2
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
Also Awarded this Year
Congratulations Coffee By Design
— Josh Davis and Bruno Tropeano, owners of The Gelato Fiasco, were named Young Entrepreneurs of the Year. Assigned to Dale McGarrigle — Cyndi Price, owner of Loo-Hoo LLC, was named Home-Based Business Champion. Assigned to Debra Bell — Deblois Electric was named Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Small Business of the Year. Assigned to Sheila Grant
We congratulate the owners of Coffee By Design, Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear – named 2014 Small Business Persons of the Year for Maine by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Androscoggin Bank partnered with Granite State Development Corporation’s SBA 504 Loan Program to finance Coffee By Design’s new retail and manufacturing facility located at 1 Diamond Street, Portland, Maine. Androscoggin Bank and Granite State Development Corporation, leading the way with SBA 504 lending.
— G-Force Laser Tag, owned by Brian and Kimberly Plavnick, received the Maine Micro-Enterprise Award. Assigned to Sheila Grant
Paul Collins, Lead Commercial Lender for Androscoggin–Southern Maine • 207.518.6310 • pcollins@androscogginbank.com • androscogginbank.com
— Peter McVety, owner of Mcvety’s Hearth and Home, received the Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year Award.
Jim Maxwell, 504 State Director–Granite State Development Corporation • 207.646.5988 • jmaxwell@mainefinancial.com • granitestatedev.com Androscoggin Bank – Maine’s #1 Bank in volume and dollars for SBA 504 Lending YTD
Assigned to Wanda Curtis — Amy Bouchard, owner of Isamax Snacks Inc., received Woman Small Business Owner of the Year Award. Assigned to Wanda Curtis — Terry Trickey, Bangor Savings Bank, will receive the Financial Services Champion Award. Assigned to Sheila Grant
Proud To Support The Dream Now avoid a monthly maintenance fee with TD Business Convenience Checking Plus. Use your business checking and personal checking account balance toward the low minimum daily balance of $1,500.
We believe in small business and the owners who put passion and priority into crafting their dream. We applaud the many men, women, minorities, and veterans in our region who work to make their businesses and our communities better each and every day.
Plus you’ll enjoy:
• 500 free transaction items • Deposit by 8pm; available next business day • Longest hours and open weekends Get more with a TD Bank Business relationship. Stop into one of our convenient locations near you or visit us online at tdbank.com/smallbusiness
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 2014 is published by the Bangor Daily News advertising@bangordailynews.com 207.990.8105
At Katahdin Trust you’ll find banking professionals ready and willing to help you achieve success; whether you’re just starting out or ready to expand. Contact Katahdin Trust and discover Community Banking at its Best!
To find one of our 19 locations:
TD Bank, N.A. | 500 free transaction items is associated with TD Business Convenience Checking Plus. Each additional item is $0.50 each. | Combine business checking and personal checking account balances to meet the minimum daily balance requirement. | A “Business Day” is a non-federal holiday weekday. The end of a Business Day varies by Store, but it is no earlier than 8pm EST. | Deposits may not be available next business day. I Please refer to Business Deposit Account Agreement for complete details. Other terms and conditions may apply.
www.KatahdinTrust.com
1-800-221-2542 SBA Preferred Lender
Maine award winners will be celebrated at the Hilton Garden Inn in Portland on June 17.
3
4
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
Creator of Wicked Whoopie Pies Receives Woman Business Owner of the Year Award
LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls owner Cyndi Prince named Maine’s Small Business Administration’s Home-Based Business Champion Award
By Wanda Curtis
BY DEBRA BELL Special to the BDN Camden entrepreneur Cyndi Prince is
based on the Dr. Seuss character from “The
took her thinking-outside-the-box idea and
helping save the world, one dryer at a time.
