2022 Maine Family Business Awards Program Book

FOUNDING

We

They have helped to shape the Institute

as we forge ahead!

Board of Directors

Dottie Chalmers Cutter, Chair Chalmers Insurance Group

Lindsay Skilling, Past Chair Gifford’s Ice Cream

Joe Capozza III, Vice Chair Capozza Floor Covering Center

Jacques Santucci, Treasurer Opus Consulting

Deirdre Wadsworth, Secretary Hardypond Construction

David R. Ciullo, HR Liaison Career Management Associates (CMA)

Catherine Wygant Fossett, Exec. Director Institute for Family-Owned Business

Reuben Bell Blue Elephant Events and Catering

Joshua Ellis Clark Insurance Founding Sponsor

Shae-Li Fendler

MEMIC Founding Sponsor

Christopher Lynch Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

Paula Mahony Words@Work, Inc.

Jeffrey Messer Messer Truck Equipment

Shauna Miller TD Bank Founding Sponsor

Randall Richard Richard Brothers Financial Advisors Founding Sponsor

Katie Rooks M&T Bank

Christopher R. Smith Verrill Founding Sponsor

Lydia Swann

The Roux Institute at Northeastern University Graduate Student

Linda Varrell Broadreach Public Relations

Seth Webber BerryDunn Founding Sponsor

Advisory Board

John Beauregard Beauregard Equipment

Theresa Cloutier DMM, Inc.

Janet Cole Cross Cole Cross Connections, LLC Maddy Corson AMG Associates

Maureen Costello Wedge Quad Group

Thomas Hussey Hussey Seating Company

John Isaacson Lee Auto Malls

John LeMieux Anton/LeMieux Financial Group

Colleen L. McCracken CLMC Business Advisors

Francis J. O’Shea Hunts Point Advisors

WELCOME TO THE 22ND ANNUAL MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS!

We are pleased to come together tonight to honor an impressive and diverse group of large and small companies. This year, we received a record 191 nominations, of which 32 were selected as semi-finalists and 25 as finalists. As always, we are grateful to our talented team of judges who did the hard work of narrowing this amazing field to the seven winners we celebrate tonight.

We also honor our third BerryDunn Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Frank O’Shea of Hunts Point Advisors. Frank has spent his 43-year professional career as a CPA and worked as a tax principal with the accounting and business consulting firm BerryDunn. He began with the IFOB when he was a principal at Cloudhawk Management Consultants and continues today as a member of our Advisory Board and was our past treasurer. Frank continues to counsel many closely-held and family business clients on the technical and non-technical issues related to income and estate tax planning, as well as business succession and valuation, though he is happy to have a little more time now for golf, motorcycle riding and playing with his grandkids. Read more about Frank on page 6.

Our theme for 2022, “Leading with Courage,” seemed appropriate as we moved into the post-pandemic world. This year, we are offering over 60 programs including in-person events, hybrid and Zoom offerings with educational programs, webinars and our Affinity Groups. We debuted our IFOB Discovery Sessions—quick, 30-minute Zoom calls for people to learn more about us. We moved the calendar around and offered our Women’s Golf Wine & 9 in the spring, with our 9-Hole Scramble on the longest day, letting the men join in the fun, too. In August, we launched the Family Fun Festival that paid homage to Summerfest from years past. While we picked the only rainy evening during our drought, we still had a great time with the kiddos, with giant Jenga, face painting, inside s’mores, a magic mirror, DJ and great food and drinks. We’ll try it again on July 27, 2023, with a rain date on August 3, 2023. We moved our Holiday Party to January 25, 2023.

We also embarked on an extensive research project, hiring Digital Research Inc. to conduct 25 interviews with people associated with the IFOB, from brand ambassadors to dabblers from both family-owned businesses and associate partners. We will share some of their findings with you tonight and we’ll use this research to launch a new website with Side Sea. We’ll showcase the landing page and have the new site in place for 2023.

We continue to grow and to be inspired by all our family businesses and the associate partners who support them. We couldn’t do this without the continued love and support of all in our IFOB family! As always, we offer special thanks to our Founding Sponsors, Elite Partners, Program sponsors, Maine Family Business Award sponsors and members who make our work possible. And, we are grateful to all of you joining us to celebrate the accomplishments of these exceptional companies.

Thank you!

P.O. Box 3364 Portland, ME 04104-3364 fambusiness.org 207.798.2667

Dottie Chalmers Cutter, IFOB Chair

VP of Operations, Chalmers Insurance Group

Joseph A. Capozza III, IFOB Vice Chair

President, Capozza Floor Covering Center

Catherine Wygant Fossett, Executive Director

Institute for Family-Owned Business

Host Amanda Hill, Weeknight Anchor

NEWS CENTER Maine Guest Speaker

Anthony “Tony” Simmons, Retired President & CEO of McIlhenny Company, The Makers of Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce

Online Emcee

Paula Mahony, IFOB Board Member

Founder, Words@Work

OUR

AMANDA HILL

NEWS CENTER Maine

Weeknight Anchor

Amanda Hill is a reporter and anchor for NEWS CENTER Maine. The awardwinning journalist grew up in Maine, and works hard to share the stories of Maine people. She studied Broadcast Television from both ends of the camera at Northern Vermont University, where she developed a background as a photographer, reporter, and anchor.

Unable to sit still for too long, Amanda also works in real estate, helping friends and Vacationland.

PROGRAM SPONSORS

GUEST SPEAKER

OUR GUEST SPEAKER FOR TONIGHT IS: ANOTHONY “TONY” SIMMONS

Retired President & CEO of McIlhenny Company, The Makers of Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce

A member of the 5th generation, Tony is the great great grandson of the founder, Edmund McIlhenny. Tony serves on the board of McIlhenny Company and is the president and director of Avery Island Incorporated, a 7th generation family business with 9 generations of family shareholders. Tony also serves on the board of King Ranch, Flagship Foods and is chairman of the S Corp Association, an advocacy group based in Washington DC.

Joining McIlhenny Company in 2000 as Executive Vice President he became President in 2012 and CEO in 2013, a capacity he served in till retiring at age 68 in 2019. Prior to working for his family, Tony worked either for or with The Manitowoc Company based in Manitowoc Wisconsin for 25 years. The last 6 as their independent distributor for their crane products for the southeastern US and the Caribbean. Tony graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans.

Tony lives at Avery Island Louisiana with his wife of 47 years and his golden retriever Moose. Tony has 2 children and 5 grandchildren and is an avid sportsman and golfer.

Anthony “Tony” Simmons, Retired President & CEO of McIlhenny Company, The Makers of Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce.

O’SHEA

Tonight, we honor another longtime IFOB advocate and friend, Frank O’Shea. Frank served as the IFOB Board Treasurer from 2003 to 2019 and currently serves on the IFOB Advisory Board. He saw us through the conversion to an independent non-profit and, along with many others, made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Institute. He has also participated as a speaker and mentor in several IFOB programs.

Frank has spent his 43-year professional career as a CPA, tax advisor and business consultant to family-owned businesses. During that time, he has advised clients on a range of issues including the development and implementation of tax-efficient strategies for business operations and ownership succession. As a trusted advisor, he has been asked for counsel on business decisions, mentoring younger family members and has also served as executor for the estates of family business owners. He retired from his public accounting career in 2019, after serving as a tax principal for both Coopers & Lybrand LLC and BerryDunn. Although not a native Mainer, since 1991 Frank has travelled the state from top to bottom and East to West in support of his passion for helping family businesses, and has become a well-known resource in the process.

Frank now spends a significant amount of time with his family, including five grandchildren, and can also be found on the golf course or touring New England on his Harley. He continues to advise a few clients on planning for business transitions, and serves on an advisory board for a southern Maine family business.

2022JUDGES PANEL

We extend our thanks to our talented panel of judges who have taken on the tough job of selecting the 2022 Maine Family Business Award winners from an impressive list of finalists. Our judges, led by our facilitator, search carefully through each entry to find the special gems that help the winners rise to the top.

JUDGING FACILITATOR

Betty Olson – Senior VP, Commercial Banking, Camden National Bank

Betty began her career in banking over 40 years ago. She has worked for Camden National Bank for over 15 years. Originally from Texas, she graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Finance. Active in the community, Betty has served on a number of boards and committees including Junior Achievement, Sanford Kiwanis Club, York County Community College Foundation, Southern Maine Finance Agency and the IFOB. Betty and her husband reside in Gorham, Maine.

