24 TH ANNUAL MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024
5:30 – 8:30 PM
THOMPSON’S POINT, BRICK SOUTH, RESURGAM PL, PORTLAND, ME & VIRTUAL
FOUNDING SPONSORS
We are grateful and continually blessed by these stellar businesses who contribute their time, energy, professional expertise and resources to the enhancement of family enterprises year-after-year. The Institute’s Founding Sponsors have made a long-term commitment to support the work of the Institute. They have helped to shape the Institute for over 30 years and we are fortunate for their ongoing support and guidance as we forge ahead!
ELITE SPONSORS
Elite Partners commit to the Institute through a sponsorship of an affinity group or program series. Exclusivity is guaranteed at the top level. Elite Partners are instrumental in the overall success of programming due to their commitment of resources and professional expertise. Elite Partners make an annual commitment to the Institute. We are grateful for the support of our Elite Partners!
Wine & 9 Series, Golf Scramble & Working
Parents Affinity Group
Next Generation Affinity Groups & Family Business
Spotlights: Business After Hours Series
Golf Scramble Hole Sponsor
How-To-Educational Series
WELCOME MESSAGE
Welcome to the 24th Maine Family Business Awards
We are thrilled to have you join us tonight as we honor an impressive group of large and small companies from Maine. This year’s gala also pays tribute to the Institute’s 30th anniversary and to Maddy Corson, a steadfast champion of the IFOB and the driving force behind the awards, which started over two decades ago. Maddy was one of the most generous philanthropists and civic leaders in Maine. She always had a bright smile and a warm hug for everyone who was blessed to meet her. She died earlier this year, and we know she is watching us from above and sending us her continued love.
We received over 500 nominations this year, from which 33 semifinalists and 25 finalists were selected. We are grateful to our talented team of judges who undertook the difficult work of narrowing this amazing field to the seven winners we celebrate tonight. Our theme for tonight’s event, “Survive and Thrive,” pays homage to those who started the IFOB 30 years ago. It also honors the small business owners who continue to forge ahead creating new businesses and stewarding ones that have been passed from generation to generation.
We continue to grow and be inspired by all of our family businesses and by the associate partners who support them. We couldn’t achieve our mission of helping family businesses succeed without the continued love and support of all in our IFOB family!
We offer special thanks to our Founding Sponsors, Elite Partners, program sponsors, Maine Family Business Award sponsors, members, and volunteers who make our work possible. We are grateful to all of you joining us to celebrate the accomplishments of these exceptional companies.
Thank you!
MFBA SPONSORS
HERE’S WHAT’S AHEAD THIS EVENING
Joe Capozza, III — President, Capozza Floor Covering Center
IFOB Board Chair, MFBA Sponsor and Elite Partner
Catherine Wygant Fossett, Executive Director Institute for Family-Owned Business
Deirdre Wadsworth – President, Hardypond Construction IFOB Board Vice Chair
Amanda Hill, Weeknight Anchor
NEWS CENTER Maine
ONLINE EMCEE
Paula Mahony, IFOB Board Member Founder, Words@Work
HOST GUEST SPEAKERS
Robert “Bob” Crowley & Page Atherton Winner of Survivor, 17th Season (Bob) and Owners, Maine Forest Yurts
Amanda Hill is a reporter and anchor for NEWS CENTER Maine. The award-winning 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 family sell and buy their dream homes. She enjoys coffee, craft beer, dogs, and Vacationland.
Ask your independent agent for a MEMIC proposal.
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 payas-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 $351 million in capital contributions and dividends—money that goes back in the Maine economy, right where it belongs.
GUEST SPEAKERS
OUR GUEST SPEAKERS TONIGHT ARE
Robert “Bob” Crowley & Page Atherton Winner of Survivor, 17th Season (Bob) and Owners, Maine Forest Yurts
Bob Crowley and his daughter Page Atherton are co-owners of Maine Forest Yurts on Runaround Pond in Durham, Maine. Maine Forest Yurts offers individuals, couples, families and groups an eco-friendly, camping experience where guests can connect with nature in the Maine outdoors. From kayaking, canoeing and hiking in the summer months to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, Maine Forest Yurts provides a comfortable place to enjoy the outdoors of Maine.
In 2008, Bob was selected to compete on the reality TV show Survivor: Gabon and 39 days later he was voted the oldest winner in the show’s history. Bob retired from high school physics after teaching for 25 years and moved with his family to a farm in Durham. His family wanted to share their love for the outdoors and hosting people and Maine Forest Yurts welcomed the first guests in the winter of 2013.
Page runs the day-to-day operations of the business. She previously worked in various hospitality roles on private yachts and in the restaurant industry which prepared her to be successful at Maine Forest Yurts. Providing guests with a comfortable stay and making each guest feel taken care of is what Page takes most pride in.
