2 0 1 8
In partnership with MEMIC
Thank you to our Maine Family Business Awards Sponsors
1
rs f Directo Board o Chair ciates (CMA) , o ll iu .C sso David RManagement A ir Career ice Cha V , g n li Skil Lindsay’s Ice Cream surer Gifford ea, Trea J. O’Sh Francis unn r BerryD g Sponsor Directo t, Exec. Foundin nt Fosseted Business a g y W e wn Catherin for Family-O Institute n o rt Ba LLC Stephenand Associates, diverse Barton ent the s et re rd p a g re at eaure ar, we s Justin Bint Financial small th This ye d . n o te P a e ta s e lu s a B d ur larg ing d Cater selecte Bell cross o panies Reuben phant Events an sses a 9 were or com e 3 n o in dges h le h s E ic u e e h f b lu B mily am o ju , of w ight w d n fa te e o l d man iv a w e n te o c o n B ti le s re Kevin Constuctors f excep ination e seven te our ta Bowman array o ld to th pprecia 86 nom e a 1 fi elio ner e h m e a it W iv C w . s is a win pres cord Patricia United Bank alists n re re im fi e w h is s e ’s a d th n le p g a r 24 nte Peo g Cente ts and narrowin represe ozza Coverin i-finalis siness task of Joe Capa Tile & Floor m u g e b n s y ti r n e zz u v a Capo night. E d the d g and ote roup who ha honor to gthenin Steve C s Insurance G e n w e s tr r s er e , inn e to be Chalm ting award w we striv suppor , panies e avis to m D o in d e C a g ik te n M it nd ut M yes! al Roofi n comm utives a rougho Industri in our e ceau s anizatio rs, exec sses th rg e e e Duran o n in in par tner w s n er o u a th te b Ca As socia siness wned s u -o a b y , il y s r il re MEMICg Sponsor m e a b r fam ering fa nts who Foundin ur mem urce fo h empow ar ticipa put of o p in a A. Iris than ive reso w s d e re n n n o e a Melind ewman Noyes h ts—m n elcome uppor t e s compre w v e a e Baker Nrtner d n th d a an w ith Elite Pa ees. W e to gro tunities ahony employ l oppor continu a e n n w o , ti Paula M Work, Inc. s a r spiratio educ onso Words@ n & Per grams, and sp o ti r ro ! a le p e ir il r n p M u s lo r Shauna k g in o t year a eme, “In d in ou engagin TD Ban g Sponsor the pas ming th reflecte in m e ra le in , b d g p l n o il ro ou h e F p otlig ts ss,” w 8 our p 1,000 w ess Sp Busine in ut 201 y s o il for our u Jeff Sha surance h m B s g a u for F Thro tunitie Family r ’s , Clark In g Sponsor o o s p T p p u w o o H Gro ide Foundin gies & Smith Affinity ar prov urces. pher R. – Strate t the ye gs. Our u n o ri Christo ana, LLP h e re reso g ff a u o h l s ro a d th n n o s a Verrill Dg Sponsor ti rs who tivitie hips educa Foundin founde lations ther ac r o re u o d s esses n te le w a a to o S cultiv teful cials d busin o t, Peter P. Falmouth ra e S c g n e w n in -o n a g y BS mil rem s, Elite Moron to co tners, U help fa ponsor mbers year, we S to e enney anagement Par g T s m th n e 4 in ve d 2 rc te n S ou k; ou our ealth M cal res our wor erous F In this, Family Wg Sponsor ed for lo our gen sustain e t n o et ese to Foundin h e rr ; a th w s th f -G e s k d nts o mber e ly Wola alleng e h m c m cognize h s e d re Kimber lak Group li u n p rs a uniq The Wo e accom s their Sponso brate th Board addres le , Award e m c ra to g Advisory ht s, Pro uregard t us tonig Par tner John Beaard Equipmen joining r g fo re u u ea o B y and to anies. Cloutier Theresa Inc. g comp in d , n M ta M D outs ss ole Cro ns, LLC Janet C ss Connectio ro C le Co ou! Corson Thank y Maddy ssociates A G AM Wedge Costello Maureen ia Group ed x 3364 Sun M P.O. Bo -3364 raser r Group, LLC F y rr a H E 04104 G. Frase rtland, M o The H. P Hussey any ness.org ThomasSeating Comp fambusi Hussey n o .2667 aacs 207.798 John Is Malls Lee Auto ieux inancial Group F John LeM eMieux /L n to n A cCracken M . L n Collee og Planet D
nnual A h t 9 o the 1 ss Awards t e m o Welc Busine y l i m a F Maine
T
ectors
IFO
of Dir B Board
2
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 enterprise 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 20 years and we are fortunate for their ongoing support and guidance as we forge ahead!