RETURNING JUDGES

Shae-Li Fendler – Manager / Underwriting Analyst, MEMIC – IFOB Board Member, MFBA presenting sponsor

Shae-Li began her career in insurance when she joined MEMIC in 2013 after graduating from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She earned her Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Workers’ Compensation Professional designations and is currently pursuing her MBA from Husson University. Shae-Li was a Maine Insurance Agents Association (MIAA) Young Agents Committee Member for four years. She volunteers for the Special Olympics, United Way, Make-A-Wish, and Partners for World Health.

Congratulations, Frank O’Shea, winner of the 2022 BerryDunn Lifetime Achievement Award.

RETURNING JUDGES

Chris Wasileski – Director of Development, Sea Coast Management Company – 2017 HUB Environmental Leadership Award Winner

Chris has been working with his father at Sea Coast Management Company for 17 years. Sea Coast Management develops, owns and operates OceanView at Falmouth and Highland Green in Topsham. Chris’s latest project in partnership with his father, John Wasileski, is called “Cumberland Crossing by OceanView” – an ecologically sustainable satellite community five miles from OceanView’s main campus

natural setting.

Chris Lynch – President, Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, IFOB Board Member

Originally from Andover, MA and a graduate of Bates College, Chris spent the first half of his working field.hisinstorDirecanagingMtyoungeshetofonebecameChrisold,syear13At.reetStWallonlife million0$50exceedingrevenueshwitsinentconthreetonteamsonper004amanagedyimatelultChris

Moving to Maine at 40-years old with his young family, he tapped into his Wall Street brokerage experience to found Legacy Properties Sotheby’s Internat ional Realty which is now Maine’s largest luxury property company.

NEW JUDGES

Peter Horch – President & Owner, Horch Roofing – 2021 Cumberland Crossing by OceanView Environmental Leadership Award Winner

Since starting Horch Roofing in 2003, Peter has focused on giving back to his home state of Maine, as President of the board for Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as Habitat For Humanity’s and United Midcoast Charities Board of Directors. In 2015, Horch Roofing won the Governor’s Award for Excellence In Business, in 2019, Peter was nominated to the board of the NRCA, and in

Betsy Vickery – Executive Vice President, W.S. Emerson Company – 2019 Shep Lee Community Service Award Winner

Betsy and her husband oversee bringing their 4th generational family business into the modern era of manufacturing. WSE reflects their community commitment in the way they hire, train, and retain their workforce. Betsy’s love of community shows through her involvement with the Bangor Region Chamber, University of Maine Athletic Scholarship Fund, the Northern Light Health system, and the Premier Group Network. Focusing on their strong foundation of innovation and the community; WSE’s consistent drive to improve and embrace the changes in the branded product industry have made WSE a cutting-edge business that relishes their 101-year history.

Amy Volk – Director of Communicat ions and Public Relations, Volk Packaging Corporation, President, Volk Paxit– 2021 Shep Lee Community Service Award Winner, 2015 The Wolak Group Customer Service Award Winner and 2000 Small Business Award Winner

Amy is the mother of four adult children, a new grandmother, and a former 4-term Maine lawmaker, who became Senate Chair of the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee. While

tions and Public Relations for Volk Packaging Corporation and President of Volk Paxit, a new contract packaging and e-commerce fulfillment center in Sanford. Amy and husband Derek live in Saco and travel frequently to Central America.

Charlie Zachau – Project Engineer, Zachau Construction – 2021 Renys Large Business Award Winner

Charlie is from Freeport Maine, and graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2019. He works with his father at Zachau Construction where he starting working summers in 2012, and is currently working as a project engineer with a team managing the construction of a new corporate headquarters for L.L. Bean in Freeport. He is a third-generation family member involved in the business. In 2021, Zachau Construction was awarded the Renys Large Business Award.

A

The Renys Large Business Award, won by Zachau Construction in 2021, honors an outstanding company with 25 or more full-time employees that demonstrate excellence in all facets of business, including family involvement, succession planning, communication, value of being familyowned, and community service.

The Maddy Corson Small Business Award recognizes an exceptional company that embodies the ideals associated with its namesake, who continues to inspire, support and connect individuals, organizations and businesses throughout Portland and beyond. Smiling Hill Farm received the Maddy Corson Small Business Award in 2021.

The Shep Lee Community Service Award honors one of the founders of the Institute for FamilyOwned Business and the ideals he embodied in his respect and concern for customers, employees, and the community. Volk Packaging Corporation received the Shep Lee Community Service Award in 2021.

Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award, honors a company of any size that continues to improve customer service and exceed customer expectations. The judges also consider the following criteria: innovative practices and systems; personal interactions and choices in how

customer complaints; systems that reduce costs; and compassion and caring. Dolphin Marina & Restaurant received the Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award in 2021.

M&T Bank Innovation & Technology Award recognizes a company that demonstrates excellence in the development or creation of a new idea, method, or product to solve a problem; original, compelling ideas, innovation or technology; significant benefits to others; fulfillment of a market need or creation of a new market through a service or product; or use of applied science or innovative methods in product development or enhancement. In 2021, Springworks Farm received this award.

Holiday Inn By The Bay First Generation Award recognizes a company of any size, with at least one family member serving as an active equity owner and at least one family member active in the business on a regular basis. The business must not have transitioned yet from one generation to the next. The honoree will be chosen based on overall excellence among all the 2021inAwardGenerationFirstBayTheByInnHolidaythereceivedOriginabovecategories

Geiger Environmental Leadership Award honors a company that demonstrates exceptional You’ll find past award winners through the years on pages 10-12.

PAST WINNERS

2021 Zachau Construction (Renys Large Business Award)

Smiling Hill Farm (Maddy Corson Small Business Award)

Volk Packaging Corporation (Shep Lee Community Service Award)

Dolphin Marina & Restaurant (Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award)

Origin (Holiday Inn By The Bay First Generation Award)

Springworks Farm (People’s United Bank Innovation & Technology Award)

Horch Roofing (Cumberland Crossing by Oceanview Environmental Leadership Award)

BerryDunn Lifetime Achievement Award

Harry Fraser

National Service Award

Puritan Medical Products (First recipient)

2019 Day’s Jewelers (Renys Large Business Award)

SKORDO (Maddy Corson Small Business Award)

W.S. Emerson Company (Shep Lee Community Service Award)

The Nonantum Resort (Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award)

Fontaine Family - The Real Estate

Leader (Holiday Inn By The Bay First Generation Award)

FHC, Inc. (People’s United Bank Innvation & Technology Award)

Geiger (Cumberland Crossing by OceanView Environmental Leadership Award)

Lifetime Achievement Award Maddy Corson (first recipient)

2018 Woodlands Senior Living (Renys Large Business Award)

Hardypond Construction (Maddy Corson Small Business Award)

Rinck (Shep Lee Community Service Award)

Blueberry Fields Bed & Breakfast (Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award)

Washburn Doughty (Holiday Inn by the Bay First Generation Award)

Howe & Howe Technologies (People’s United Bank Innovation & Technology Award)

DM & J Waste (Varney Agency Environmental Leadership Award)

2017 Capozza Tile and Floor Covering Center (Renys Large Business Award)

Highland Avenue Greenhouse (Maddy Corson Small Business Award)

Geaghan’s Pub and Craft Brewery (Shep Lee Community Service

Award)

Hanson Enterprises LLC (Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award)

Custom Composite Technologies Inc. (Holiday Inn by the Bay First Generation Award)

Puritan Medical Products (People’s United Bank Innovation & Technology Award)

OceanView at Falmouth (HUB/ Norton Insurance and Financial Services Environmental Leadership Award)

2016 Planet Dog (Renys Large Business Award)

Rising Tide (Maddy Corson Small Business Award)

King Eider’s Pub (Shep Lee Community Service Award)

Blue Elephant Events & Catering (Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award)

Fish Bones American Grill (Norton Insurance & Financial Services First Generation Award)

Bowman Constructors (People’s United Bank Innovation & Technology Award)

Maine Beer Company (IRC Environmental Leadership Award)

2015 Renys (Large Business Award) Kingsley Pines (Maddy Corson Small Business Award)

PAST

Suger (Shep Lee Community Service Award)

Volk Packaging Corporation (The Wolak Group Customer Service Award)

Lucy’s Granola (First Generation Award)

DeLorme (People’s United Bank Innovation & Technology Award)

TideSmart Global (Green Environment Award)

Honorable Mention Cross Insurance (Large Business Award)

2014 Chebeague Island Inn (First Generation Award)

Messer Truck Equipment (Maddy Corson Small Business Award)

Lamey Wellenhan (Agren Large Business Award)

Chalmers Insurance Group (The Wolak Group Customer Service Award)

Will’s Shop ‘n Save (Shep Lee Community Service Award)

The Meadowmere Resort (Innovation Award) Eco-kids (Technology Award)

2013 Central Street Farmhouse (First Generation Award)

D. Cole Jewelers (Small Business Award)

Agren Appliance & Television (Large Business Award)

