Dimino Pest Control

Best New Business (non-restaurant)

In March, Sal Dimino was laid off after nearly 20 years in the pest control business. By June, he had set up Dimino Pest Control, and as of the end of November, he had nearly 100 clients.

“I just can’t believe how fast it’s taken off, and it’s not slowing down,” he said. “It’s every day, we get a phone call or email, a couple a day, every day, and it hasn’t stopped.”

His clients are a mix of individuals, rental property managers and real estate agents looking for someone to do a home inspection. More than 90 percent of those clients come to him because of referrals.

“That’s so important for me,” he said, “that people speak highly of me, and would trust me to their friends, families and kids to be in their homes, to take care of their houses.”

The Army veteran never thought of pursuing a career in pest control. After he left the military, he went into law enforcement in Florida, doing what he says was his dream job. While he loved the work, the irregular hours often kept him away from his family, in particular his young daughter. Through a connection, he took a job with a pest control company, “and I’ve never looked back,” he said.

The gregarious Dimino says working with customers and clients is the most rewarding part of working for himself.

“It’s the people who you meet. Everyone is different; everyone has a story.” he said. “The customer service, it sounds corny, but it’s really that.”

diminopestcontrol.com

Holland’s Jewelers

Best Jewelry Store

Located in downtown Apex, Holland’s is a full-service jewelry store offering everything from watch repair to custom engagement and wedding rings.

Established in 1958 by Charlie and Ann Holland, this family-owned business is now in the capable hands of their daughter Ginny and her husband Stacey Sears, a graduate gemologist and goldsmith.
hollandsjewelers.com

Preston Flowers and Gifts

Best Florist Shop

Candy Jackness, left, and Barbara McKinnon, right.

Multiple Maggy-winner Preston Flowers and Gifts has been cheering and comforting western Wake residents with beautiful blooms for more than 16 years. Owner Barbara McKinnon bought the shop in 2017 and has continued to find new ways to brighten people’s days.

“The philosophy of customer service remains our number one priority, especially during times that we’re going through now,” she said.

Most of Preston’s business comes from walk-in clients, so in 2020, McKinnon had to find other ways to reach customers. One focus was to “up her social media game,” and another was to partner with more local businesses to cross promote.

“I’m just constantly looking for more ‘shop local,’ which helps another local individual, especially if it’s female-owned,” she said. “They talk about me; I talk about them, on our social media or out in public. It’s really helped, because word of mouth is a big deal.”

While she has always sourced her flowers from as many local farms as possible, McKinnon sought more local vendors for the gifts and housewares she stocked. Mica’s Sweets and Treats, based in Raleigh, makes the hot chocolate bombs that McKinnon sells. Other local partners include confections from Chocolate Smiles, bath milk from Lattes & Lavender, candles from Still Well Candles, and charcuterie trays from Board & Brush in Apex.

For McKinnon, the best part of owning Preston Flowers is helping people make their special events memorable, but even the everyday flowers are meaningful.

“Honestly, during the shutdown and all this COVID, it’s meant a lot to me to be able to send love in a vase.”

prestonflowers.com

Triangle Wine Company

Best Wine Shop and HM Best Bottle Shop

The Triangle Wine Company repeats its 2020 Maggy performance by garnering kudos in two categories. With locations in Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs and Southern Pines, this local beverage business has been voted best local wine shop since 2015. Cheers, we’ll drink to that!

trianglewineco.com

More From Our Jan-Feb 2021 Issue

• 2021 Maggy Awards: Restaurants
• 2021 Maggy Awards: Lifestyle
• 2021 Maggy Awards: Shopping
• 2021 Maggy Awards: Services
• Presenting the 2021 Maggy Awards!
• Apex High School Remembers Beloved Soccer Coach
• The Devil’s in the Details
• Nonprofit Spotlight: The Carying Place
• Small Business Spotlight: The Refinery Salon
• Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi
• Liquid Assets: Phat Thor Stout from Norse Brewing
• Liquid Assets: Last Call & Quick Decisions
• Garden Adventurer: Color Your World with Kalanchoe