Grinch That Stole Christmas.” Suggested by
went back to the business planning drawing
her sister, LooHoo was also fun to say, Prince
board to map out her success. She then used
noted. “How can it not be with all those ‘o’s?”
all of her available resources in Maine to
pies per hour, initial production was slow
Street in Farmingdale and Main Street in
pie business out of her Gardiner home 20
going. In one week alone, I burned out the
Freeport.
years ago, she never dreamed she’d become a
motors of four mixers. I had no business
nationally-recognized celebrity.
experience, but I was determined. My goal
oversee the customer service and shipping
Administration has taken notice. It will
was-and still is-to share my Wicked Whoopies
departments at Isamax. Their son Maxx works
present her with the 2014 Maine SBA Home-
with everyone in America.”
in the production department, while Isabella
based Business Champion Award at the
in 2009 she made a commitment to hone her
helps out in the retail stores where they sell 20
annual dinner on June 17 in Portland.
business acumen. That’s when she took the
Buxton and understands the value in the
New Ventures Business Entrepreneurship
farming industry, one reason why each
When Amy Bouchard started a whoopie
In recent years, Bouchard has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show, the Boston Phantom’s Gourmet Show, and Maine’s “207”
Bouchard goes on to explain how she
news magazine show. And now the president
marketed her business which eventually
and founder of Isamax Snacks Inc. is selling
began to grow.
Wicked Whoopie Pies on the Home Shopping Network. “I started my business from my home
Her husband David left his fulltime job to
And the Maine Small Business
different varieties of Wicked Whoopie Pies.
Prince’s company, LooHoo Wool Dryer
They sell, among others, classic, peanut
Training through Women, Work and
LooHoo wool ball is made from U.S. wool
of her son, Graham. She wanted a healthy
Community’s Rockland office. New Ventures
and manufactured by another home-based
under my arm and a basket of Whoopies in the
velvet, lemon, strawberry, chocolate lovers,
home for her son that was free of non-toxic
walks its participants through creating a
business, Pieceworks Inc. in Montville.
other, I set off to make deliveries. Customers
orange, vanilla bean, and coconut.
products and that would support their
business plan, looking at all the components
Pieceworks produces roughly 700 balls each
decision to use cloth diapers.
of business and preparing them for the
week.
Bouchard is this year’s recipient of the
knew my schedule and often met me at the door, eagerly awaiting a freshly baked Wicked
Woman Business Owner of the Year award.
baking,” she said. “I created whoopie pie
Whoopie Pie. Watching people respond to the
She was nominated for the award by Lorraine
harmful chemicals and actually make clothes
flavors that were not available in the market
first bite is awesome. Making people smile is
Boston.
less absorbent – including cloth diapers. That
20 years ago ... like strawberry, lemon, orange,
still the most rewarding aspect of the business.
chocolate chip, coconut, raspberry, to name a
I like to say there are at least 10 smiles in
a successful business woman, she’s grown
“I began looking for alternatives to dryer
few, with a goal to make as many people happy
each Wicked Whoopie Pie. Within a couple of
her business, she’s increased the number
with my whoopie pies as possible.”
years, stacks of baking sheets were as tall as
of her employees, and she’s done a good job
my 10-year-old son, Maxx. Tables and ovens
marketing a Maine product,” Boston said.
products “Wicked Whoopie Pies” because all
lined all sides of the kitchen. Our dining room
of her friends described her whoopie pies as
had become shipping and receiving central,
“wicked.”
jammed with boxes, bags, and packing slips.
“She’s been in business 20 years. She’s
According to Prince, dryer sheets contain
wouldn’t do for the soon-to-be mom.
challenges ahead. Her instructor was Gigi Guyton. But LooHoo wasn’t the business she went through New Ventures with: At least not her for entering the market with her LooHoo
pets from taking off with the balls, LooHoo
clothes’,” she said.
products and set her up for success.
has introduced a pet line as well.
That eco-friendly, softening alternative
“I have so much respect for Gigi,” Prince said. “Since the course, we’ve stayed in
award],” Prince said, “but it’s so wonderful
…To be recognized by the SBA as a female-
wool dryer balls online and decided to order
contact as I moved forward. We’d email once
to be recognized. When you’re a home-based
owned company means so much to me
some. And that’s when she fell in love with
or twice a month and she’d invite me to
business you’re usually flying under the
them.
things that were coming up. She was always
radar. I don’t have a big sign or a
there for me. You need to have a strong voice
shop. And it’s a huge honor. I’m so
as an entrepreneur.”
happy that this business is being
Bouchard said. “I was 26 years old when I
‘wicked.’”
was time to move out of the home and into a
started this business, uneducated, and a stay-
not only all natural and sustainable, but
commercial bakery.”
at-home mom with no experience in business.
actually reduce dry time and soften clothes
Prince said that the wool dryer balls are
Guyton said the reason she nominated
I am so proud to work with hard working
without the use of chemicals and fragrances.