Hannan’s Electric

(Customer Service Award)

The Wolak Group (Community Service Award)

Close Buy Catalog (Innovation Award)

2012 Hurley Travel Experts (First Generation Award)

Morong Falmouth (Large Business Award)

S.L. Wadsworth & Son (Small Business Award)

IRC Industrial Roofing Companies (Customer Service Award)

Dean’s Sweets (Community Service Award)

Honorable Mention D. Cole Jewelers

2011 AlliedCook Construction (Large Business Award)

LT’s inc. (Small Business Award) Halcyon Yarn (Community Service Award)

Honorable Mention Day’s Jewelers

2010 Marden’s Surplus & Salvage (Large Business Award)

Sweetser’s Apple Barrel & Orchards (Small Business Award)

GHM Agency (Community Service Award)

Honorable Mention Mancini Electric (Large Business Award)

2009

Earle W. Noyes & Sons (Large Business Award)

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights (Small Business Award)

Lionel Plante Associates (Community Service Award)

2008 (Large Business Award)

Saddleback Mountain (Small Business Award)

Outstanding Community Service Awards

Maine Machine Products (Large Business)

Couleur Collection (Small Business) Honorable Mention Down East Enterprise (Large Business Award) Seaside Vacation Rentals (Small Business Award)

2007 Geiger Bros. (Large Business Award)

Morrison’s Maine Course (Small Business Award)

Outstanding Community Service Awards

Maine Machine Products (Large Business)

Saddleback Mountain (Small Business)

2006 DownEast Energy (Large Business Award)

Bedard Healthcare Group (Small Business Award)

Honorable Mention

GHM Insurance Outstanding Community Service Awards

Oakhurst Dairy (Large Business) Apollo Salon Spa & Bistro (Small Business)

2005 Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers (Large Business Award)

Jordan-Fernald Funeral Homes (Small Business Award)

2004 White Rock Distilleries (Large Business Award)

Paricon, Inc. (Small Business Award)

Honorable Mention Direct Mail of Maine

2003 Hussey Seating Company (Large Business Award)

Monhegan Boat Line (Small Business Award)

Honorable Mention Shelter Institute

2002 Barber Foods (Large Business Award)

Coffee By Design (Small Business Award)

Honorable Mention

Winter People

2001 Hancock Lumber (Large Business Award)

Precision Screw Machine Products (Small Business Award)

2000 Sun Journal (Large Business Award)

Volk Packaging Corporation (Small Business Award)

TOGETHER

LET’S MAKE WORKERS’ COMP WORK BETTER

Fewer injuries and expert injury management means lower costs for workers’ compensation insurance. That’s why MEMIC is the best investment employers can make to protect their valued employees. You’ll have access to robust online resources, safety experts and outstanding injury management specialists. And with many services like pay-as-you-go payment options and workplace injury triage services, we make workers’ comp work better for you.

In Maine, safety pays dividends. As a Maine policyholder of this mutual insurance company, you also may qualify for a dividend. Since issuing its first dividend in 1998, MEMIC has authorized the return of more than $316 million in capital contributions and dividends—money that goes back in the Maine economy, right where it belongs.

Ask your independent agent for a MEMIC proposal.

ACORN ENGINEERING, INC.—PORTLAND

Acorn Engineering in 2007. Will has been able to leverage some of the business lessons that Hugh encountered in his early days as a sole proprietor in the civil engineering space, seeking to diversify the company’s workload so they aren’t overly dependent on any one specialty if the economy should falter. Hugh’s strong work ethic still garners new business as clients continue to seek out Acorn because of his professionalism and quality work.

Hugh continues to come into the Acorn office most weeks and review engineering work while mentoring the younger staff. It is evident that Will’s strong work ethic was acquired through watching his father work in Acorn’s original office in their Brunswick home, while Will’s mom ran a daycare upstairs.

Acorn’s specialties are urban infill—adding needed housing to already dense areas—and restoring older structures when possible versus destroying them and building new. They are also known for their expertise in stormwater management and their use of best management practices to ensure the solution is best for the environment.

Acorn Engineering, Inc was founded by Hugh Savage in 1988 in his family’s Brunswick home. Civil engineering is very much a family business. Hugh put his five kids to work assisting with the workload from an early age. Fast forward 25 years and three of the adult children are professional engineers, with the youngest, Will taking over

OF MAINE—BREWER

While Acorn has grown from one employee to 20, serving the entire state of Maine, their strong values continue to direct the projects they take on, the clients they work with and how they treat their staff. “At our heart we are a Maine company, committed to growing Maine in the most environmentally supportive ways possible,” says Will.

Box of Maine is an online mail order business created for those who have either lived in Maine, spent time in Maine or want to experience what makes our state so amazing. They take the essence of Maine, package it up in a convenient, affordable gift box and ship it directly to the customer’s front door. Each box is customizable, so customers can select favorite foods from their childhood or memorable Maine vacation: whoopie pies, red snapper hot dogs, pure Maine maple syrup, Humpty Dumpty potato chips, Moxie and more.

The Brewer-based company has been owned and operated by Daniel Finnemore since 2017. With more than 37 million visitors to Maine last year alone, spending over $6 billion in our state, Daniel saw a great opportunity to connect with people craving a taste of Maine, no matter where they are in the world. Box of Maine has seen a substantial increase in online orders in 2022, which has enabled them to move from their 750 square-foot space to a 7,100 square-foot facility and open a retail store. The increased space will allow the company to expand into the Maine seafood industry, add seasonal products like blueberries and cranberries, and expand their brand through private labeling. Another strategic initiative has been to increase their business to business offerings, making it easy for companies to customize large orders for corporate gift-giving.

Other members of the Finnemore family who help keep the business growing include Daniel’s wife, Sarah, who helps with finances and bookkeeping; brother Jordan, the company’s shipping and receiving supervisory who keeps products coming and going and also handles customer services; and brother Joseph, who helps with packing customer orders as well as creative writing, photography and website editing.

Sarah Finnemore (Wife), Daniel Finnemore (Owner) and Joseph Finnemore (Brother)

Left to right: Russ Savage, Will Savage, Anne (Savage) Malenfant, Hugh Savage, Virginia (Savage) Schobel, Caroline (Savage) Hampton, Caroline Savage

Casco Bay Food and Beverage, founded by Ted Morton in 2008, describes its mission as “To keep hardworking and hungry Mainers satisfied, energized, productive and healthy by conveniently bringing fresh, wholesome, and delicious refreshments right to where they work and learn.” The company provides on-site food and beverage services to businesses, educational institutions and medical facilities in 14 Maine counties from branch offices in Bangor, Lewiston and Portland.

The company, which services 14 of Maine’s 16 counties, has grown and thrived by leveraging the technological advances in the convenience services industry. Today, they use remote monitoring technology, enabling the company to know sales at each customer location, down to the nickel, allowing them to customize their offerings and to provide the best possible service.

Since the beginning, Ted and son Corey have worked together to grow the family business. In 2017, Ted acquired his two largest competitors and grew exponentially which is when his wife, Niki, joined the company full-time. Today, as founder and president, Ted is actively involved in day-to-day business but focuses much of his attention and energy on the overall wellbeing and growth of the company. Niki is executive vice president, working closely with Business Development, Management, Administration, Hiring, Food Service/Production and Corporate Cafeterias. Corey is the maintenance supervisor and oversees installations, removals,

scheduled maintenance and all necessary repairs. Corey met nowwife, Jerrica, at Casco Bay Food and Beverage and they married in 2020. Jessica works in the accounting department, handling invoicing, receivables, and customer service issues.

The Morton family’s commitment to its customers, employees and communities has led to consistent growth and success. Since 2008, the company has gone from one location with three employees to five locations and 75 employees, and 75x revenue growth.

Dragonfly Farm & Winery has been in business since 2004, but it’s been in the last two years since Becky and Steve Crane purchased the business that the brand is becoming a household name. Since 2020, both sales and production have doubled, with over 100,000 bottles sold and over 30,000 gallons produced.

Dragonfly is anything but traditional. Their focus is on making fruit wines, including blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, raspberry and more. While some wine enthusiasts may not consider these serious wines, Dragonfly prides itself on making a delicious product without the alcohol burn. While the Cranes love being thought of as a small winery, they are in fact one of Maine’s largest, with their wines available in more than 400 stores across the state, as well as in their tasting room in Stetson.

Dragonfly is 100 percent owned and operated by family members. Becky and Steve’s daughter, Chelsea Pitts, and her husband, Douglass, live on the property where the tasting room and production facility are located and run the business day-to-day. Their other daughter, Megan Wei, her spouse, Ben, and their young son, Evan, live next door and work part-time at the winery. Steve and Becky’s parents frequently help in the tasting room as well. There are no job titles—everyone has to know how do to everything so they can keep things moving. Sometimes that means everyone is in the tasting room assisting customers; other times, they are all in the production building making wine. This fluid approach works for the family and for the business.

