How We Choose Members

The selection standard

Members of the Local Trusted Professionals Network are carefully selected for professionalism, reputation, and commitment to quality. The Network is a local group of member companies serving the Smoky Mountains and nearby East Tennessee communities.

LTPN was founded and is operated by Speed King Plumbing, a member company. Members refer customers to each other.

What we consider

Our prospective-member qualification review considers the business as a whole. The purpose is to identify local professionals whom other professionals would feel comfortable recommending, with their own reputation behind that referral.

Genuine local presence and professional fit

We consider whether the company has an active local business presence, regularly serves the Network's region, and offers services and business practices that fit the Network's purpose.

Reputation and customer experience

Available customer reviews, references, community feedback, and professional experience help inform the review. Clear communication, respectful customer interactions, responsiveness, and follow-through matter alongside reputation.

Workmanship and professional presentation

Work history, examples, references, or direct experience can help establish confidence in the company's work. We also consider the professionalism of its communication and customer-facing conduct.

Qualifications appropriate to the work

Licensing applicable to the services offered and suitable business insurance are part of the qualification discussion. Each company remains responsible for its own credentials, coverage, employees, and work.

Clear services and honest expectations

A company should accurately describe the work it regularly performs, communicate availability honestly, and explain the proposed scope and pricing before the customer authorizes work.

Responsible participation

We consider willingness to follow Network expectations, represent current Network information appropriately, and take responsibility for customer relationships. A recommendation should reflect professional confidence, not simply a name on a list.

Selection is based on professional judgment and the full context, not a single rating or an automatic score.

What to expect

Network members are selected for professionalism, reputation, and commitment to quality. Members are expected to respond within a reasonable business timeframe, communicate availability honestly, and explain the proposed work and pricing before it is authorized. When a referrer is identified and the customer agrees, the business receiving the inquiry will acknowledge the referral and provide a brief update when the work is completed or the request cannot be handled.

Updates and customer consent

The business receiving the inquiry owns any update to the referrer, and only with the customer's consent.

What vetted means and what it does not

Vetted refers to the selection standard above. It is not a guarantee of any particular job, price, or result.

Individual qualifications and availability

Each member company is a separate business. Ask the company about its qualifications and availability for your project.

Membership can change

The directory lists current members, and members may be added or removed over time. Check the directory for the current list.

Member companies

Member companies handle their own services, pricing, and availability. Confirm the scope of work and coverage for your address with the member company you contact.