Prince was a stellar example of what New
Internet, and retail business selling her
employees. They are the reason this business
Likewise, compared with rubber or plastic
Ventures is all about.
now mushrooming business on her website
Wicked Whoopie Pies at three Maine locations
is growing.”
dryer balls, which Prince said are loud and
wickedwhoopiepies.com.
— a commercial bakery located in Gardiner,
leak gasses and chemicals into the dryer over
in 2009 with a completely different
and two retail bake shops located on Maine
time, wool balls are quiet and biodegradable.
business idea,” Guyton said.
“At the sluggish pace of one dozen whoopie
The only problem with the wool dryer balls
Congratulations! •
2014 •
Small Business Administration Award Winners
Your diligent work and industry leadership is appreciated in the community. Thank you for all you do. From your friends at
©2014 Machias Savings Bank. Member FDIC.
“That idea didn’t launch, but when Cyndi later realized she
before starting to unravel. She believed there
might have a more marketable
had to be a better way so she put her crafty
product with the wool dryer
mind to work and tried making them herself.
balls, she told me she picked
It took some time to find the right method and
up the New Ventures notebook
once she had, a product was born.
and wrote a completely new
LooHoo’s quirky name comes from Prince’s
recognized.”
“Cyndi took our New Ventures class
she purchased was that they didn’t last long
own childhood nickname: Cindy LooHoo
Camden entrepreneur, Cyndi Prince
“It’s been surreal [since learning I won this
turned out to be made from wool. She found
“My first SBA loan allowed me to expand
considering the odds were against me,”
Today, Bouchard’s involved in wholesale,
And since the balls are all natural, it’s only
sheets, especially since I didn’t want ‘crunchy
cocoa. It was a whoopie explosion! I decided it
Bouchard describes the slow start of her
Canada as well as online at loo-hoo.com natural that pets love the products. To keep
Our den housed sacks of flour, sugar and
two children, Isabella and Maxx.
LooHoo dryer balls are found in over 200 retail stores throughout the United States and
initially. However, the training prepared
it ‘good.’ When something’s great, we call it She named her business “Isamax” after her
Prince grew up on a farm in North
Balls, was born as she prepared for the birth
no business experience, just a passion for
“In Maine, when something’s good, we call
follow her plan.”
butter, chocolate chip, maple, pumpkin, red
“Four times a week, with baby Isabella
20 years ago as a stay-at-home mom with
Bouchard explained that she calls her
Prince is an entrepreneur at heart and
5
business plan. “She’s a true entrepreneur in that she
“she took her thinking-outside-the-box idea and went back to the business planning drawing board to map out her success”
6
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
McVety’s Home and Hearth Received Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year Award
7
SBA names Coffee by Design Maine’s Small Business Person of the Year Award
By Wanda Curtis PORTLAND — Whoever said going into business with your spouse should be avoided never met Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear.
45,000-square-foot warehouse in East Bayside and opened a
groups. A dollar for each pound of their Rebel Blend, for
Administration. The couple will be invited to Washington to vie
swank new cafe/roastery and coffee lab last month. Spear
example, is funneled to community arts funding. The couple co-
for a national award in mid-May.
travels the world to meet with coffee farmers, and the
founded Portland Buy Local and First Friday Artwalk.
England administrator for the federal government’s small-
so we decided to find a viable business and see
new to our stores is a Retractable Awning by
customers for years to come. Northeast Bank
if we could make a go of it in Maine, before we
Solair. We are promoting and have on display
McVety as the recipient of the 2014 Veteran
is proud to partner with the SBA to support
lost our sanity. Both of our children were out
in Bangor and Yarmouth stores the Mini
Owned Small Business of the Year Award.
our veteran entrepreneurs and look to do
of the house so there was no family tying us
Split by Fujitsu. We also have customized
The award is presented to a veteran of the
more to help our service men and women as
to D.C. We had looked at several businesses
aluminum dock systems by Aqua Lounge
U.S. Armed Forces who serves as majority
they grow their businesses here in Maine.”
when we decided on the stove shop -- after
made here in Maine. We have a couple of grill
owner of a small business operating for at
McVety is a 20-year veteran of the U.S.
all, how can you go wrong with selling wood
lines as well, both gas and pellet ... Our best
stoves in Maine?”
selling product is the CB1200 pellet stove from
least three years. “We congratulate Peter and Susan McVety
Navy. He also served at the Pentagon for five years, where he was during the Sept.