“The strength of our family comes out in our wine,” says Douglass. “We put a strong emphasis on quality and consistency. Before any wine gets put into a bottle each family member must taste it to ensure we all agree that it is perfect.”

Left to right: Niki and Ted Morton

Cranberry

Proud to Be Family-Owned since 1954

From

EXACT NATURE BOTANICALS—WELLS

single-minded commitment is even reflected in their company name, which is derived from the fifth of AA’s Twelve Steps, which states, “We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”

Exact Nature was borne out of a time when the toll of substance abuse on America is staggering: Drug overdose deaths have tripled since 1990, now topping 100,000 annually; one-in-eight adults is an alcoholic; and every day in America 130 people die from an opioid overdose, 30 from an alcohol-related car accident, and six from alcohol poisoning.

Exact Nature’s singular mission is to provide all-natural, CBD-based products to help recovering addicts and alcoholics face the exceptional challenges of sobriety – products specifically and proprietarily formulated for people who face the inexorable cravings and changes in mood and sleep patterns that come in sobriety.

Thomas White and his son Daniel, both in addiction recovery, founded EN in January 2021 from a conviction that CBD, when combined with other purpose-driven ingredients, can play an integral role in a person’s broad-based approach to getting sober. This

F3DEFENSE—SOUTH PORTLAND

1 ST GENERATION

Retired police officer and Navy veteran Michael Mercer was inspired by the story of a Maine mother whose minivan was surrounded by angry protesters leaving the family feeling helpless and vulnerable and invented the world’s only mobile pepper spray deployment system. This patented innovation is designed to give drivers a less than lethal option if attacked while in their motor vehicle. F3 Defense stands for Freedom From Fear.

F3Defense has grown from an idea drawn on a napkin at a local pizza place 18 months ago to a company with partnerships with

To be sure, addiction doesn’t discriminate – we come from every walk of life, which forms the bleak backdrop for EN’s mission. To help with this vital cause, EN enrolled family – Thomas’s sister, a RN with expertise on natural remedies, helps guide the formulas and his niece is the marketing director.

Less than two years later, EN’s Maine-based business has gone national with a customer base whose re-purchase rate is the envy of the industry.

EN is in this business because every sale feels personal, like someone is taking a tangible step towards getting help. Our motivation comes from the countless marriages, families, jobs, and lives we may be able to help save in the process.

Mace® Brand for sales in the civilian market and Guardian Protective Devices for the law enforcement and government markets. Recently, orders from San Francisco PD and others ignited the company’s growth, and with the launch of their newest product, the “Truck Stop™,” which provides protection for the trucking industry, they anticipate creating many jobs in Maine and abroad. Michael’s wife, Connie, left her career in banking and is now the company’s Director of Operations and Community Outreach. Michael’s son Conchobhar has transitioned to sales and is training with a large sales group. Michael is CEO and manages all operations. F3 Defense was named Innovator of the Year 2022 by the Manufacturers Association of Maine.

After suffering a career ending Traumatic Brain Injury, Michael sought ways to help other police officers and veterans who experienced similar injuries feel less alone. He started a podcast called Freedom From Fear that brings together veterans, police officers, mental health experts, and resources for PTSI, TBI, Suicide, mental, spiritual, and physical wellness.

F3Defense believes in giving back and a portion of each sale goes to the Travis Mills Foundation, a retreat for recalibrating veterans, and The Wounded Blue, an organization that seeks to improve the lives of injured and disabled law enforcement officers.

Founders Daniel and Thomas White

Conchobhar, Connie and Michael

to the craft of printing for 3 generations.

FRANKLIN PRINTING—FARMINGTON GENERATION

aspects of the company, including attending daily production meetings. Greg’s children, David and Jennifer, and Dick’s son, Michael, represent the third generation of Nemi’s managing aspects of the family business. They count their employees—including many who have been with Franklin 25 years or more—an extension of their family as well. “A family is a form of a team, which is how we operate,” said David, general manager. “The only pronoun in our organization is ‘we.’”

Franklin Printing’s roots are in the world of newspaper publishing. The company has evolved, now focusing on commercial printing specializing in offset, digital, wide format, direct mail and folding cartons; serving customers in Maine and throughout New England.

Franklin Printing was founded in 1969 by Joseph Nemi; today, Joe’s sons, Greg and Dick Nemi, own the company, with Greg serving as president and Dick as vice president. Both actively involved in all

HEBERT CONSTRUCTION—LEWISTON GENERATION

The company’s sales in 2020 nearly doubled over 2019, thanks in part to having two long-standing customers actively involved in COVID testing. Franklin used this opportunity to invest $3.5 million in new equipment. The investments better positioned them in current and new markets, by adding capabilities and improving efficiencies. They installed a new die cutter and folder/gluer for their folding carton segment, enhanced digital printing technology by adding white ink and the largest investment was a HP Inkjet Web press. The new web press being the first of its kind in Maine,! and the first press in New England using the latest HP ink technology. Combined these investments have positioned Franklin Printing to be one of the most technologically advanced printers in the Northeast.

Hebert Construction, founded in 1943 by Edward Hebert, has grown from a small residential carpentry company to one of northern New England’s leading construction contractors. They have offices in Lewiston and Portland and serve clients throughout central and southern Maine in commercial, corporate, healthcare, educational and housing.

The company emphasizes culture and quality of work over highspeed growth. Throughout Hebert’s 79-year history, they have been able to retain and offer consistent work, never having to implement seasonal or necessary layoffs. Because of this loyalty to those that

work at Hebert, along with their commitment to quality, Hebert employs people who want to make working at Hebert their career. Their average tenure of workers is 12 years, with a handful at 25+ years and one at 35 years!

Hebert focuses on growing at a sustainable pace to ensure both employee and customer satisfaction and to always maintain a high standard of quality. The last several years have proven that their focus on relationship building has generated significant organic growth through referrals and repeat business. Since 2014, revenue has increased over 80%. They continue to evaluate ways to be the most efficient and effective with their workforce and taking on projects based on the resources they have.

Tim and Mike Hebert are both third generation representatives active in the business today. In addition to being full time project managers, they serve as CEO and COO respectively. Tim oversees project backlog and allocation of office resources across active and future projects while Mike collaborates with the operations manager to ensure all field resources are efficiently allocated across active and future projects while balancing each project’s needs with one another. Simon Hebert and Mike Richard, CSO and site superintendent, respectively, represent the fourth generation of family leadership at Hebert.

Left to right: Michael, Timothy, and Simon Hebert

Front: David Nemi, Jennifer Johnson, Dick Nemi Back: Michael Nemi, Greg Nemi

HOLY CANNOLI—WATERVILLE

After 21 years together but with separate careers, January and Jason Furchak purchased Holy Cannoli in downtown Waterville in November 2019.The couple purchased Holy Cannoli to follow a dream of owning a small business together. They have two beautiful daughters, Jorja and Jenna.

The business had existed for eight years prior, but needed a bit of polishing. It came with great recipes and a staff of five employees in a tiny location. Immediately, January started working to build a Facebook following. Today, the business has a staff of 13 or so and a Facebook following of over 8,500! The couple love their local community and enjoy using it as a platform to give back. Even during a worldwide pandemic Holy Cannoli never closed (except for 2 hours to learn the rules). They’ve done “pay it forward” postit note boards, where customers could purchase food/drink, write a positive message on a post-it, then less fortunate members of the community could choose a post-it and present for a free meal.

Jason and January have built a relationship with the local homeless shelter and the new soup kitchen. Oftentimes donating left over or unused food to these two entities. They believe a rising tide floats all boats and continue to donate regularly to organizations and groups throughout the greater Waterville area. Recent accomplishments include winning “Best Bakery in Greater Waterville area” (3rd year in a row) as well as Best Catering in the Greater Waterville

area. In 2021, Holy Cannoli was voted “Small Business of the Year” award by the Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce. Continuing to serve family, friends, and great customers is an honor for the Furchak’s and their family. They look forward to a bright future and continuing to help those less fortunate.

KENNEBEC CABIN COMPANY, LLC—MANCHESTER

1 ST GENERATION

Kennebec Cabin Company was created in February of 2020 by Chase Morrill, sister Ashley Morrill and her husband Ryan Eldridge— the Maine Cabin Masters, whose popular reality show is currently filming its 8th season. The company emerged from Kennebec Property Services, founded by Chase and Ashley’s father, Eric.

