Daryl Pendleton, Kamp Pendleton / Photography by Jonathan Timmes

MECHANIC
Barry Buchman, Gill’s Automotive
Barry Buchman at Gill’s Automotive in Sterling views his “Best of” recognition a product of teamwork: “It’s a group effort … it’s a quality shop.” He started working for the service center in 1976 as a “gas jockey” when formal training left something to be desired. Since the apprenticeship, he’s  worked his way through the automotive ranks to become a master mechanic. Buchman, who obviously enjoys his work but is quick to credit professional success to his place of employment, doesn’t specialize, but operates on everything but BMWs, Volvos and internal transmissions (which they outsource) with his fellow mechanics at Gill’s. There, workers are known to care for the customer, which explains why they’re so forthright with the types of services they don’t perform. “Too many people out there just looking to make the almighty dollar,” Buchman noted. 21585 Cedar Lane, Ste. 1, Sterling; 703-421-9760; www.gillsautomotive.com.—TP

BODY SHOP
D&V Auto Body
Teeming with certifications, D&V Auto Body repairs collision damages and offers a lifetime guarantee on all but previously existing rust. Given the traffic in this region, it’s good to know they’ve got your back with light dents, hail indentations, paintwork, paintless repairs, bumper repair/replacement and power window regulator replacement. Be sure to note the new digs, now more convenient to Dulles drivers: 23550 Overland Drive, Sterling; 703-661-8546; www.dandvautobody.com.—TP

MAID SERVICE
The Maids of Fairfax
Germophobes rejoice: There’s help for the worst of us by way of the Maids’ 22-step program. The Maids clean house by consulting a laundry list of nearly two dozen chores to tidy area homes. The company actively solicits customer feedback, and service satisfaction is guaranteed. 10332 Main St. #354, Fairfax; 703-691-7999; www.themaidsoffairfax.com.—TP

DRY CLEANER
Crest Cleaners
Crest toothpaste isn’t the only brand of that name that puts smiles on people’s faces. Crest Cleaners offers 24-hour drop-off service, same-day dry cleaning, green cleaning agents and a community service program that gives free discount cards to local organizations to sell for fundraising purposes. Clean clothes, warm hearts! Multiple NoVa locations; www.crestcleaners.com.—TP

Embassy Auto Wash / Photography by Jonathan Timmes

CAR WASH
Embassy Auto Wash
Embassy offers the fully customizable carwash of champions, replacing the basic drive-through dusting with while-you-wait service that can take practically any car to purchasably pristine (and yes, the beautiful results are a more than suitable replacement for the fun of watching the wash from the vehicle’s interior). Multiple NoVa locations; www.embassyautowash.com.—TP

TAILOR
Luis Custom Tailor
Ask Luis Bejarano what’s different about his alterations, and he’s likely to reply, “nothing really,” then offer, “maybe because I’m here in Alexandria almost 21 years.” It’s that same simple loyalty, modesty—and reliable service, of course—that keep him in the business of being a “Best.” 1026 King St., Alexandria; 703-549-0268.—TP

R&R Catering / Photography by Hana Jung

CATERING COMPANY
R&R Catering
If the food doesn’t fly, an event can be quick to sink. But the best caterers know to cater top services to their clients, too. Customer Vanessa Greene was eager to attest to R&R Catering, well equipped to handle weddings, corporate and private events. “Prompt with responses, if I had a question, and flexible with our meeting times, and also the cost … I can’t say enough about this company.” 8004 Alban Road, Springfield; 703-451-2798; www.rrcatering.com.—TP

MOVING COMPANY
JK Moving & Storage
In an area characterized by growth and change, companies that can’t deliver the goods seem to saturate the relocation market. Finding the best in the field is therefore particularly moving. “This nomination is a great honor to our ideals we work so hard to achieve … with every move we perform,” said Amy Carlson of JK Moving & Storage, known for making moving a quick, seamless and professional experience. 44112 Mercure Circle, Sterling; 703-996-1325; www.jkmoving.com.—TP