The Best of the Best 2015

Accounting Firm

It’s best to trust a proven accounting firm with financial matters. HoganTaylor is one of the largest accounting firms in Oklahoma and offers a wide variety of services to its clients. Sartain Fischbein & Co. was recently acquired by Eide Bailly, but that won’t affect its top-notch service. Carl Webb CPA specializes in taxes and bookkeeping for Tulsa businesses and clients.

Fleming Tax has served Oklahoma City since 1947 with full-service personal and corporate tax return preparation. Early & Means provides a full-service experience to its clients, from financial planning to tax services. Grant Thornton’s Oklahoma City office rounds out the top three.

Airline

Readers most often turn to Southwest Airlines to get from place to place with no stress and at an affordable price. American Airlines offers flights to and from Oklahoma. Delta Airlines also offers several flight options from the state.

Assisted Living Center

When we can no longer live on our own, but don’t want to give up independence, assisted living is often the way to go. Montereau provides a luxury setting for seniors in Tulsa along with top-notch amenities like concierge service and wellness programs. Inverness Village offers diverse living options to its residents, including apartments, cottages and garden homes. St. John Villas operates in several communities and provides residents with the best care possible.

Emeritus at The Village provides 24-hour care and helps with medication management, bathing, dressing and cooking. Sterling House offers private apartments in a home-like community setting with areas for socializing, dining and entertaining. Arbor House Assisted Living Center operates several facilities in the Oklahoma City metro area that offer residents the opportunity to live as they please.

Attorney

It’s always good to know that you have a capable attorney by your side. In Tulsa, William R. Grimm of Barrow & Grimm and Brad Beasley of Boesche & McDermott are recognized for sound legal advice and knowledge of a wide variety of issues. Michael Barkett of The Barkett Law Firm aids victims of accidents and medical malpractice in the Tulsa area. Bruce Edge of Edge Law Firm is Tulsa’s only attorney board certified in DUI defense law, according to ABA guidelines. Robert P. Coffey Jr. of Coffey, Senger & McDaniel specializes in defending motor carriers, insurance companies and their insured.

In Oklahoma City, Randall K. Calvert of Calvert Law tops our reader survey. His focus on business litigation and mergers and acquisitions makes him a much sought-after attorney. Mark E. Hammons Sr. of Hammons, Gowens, Hurst & Associates is a respected litigation attorney in Oklahoma City. Donelle Ratheal of Ratheal Maggard & Fortune focuses on litigation in the areas of civil, oil and gas and family law. Samuel Talley of Talley Turner practices in several areas of law, from business law to personal injury.

Auto/Tire Shop

These shops know how to keep the wheels rolling on our cars. Robertson Tire has 11 locations in the Tulsa area to serve Oklahomans with various car repair needs. Hibdon Tires Plus provides new tires, oil changes, brake repair and more. Firestone Complete Auto Care services tires, from oil changes to wheel alignment and battery replacement.

Bank

Various banks offer a wide variety of products and services to its customers. Bank of Oklahoma is tops in Tulsa for its many branch locations as well as easy ATM accessibility. Chase Bank has three convenient locations in the Tulsa metro area. Locally owned Regent Bank specializes in business and personal banking as well as mortgage and small business lending. Central Bank of Oklahoma’s customer perks, Arvest Bank’s range of accounts and RCB Bank’s small-town feel bring them into the top three.

MidFirst Bank offers personal and business banking as well as wealth management information. Bank of Oklahoma’s many locations and ease of online banking also makes it a popular choice in Oklahoma City. First Fidelity Bank helps individuals and businesses meet financial goals with knowledgeable professionals.

Caterer

Just Catering by Orr is a popular choice in the Tulsa area, whether it’s an intimate dinner party or a large celebration. Catering Kitchen can accommodate a wide variety of events with everything from comfort foods to gourmet cuisine. Ludger’s Catering serves both office lunches and large wedding receptions.

Aunt Pittypat’s Catering has provided gourmet catering options to events in Oklahoma City for more than 20 years. Cheever’s Catering & Events brings the brilliance and deliciousness of the restaurant to parties, weddings and other events throughout the metro area. Catering Creations offers several services, from take-and-bake to personal chefs and traditional catering services.