The family has spent endless hours and financial resources creating a destination for fans and locals alike to enjoy and learn about

Maine. Over the past two and a half years and despite a global pandemic, Kennebec Cabin Company has grown into a flourishing retail store featuring Maine artisans and craftspeople and an e-commerce store which has seen unprecedented growth. The Woodshed, the trio’s bar, eatery and event venue, has become one of Central Maine’s most enjoyable hangouts and live music destinations, featuring Maine craft brews on draft, locally sourced sandwich offerings, a NEW food truck, outdoor bar and a newly renovated event and music venue which offers patrons live music four nights a week from June through October.

Kennebec Cabin Company gives back to the local community wherever they can, hosting Food Drives, and other fundraising opportunities for local non-profits. They created a summer event series, Rock the Dock, now in its second year, through which they hosted large fundraising events for organizations like the Harold Alfond Youth Center and the Dempsey Center.

Chase’s four children are involved in the business, including Maggie, his oldest daughter, who produces their “From the Woodshed” podcast and works in the retail store alongside her grandmother at least one day a week. Son Fletcher can often be found on the job site or at a special event, and any number of nieces/nephews help out from time to time. The Morrill’s come from a long line of creative craftspeople, some of whom create products for the store.

Chase Morrill (the Boss, Ashley’s Brother, Ryan’s Brother In Law), Ashley Morrill (Designer, Chase’s Sister, Ryan’s Wife) and Ryan Eldridge (The Voice of Reason, Chase’s Brother In Law, Ashley’s Husband)

Holy Cannoli team receives the Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award 2022

BerryDunn is proud to sponsor the Maine Family Business Awards. We’re even prouder to recognize this year’s winner of the BerryDunn Lifetime Achievement award, Frank O’Shea. He lives our mission of helping each client create, grow, and protect value.

Accounting. Consulting. Smart decision-making. Let’s think outside the books.

LAKEVIEW RESTAURANT & CAMPING RESORT—SAINT AGATHA

2ND GENERATION

Lakeview Restaurant & Camping Resort started in 1983 as a hamburger and hot dog diner in a two-car garage owned by Jennifer Daigle’s parents. In the nearly four decades since, the business has grown into a full-service restaurant and bar, open year-round; a seasonal campground has been added.

Jennifer and her husband, Jason, represent the second generation to run this family business. This close-knit family pitches in wherever needed to keep things running. Jennifer’s cousin is the HR and office manager; her nephew works in the kitchen. Jennifer and Jason’s daughter is now busing tables and washing dishes.

As a family restaurant, Jennifer and Jason are raising their own children within the walls of the same building in which Jennifer grew up. This allows the family to stay very close to their staff, enabling them to foster long term, close relationships.

The Daigle’s have made a number of improvements over the years. They have evolved from pen and paper order-taking to innovative technology. They have invested in a multi-part point of sale system that allows servers to communicate with the kitchen without leaving the floor, so they can provide the best possible service to their customers. The system also allows customers to place and pay for orders online, During the pandemic, this allowed customers to order, pay and select curbside pickup, if they felt uncomfortable

LEN LIBBY CANDIES – SCARBOROUGH

3RD GENERATION

Len Libby Candies is now the second oldest business in Scarborough, opened by its namesake in 1926 on Higgins Beach. In 1949, Dr. Fernand Hemond purchased the business, with Mr. Libby staying on to teach Dr. Hemond’s son, Fern, the art of candymaking. Young Fern bought the store from his father in 1956 and kept the Len Libby

coming in, which in turn kept customers coming back and the business working during a challenging time.

They have enlarged the restaurant dining area and made new updates that have modern flair while keeping to the traditions of Lakeview. “We are not sure what the future holds—all we know is that it will hold great things,” says Jennifer.

name to honor the man who had become known as the “Dean of Maine Candymakers.”

Fern’s daughter, Gisele DeGrinney, and her husband, John, now own and operate the company, having taken over in 2015 from Gisele’s mother, Maureen, who ran the business for 10 years after Fern died. (And she still works at the store 35 hours a week!) The store serves southern Maine as well as customers across the country, thanks to online orders through its website. Through aggressive marketing of the store and its mascot, Lenny, the life-sized chocolate moose, and through concerted efforts to expand the store’s inventory to include not only fine candy but also Maine gifts and souvenirs, the store has become a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Len Libby’s number of employees has consistently held steady at around 25 to 30 for the last several years, and many of its employees have been with the company for 25 years or more, underscoring its reputation as a great place to work, either as a first job or a lifelong career. Currently, there are six different generations of employees working at Len Libby, from 14-year-olds earning their first paychecks to semi-retired septua- and octogenarians. Len Libby works hard to find a place for everyone because, in keeping with its business approach and philosophy, “Everyone is family” – even the customers!

Aerial photo of Lakeview Restaurant in Saint Agatha, Maine

Left to right: Nicole Heisey, sister to Gisele DeGrinney (third from left); Maureen Hemond; co-owners Gisele and John DeGrinney; in the rear, Lenny, the chocolate moose.

At Machias Savings Bank, our goal each and every day is to help move Maine forward. That means we are committed to helping businesses of Maine succeed. We know that when Mainers are successful, we’re all better off. That’s why we work hard every day to provide the products, services, and solutions necessary to help make the hopes, goals, and dreams of Mainers a reality.

to the

Maine Family Business Award

LISA-MARIE’S MADE IN MAINE—BATH

GENERATION

Awarded 2021 Retailer of the Year by the Retail Association of Maine, Nominated Small Business Champion by National Retail Federation 2022 to represent Maine small Businesses in Washington DC., Winner of Best Gift Shop in Down East magazine – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019.

Lisa-Marie Stewart has been promoting Maine-made products since 1991, when she sold her work in a shop in Brunswick. She had a passion for Maine-made products, participating in craft shows for years and getting involved with the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen and United Maine Craftsmen. She opened her first brick and mortar shop on Front Street in Bath in 2003. Since then, she, her husband Andrew, and daughter Marie have grown Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine to two stores - in Bath and Portland’s Old Port – as well as an online store, all exclusively selling products crafted in Maine. The company has expanded from representing a dozen crafters out of their home to now supporting more than 400 Maine makers and small businesses and is always on the lookout for more.

Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine represents hard-working Mainers who create innovative, exciting, and unique products. Employees know the makers’ stories and share them with customers, allowing for personalization of the products they carry. The stores help the makers grow by sharing insights on what customers are looking for and providing space to try out new products. The online store gives these makers a

LOYAL BISCUIT CO.—ROCKLAND

GENERATION

Loyal Biscuit Co. is an independent, award-winning dog and cat supply boutique. They are a destination for the best in healthy, allnatural food and treats, as well as the best toys, collars, leashes, beds and accessories for dogs and cats.

Heidi and Joel Neal purchased Loyal Biscuit Co in 2010 and expanded the company from one location and one employee— Heidi—to six locations and 46 employees, including 12 added within the last 18 months alone. Sales have increased exponentially over the last 12 years.

Heidi runs the store and says her family’s own pets—including dogs Chuck, George, Piper and Kevin and cat Meredith—are the inspiration for deciding what products to carry. As their website notes, there isn’t anything in the store they wouldn’t give to their own pets. Joel has a full-time job of his own, but he pitches in wherever needed, and their 16-year-old niece is helping as well.

Loyal Biscuit Co. focuses on supporting the Maine animal community. They host multiple small events throughout the year, donating proceeds to animal-related organizations.

In addition, they host two major efforts. The Fenway Fund Grant Program—named for Heidi’s first dog, who died in 2021—provides grants to local shelters and rescue organizations across Maine. The company donates a percentage of its profits each quarter to fund the grants. Since the Fenway Fund started in 2019, they have provided over $71,500 in grants to fund a variety of projects and needs.

platform to sell to customers all across the United States. Lisa-Marie and Andy treat all employees—whether blood or not—as family.

The annual Holiday Fundraiser supports local shelters using moneyraising methods such as round up, donation boxes, online donations and more. Funds raised are used to purchase healthy pet food for local shelters. In 2021 alone, more than 12,000 pounds of food was purchased thanks to this program.

Co-owners Heidi & Joel Neal and their pug Kevin

Left to right- Marie Stewart Harmon, General Manager, Lisa-Marie Stewart and Andrew Stewart, Owners

The Holden family has been in the Maine lobster industry for three generations. Luke’s father, Jeff, was the first licensed lobster processor in Maine.

Luke’s Lobster is an innovator in the lobster industry. They have removed middlemen, allowing the company to work directly with fishermen on quality and sustainability innovations that bring more value back to the shore, such as bonusing additional dollars to wharves that handle their lobsters in manners that reduce

shrink. Luke’s is the first processor/dealer to be a member of a lobster fishermen’s co-op, which they helped to found in Tenants Harbor.

