I'm self employed so finding references was tough. I got my references from my former co workers and from shop owners who I'd gotten to know. If you spend a lot of time in a shop and the guys/gals recognize you when you come in tell them you're looking for references. Best advice is talk to coworkers you think are pretty good on guns. Shop at local gun stores, buy ammo and supplies from them and get to chatting with people there to make friends. Just drop in once a week, chat, spend $10-20-50 each time and become a regular.