2024 Maggy Awards: Services

Frantz Automotive

Best Auto Mechanic Shop

Don and Lisa Frantz, Frantz Automotive

Frantz Automotive Center’s married owner-operators Don and Lisa Frantz like to joke that if they didn’t work together, they’d rarely see each other. The result? One welloiled machine.

With Lisa running the business and Don focusing on workforce leadership, marketing, and technical support — and continuing to work daily on cars in the shop — this couple’s commitment has put Frantz Automotive on the winning track.

And their record is impressive. Named one of the Top 10 auto repair shops in the country by CarQuest Auto Parts, Frantz Automotive is also a multiple Best of Cary winner and the recipient of numerous local and national industry awards and accolades.

Yet it’s not just professional recognition that has kept Frantz Automotive revving in downtown Cary for over 30 years. “Being a true mom-and-pop shop is one of the things that sets us apart from everyone else,” Lisa said.

That’s because this couple knows that the secret to success in business is no different than in marriage: communication. “We understand and respect each other’s roles,” Lisa said. “This business is our passion, and together we make a great team.”

And it’s not just the workload and complementary skill sets that are shared at Frantz Automotive. As Don explained, the goal has always been “our customers’ complete satisfaction, both professionally and personally.”

You don’t stay in business as long as Don and Lisa have by providing inferior work or customer service. Respect and trust fuel Frantz Automotive’s relationships with longtime customers. For routine maintenance to major repairs, and whether it’s an American or import car, truck, SUV, minivan, or even hybrid vehicle, this auto repair shop can — and does — fix it all.

“It’s exciting and truly an honor to be recognized as the best mechanic in Cary!” Don said. “We take great pride in what we do and how we do it, so of course it feels good when people notice and appreciate your efforts.”

frantzautomotive.com

First Bank

Best Financial Institution

Steve Hardesty, Zinnia Hamm, David Booth, First Bank

First Bank has been in the Carolinas for nearly 90 years but only in Cary since 2020, so “to be selected as Best Financial Institution makes us unbelievably proud,” according to SVP and Director of Public Relations Hillary Kestler. First Bank embodies the meaning of community bank: “We are neighbors, friends, relatives, and community members.”

First Bank believes its customers are meant to achieve financial independence, prosper, and pursue their dreams. From one-on-one conversations about lending needs to on-the-go deposit options, those dreams are met with award-winning financial solutions and support in multiple Triangle branches.

Yet community banking goes beyond empowering customers to reach their financial goals. “We know that we will not have customers if the community isn’t healthy and prosperous,” said Kestler. The bank targets four areas of need — food insecurity, financial and physical/emotional wellness, affordable housing, and education — while trying to do good.

From giving over $30,000 to organizations and sponsorships, to collecting over 20,000 pounds of food for food banks, First Bank does “much in the community to assure that we walk the walk,” said Kestler. “This award truly helps us understand that the work we have done in this area really does help build our customer base and reputation and displays the impact we truly have.”

localfirstbank.com

Dr. Kelly Ritter

Best Orthodontist

Dr. Kelly Ritter

A beautiful smile changes people and can last a lifetime, Dr. Kelly Ritter of Ritter & Brogden Orthodontics knows. “Many patients who come to our office say they didn’t smile in photos prior to treatment, and how life changing it is to love their smile!”

Now practicing for 23 years, Ritter finds nothing more rewarding than helping patients of all ages feel good about themselves. In the compassionate and caring setting of a modern practice, the approach to orthodontic treatment is conservative and effective. Patients are given many options, and together decide on the best treatment plan. The result is long-term relationships with patients and families built on supportive expertise and guidance.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment include improvements to a patient’s comfort in chewing, which allows for better quality of life and long-term protection of teeth from wearing down. Straighter teeth are not only physically pleasing but easier to clean, and studies show that cleaner teeth are beneficial to overall health. Last, but by no means least, orthodontic treatment improves facial aesthetics — which benefits patients psychosocially in the form of confidence about their smiles.

“My passion for creating con dent and beautiful smiles continues to grow,” said Dr. Ritter. For the second year in a row, Ritter & Brogden “couldn’t be more grateful to our wonderful patients and this supportive community.”

carybraces.com

More From Our Apr 2024 Issue

• 2024 Maggy Awards: Shopping
• 2024 Maggy Awards: Services
• 2024 Maggy Awards: Lifestyle
• 2024 Maggy Awards: Restaurants
• The 2024 Maggy Awards: Western Wake’s Most Wanted
• Garden Adventurer: The Edible Oddity: Patty Pan Squash
• Liquid Assets: Kiwis Fly North
• Liquid Assets: Reifenberg
• Restaurant Profile: SAAP Laotian Restaurant
• Nonprofit Spotlight: True ABAlities Preparatory School (TAPS)
• Boomtown: Apex Turns 150
• Erica Chats: Feeling Stuck?
• On Trend: Modern Caricatures
• Small Business Spotlight: Cary Dance Productions
• Pursuing Greatness
• Things to Do: April 2024