The family connections make Luke’s Lobster a better business, as Jeff hands down the knowledge and experience he has gained from a half century in the business to his sons Luke, Bryan, and Mike. He has instilled an appreciation for the coastal community, how it interacts with the environment, and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Certifying as a B Corp enshrined the company’s commitment to social and environmental good, contributing to the small family business mindset that helps Luke’s Lobster make responsible decisions that are good for their team and stakeholders.

From 2009 to 2022, Luke’s Lobster grew from a single restaurant location with a single employee to 20 restaurants across the U.S., 5 restaurants in Japan and, 2 in Singapore, a large seafood processing facility in Saco that supports those restaurants, a branded grocery seafood business distributed across the U.S. and to Singapore, and a robust online market with a diverse range of Maine seafood sold in all 50 states. Pivoting to build the online market during the pandemic helped Luke’s survive and provided yet another channel for growth. Before the pandemic, Luke’s Lobster peaked at 600 employees, 250 of whom were in Maine. Luke’s is rebuilding rapidly and is poised to restart growth to new domestic and international markets.

The Malone family’s legacy in Maine real estate began in 1960 with Ronald and Helen Malone. When sons Joe and Mark Malone began helping their parents maintain rental properties, they didn’t know that real estate would become a lifelong career.

Joe Malone later followed his passion for real estate development and investing and joined his parents in business. When Joe became President in 1984, the company was renamed Malone Commercial Brokers, (MCB) as the company focus turned to commercial real estate and investment services.

Mark Malone later made the switch from his career in banking and joined MCB in 1989. Brother-in-law Pete Harrington came on board as a broker two years later. In 2021, Joe’s son Luke joined the team. Today, MCB has 11 brokers with a combined 300+ years of experience, as well as a support staff of six.

For over 35 years, their team has helped bring new life to historic structures across the state by brokering sale and lease transactions that have transformed Portland into the vibrant city we see today, including placing Maine College of Art, UMaine, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s in their locations. In the past year alone, MCB has brokered many of the largest sales in the market, including 100 Foden Road Medical Campus, Jetport Mall, and the award-winning repurposed Firehouse Village in Scarborough.

The iconic red Malone “M” logo can now be seen on signs throughout Maine, a symbol of real estate excellence. MCB is proud and

honored to have a roster of long-term repeat clients and an amazing team that is like family. They will continue to hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity and expertise and they look forward to providing many more years of economic opportunity to clients in Maine and beyond.

Left to right: Mike, Luke, Banks, Poppy, Laisee, Jeff and Bryan Holden

Brothers & Owners, Joe and Mark Malone

When a restaurant space opened up in their hometown of Farmington, Mary Ellis Jamison and her mother, Jane, saw it as an opportunity to change their own lives and give something back to their community while doing something they loved. In January 2020, along with Mary’s daughter, the women opened Mary Jane’s Slice of Heaven, serving affordable artisan pizza and craft beer.

Of course, they could not have foreseen that just two months later, the pandemic would arrive and create incredible challenges for

restaurants and other businesses throughout Maine and across the country. While they sadly had to lay off their employees, the women put their combined 75 years of restaurant experience to work to stay afloat.

Mary notes that the main goal in opening the business was to provide the community a family-friendly place to relax, enjoy a meal and have fun. “There is no greater joy for me than to look out into my dining room and see folks smiling and having a good time.” In addition to offering delicious pizza and craft beer, they partner with other small local businesses to offer comedy shows, karaoke and other weekend entertainment. They support the community through a variety of events including fundraisers for the local animal shelter and Children’s Task Force.

A key to their success has been consistency, ensuring that customers enjoy the same quality on each and every visit. During the pandemic, when supplies were hard to obtain, they sometimes chose not to serve some items rather than substituting lesser quality ingredients.

While the past two years have been challenging, this family’s hard work and commitment have paid off. Sales increased significantly during the first half of 2022 over the same period in 2021 and they have been able to hire a part-time employee.

Fishing is a way of life for Rugged Seas founder Nikki Strout’s family. Her husband, Taylor, grew up lobstering in Portland with his father, and is now a commercial fisherman in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Protecting the oceans and ecosystems is very important to the family, and the fishing industry as a whole. The bibs and raingear fishermen wear are made out of PVC material, something that really never biodegrades. Through the collection of used bibs at 18 different drop sites throughout New England and Canada, they are preventing this material from being thrown into a landfill. To date, Rugged Seas has been able to recycle over 8,000 pounds of gear, transforming them into tote bags, clutches, backpacks and other wearables all made in Maine.

After launching their first products in 2019, Rugged Seas had a hard time keeping up with demand and needed to find a way to collect and recycle more bibs. The family developed a bib drop program on the east coast that now includes sites in Canada and Alaska. Boats that offload at the drop site donating the most gear each quarter are entered into a raffle—the winning boat’s crew is outfitted in all new bibs, provided by sponsor Guy Cotten, boots by sponsor XTRATUF, and Rugged Seas apparel. Everyone in the family has helped grow Rugged Seas, from helping to ship orders out of their garage during the holidays, to delivering to wholesale accounts and picking up bibs at drop site locations,

they have all worked to keep the business growing and spread their mission. Sales more than doubled from year one to year two, with the company on track to exceed $1 million in sales in 2022. The company donates 1% of proceeds to the Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association and the Maine Lobsterman’s Association.

Mary

Left

Taylor Strout, sons Cooper, Bode, Nikki Strout, and son

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Paul and Rocco Severino grew up spending their summers in Maine’s Lakes Region. Paul’s father, John Severino, owned the iconic Sportsman’s Grill in Portland over 20 years ago. When an opportunity arose in Sebago, a place the family had spent their summers nearly their entire lives, Paul and his son, Rocco, decided to reopen their own restaurant as an ode to the old Sportsman’s Grill in the spring of 2018.

Paul was looking to retire from a second career as an insurance representative and became aware of a run-down property that housed a shuttered restaurant and some small cottages. They became interested in acquiring the restaurant but only if the surrounding property came with it. After several months of negotiating they were able to acquire the property, and went to work renovating and putting together a solid business plan.

Their venture has been very successful. Sportsman’s Kitchen & Keg, and sister company, Sebago West Shore Cottages, is now the largest private employer in the town of Sebago! They have many loyal customers and renters who come by both land and lake to enjoy the amenities they offer, including their very popular Tiki Bar, which was born purely out of need for more outdoor seating during COVID and has since become a permanent fixture. SKK has brought back some classic menu items from the old Sportsman’s Grill such as chicken cutlets & brown gravy, eggplant parmesan and handmade meatballs, while also featuring a wide variety of food from burgers and pizzas to tacos and BBQ platters.

Five family members actively work at Sportsman’s Kitchen & Keg and Sebago West Shore Cottages. Paul and Rocco co-own the businesses together. Landyn and Alexis, Paul’s daughters, manage and run the front of the house and his wife, Melissa, is their decorator and cottage manager.

Since 1844, S. W. Collins Company mission has been to “…. offer excellent products and legendary service as we strive to be an active, positive influence in the communities in which we live and work.” From cutting tall Pines in the Northern Maine woods for ship masts and milling oats in the 1800’s, to being the general store selling mittens, tobacco, molasses, clapboards and framing lumber, to building homes to meet the housing demand after WWII, to the present day of retail building material and hardware, S.W. Collins Co. has evolved to meet the needs of the community. Under Sam Collins’ leadership the company has grown from one location on the banks of the Caribou stream to five retail locations, a millwork shop, a Kitchen and Bath Design Center and an Outdoor Sporting store all located in Aroostook County except for the new store built in Lincoln in 2015.

Investing in people, technology, material handling equipment, and drive thru lumberyard storage buildings sets the company apart from the competition. One of the silver linings of the pandemic has been Vice President Gregg Collins’ son Adam and Sam’s daughter Clara joining the management team earlier than planned and are actively engaged in managing and strategizing for the future. Change has been the constant in the company and as stewards of the company, the leaders are focused on building a sustainable model for the next generation. Change in how we invest in our Pioneers, (employees) was also brought on by the Pandemic. With

Zoom and Meetings, we can have all of our Pioneers participate in SWC University efficiently.

S.W. Collins is fortunate to have many talented people motivated by our values; Respect, Deliver, Together, Learn and Care. As coaches, church leaders, directors and board members, referees, clowns, and school volunteers, they contribute to our communities outside the walls of our stores.