OUR 2024 GALA SPONSORS
PRESENTING
30 TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS
TABLE SPONSORS
Baker Newman Noyes
Better Business Bureau
Clark Insurance a Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC Company
Verrill
TD Bank
R.J. Grondin & Sons
Waltz & Sons, Inc.
EOS Worldwide with Laura McDowell
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
IRC Industrial Roofing Company
Messer Truck and Van
Northeast Bank
Hancock Lumber
Kennebec Savings Bank
IFOB BOARD & STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joe Capozza, III, Chair, Capozza Floor Covering Center, Elite Partner
Dottie Chalmers Cutter, Past Chair, Chalmers Insurance Group
Deirdre Wadsworth, Vice Chair, Hardypond Construction
Jacques Santucci, Treasurer, Opus Consulting
Jeffrey Messer, Secretary, Messer Truck and Van
David R. Ciullo, HR Liaison, Career Management Associates (CMA)
Mike Anderson, Malone Commercial Brokers
Gary Bergeron, The Breakwater Group at Morgan Stanley, Elite Partner
Joshua Ellis, Clark Insurance A Marsh & McLennan Agency Co., Founding Sponsor
Shae-Li Fendler, MEMIC, Founding Sponsor
Laura Linscott, Richard Brothers Financial Advisors, Founding Sponsor
Christopher Lynch, Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
Paula Mahony, Words@Work, Inc.
Shauna Miller, TD Bank, Founding Sponsor
Katie Rooks, M&T Bank
Christopher R. Smith, Verrill, Founding Sponsor
Lydia Swann, Steamboat Road Consulting
Linda Varrell, Broadreach Public Relations
Christopher Wasileski, Sea Coast Management Co.
Seth Webber, BerryDunn, Founding Sponsor
IFOB STAFF
Catherine Wygant Fossett, Executive Director
Brooke Stewart, Director of Communications
Contact: (207) 798-2667 | info@fambusiness.org
ADVISORY BOARD
John Beauregard, Beauregard Equipment
Theresa Cloutier, DMM, Inc. (Retired)
Janet Cole Cross, Cole Cross Connections, LLC
Maureen Costello Wedge, Quad Group (Retired)
Thomas Hussey, Hussey Seating Company
John Isaacson, Lee Auto Malls
Colleen L. McCracken, CLMC Business Advisors
Francis J. O’Shea, Hunts Point Advisors
Lindsay Skilling, Gifford’s Ice Cream
2024 JUDGES PANEL
We extend our thanks to our talented panel of judges who have taken on the tough job of selecting the 2024 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
Joe Capozza, III — President, Capozza Floor Covering Center
IFOB Board Chair, MFBA Sponsor and Elite Partner, 2017 Renys Large Business Award Winner, past judge
Joe is President and part of the 3rd generation now managing Capozza Floor Covering Center. He also oversees the operations of its Commercial Projects Division. Joe graduated in 2005 from Bryant University with a BS in Business Administration. From 2006-2009, he worked for Bentley Prince Street, a Commercial Carpet Manufacturer, as a Sales Representative in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. In 2009, he joined the family business as a Commercial Project Estimator & Project Manager, he was named Vice President in 2014 and President in 2022.
RETURNING JUDGES
Shae-Li Fendler — Manager / Underwriting Analyst, MEMIC
IFOB Board Member, MFBA Presenting Sponsor & Founding 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. Shae-Li has earned her Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Workers’ Compensation Professional designations. She is currently continuing her education by pursing her master’s degree in business administration from Husson University. Shae-Li was a Maine Insurance Agents Association (MIAA) Young Agents Committee Member for four years. She volunteers for United Way and Partners for World Health.
Jennifer Johnson — Sales Manager, Franklin Printing
2022 M&T Bank Innovation & Technology Award Winner
Jen is a 3rd generation member of Franklin Printing located in Farmington where she manages the sales team and marketing. For over 50 years the company has been an innovator in the print industry. They employ more than 50 people and process over 5,000 orders each year. Jen graduated from Endicott College with a degree in Marketing. She and her husband Drew and son Henry live in Cumberland.
Charlie Zachau — Superintendent, 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 started working summers in 2012, and is currently working as a Superintendent with a team managing the renovation of the L.L.Bean Flagship Store in Freeport. He is a third-generation family member involved in the business.
NEW JUDGES
Emily Machesney — Human Resources Manager, Pratt Abbott Garment Care, 2023 Renys Large Business Award Winner
Emily is a 3rd generation family member at Pratt Abbott Garment Care where she oversees recruitment, training, development, and company culture. She has participated in the IFOB’s Next Generation Peer Advisory groups since 2016 and believes family businesses are key to Maine’s economic future. Emily is an alumna of Cheverus High School and Emory University and holds a SHRM-CP designation.
