I would use any contractor with a reputation passed along by word-of-mouth, but would never choose a contractor (of any race) just on racial preferences. Here in NJ we’ve had shady gypsies from Ireland (”tinkers”) who travel here for the summer season, scamming people often in home-improvement projects.
That's the way to do it.
Sounds like the “Irish Travelers”, they have pulled their scams in many areas. As for myself I try to do everything possible on my own and if I can’t handle it I go by word of mouth as you say. I was born and raised in the “Cradle of the Confederacy” and have had very little trouble with black people but some of those black people have let me know that they trust ME far more than they trust most black people. I treat people as I wish to be treated by them. I don’t tell them what they want to hear, I tell them what I know and believe and I don’t promise what I don’t intend to do but I try to always do more than I promise.