Quick Answer:
Sprague’s Backhoe was nominated as a top 5 storm shelter company in Oklahoma through The Oklahoman Reader’s Choice Awards from 2016-2020. This Blanchard-based contractor’s consistent top 5 recognition reflects their expertise installing storm shelters that meet FEMA guidelines throughout Oklahoma, backed by 20+ years of experience and hundreds of five-star customer reviews.
When Oklahoma families choose a storm shelter contractor, they want someone they can trust with their family’s safety. For five consecutive years, readers of The Oklahoman newspaper nominated Sprague’s Backhoe as one of the top 5 storm shelter companies in Oklahoma through their annual Reader’s Choice Awards.
This recognition speaks to more than just business success. It reflects the trust Oklahoma communities place in Sprague’s Backhoe for protecting families during severe weather events.
What Top 5 Reader’s Choice Recognition Means
The Oklahoman’s Reader’s Choice Awards are based entirely on public nominations and voting. Unlike industry awards chosen by panels or publications, these honors come directly from customers who’ve experienced the service firsthand.
From 2016 through 2020, Sprague’s Backhoe consistently earned top 5 nominations in the storm shelter category. This achievement reflects several key factors that Oklahoma homeowners value:
- Quality installations — Professional installation of storm shelters that meet FEMA guidelines throughout Oklahoma
- Local expertise — Deep understanding of Oklahoma’s severe weather patterns and soil conditions
- Transparent service — Honest pricing with no hidden fees or required deposits
- Community presence — Active involvement in Oklahoma communities from Blanchard to Oklahoma City
- Customer satisfaction — Consistently positive experiences that customers feel compelled to recognize publicly
Building Trust Through Experience and Results
Top 5 nominations don’t happen overnight. Sprague’s Backhoe’s Reader’s Choice success stems from more than two decades of experience in the storm shelter industry, combined with their commitment to doing the work themselves rather than subcontracting installations.
Since 2013, this Blanchard-based company has built a reputation throughout Oklahoma for professional storm shelter installations. Their approach focuses on transparency, quality workmanship, and understanding each family’s specific needs.
What Sets This Top 5 Nominated Storm Shelter Company Apart
Several factors contribute to Sprague’s Backhoe’s consistent top 5 nominations as one of Oklahoma’s leading storm shelter companies:
Direct Installation Approach: Unlike many contractors who act as middlemen, Sprague’s Backhoe performs all installations themselves. This means better quality control and direct communication with homeowners throughout the process.
Statewide Above-Ground Service: While they provide below-ground storm shelter installation within a 60-mile radius of Blanchard, their above-ground storm shelter service extends throughout Oklahoma, bringing professional installation to communities statewide.
Proper Safety Standards: All storm shelters meet FEMA guidelines for wind resistance and impact protection, providing reliable protection during severe weather events.
Community Integration: As a locally-owned company, Sprague’s Backhoe understands Oklahoma communities and the unique challenges of severe weather in Tornado Alley.
The Impact of Top 5 Customer Nominations on Service Quality
Receiving top 5 Reader’s Choice nominations for five consecutive years created a positive cycle. The nominations brought visibility, which attracted new customers, which in turn provided more opportunities to demonstrate the quality service that earned the original recognition.
These nominations also reflect the broader Oklahoma storm shelter market’s evolution. As more families recognized the importance of proper storm protection, they began to distinguish between contractors based on experience, quality, and service approach rather than just pricing.
Community Feedback and Reviews
The Reader’s Choice Awards align with hundreds of customer reviews highlighting consistent themes:
- Professional, timely installations with minimal disruption
- Clear communication throughout the process
- Quality materials and workmanship that provide confidence during storms
- Fair pricing without hidden costs or pressure tactics
- Local accessibility for questions or concerns after installation
Oklahoma’s Storm Shelter Landscape During Award Years
The 2016-2020 period represented significant growth in Oklahoma’s storm shelter adoption. Major tornado events, including the Moore tornado anniversary and continuing severe weather seasons, increased awareness of the importance of proper storm protection.