Deirdre Wadsworth – President, Hardypond Construction
IFOB Board Vice Chair, 2018 Maddy Corson Small Business Award Winner, past judge
Deirdre began learning the construction trade in third grade when her father, founded Hardypond Construction. In 2006, after graduating with a BA in Economics from the University of Denver and completing a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA, Deirdre began working at Hardypond full-time. Deirdre took over as President in 2015. In addition, Deirdre has an MBA with a focus on Sustainability from Green Mountain College and is a LEED Accredited Professional. In her spare time, Deirdre volunteers on boards for several nonprofit organizations, is an avid skier and triathlete, and enjoys spending time with her family.
CHECK OUT OUR PAST WINNERS HERE
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The Renys Large Business Award, won by Pratt Abbott Garment Care in 2023, 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 family-owned, and community service.
The Maddy Corson Small Business Award presented by Volk Packaging Corporation recognizes an exceptional company that embodies the ideals associated with its namesake, who continually inspired, supported and connected individuals, organizations and businesses throughout Portland and beyond. Brodis Blueberries received the Maddy Corson Small Business Award in 2023.
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. Gorham Sand & Gravel received the Shep Lee Community Service Award in 2023.
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 customers receive service and deliver; accessibility to customers and effectiveness in handling customer complaints; systems that reduce costs; and compassion and caring. The Cote Corporation received the Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award in 2023.
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 2023, Hancock Lumber received this award.
Horch Roofing 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 categories above. Maine Med Cleaning Services received this award in 2023.
Geiger Environmental Leadership Award honors a company that demonstrates exceptional efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, demonstrates environmental stewardship, engages others in conservation efforts, and champions sustainability. Mahoosuc Guide Service received this award in 2023.
Advocating for Generationally-owned Family Businesses and Their Lifetime of Savings
We focus on burdensome income taxes, excessive regulation, and lowering or eliminating the estate tax. Family Enterprise USA helped in the formation of the bipartisan Congressional Family Business Caucus to raise awareness among our legislators. Join us. Make our voice stronger.
CONTACT: John Gugliada jgugliada@family-enterpriseusa.com P: (202) 738-4916 Family Enterprise USA is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Bouchard Family Farm - Fort Kent
6th Generation
Buckwheat Farmer/Manufacturer of Ploye Mix and Buckwheat Flour/Cattle farmer
Cayer Security Services, Inc. – Clinton 1st Generation
Security Solutions (products & services) for Financial, Commercial, and Residential customers. We specialize in Financial security (for Maine Banks & Credit Unions).
Centerpoint Martial Arts – Falmouth
1st Generation
Martial Arts Classes, Camps & After-School
[But the success itself is worth celebrating!]
One thing we’ve learned over 38 years of helping Maine businesses (a number of them family-owned!) achieve their goals is that successes are worth celebrating.
So tonight we congratulate all of the companies that participated in this year’s Maine Family Business Awards. We applaud your many achievements.
Coastal Auto Parts – Ellsworth 2nd Generation
We own 30 NAPA Auto Part Stores in Maine
Dok Mali Thai Kitchen – Portland 1st Generation
Inspired by the culture and flavors of the villages of Thailand, Dok Mali promises a spectacular menu steeped in family heritage.
Dube’s Flower Shop, Inc – Lewiston 1st Generation
Fine Floral Arrangements & Gift Shop
Fishermen’s Net – Brunswick
2nd Generation
Graffam Bros. Seafood – Rockport 4th Generation
Heads of the Harbor - Boothbay Harbor 4th Generation
Seafood Dishes & Vietnamese Cuisine
Maine Seafood Market & Shack
Salon & Spa Services
Hussey Seating - North Berwick
8th Generation
Spectator Seating & Telescopic Platforms
Indigo Arts Alliance – Portland
1st Generation
Non-Profit Artists Incubator
Janell Bags, Inc. – Newport
1st Generation
Handcrafted Leather Bags
Main Line Fence – Cumberland 3rd Generation
Mathews Brothers Company – Belfast 3rd Generation McDougal Orchards – Springvale 8th Generation
We offer quality products, expert design, installation and repair, for all your fencing-related needs - Residential, Commercial or Industrial and Highway. Fence Installation & Retails Sales
Vinyl Windows & Door Manufacturing
U-Pick High Quality Apples & Tree Fruit
NAHGA Claim Services – Bridgton
2nd Generation
Third-Party Claims Administrator for Secondary Accident Insurance
Pieceworks, Inc. – Montville
1st Generation
Provides subcontracted packaging, manufacturing and fulfillment services to manufacturers.
R.J.Grondin & Sons – Gorham
4th Generation
A heavy civil contractor specializing in highway work, commercial site work, underground utilities and aggregate production & sale.