McVety’s instincts were right. He and his
on this well deserved award, and we thank
11 terrorist attacks. After McVety retired
wife now own three shops located in Bangor,
them for their service to our country and
from the Navy, he thought he’d move back to
Augusta and Yarmouth.
the local business community,” Jeanne A.
Maine but said he was unsure what he would
Hulit, president of the Community Banking
do for employment.
Division for Northeast Bank said. “Their
“I was the contracts administrator for a
“We bought the locations of the Bangor and Augusta store,” said McVety. “The two stores
quadrafire.” McVety said the SBA helped free up the money that he and his wife needed to purchase the Bangor location. “Without the SBA loan backing, I doubt we
were already in business as Finest Hearth.
would have been able to open. It is difficult to borrow money,” said McVety.
efforts to implement sound management
large security firm in Northern Virginia,
That business had five stores at the time -- we
practices and develop a knowledgeable sales
and our goal was always to come back to
purchased two of the five locations ...We sell
force has resulted in consistent sales growth
Maine once I was done with the Navy,” he
wood, gas and pellet stoves, fireplaces, and
appreciates the SBA’s recognition of all the
and product expansion over the past three
said. “That goal was delayed a couple of years
inserts. We sell all of the accessories that
hard work he and his wife have put into the
years. This foundation has been invaluable
while our children finished high school. As
accompany any of these products as well. We
business.
to their success and I have no doubt will help
you may know, life in D.C. is quite a rat race,
sell a number of lines of patio furniture and
In regards to the award, McVety said he
“This award is great,” he said.
company’s wholesale clients from Fort Fairfield to Chicago continues to expand. Nominations are judged on criteria such as staying power,
Paul Collins, vice president of Androscoggin Bank, nominated them. “Once you hear their backstory, which is success through
business advocacy arm. “These awards honor companies that
employee growth and increase in sales and innovation.
work and determination, it’s a story that a lot of small
are exceptionally strong and contribute to New England’s
Matthew Qualey of Qualey Granite & Quartz in Veazie nabbed
businesses aspire to,” said Collins, who gave Coffee By Design
economy.”
the state’s top award last year.
a loan to purchase its new headquarters. “When I was asked to
Goodall said Coffee By Design’s steady growth and eagerness
them serve the home heating needs of area
The specialty coffee company, with 55 employees and five
Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business
only locally but regionally as well,” said Seth Goodall, New
The Small Business Association has named
recognized and valued,” said Lindemann. “We are thrilled.”
Celebrating 20 years in business this July, the Portland
cafes, has a long history of supporting local arts and nonprofit
“The company has a long track record of leading not
McVety’s Home and Hearth owner Pete
Maine, it is nice on a statewide level to have what we do be
mouth” made the company rise to the top. roasters have been on an updraft of late. They purchased a
The founders of Coffee By Design were named Maine’s
“How can you go wrong with selling wood stoves in Maine?”
to “promote their product not only through sales but word of
“For those of us in the food service industry in the state of
nominate someone, I thought of them first.”
8
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
“ Once you hear their backstory, which is success through work and determination, it’s a story that a lot of small businesses aspire to”
A winning mission Coffee By Design aims to carry out its mission of educating consumers about specialty coffee; providing superior quality coffee beans, beverages, and food products; and fulfilling its commitment to environmental and economic sustainability by always keeping with the core values that set their company apart:
1. We are accountable for all our words, actions, and deeds. 2. We are passionate about coffee and excited to share our knowledge with our customers.
3. We are committed to the local community and the arts. 4. We strive to be good citizens and do our part to protect the environment.
5. We expect to have fun. 6. We value and respect our co-workers, our customers, our
suppliers, and our community.
7. Communication: We will maintain open and honest
communication and feedback and respect all points of view.
8. Representing the Company: We represent CBD well, acting as ambassadors casting the Company in a positive light. 9. Leading Others: We lead by example, exemplifying the values set forth in our mission statement.
10. Commitment to Excellence: We will handle all tasks with a high degree of professionalism, ensuring excellence in all our work and relationships.
