales person I encountered. I felt heard and guided to the best appliances for my needs.
He is well trained on products and customer service. Scott listens. He follows through. He appears well respected by his team members and managers.
Appliance Installer: Precision Appliances (Nick) 402.680.2828
Nick does installation and repair of microwave ovens, dishwashers, ranges, dryers and washing machines.
He arrives on time. He is respectful of one’s home. He’s competent and quick. He’s self-employed and understands customer service & satisfaction.
Auto Body Repair: Dave’s Auto Body 9630 Redick Avenue Omaha, NE 68122 https://davesautobodyco.com/
I had zero auto body repair experience when entering this business. I left feeling confident in the consultation, price and process. Since our relocation to the Midwest, I have never felt more appreciated as a customer than at this Omaha business.
It’s the simple things: the owner shaking my hand and thanking me for my business while a staff member started my car and cooled it down for my exit.
Best New Product: Damp Rid Moisture Absorber-Genius of an idea; Works wonders in our basement https://damprid.com/
Carpet Cleaners: Top Gun Carpet Care Specialists 402.332.3778 http://www.topguncarpetcare.com/
This family owned business has been serving the Omaha area since 1982. They know the business and they know how to keep their customers happy, including us.
Drywaller: Alberto Salcebo 402.598.5945 20+ years in the industry (2019) Responsive, Competitive pricing, Polite.
Manicurist: Ly at Paris Nails 3665 N 129th Street Omaha, NE 68164 [formerly Pretty Nails] 402.452.7172 (mobile #)
Simply the best. Call or text her directly 402.452.7172 to schedule your appointment.
Plumber: AP Plumbing (Tony) 402.669.7249
Clogged water lines are like calculus equations to me. Foreign. Tony sent Curt to replace pipes in our home. In very lay terms, I described what I saw as the problem and his experience led him to a simple, affordable solution. Curt respected our property and cleaned up perfectly after himself. AP Plumbing is always welcome in our home.
Real Estate Agent: Megan Owens, Owens Real Estate Group at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 402.689.4984 http://owensregroup.com/
Megan has now worked with 3 generations of my family. She connects with and guides each buyer to homes ideal for their needs.
She’s simply outstanding with customer service and deserves your business.
Strangers Paying for Our Meal at AJs Café 5146 North 90th Street Omaha, NE 68134
We’d heard about this Café from many Omaha residents. Imagine our surprise when our server told us another patron had paid for our meal after hearing it was our first time there.
People are good everywhere. This is just another example of human kindness.
Pay it forward, always.
Tree Service: Eden Tree Pros http://edentreepros.com/
Contact them for a free consultation and estimate. We’re sure glad we did. Their response time and automated systems are built for busy family lives. And, our birch tree stood up to the Japanese beetles, again.
What does a business have to do to earn your loyalty?
SHARE your answer below.
The most important thing you can do for any business is REFER them.
And, if you’re a business that received the referral, be sure to say, “thank you” to the referring source.
Is there a business I should add to my list? Let me know.
LIKE & SHARE this post. It’s a great way to REFER a business doing good work for both customers and their community.
©August 2019. Linda Leier Thomason
All Rights Reserved. This means seek permission before using copy or images from this site. Images are available for purchase.
Linda Leier Thomason writes freelance business and travel stories along with feature articles. Her work experience includes a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Read more about her background and qualifications by clicking on the “Meet Linda” tab above.
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