During this time, Sprague’s Backhoe helped hundreds of Oklahoma families install storm shelters that meet FEMA guidelines, contributing to the overall safety preparedness of communities throughout the state.
The Oklahoman discontinued the storm shelter category from their Reader’s Choice Awards program beginning in 2021. This means Sprague’s Backhoe’s five consecutive years of top 5 nominations from 2016-2020 represent the complete history of this category’s recognition.
| Service Type | Coverage Area | Installation Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Above Ground Storm Shelters | Statewide Oklahoma | 20+ years, hundreds of installations |
| Below Ground Storm Shelters | 60-mile radius from Blanchard | Specialized local soil knowledge |
| Commercial Installations | Throughout Oklahoma | Custom solutions for businesses |
Looking Beyond the Nominations: Continued Excellence
While the top 5 Reader’s Choice nominations from 2016-2020 represent an important milestone, Sprague’s Backhoe continues focusing on the fundamentals that earned those nominations: quality installations, honest service, and putting Oklahoma families’ safety first.
The company’s approach hasn’t changed since receiving these nominations. They still perform installations themselves, maintain transparent pricing, and prioritize customer education about storm shelter options that best fit each family’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does The Oklahoman select Reader’s Choice nominees?
The Reader’s Choice Awards are based on public nominations and voting by readers. Top nominees are selected entirely by customer feedback rather than editorial decisions or industry panels.
What made Sprague’s Backhoe stand out for top 5 nominations?
Consistent quality installations, transparent pricing, local expertise, and strong customer relationships contributed to their nominations. Their approach of performing installations themselves rather than subcontracting also distinguished them from competitors.
Do Sprague’s Backhoe storm shelters meet current safety standards?
Yes, all storm shelters installed by Sprague’s Backhoe meet FEMA guidelines for wind resistance and impact protection. They’re built to FEMA 320 (residential) and 361 (commercial) specifications.
How has the company maintained quality since receiving these nominations?
Sprague’s Backhoe continues using the same direct installation approach and quality standards that earned the original nominations. They still perform all work themselves and maintain their focus on customer service and education.
What areas does Sprague’s Backhoe serve for storm shelter installation?
They provide above-ground storm shelter installation throughout Oklahoma, with delivery charges for installations over 60 miles from Blanchard. Below-ground installations are available within a 60-mile radius of their Blanchard location.
Why is local nomination important for choosing a storm shelter contractor?
Local nominations indicate community trust and familiarity with regional conditions. Oklahoma-specific experience means understanding soil conditions, weather patterns, and local building considerations that affect installation quality.
How can homeowners verify a contractor’s experience and reputation?
Check customer reviews, ask for local references, verify insurance and bonding, and look for recognition like Reader’s Choice nominations that reflect actual customer experiences rather than paid advertising.
Why did the nominations end in 2020?
The Oklahoman discontinued the storm shelter category from their Reader’s Choice Awards program beginning in 2021. This decision was made by the publication and was not related to any participating companies’ performance or service quality.
Key Takeaways
- Sprague’s Backhoe was nominated as a top 5 storm shelter company in The Oklahoman Reader’s Choice Awards from 2016-2020
- These nominations came from public voting by customers who experienced their service firsthand
- The nominations represent the complete history of this category, as The Oklahoman discontinued storm shelter awards beginning in 2021
- The nominations reflect consistent quality in installation, customer service, and community trust
- Recognition was based on their direct installation approach, transparent pricing, and local expertise
- All storm shelters meet FEMA guidelines and are installed by experienced professionals throughout Oklahoma
- The company continues maintaining the same quality standards that earned the original nominations
Ready to see why Oklahoma families trust Sprague’s Backhoe for storm shelter protection? Contact us for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your family with a professionally installed storm shelter that meets FEMA guidelines.
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