11. Decision making: We value consensual and participatory
decision making. When necessary, leadership may make decisions using their best judgment without input from staff members.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
10
SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
Terry Trickey wins the Small Business Administration’s Financial Services Champion Award
From One Generation to the Next, DeBlois Electric Inc. BY SHEILA GRANT Special to the BDN
BY SHEILA GRANT Special to the BDN
is a perfect match for our business.”
DeBlois Electric Inc. in Lewiston is the
recipient of this year’s SBA Jeffrey Butland
With a full-time electrical design
businesses by five percent over a five-year period. Bangor
she continued. “I am lucky enough to have a job that allows me
Award, which honors a family-owned and
engineer on staff, the compnay specializes in
business banking officer
Savings was selected for this special program based on the
to learn about all of the wonderful things that business owners
operated business that has been passed on
design and build services, as well as negotiated
with Bangor Savings Bank in
bank’s track record for lending to veterans.
in Maine are doing and I consider it a privilege to be able to
from one generation to the next.
and competitively bid plan and specification
Terry Trickey, a senior
projects.
“Bangor Savings Bank is a Preferred Lender
assist in some way to help them be successful. I would not be
DeBlois Electric was founded in 1967
as the Small Business
Program (PLP) bank, which allows the highest level of
in a position to have been selected without the great support
by Wilfrid DeBlois. While no longer the
Administration’s Financial
autonomy that the SBA affords to lenders,” Trickey explained.
of the bank and the people within the organization. Bangor
residential contractor business of the early
for hospitals, medical offices, commercial
Services Champion.
This designation means that Bangor Savings can make final
Savings has always had a strong commitment to offer guaranty
days, the company remains true to its original
venues, retail/box stores, manufacturing,
Portland, is being recognized
“Our resume includes electrical projects
credit decisions on behalf of the SBA, closing, and most
programs such as SBA, and that allows me to provide creative
mission to build lasting relationships,
educational facilities, and residential/multi-
advocate for business owners,”
servicing and liquidation authority. While the SBA continues
options to businesses.”
according to Mitch DeBlois, co-owner and
unit residential projects,” he said.
Trickey said. “That includes
to make the final eligibility decisions, Bangor Savings’
spending time with them
PLP status allows them to streamline and expedite the loan
in assets, offers retail banking and investment management
retains his ownership position as chairman of
statewide. Twenty years ago, DeBlois Electric
approval process, often times by weeks.
services to Maine consumers as well as comprehensive
the board, and his wife, Gaetane, continues to
expanded by opening a retail store, Lighting
commercial, corporate, payroll administration, merchant
serve as treasurer.
Concepts.
“I work to be an
to learn about the business, as well as their plans, both
“SBA has recognized the expertise of the bank and its
immediate and in the future.”
11
Trickey noted that Bangor Savings Bank has been
recognized as the top SBA lender in Maine for the past three years, during which time the bank approved more than
Bangor Savings Bank, with more than $3 billion
president of the company. Wilfrid DeBlois
The company provides services
“We made the decision to diversify into
employees based on their demonstrated proficiency in
services, insurance, and small business banking services to
processing and servicing SBA loans,” she said.
Maine businesses. Together the bank and its foundation invest
ethic on to their sons. Mitch joined the family
retail to offer our residential customers a local
more than $1 million per year into the community in the form
business as an electrical project and design
resource for home lighting,” DeBlois said.
of nonprofit sponsorships, grants and partnership initiatives.
engineer in 1988, and is a master electrician
“We work diligently to cross-promote both
in Maine and New Hampshire. Raymond
companies, and many employees share skill
(877) 226-4671, visit bangor.com, or stop by any of the 57
DeBlois, co-owner and chief financial officer,
sets between the businesses.”
Bangor Savings Bank branches statewide.
joined DeBlois Electric in 1993 after receiving
“As Maine’s largest independent bank, we
$30 million in SBA guaranteed loans. Additionally, Bangor
understand the importance of supporting Maine businesses
Savings is one of only 200 banks nationwide participating in
and recognize that small business is an extremely powerful
the SBA Veteran’s Pledge Initiative, which is committed to
driver of Maine’s economy,” Trickey said.
increasing the level of financing to military veteran-owned
“I am flattered and honored to receive this award,”
For more information, call
The couple has passed their work
his degree in business management.