Cleaning Service

Coming home to a clean house can be the best feeling. Merry Maids is Tulsa’s go-to source for trusted staff that does a thorough job at cleaning a home or business. Clean Freaks cleans both residential and commercial spaces, either regularly or on a one-time basis. Mommy Maids has friendly staff that does a thorough job with a smile on their faces.

Joe’s Carpet Cleaning and Moving offers professional carpet cleaning as well as other options that homeowners may need. Merry Maids is also popular among readers in Oklahoma City, as is Molly Maid of Metro OKC.

Dry Cleaners/Laundry

Phoenix Cleaners earns the top spot in this year’s survey for it high-quality dry cleaning service, including extended hours and same-day service. Yale Cleaners has 12 locations in the Tulsa metro area to serve customers with dry cleaning and laundry services. LaMode Cleaners provides high-quality dry cleaning service with free pick-up and delivery.

Legacy Cleaners offers dry cleaning and laundry service at three metro locations. Douglas Cleaners serves the Oklahoma City metro with quality service at an affordable price. Nichols Hills Cleaners has been in business since 1969 and cleans everything from clothing to drapery, wedding gowns and leather.

Event or Party Planner

Planning an intimate party or large benefit takes a lot of work. That’s why readers in Tulsa call Talmadge Powell of Talmadge Powell Creative for his expertise in planning benefits, parties, weddings and more. Joe Mathis of J.A. Mathis Company also specializes in parties and weddings, and provides everything from tablescape design to floral arrangements. Lasting Impressions plans weddings and corporate and social events.

Epic Events provides expert assistance to those planning nonprofit, corporate or social events in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Judy Lehmbeck of Judy Lehmbeck Bridal and Party is a popular planner with both couples getting married as well as Oklahoma City residents who love to throw parties. Jane Kelly of Jane Kelly Weddings & Parties plans beautiful events.

Florist

When flowers bloom, faces light up. Toni’s Flowers & Gifts is known for its exotic and colorful blooms in unique arrangements. Petal Pushers puts together beautiful arrangements for any occasion, whether it’s an anniversary, birthday or wedding. Mary Murray’s Flowers and Mrs. DeHaven’s Flower Shop both deliver beautiful blooms that bring smiles to recipients’ faces.

New Leaf Floral creates show-stopping arrangements for any occasion. Coleman’s Flowers is a favorite in Oklahoma City for both floral arrangements and wedding décor. Floral And Hardy has fresh and colorful blooms for every occasion.

Funeral Service

Moore Funeral Homes is recognized in the Tulsa area for its attentive and compassionate staff and a professional experience. Ninde Funeral Directors was voted second in this year’s reader survey and has served clients for more than 75 years. Fitzgerald Funeral Services aims to meet the needs of client families, and Floral Haven offers a wide variety of options to bereaved families.

Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper offers online pre-planning services as well as a variety of burial options. Demuth Funeral Home aims to bring peace of mind to grieving families by providing courteous and compassionate service. Havenbrook Funeral Home believes in building lasting relationships with families to honor their loved ones. Mercer-Adams Funeral Service and Vondel L. Smith & Sons Mortuary are both recognized for professional service in hard times.

Hair Salon

A new ‘do can change your outlook on the world. In Tulsa, ARCS is a favorite among readers for its knowledgeable stylists who are up-to-date on the latest techniques. iidentity Salon continues to be a favorite for its forward-thinking coifs, while Ihloff Salon and Day Spa is a full-service salon that offers everything from cuts and colors to mani/pedis. Cypress Avenue Salon, Bella Vita Spa & Salon and Coco & Rose Salon round out the top three.

Tonic the Salon offers great services by accomplished stylists with years of experience. Eden Salon & Spa has two locations in the Oklahoma City metro area that offer seasoned stylists who stay up-to-date with techniques and trends. Salon W sees clients for many different treatments, from haircuts and colors to treatments that help boost hair’s appearance.