ELITE PARTNERS Elite Partners commit to the Institute through a sponsorship of an affinity group or program series. Exclusivity is guaranteed at the top level “Title level” of sponsorship meaning that another “like” business will not be added to your chosen event or program. Naming rights are yours. 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! Women in Family Business Sponsored by:
Next Generation Affinity Group Family Business Spotlight: Business After Hours Series Sponsored by:
How To’s for Family Business Women’s Leadership Forum Sponsored by:
Institute forFamily-Owned Family-OwnedBusiness Business presents MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS Institute for presents 20112018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS FINALISTS
HERE’S WHAT’S AHEAD THIS EVENING!
Reception Welcome and Dinner David Ciullo, IFOB Chair CEO, Career Management Associates (CMA) and Dale Carnegie Maine
Lindsay Skilling, IFOB Vice Chair CEO, Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream
Catherine Wygant Fossett, Executive Director Institute for Family-Owned Business
Host Cindy Williams, NEWS CENTER MAINE
Guest Speakers John, Faustine and Adam Reny, owners of department stores in Maine since 1949.
2018 Award Winners
Host
Cindy Williams has been anchoring NEWS CENTER MAINE’S evening newscasts since 1989. Though she is not from Maine originally, she has lived here far longer than any other state, making this her real home. Her father was in the military, so she moved all over the U.S. That did not stop when she graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1985 with a degree in Radio, Television and Film. Cindy has won several awards from the Associated Press and the Maine Association of Broadcasters for her anchoring and reporting.
33
4
PROGRAM SPONSORS We are delighted to offer over 40 programs this year to our members and future members. These programs are not possible without the support of our Founding Sponsors, Elite Partners and our individual program and event sponsors. We would like to recognize the following sponsors for their contributions to our programs.
Cole Cross Connections, LLC WITH DAVID CIU LLO
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
Our guest speakers tonight are The Reny Family John Reny, President John was born in Damariscotta, went to Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, and graduated from the University of Maine Orono, with a B.A. in Sociology. John has worked at the family business for the last forty-five years, starting as a manager of the Bath Renys, becoming the hardlines buyer for many years, taking ownership of the company with his brother Bob when their father’s health began to fail, and is now the current President. John has been married to his wife Kathleen for 35 years and has two daughters, Faustine and Collette. His favorite part of his career at Renys is finding great deals and passing them on to customers. In his free time, John enjoys rocking his guitar in his band, gardening, reading and traveling.
Faustine Reny, Chief Operations Officer Faustine was born in Damariscotta, went to Lincoln Academy, and graduated from Lasell College with a B.S. in Accounting and Suffolk University with a M.A. in Accounting. After a short stint in service management, Faustine began her career at Renys in 2009 as a store manager and currently oversees the management and operations of all 17 Reny locations, the company’s main office and distribution center. Faustine and her fiancée Nicholas have two children, Cordelia Grace – 3 years old, and Wesley Hall - 10 months, and live in Bristol with their two adopted cats, Princess Glitter Sparkle and Zelda.
Adam Reny, Vice President of Purchasing and Development Adam was born in Damariscotta, went to Lincoln Academy and graduated from Berklee College of Music with a B.A. in Music Production and Engineering. In 2003 Adam worked for Renys as a technician and then began a career as an audio/visual engineer in the Portland area for 10 years. In 2013, Adam moved back to the Damariscotta area and joined the family business. He is currently a buyer at Renys as well as oversees the buying department, warehouse logistics, physical plant expansions and all “Reny”-vations. Adam and his wife Cameron, live in Bristol with their 9-month-old, George Edward, and their dog Molly.