Radius Pipe Solutions – Portland
1st Generation
Pex flexible insulated pipe used in the transportation of high heat, high pressure water, as an effective, efficient and sustainable alternative to metal and steel competitive products.
Shed Happens, Inc. – Saco
3rd Generation
Manufacturing and retail sales of wood and vinyl storage sheds.
SoulBeing – Scarborough
1st Generation
Digital marketplace of Complementary and Alternative Medicine providers offered as a healthcare benefit.
The Craignair Inn by the Sea - Spruce Head
1st Generation
Bed and Breakfast and Restaurant providing a peaceful retreat on the edge of MidCoast Maine.
Waltz & Sons, Inc. – Buxton 2nd Generation
Propane - Residential Sales, Installation, Delivery & Service
Wood Pellet Warehouse – Jay 2nd Generation
Wood Pellet Delivery
Young’s Lobster Pound – Belfast
4th Generation
Lobster pound and seafood restaurant with online ordering options that ship overnight to anywhere around the world.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 25 MFBA FINALISTS AND WATCH THEIR VIDEOS BY SCANNING THE QR CODE BELOW.
ENTER TO WIN!
Go to www.fambusiness.org or scan the QR code below to take our event survey!
Be entered into a chance to win a 2 night stay at Maine Forest Yurts courtesy of the Crowley family.
Thank you for your feedback!
IFOB IMPACT
We are a nonprofit that promotes, supports, and champions the success of family-owned businesses —the backbone of our economy—with over 50 programs in education, networking, and other services. Learn more about the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB) at www.fambusiness.org.
Our Membership Make-up Industries
MAKE-UP INDUSTRIES
Accountant
Advertising, PR & Marketing
Advocacy & Education
Agriculture
Agritourism
Amusement Park
Architecture
Arts & Entertainment
Attorney
Auto
Bank / Financial Services / Wealth Management
Breweries & Caterers
Cleaning
Coaching & Consulting
Construction / Heavy Equipment
Distributor
Energy Solutions
Event Planning & Design
Financial Services,Wealth Management
Healthcare
Hospitality & Tourism
Human Resources Management
Hypnotherapy
Insurance
Landscaping/ Property Service
Manufacturer
Marketing
Media
Moving
Outdoor Guide
Photography
Printing
Real Estate
Restaurants
Retail
Flooring Florist
Senior Care
Technology
Partnering for Better
Harvard Pilgrim proudly supports the 2024 Maine Family Business Awards. Offering best-in-class service, a dedicated support team and an unwaivering commitment to improving the health and wellness of the communities we serve. Together, we can make a difference. harvardpilgrim.org
IFOB UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Navigating the Minefield of Competing Visions: Identifying and Cultivating Next-Gen Leaders to Steer Your Family Business into the Future
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM | In-person (BerryDunn, Portland) & Zoom
Speakers: Chris Yonker, CFBA, Certified Family Business Advisor and Sara Belletete, VP of Branch Development, Belletetes, Inc.
Join Chris and Sara, a successor of her family’s 125-year-old New England business, for a revealing conversation on the real challenges facing family businesses today—beyond just continuity and succession.
“How-To”: Trails, Tribulations and Learnings of Selling Your Privately Held Business
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 8:00 – 10:00 AM | In-person (BerryDunn, Portland) & Zoom
Speakers: Randall Richard, President, Richard Brothers Financial Advisors; Bob Grondin, retired President, R.J. Grondin & Sons; Robert Vickerson, Vice President, Sports Fields, Inc., and Fran Toolan, past Founder / CEO, Firebrand Technologies
Come join us for an informative discussion where you will hear directly from past and present business owners who successfully transitioned their privately held businesses, sharing their experiences in the transition process.
IFOB Annual Holiday Party
Tuesday, January 22, 2025 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM | The Woodlands Club, Falmouth
A fun and festive evening to celebrate the IFOB and the new year ahead. Come out to network and mingle with the IFOB board, staff and members!
Golf Scramble
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | Nonesuch River Golf Club, Scarborough
Annual 9 & 18-hole Golf Scramble tournament open to members and non-members of the IFOB with contests, prizes and a BBQ lunch!
OUR 2024 WINNERS
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
(In Loving Memory)
Amanda Hill
Bob Crowley
Peggy Crowley
Page Atherton
Paula Mahony
Shae-Li Fendler
Joe Capozza III
Jacques Santucci
Deirdre Wadsworth
Jennifer Johnson
Keith Citrine
Daniel Willis
Rhonda Wanser
Alyssa Giacobbe
Brooke Stewart
Meg Scott
Judith Appel White
Roxana Brezeanu
David Nemi
PROGRAM
Editorial: Catherine Wygant Fossett & Brooke Stewart
Design: Christina Engle, Burgess Advertising
Printing: Franklin Printing
Coordination: Brooke Stewart