“They come to your business. They talk to you. They want you to succeed.”
Bangor Savings Bank is proud to have earned the SBA’s recognition as Maine’s top lender to small businesses three years in a row. We’re committed to going the extra mile so you don’t have to.
“As the CFO, Ray works with the
“DeBlois Electric and Lighting
Concepts have remained devoted to success
prosperous future.”
The company’s owners and
The mission of both companies is to
build lasting relationships, he said. “We are proud to say that we have grown
project team on cost accountability and
through an extremely challenging economic
employees are proud to receive the Jeffrey
the company from Willie’s two-man operation
cost containment for the benefit of both our
environment over the last few years, and we
Butland Award, and take it as a sign that
into two companies that employ 42 people.
company and our customers,” said Mitch
are poised for future success,” Mitch DeBlois
family business in Maine is strong and
Half of our employees have been with our
DeBlois, who works closely with project
said. “Rather than sit back and allow the
thriving, he said.
companies for more than 10 years,” said
owners, general contractors, architects and
poor economy to drive our future, we have
construction managers to bring projects to
proactively managed our resources and
as a small business. They recognized our
a “satisfactory conclusion through closely
developed new strategies. With Androscoggin
challenges, especially in this ever-changing
coordinated and managed design/build
Bank as our new banking partner, we
banking environment. The SBA enabled us to
applications.”
are confident we will have a secure and
refinance with a local banking partner, which
“The SBA really stepped up to support us
DeBlois.
For more information, call
783-6512 or visit debloiselectric.com.
Ask about our small business loans and other solutions that can help your business grow.
Member FDIC
Kurt & Kathy Cressey Owners, Pack Baskets of Maine
www.bangor.com
1.877.BANGOR1
“Rather than sit back and allow the poor economy to drive our future, we have proactively managed our resources and developed new strategies.”
12
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
Two Founders of Gelato Fiasco are named Young Entrepreneurs of the Year
“Over the years we made it a point to try gelato in U.S. cities -- places where you’d expect to find
By Dale McGarrigle Special to the BDN dairy profile that should allow flavors to come
management company in college, had been
and management, while president Tropeano
to be at the heart of a Maine business success
through more strongly than a traditional ice
looking for another business opportunity. So
is the gelato maker, developing new flavors,
story.
cream.”
why not make this passion their livelihood?
managing ingredient supply sources, and
Gelato would seem to be an unusual product
Yet the passion of Joshua Davis and Bruno
How did the two friends, who first met
“Josh and Bruno sensed both a
gelateri.
in 2001 as roommates at Bentley College in
responsibility and an opportunity and set
to the two founders of Gelato Fiasco being
Waltham, Massachusetts develop an affinity
off to rediscover the lost art. Imagining a
named Young Entrepreneurs of the Year by
for gelato?
long-forgotten Red Spoon Society of superior
at 74 Maine St. in Brunswick. They chose the
gelato artisans, they learned the techniques
name “as a hedge against trend-pursuers,
It was almost hereditary for Tropeano, a
Their flagship store opened Aug. 7, 2007,
Brookfield, Connecticut native. His parents
and practices of the old masters of gelato.
treasure hunters, and impostors, for only a
“Josh Davis and Bruno Tropeano have
emigrated from Italy, and the family took
They used those techniques as a foundation
true food lover, guided by his or her own sense
worked really hard to make their business
multiple trips to the old country, where he
for creating an even better gelato experience:
of adventure, would dare enter a store with
successful, and it shows,” Seth Goodall, SBA
developed a taste for gelato. Davis, a Belgrade
make lots of creative flavors for discerning
that name,” their website explains.
regional administrator for New England,
native, got hooked on the Italian ice cream
guests, serve them in a way that invites
said of the pair. “They are dedicated and
while in college.
discovery and delight, and never compromise
restaurant industry, as consumers, they knew
on quality,” according to the official company
what they liked, which informed the core
history
values of Gelato Fiasco.
state, but for Region 1 (New England), as well.
creative and sell very tasty and high quality
After graduating from Bentley in 2005, the
products. As young entrepreneurs, Josh and
two began an informal quest to find the best
Bruno also serve as terrific role models and
gelato.