5 5
6
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
7
Judges tested by 39 Semi-finalists, 24 Finalists and 7 Awards Judging Facilitator
Maureen Costello Wedge, Vice President, Sun Media Group Maureen is a fourth generation previous owner of Sun Media Group which was recently sold to Reade Brower owner of the Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram. In 2000, the Sun Journal was the first Large Business Award winner for the inaugural Maine Family Business Awards. She serves on the Advisory Board of the IFOB. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and her M.S. in business from Husson University. She is past president of the New England Newspaper Association, past president of the Central Maine Human Resources Association, past chair of the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB) and has served in leadership positions in a variety of industry and community associations. Maureen is currently on the board of the PAGE Cooperative.
Choosing winners is a tough yet gratifying job for those judging the Maine Family Business Awards. It’s truly a treasure hunt with judges sifting through submissions, searching for those special gems that help separate winners from the pack. This year we had a record 186 nominations and 39 semi-finalists! The judges had a challenging task to narrow the field down from 24 finalists to pick 7 winners. What a joy to learn about these fascinating families that are running these amazing companies. Everyone is a winner in our eyes! Judges use many guideposts to evaluate submissions, including: mission statement, values and beliefs, operational summaries, innovation and impact, growth and stability, family involvement, control and ownership, atmosphere and culture, community, external resources, guidelines and rules, employee and customer communications, changes and culture. All this information comes from our nominees’ applications and supplemental information they send to the Institute. Winners are not revealed until the Awards Gala.
Judges: Christine Viscone, CoOwner, Highland Avenue Greenhouse Christine and her husband, Joe, are the third generation owners of Highland Avenue Greenhouse in Scarborough. Christine has been the business and operations manager at Highland Avenue Greenhouse since 2009. She has developed and implemented the management structure as well as diversifying the company’s offerings expanding to include: an in-house bakery & cafe, custom landscape designs and handson workshops. Christine enjoys sharing her knowledge and seeing the excitement in her customers when they have discovered the joy of gardening. Highland Avenue Greenhouse was the recipient of the MFBA 2017 Maddy Corson Small Business Award. Reuben Bell, President, Blue Elephant Events and Catering Originally from Fryeburg, Maine, Reuben is co-founder of Blue Elephant Events and Catering and the 2016 winner of the Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award. Reuben began his career in event management in the museum and publishing worlds in Philadelphia before returning to Maine to open Blue Elephant in 2007. He enjoys guiding his clients through the event planning process and helping create unique experiences for their guests. Reuben is a past chair of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and a current Board member of the IFOB.
Colleen McCracken, CEO & Partner, Planet Dog Colleen McCracken has over 30 years of business experience and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Bentley University and an Executive MBA from Boston University. She has held numerous positions in finance, operations and senior leadership throughout her career with large multi-national companies including WR Grace and G.H. Bass. Prior to joining Planet Dog, a designer and retailer of premium dog products, as its CEO in 2013, Colleen was the CEO of Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers, Inc. Colleen is the prior Chair of the Board for the IFOB and has been involved in numerous programs, including CEO Central, Women’s Leadership Forum and judging for the Institute’s awards. Planet Dog was the 2016 winner of the Renys Large Business Award. Colleen is currently serving on the Board for Junior Achievement (JA) Maine and the Advisory Board for Maine Women’s Magazine. Maureen A. Hassett, Co-founder and Vice President, Custom Composite Technologies, Inc. Maureen and her husband, Steve Hassett, founded Custom Composite Technologies, Inc., in 1999. Their company is an advanced composite builder of lightweight components and tooling for marine, transportation, art/architecture, and automated machinery industries. Maureen has positioned CCTI as a leader in advanced composite fabrication by creating a solid brand in and beyond the custom marine market. In addition to responsibilities for marketing and financial, Maureen lends an instinctive support role to the president of CCTI, Steve Hassett, and they are the 2017 winner of the Holiday Inn By The Bay First Generation Award. Chris Wasileski, Director of Development, OceanView at Falmouth Chris has been working for Sea Coast Management Company for 10 years, primarily on Real Estate Development project management, approvals, and design-build construction. Sea Coast Management develops, owns and operates OceanView at Falmouth and Highland Green in Topsham. Chris’s team on the Falmouth Schools Redevelopment project at OceanView received a 2014 MEREDA “Notable Project” award, and OceanView also received the 2017 Eco Maine “Top Business Leadership” award for the Large Business category. Chris has a background in Political Science with a focus on Environmental Politics, Energy Policy, and National Security. He completed his MA in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire in 2010. In 2017, OceanView won the HUB/Norton Insurance & Financial Services Environmental Leadership Award.