Home/Auto Insurance

You may not always get Jake when you call an office, but State Farm Insurance does wow readers with its great customer service and comprehensive coverage for both home and vehicles. Farmers Insurance has agents around the state ready to help its insured with claims or altering coverage. Allstate gives safe driving discounts to customers who have a proven safe driving record.

Investment Firm

Money can grow and mature into stability and retirement. The team of advisors at Morgan Stanley helps clients make wise investments and smart decisions when it comes to money management. Merrill Lynch and Charles Schwab both tailor plans to a client’s needs, whether they are short- or long-term. Ameriprise Financial and Edward Jones advisors across the state focus on customers’ individual needs.

Law Firm

This year’s The Best of the Best law firms are both large and small, but all have their clients’ best interests at heart. Conner & Winters has a focus of business and corporate law, while GableGotwals specializes in business, energy and environmental law. Latham, Wagner, Steele & Lehman represents clients in a gamut of specialties, including bankruptcy and workers’ rights. Hall Estill employs more than 140 attorneys in four offices across the country. Jones Gotcher & Bogan is a mid-sized Tulsa firm that has practiced law for nearly 50 years.

Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson attorneys have a wide range of interests, from employment and environmental to family and healthcare law. Crowe & Dunlevy has won several top awards for excellence in law, and its talented attorneys and counselors are the reason why. Echols & Associates focuses on family law and is one of the most respected in the state. Tawwater Law Firm specializes in personal injury law and intervenes in insurance disputes and accidents. Foliart Huff Ottaway & Bottom has more than 60 years of experience trying a wide range of civil cases that result in favorable verdicts.

Life Insurance

There may be nothing more important to insure than your life. New York Life tailors life insurance plans to customers’ specific desires and needs. Metlife offers both term and permanent life insurance, while American Fidelity Assurance provides a sense of protection and security to policyholders.

Moving Service

Whether moving across the street or across town, it’s great to have competent movers to make the job easier. Two Men and a Truck are Tulsa’s favorite for fast service and careful attention to priceless belongings. Murphy Jones Moving helps relocate both residential and office spaces. Allied Van Lines and Armstrong Relocation both get votes in this year’s survey.

Little Guys Movers have operations throughout the region, including in Norman. Affiliated Movers of Oklahoma and Discount Moving also received mentions in this year’s The Best of the Best.

Pet Grooming Services

When dogs need to look their best, take them to a groomer who knows their way around clippers. PetSmart’s groomers receive top marks in Tulsa, followed by the staff at Petco. Kelly’s Dazzle Dog and Cathy’s Critter Cuts both receive high marks for creative and meticulous primps.

PetSmart also received top billing in Oklahoma City, followed by Lucky Dog Lodge. Bark Avenue Dog Grooming pampers pooches with a complete spa treatment.

Place To Call When You Smash Your Luxury Car

Whether you’re at fault or it was the other driver, a body shop can get your car back in ship-shape in no time. Hourglass Collision Repair’s mission is to make your vehicle look like new. Karroll Martin Paint & Body Shop is an independent paint and body shop that prides itself with providing quality repair with no insurance company directing the outcome. Barron & Hart dedicates itself to giving customers the time and attention they and their vehicles deserve and has done so since 1947.

Car Doctor is a family-owned busines that provides quality car care. Collision Works offers six locations in the Oklahoma City area and is committed to providing superior repair for customers. Carsmetics gives fast and flawless services to customers for less.

Realtor

You want the best in your corner when it comes to closing the deal. Peter Walter of Walter & Associates is Tulsa’s go-to guy for those looking to buy or sell a home. Blake Loveless, also of Walter & Associates, helps buyers and sellers of some of Tulsa’s most exclusive properties. Jacki Crews of McGraw Realtors is well known in the business for getting the best deal for both buyers and sellers.

Debbie Naifeh of Paradigm AdvantEdge represents buyers and sellers throughout the Oklahoma City metro area. Ann Ballew of Keller Williams Realty has loyal clients that call her whenever they have a real estate need. Monty Churchill is a founding partner of Churchill-Brown and helps everyone from seasoned buyers to first-timers.