Although they had no experience in the
The key to make artisanal gelato: use of
“The little things became so obviously
local milk from Houlton Farms Dairy and
what makes the difference in us having a
gelato in U.S. cities -- places where you’d
Maine’s Own Organic (MOO) Milk, adding
great experience at a place versus just having
expect to find the best, like New York and
only the best ingredients, such as pistachios
an okay time,” Davis said. “So, with that in
on the same day that the company finished
Boston -- and we both agreed that no one was
from Sicily, vanilla beans from Madagascar
mind, we decided that our core value would
paying off its SBA-backed loan.
doing gelato justice,” Davis recalled. “We had
and wild blueberries from the Maine coast,
be running the business from a customer’s
to do something.”
and making a fresh product daily.
point of view, i.e., later hours, open every day,
an inspiration for others to start their own business in Maine.” Coincidentally, word of the award came
“I saw the SBA on caller ID and I figured it had to do with the loan payoff,” Davis recalled. “Little did I know, it was to announce we had won the award.”
“Over the years we made it a point to try
The pair, who had run a small property
CEO Davis focuses on customer service
giving samples for free, etc.” These decisions came organically rather than deliberately.
The award serves as affirmation.
“We didn’t think too much about those
“It’s a reassuring sign that we’re
things specifically -- we just implemented
doing the right type of things,”
them because they were things we would
Tropeano said. “There aren’t many
want as customers,” Tropeano added.
points along the way of bootstrapping a gelato company based in Maine that the route is clearly identified, but somehow
The second store, Gelato Fiasco Old Port, opened in 2012 at 425 Fore St. in Portland. The two locations serve about 30 flavors
the award gives us something to mark
of gelato and sorbetto (a water-based
the path so-far with. We’re humbled to
dessert), chosen from a roster of around
win.” The Gelato Fiasco website offers this
the best, like New York and Boston -- and we both agreed that no one was doing gelato justice”
training staff members to become expert
Tropeano for this tasty Italian dessert has led
the Small Business Association not just for the
13
1,500 flavors, made fresh each day, along with a variety of hot drinks.
description of the
The company also
company’s treat:
supplies hand-packed
“Gelato is a style
pints to approximately
be sold in over 32 states, largely because
of ice cream that
500 grocery stores across
of the association people make between
dates back several
the nation.
wholesomeness, Maine and Gelato Fiasco,”
Gelato Fiasco also provides catering for weddings and parties. The company gives back through its
at its two stores and its Flavor Foundry manufacturing facility and offices in Brunswick. Much of the credit for the company’s
seriously care about doing a good job.” As for the company’s future, it’s always evolving. “We have a lot of things to figure out, but
centuries to Italy.
“People all over the
Davis said. “It’s really amazing to be able to
Scooping for Community Program, through
Since the primary
country really recognize
travel across the country and find a pint of
which Gelato Fiasco donates 100 percent of
success should go to its employees, Tropeano
we are very excited about the opportunity in
ingredient in good
Maine products for
gelato at a supermarket. It makes me smile
sales from a non-profit’s supporters on the
said.
front of us and feel good about the team behind
gelato is milk, not
their quality and we’re
when I look at the back and it says ‘Hand
organization’s designated day.
cream, it has a softer
really proud to now
packed in Brunswick, Maine.’ ”
Gelato Fiasco employs more than 50 people
“Our employees are top-notch. These are folks with big hearts who work hard and
us, working so hard to make it all happen,” Tropeano said.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
14
SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
G-Force Laser Tag, based in Caribou, is the SBA’s Microenterprise of the Year.
Let us help your Maine business Commercial loans ‐ Personal service Loans up to $10,000,000
BY SHEILA GRANT Special to the BDN Rick L. Koch, SVP Business Services 207‐373‐5101
“I have worked for myself since I was a little kid, and I’ve always had to do everything with a shoestring, or even a broken string, budget.” decided to focus solely on laser tag. When
has increased to 80, with another 40 to be
kid, and I’ve always had to do everything with
and Kimberly Plavnick faced numerous
financing still could not be secured to buy the
finished by summer. A six-person wrecking
a shoestring, or even a broken string, budget,”
challenges while struggling to launch
equipment necessary for startup, Plavnick,
ball and a 150-foot-long “military style”
he said. “I’ve never had anybody believe in me
and grow a new business. Perhaps what
who has a technology background, decided to
obstacle course, a gaga ball, a bounce/
before; never had a business loan before; and
distinguishes the duo and their seven
develop his own product.
jousting arena, and sumo wrestling have
never been recognized for the hard work that
been added to the company’s portable venue
I do.”