Jed Weiss, Co-Owner, King Eider’s Pub King Eider’s is a family run business within the Damariscotta Community. Jed, his wife, Cynthia, and their partners, were recently named as 2018 Restauranteurs of the Year by the Maine Restaurant Association. With over 30 years of experience working in family business, and as winner of the 2016 Shep Lee Community Service Award, Jed understands the importance of building a strong community, the value that family business brings to their communities and regularly participates in community events. Jed and his family reside in Bristol. Joe Capozza, Vice President, Capozza Tile & Floor Covering Center Joe is Vice President and part of the 3rd generation now managing Capozza Tile & Floor Covering Center, winner of the 2017 Renys Large Business Award. 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 and was named Vice President in 2014.
8
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
About the Awards The Renys Large Business Award, won by Capozza Tile & Floor Covering Center in 2017, honors an outstanding company with 25 or more full-time employees that demonstrates 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 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. Highland Avenue Greenhouse received the Maddy Corson Small Business Award in 2017. The Shep Lee Community Service Award honors one of the founders of the Institute for Family-Owned Business and the ideals he embodied in his respect and concern for customers, employees and the community. Geaghan’s Pub and Craft Brewery received the Shep Lee Community Service Award in 2017. 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 these criteria: innovative practices and systems; personal interactions and choices in how customers receive service and delivery; accessibility to customers and effectiveness in handling customer complaints; systems that reduce costs; and compassion and caring. Hanson Enterprises, LLC received the Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award in 2017. People’s United 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 benefit 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 2017, Puritan Medial Products received the People’s United Bank Innovation & Technology 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 categories above. Custom Composite Technologies, Inc. received the Holiday Inn By The Bay First Generation Award in 2017. Varney Agency Environmental Leadership Award honors a company that demonstrates exceptional efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, demonstrate environmental stewardship, engage others in conservation efforts, and championing sustainability. OceanView at Falmouth received this award from HUB/Norton Insurance & Financial Services in 2017. You’ll find awards winners through the years starting on page 11.
9
10
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
2017 Maine Family Business Awards Winners
Capozza family and employees, winners of the 2017 Renys Large Business Award - Left to right: Lindsay Jolin, Delanie Farrington, Joe II Capozza, Jeanne Capozza, Tia Capozza, Joe III Capozza, Katie Capozza, and Ben Corriveau
2017
Capozza Tile & 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 Medial Products
(People’s United Bank Innovation & Technology Award) OceanView at Falmouth (HUB/Norton Insurance & Financial Services Environmental Leadership Award
2016
Planet Dog (Renys Large Business Award) Rising Tide Brewing Company (Maddy Corson Small Business Award)
King Eider’s Pub (Shep Lee Community Service Award) Blue Elephant Events and Catering
2013
Agren Appliance (Morong Falmouth Large Business Award) D. Cole Jewelers (Maddy Corson Small Business Award) The Wolak Group (Shep Lee Community Service Award) Central Street Farmhouse (First Generation Award) Hannan’s Electric (Customer Service Award) Close Buy Catalog (Innovation Award)
2012
Hurley Travel Experts (First Generation) Morong Falmouth (Large) S.L. Wadsworth & Son (Small) Industrial Roofing Companies (Customer Service) Dean’s Sweets (Community Service Award) Honorable Mention: D. Cole Jewelers
2011
Bowman Constructors
AlliedCook Construction (Large) LT’s inc. (Small) Halcyon Yarn (Community Service Award) Honorable Mention: Day’s Jewelers
Maine Beer Company
2010
(Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award)
Fish Bones American Grill
(Norton Insurance & Financial Services First Generation Award) (People’s United Bank Innovation & Technology Award) (IRC Industrial Roofing Companies Environment Leadership Award)