Sportsman's Kitchen & Keg, open year-round in Sebago

Left to right: Sam and Clara Collins, Gregg and Adam Collins

THE ENDURANCE GROUP—PORTLAND

2ND GENERATION

Jim Sullivan founded The Endurance Group in 1999 as a family-owned, outsourced business development firm. In the beginning, The Endurance Group was essentially a call center because cold calling was what sales was back then. But as the Internet age took off, Jim Sullivan pivoted. He began to offer email services. Later, he added social media services and helped companies leverage platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

In 2018, Jim’s son, Conor, came on board. Together, they began to shift The Endurance Group’s mission and services. In addition to sales, they began to offer digital marketing services, including content development, SEO, and pay-per-click ads. Then, they worked together to develop their own proprietary software platform, Commonality, which identifies social connections between companies and their prospects. This shifted their focus from being a sales and marketing company to becoming a social capital company. In addition to helping firms improve their sales and marketing functions, The Endurance Group could now help other verticals such as non-profits identify new donors, franchise companies find new franchisees, and HR departments discover new hires. Today, their mission is to unlock opportunities by revealing and leveraging authentic relationships.

Jim is the CEO and President. Son Conor is next in the chain of command as Senior Vice President. Jim handles the vision of the company, while Conor focuses on the day-to-day operations. Their focus is on Maine, the U.S., and—due to their Irish citizenship—Ireland.

THE FAMILY DOG—ORONO

2ND GENERATION

Air Force veteran Sandra Wardwell and her son, Luke, are an unbeatable team in the warm and welcoming family business, The Family Dog, which they purchased in 2017. From their downtown Orono location, they are well positioned to serve the University of Maine campus and patrons throughout central and eastern Maine. As the name suggests, the business is dog-friendly, offering outdoor seating for customers who want to bring their beloved canine companions along.

Son Luke manages operations with his boots-on-the-ground daily presence, working side-by-side with staff to offer the community a friendly and delicious spot for relaxation, meetings and sustenance. Mom Sandy provides on-site working support to Luke and the entire team in numerous ways. Ensuring that their customers are thrilled with every experience at the restaurant is a priority, so the owner is in the store, so to speak, daily.

Recycling in every way possible is taught to all staff to minimize waste and provide best options for waste. They also maintain a beautiful grassy outdoor seating area without use of pesticides, in an effort to provide a safe environment for their two- and fourlegged customers. Fresh, local Maine foods are always their first choice as they stock their coolers, minimizing the distance ingredients must travel before reaching the customer’s plate.

The Family Dog happily participates in hosting many community activities, from Artsapalooza, Trunk or Treat, and such holiday celebrations that welcome patrons to join them in the arts and fun family activities. They also welcome numerous student groups,

teachers, and law enforcement members for meetings, meals, and special events. They generously support local schools and sports teams with monetary gifts, gift cards, and merchandise to help them meet their goals.

The Endurance Group team

Family Dog staff LOVE their jobs and making your day special!

The Lily Cat is Maine’s newest antique shop. Situated in Monson, Piscataquis County, it’s owned and operated by Johanna and Sean Billings, who purchased and revitalized a building and a business that had been closed for nearly 10 years.

Both Johanna and Sean have been collectors since they were kids. Johanna knows buttons, dollhouse miniatures, animal figurines and jewelry, while Sean’s expertise is in tools, tractor and farm implements, primitives, railroad and model railroad items. Together, they’ve established a store offering what they playfully dub “antiques, collectibles and useful old stuff for upta camp”.

The Lily Cat carries all sorts of old stuff, from housewares to vintage clothing, primitives to cast iron. Because of their strong following by people interested in arts, crafts and upcycling, they offer bag lots of vintage paper, linens and other inexpensive items for crafting, junk journaling and other artistic endeavors. They are also building a reputation for having the best selection of vintage and antique buttons in Maine.

The Lily Cat has given a new shopping option to local residents and visitors, serving customers who are permanent or part-time residents of the surrounding areas, tourists passing through, and Monson Arts workshop participants who come from all over the US. Because of their rural location, the Lily Cat provides an important service: selling many old but usable and practical items for which customers would otherwise have to drive an hour or more.

The Lily Cat has been an important part of bringing life back to Monson. Johanna handles publicity for Monson’s 200th birthday celebration on a volunteer basis and sells bicentennial merchandise without taking any cut. She also writes for Destination Moosehead and donates time and merchandise to other local causes. She and Sean participate in and support town events and use local labor for building needs.

Drives along the coast, seeing seafood shacks and food trailers everywhere, inspired Rusty Johnston, who had always dreamed of opening a restaurant but lacked the funds that would require. Rusty and his family spent a week traveling all over New England searching for just the right one. Ironically, they found their gem not far from home through a family friend, and The Rusty Crab was born.

Rusty, his wife and young children were the entire staff when the Rusty Crab opened on Route One in Mars Hill in fall of 2011. Over the next decade, they built a huge following with visitors from all over northern and eastern Maine and neighboring New Brunswick. Three hour waits for their delicious food were not uncommon.

Part of what keeps people coming back is the service, with the family always going the extra mile. Rusty’s daughter started “car hop” once for a woman who had a hard time getting out of her car and loved it so much she kept doing this for customers, “She brought car hop back to The County,” Rusty says. It’s also not uncommon for The Rusty Crab to stay open late if a customer calls right at closing time. “We’ve all been there.”

Rusty and family know how to persevere. They had secured funding to build a sit-down restaurant in 2021. Two weeks before the loan closing, their food trailer went up in flames due to an electri-

cal issue. Undaunted, they found a new trailer and were set up at the annual Potato Blossom Festival less than two weeks later. This past June, the brick and mortar location—Rusty’s dream—finally became a reality, with an expanded menu, bar and 21 new jobs in this small community, with big dreams for the future still on the horizon.

THE LILY CAT: NORTH WOODS ANTIQUES AND BUTTONS— MONSON— 1 ST GENERATION

HILL

Johanna S. Billings, left, and husband Sean, co-owners of The Lily Cat, hold the sign for the business when picking it up in the spring of 2021.

The

You Regatta provides decorated apparel and promotional products for everyone! Whether you are a club, team, non-profit, or business, we have the solutions to help you “make your mark.”

You Regatta was founded in 2007 as an event and operations company run by Carter White to support sailing regattas as far south as Florida. Carter ran all facets of these events, including maintaining websites, social media, registration, scoring, promotional products and award allocation.

Not always being able to find the right products for the events, Carter began purchasing production equipment, including embroidery machines and heat presses, to create what he needed. The company began to branch out and add highly desired sailing gear customized for individual teams and yacht club members.

In 2019, Carter’s wife, Molly, came on board as president of the company. The couple are competitive sailors, racing together and separately. Their complementary strengths and relationships in the sailing community work to give You Regatta its strong reputation. The company has continued to grow even during the pandemic, where they added decorated masks and buffs to their offerings, another member to the You Regatta Team and built more of an online presence. Over the past three years, they have increased to a staff of 5 and have grown revenues 300 percent. In 2022, they are on pace to continue their strong growth.

You Regatta now works with small to medium sized businesses, schools and organizations, providing custom uniforms, team gear, awards and promotional products. They pride themselves in being creative problem solvers, with the ability to deliver high quality products. No order is too big or too small, as they have the resources to create individualized or bulk orders that are competitively priced. Their core business is in Maine, and have customers throughout the east coast.

Left to Right: Carter White and Molly White representing You Regatta at the J24

Nationals in Vermont 2021

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Join us for one or all of our upcoming open programs for 2022! Free for members and a nominal fee for future members i.e., non-members. Learn from our experts, including our family-owned businesses, network and experience the magic of the IFOB!

Thursday, October 20th, 2022 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

In-Person & Zoom – Continental Breakfast BerryDunn, 2211 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04102

IFOB Members, In-person and Virtual: Free; Future Members, In-person: $35, Virtual: $15

Join John Gugliada, Family Enterprise USA’s (FEUSA) Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development, who will set the stage as he shares important insights collected from the organization’s annual Family Business survey and meetings with members of Congress including their top tax concerns, succession data, and significant family business challenges. Family businesses will learn how important they are to the economy and how to advise Congress of their importance; the current tax laws and proposals that will change their businesses.

From this theme of protecting a lifetime of savings, we’ll then discuss breaking down the “bricks & mortar” of owning, managing, selling and/or transferring real estate and property portfolios when owned by the family business. We’ll hear from Spinnaker Trust and their commercial real estate investment group, the Boulos Company, a local commercial real estate brokerage and family-owned business, Renys who owns multiple retail locations throughout the state, and Hardypond Construction, a local family-owned construction company.