Rental Car Firm

If your car is in the shop, or you are visiting from out of town, there are plenty of rental care companies in Oklahoma to keep you on the move. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is tops in this year’s survey, followed by Avis. Thrifty Car Rental and Hertz round out the category.

Retirement Community

When it’s time to sell the house and give up yard work, seniors like to move to Montereau, which offers independent living options like apartments and garden homes with all the amenities residents are used to. Senior Star Living provides a community for seniors who enjoy an active lifestyle with amenities that make life easier. Oklahoma Methodist Manor offers six different living options to residents in the heart of Tulsa. Town Village Tulsa gives residents the services they desire while maintaining the independence they crave. Tulsa Jewish Retirement Health Center is unique in that it houses a renowned museum, day school, sports complex and community center on its campus.

Emeritus at Statesman Club provides minor assistance to active seniors in Oklahoma City wishing to remain independent. Spanish Cove residents regularly take part in activities including cheering on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mansion at Waterford provides dignity, privacy, individuality and independence to its residents.

Staffing Agency

Companies looking for help or individuals looking for jobs can connect through the right staffing agency. Tulsa’s Key Personnel connects those in the financial, legal and medical sectors and has done so for more than 30 years. ProRecruiters staffs professionals on a contract, temp-to-hire or direct hire basis.

Accel Financial Staffing specializes in connecting those in the financial industry, including accounting, bookkeeping, reception and human resources. Express Employment Professionals provide job testing and placement for a wide range of industries, and Sooner Medical Staffing specializes in placing employees in the healthcare industry. PeopleSource Staffing Services helps find the best fit in the professional, light industrial and clerical assistance industries.

Veterinarian/Animal Hospital

Pets are members of our family, so of course we want the best health care possible for them. VCA Woodland Animal Hospital tops this year’s reader survey for care and attention for cats, dogs, birds and other animals. Care Animal Hospital and Animal Medical & Surgical Hospital also receive respect for their compassion and patience with both pets and people. Southern Hills Veterinary Hospital and Affordable Pet Care round out the top three.

Dr. Wendy Bray of Family Pet Hospital is a trusted veterinarian in Oklahoma City. The staff of Nichols Hills Veterinary Clinic also received votes for its commitment to provide quality care throughout the life of a pet. Sooner Veterinary Hospital, located in Norman, provides a wide variety of care and services for animals in the area.

Wedding Cakes

The big day is best with a big bite of cake. Ann’s Bakery has operated for more than 75 years in Tulsa and is known for creating wedding cakes that double as works of art. Ludger’s Bavarian Cakery produces beautiful wedding cakes for any size wedding and also ensures the bride and groom have cake to eat on their first anniversary. Merritt’s Bakery and Icing on the Top are also recognized for their artistry and attention to detail.

Madison’s On Main creates elegant wedding cakes as well as groom’s cakes that are delicious and breathtaking. Raspberries n Crème Bakery creates cakes in a variety of flavors, including raspberry and crème and strawberry and banana dream cake. Mishelle Handy Cakes come with a heavy dose of creativity, but the cake is light as air.

Wedding Photographer

Most weddings are days you want to remember, and it’s great to have a photographer that shares your vision capture it. Chris Humphrey Photographer is tops in Tulsa once again this year, famed for his photojournalistic style and ability to travel both near and far to weddings. Ervin Photography catches a couple’s big day in classic style, with both candid and posed shots. Jesse Reich Photography is a popular photographer for his artistic eye and ability to capture a couple’s love frame by frame.

Shannon Ho Photography captures the romance and intimate moments between a couple on their big day. Jesse Reich Photography is also a hit in Oklahoma City for his playful eye and professional demeanor.

Wireless Service

Ten years ago, wireless service was the exception and not the rule. Today, it’s a different story. Oklahomans rely on AT&T to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the state to avoid dropped calls, along with reasonably priced monthly plans and data packages. Verizon is also a favorite choice, with exclusive phones and the largest 4G LTE network in the country. Sprint is wowing customers by promising to cut rate plans in half, and US Cellular offers deep discounts to new and longstanding customers.