Like many small business owners, Brian
employees is the innovative ways in which
By the summer of 2008, the company
Start, build, and grow your small business with us! SBA Lender Preferred Lenders Program
G-Force Laser Tag travels
those challenges were overcome, and the
had built 16 taggers and was ready to offer
options. Customers can also opt to have fog,
company’s commitment to giving back to the
mobile events, rather than owning a fixed-
a light show, and even food. The most recent
throughout New England and beyond to
BHBT.com • 1-888-853-7100
community via numerous in-kind donations
location business.
expansion of services is the addition of music
provide entertainment at a variety of events
Member FDIC
by DJ NoKlipz.
-- from birthday parties to corporate events.
and fundraising events.
In 2006, the Plavnicks began
“The first year we definitely lost money,” he said. “The second year we started making
exploring the possibility of opening a youth-
a little bit, and each year after that we grew.
based business.
We put all of the money back into the business.
“We didn’t have much of a nest egg,”
About two years ago, we were doing really
said Brian Plavnick. The couple dreamed of
well, so we decided to go back again and try to
opening a fixed-location facility that offered
get additional funding to get more equipment.”
youths a variety of activities to do under one
Plavnick returned to the Northern
Maine Development Commission, one of the
roof. “I worked on a business plan and shopped that around, but it was very difficult to get a loan at that point, especially for a youth-based
entities which had reviewed his original
believed in it,” Plavnick said. An arrangement with the NMDC, using SBA funds, provided
“I took his advice after trying hard to
do the thing that I wanted,” Plavnick said. But
award have deep meaning for Plavnick.
For more information, call 227-5562 or visit g-forcelasertag.com.
“I have worked for myself since I was a little
DeBlois Electric
Congratulations! Winner of Maine SBA’s Jeffrey Butland Small Family Business of the Year
“They really liked what I was doing and
Brian Plavnick explained. the couple start off with a smaller idea.
Both the financial support and the
business plan.
business, from a bank or any other source,” Eventually, one bank official suggested that
Serviced Locally
significant financial support, allowed the company to consolidate financing, and reduced its monthly payments.
The company has been able to
financing remained elusive, so the business
add “inflatable city” to its laser tag course
plan was scaled back even further. The couple
landscaping options. The number of taggers
Androscoggin Bank congratulates Wilfrid, Geatane, Mitch and Ray DeBlois, awarded Maine’s 2014 Jeffrey Butland Family Business of the Year by the U.S Small Business Administration. As one of Northern New England’s premier electrical contractors, DeBlois Electric has been building relationships since 1967. Androscoggin Bank is proud to partner with, and support businesses like DeBlois. For information on how we can partner with your business efforts, contact Dave Eldridge, SVP & Commercial Lending Manager • 207.376.3626 • deldridge@androscogginbank.com Androscoggin Bank—#1 in volume and dollars for SBA 504 Lending YTD in 2014 • androscogginbank.com
15
16
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014
Congratulations
iness community. We are proud to support Maine’s bus ard Winners! Congratulations to the 2014 SBA Aw
Smart Business Checking
The checks would have to write themselves to make this account any better.
2014 SBA Award Winners
Helping Maine Businesses Since 1983 1-800-228-3734
www.FAMEmaine.com
Smart Business Checking is a low to no cost checking account* that comes with your own personal banker to get you started and provide you with ongoing support. Call 207-839-4796 or visit your nearest branch to learn more.
gorhamsavingsbank.com Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender
* No transaction fees for up to 450 paid or deposited items per statement cycle (additional items $ .35 each).
Congratulations Peter McVety of McVety’s Hearth and Home Maine’s SBA 2014 Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year! Northeast Bank is committed to helping Veterans like Peter start or grow their business through the SBA’s Veterans Advantage Program. To learn more, visit northeastbank.com/smallbusiness Contact one of our Small Business Loan Specialists today!
Tim Michalak
1.800.284.5989 ext. 3720 tmichalak@northeastbank.com
Small Business Lender Luke Takatsu and Community Banking Division President Jeanne Hulit with Peter McVety.
Luke Takatsu
1.800.284.5989 ext. 3549 ltakatsu@northeastbank.com