Speakers/ Moderators: John Gugliada, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development, Family Enterprise USA (FEUSA), J. Casey McCormack, Vice President, Associate Director of Real Estate, Spinnaker Trust

Family Business Panelists: John Finegan, Associate Broker, The Boulos Company Adam Reny, Co-Owner, Renys

Deirdre Wadsworth, President, Hardypond Construction

Sponsored by: Spinnaker Trust, The Boulos Company, Maine HR Convention and Mainebiz

Next Gen Multi-Generational Panel, Open Recruitment Program

Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. In-Person & Zoom

BerryDunn, 2211 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04102

IFOB Members, In-person and Virtual: Free; Future Members, In-person: $35, Virtual: $15

Join us for our annual Next Gen celebration / recruitment program with our existing groups and have the opportunity for future members to make new connections, and learn about the

Next Gen Affinity Groups. We’ll discuss how they have helped members run their family-owned business. We’ll hear from family business leaders of companies spanning a 1st generation business through to a 6th generation business. They will provide insight to the challenges of each stage of their business and share critical success factors. Learn from those who have done it!

This program will be facilitated by Anne Hussey of Quad Group, also a 6th generation owner of Hussey Seating Company. Attendees will have a better understanding of the common characteristics of a business in each of the 6 generations. They will also learn more about the best practices for business continuity and how to successfully navigate the challenges of each phase. Come with your thoughts and we’ll have plenty of time to connect, network and to learn! And, learn more about joining these groups for 2023!

Family Business Panelists:

First Generation: Chris Lynch, Founder & President, Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

Second Generation: Andy Lynch, Treasurer, Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

Third Generation: Tim Hebert, Owner & Managing Member, Hebert Construction LLC

Fourth Generation: Simon Hebert, Project Manager & Estimator, Hebert Construction LLC

Fifth Generation: Sam Collins, Owner, S.W. Collins Company Sixth Generation: Clara Collins, Operations Manager, S.W. Collins Company

Sponsored By: Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare and Masthead Maine

Fun & Function Program: Equality 2.0 – Has Covid-19 Balanced the Gender Scales?

Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. In-Person & Zoom Bernstein Shur, 100 Middle Street, Portland, ME 04104

IFOB Members, In-person and Virtual: Free; Future Members, In-person: $35, Virtual: $15

After a successful program in 2020, we’ve decided to bring this topic back and are adding a male voice to continue the discussion. Has the pandemic spurred gains in gender equality, equal pay, and family orientated work practices? Or has it set us back? We’ll discuss what’s changed, progressed, or if we’ve taken steps back in our chase for equality in the workplace. We’ll also share some light snacks and beverages.

Moderator: Colleen McCracken, Principal, CLMC, LLC Strategic Business Advisors

“How To’s”: Protecting a Lifetime of Savings; What Washington Needs to Know & Benefits of Businesses Owning their own Real Estate

Panelists:

Joan Fortin, CEO, Bernstein Shur Sarah Halpin, Partner, Back Cove Financial Erin Clymer Lessard, Owner, Lessard Consulting Dayton Benway, Managing Principal, Baker Newman Noyes

Sponsored by: Baker Newman Noyes and Mainebiz

Navigating the Remote World: Recruitment and Retention in a Remote and Live World

Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Zoom | IFOB Members: Free; Future Members: $15

It’s no secret that staffing and retention is an ongoing issue for employers. During this remote program attendees will be guided over three areas of focus: what to do before you put an ad out, the interview itself and tips on making the introductory period a success for long term retention!

We will discuss ways to create policies and practices that help you retain top performers without creating risks of discrimination suits. The speakers will share their tips on employee engagement, the evolution of customer service and how it’s changing employee behavior, along with the perks of being the “empathetic employer”. Learn how they help to recruit and retain workers and hear from a family-owned business on their challenges and successes!

Speakers: Tawny Alvarez, Partner, Verrill and Mari O’Neil, Workforce Development Specialist, Retail Association of Maine

Family Business Panelist: Danielle R. Hansen, JD, Chief Executive Officer, P&A Bookkeeping and Business Services

Sponsored By: Masthead Maine

Navigating the Remote World: New Ways of Marketing your Business in 2023

Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Zoom

IFOB Members: Free; Future Members: $15

Is traditional marketing not showing the same results as it used to? Are you ready to look at new ideas but skeptical that online marketing is the right fit for you? We understand the skepticism when you have been doing marketing the same way for many years and we look to show you how online marketing through a new website can coexist and add emphasis to your existing marketing plans. We’ll also discuss generational differences in the approach to online marketing and traditional marketing.

Speaker: Jess Fowler, Owner, OSC Web Design

Family Business Panelist: Marie Stewart Harmon, Owner, Lisa Marie’s Made in Maine

Sponsored By: OSC Web Design and Masthead Maine

IFOB Discovery Session

Wednesday, December 7, 2022 | 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.| Zoom

IFOB Members: Free; Future Members: Free

Learn about the power of family-owned businesses during this live, uplifting virtual presentation. It touches on our work as well as vision for how we can continue to grow our strong economy across Maine. Attendees are invited to share their ideas a day or two after the presentation in a private, 10-minute phone call. Everyone is welcome to attend, and you will not be asked to donate.

“How-To”: Meaningful Giving as a Family Business: Panel Discussion with Prominent Business Leaders

Thursday, December 15th, 2022 | 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

In-Person & Zoom – Continental Breakfast BerryDunn, 2211 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04102 IFOB Members, In-person and Virtual: Free; Future Members, In-person: $35, Virtual: $15

This session will feature examples of how family businesses in Maine developed their charitable giving strategies. Participants will learn how different families approached their planning process and take away several ideas to inform their own planning. Many family businesses are generous with charitable giving and deeply involved in their communities. How families in business respond to the opportunity to make a lasting impact and create a legacy is as unique as the family itself. Join us to hear how three different families approached their planning, developed their giving portfolios, and learned and grew along with their community partners.

Speakers: Randi Hogan, CAP®, President, Hogan Philanthropy Consulting, LLC and Cynthia J. McDonald, CTFA, National Director of Philanthropy, Senior Vice President, KeyBank

Family Business Panelists: Adam Lee, Chairman of the Board, Lee Auto Malls Dottie Chalmers Cutter, Owner & VP of Operations, Chalmers Insurance Group

Joe Capozza III, President, Capozza Floor Covering Center and Old Port Specialty Tile Co.

Sponsored By: KeyBank and Mainebiz

Mingle and Jingle in January

Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. In-Person | The Woodlands Club, 39 Woods Road, Falmouth, ME 04105 | IFOB Members: Free; Future Members: $35

Join the Board of Directors, Advisory Board and Catherine Wygant Fossett, the Executive Director, for an evening of appreciation for your support and commitment to the IFOB. We’ll mingle and jingle with delicious hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a cash bar.

Sponsored by our Founding Sponsors: Verrill, BerryDunn, MEMIC, TD Bank, Clark Insurance, A Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, and Richard Brothers Financial Advisors

Lee Auto Malls is proud to

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From one family business to another, congratulations to all the Award Finalists and the Institute for Family-Owned Business!

Family owned and operated since 1936.

2022 CIRCLE of FRIENDS SPONSORS

Finalists! Maine Family Business Awards

ENGAGED. EMPOWERED.

Established in

in

is a nine-year

of the ‘Best

Proud to deliver even more for our communities

Dead River Company is proud to support the local communities where we live and work, and we thank you for trusting us to be there when you need us.

Dead River Company congratulates all the semifinalists, finalists and winners of the Maine Family Business Awards and recognizes that through your leadership communities are being strengthened.

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TO FINALISTS AND WINNERS OF THE MAINE FAMILY

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The Maine Family Business Awards thanks these fine people and businesses who have contributed their time and energy to make tonight a success.

Maddy Corson

Amanda Hill

Anthony Simmons

Paula Mahony

Shae-Li Fendler

Dottie Chalmers Cutter

Lindsay Skilling

Joe Capozza III

Jacques Santucci

Deirdre Wadsworth

Dave Ciullo

Reuben Bell

Colleen McCracken

Anne Hussey

Betty Olson

Chris Wasileski

Peter Horch Amy Volk

Lynch

Vickery Charlie Zachau Keith Citrine

Daniel Willis

Rhonda Wanser

Angie Helton

LeAnna Grosso Brooke Stewart

Andrea Parker Michaud

Appel White

Diane Madruga Roxana Brezeanu

Denise D’Amboise

Mark Look

Rick Rose

Theresa Cloutier

Jeff Trent

PROGRAM Editorial: Angie Helton, Catherine Wygant Fossett & Brooke Stewart

Design: LeAnna Grosso Printing: DMM, Inc.

Coordination: Brooke Stewart and Andrea Parker Michaud

partnership with the IFOB and Colby College in honor of outstanding IFOB leader, Timothy B. Hussey.

to these Colby students who have learned from these family-owned businesses in their summer internships in Maine.

Laughlin

Jimenez-Medrano