Despite what the dictionary says, sales isn’t really about selling — it’s about connecting. Connecting people with products, services, and stories that make life a little better. And in this issue, we’re celebrating those connections by spotlighting the businesses you voted as the Best of Santa Barbara® — the ones who’ve earned your loyalty, gratitude, and applause.
These awards aren’t just plaques on the wall; they’re proof of passion, persistence, and the power of community.
The Best of Santa Barbara® process spans months of readers nominating and voting for their favorites. Behind the scenes, our unstoppable sales team — with more than 50 combined years at the Independent — reaches out to more than 900 nominated businesses across 216 categories. Yes, it’s a marathon. Yes, there’s caffeine involved. But ask anyone on the team, and they’ll tell you this is their favorite project of the year. Why? Because it’s all about connection — with you, with local businesses, and with the stories that make Santa Barbara shine…