2015
Renys (Large Business Award) Kingsley Pines Camp (Maddy Corson Small Business Award) Angelrox and 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)
2014
Lamey Wellehan (Agren Large Business Award) Messer Truck Equipment (Maddy Corson Small Business Award) Will’s Shop ‘N Save (Shep Lee Community Service Award) Chalmers Insurance Group (The Wolak Group Customer Service Award)
Chebeague Island Inn (First Generation Award) eco-kids (Technology Award) Meadowmere Resort (Innovation Award)
Marden’s Surplus & Salvage (Large) Sweetser’s Apple Barrel & Orchards (Small) GHM Agency (Community Service Award) Honorable Mention:
Mancini Electric (Large)
2009
Earle W. Noyes & Sons (Large) The Lobster Shack at Two Lights (Small) Lionel Plante Associates (Community Service)
2008
Gifford’s Ice Cream (Large) Saddleback Mountain (Small)
2007
Geiger Bros. (Large) Morrison’s Maine Course (Small) Outstanding Community Service Awards:
Maine Machine Products (Large) Saddleback Mountain (Small)
2006
DownEast Energy (Large) Bedard Healthcare Group (Small) Outstanding Community Service Awards:
Oakhurst Dairy (Large) Apollo Salon Spa & Bistro (Small) Honorable Mention: GHM Insurance
2005
Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers (Large) Jordan-Fernald Funeral Homes (Small)
2004
White Rock Distilleries (Large) Paricon, Inc. (Small) Honorable Mention: Direct Mail of Maine
2003
Hussey Seating (Large) Monhegan Boat Line (Small) Honorable Mention: Shelter Institute
2002
Barber Foods (Large) Coffee By Design (Small) Honorable Mention: Winter People
2001
Outstanding Community Service Awards:
Hancock Lumber (Large) Precision Screw Machine Products
Honorable Mention:
2000
Maine Machine Products (Large) Couleur Collection (Small) Down East Enterprise (Large) Seaside Vacation Rentals (Small)
(Small)
Sun Journal (Large) Volk Packaging Corporation (Small)
11
12
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
More 2017 Maine Family Business Awards Winners
David R. Hanson, Robert Hanson, Karen Hanson, David F. Hanson, Shari Hanson, and Craig Cain of Hanson Enterprises LLC, winners of the Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award
Peter Geaghan and Andrew Geaghan of Geaghan’s Pub and Craft Brewery, winners of the Shep Lee Community Service Award
Virginia Templet and Timothy Templet of Puritan Medical Products Co., winners of the People’s United Bank Innovation & Technology Award
Joe Viscone and Christine Viscone of Highland Avenue Greenhouse, winner of the Maddy Corson Small Business Award
Maureen and Steve Hassett of Custom Composite Technologies Inc., winners of the Holiday Inn By The Bay First Generation Award
Chris Wasileski and Caryn Couture of OceanView at Falmouth, winners of the HUB/Norton Insurance & Financial Services Environmental Leadership Award
13
14
Institute forFamily-Owned Family-OwnedBusiness Business presents MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS Institute for presents 20112018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS FINALISTS
Congratulations to the 2018 Semi-Finalists!
15 15
16
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
17
Blueberry Fields Bed & Breakfast, Washington
F
or Cyd and Deb Zeigler, the ingredients for running a great bed and breakfast are simple: start with a dream, add a lot of hard work, finish everything to your own exceptionally-high standards, and always remember: “The comfort of the guest is above all else.” From whipping up a batch of gluten-free cookies for a guest with special dietary needs to answering guests’ requests for coat hooks in their rooms, the Zeiglers are fulfilling their dream by granting the wishes of their grateful customers. Cyd and Debra Zeigler, owners Nestled on the edge of pristine woodland and acres of rolling blueberry fields in rural Washington, the property started with a gift of 35 acres from Deb’s grandmother, an innkeeper on Cape Cod. Today, they’ve expanded to 120 acres, with eight acres of blueberry fields, marked hiking and snowshoe trails, and even a maple sugarbush, from which Cyd recently launched a booming maple syrup business. From a gift of love to a labor of love, Cyd and Deb are passionate about every aspect of running their warm and welcoming sanctuary. Operations are Deb’s department, including cleaning, guest needs, bookkeeping, and customer service; Cyd and Deb cook the (wildly popular) breakfasts and dinners together, and Cyd manages the property and the maple syrup operation. He’s also begun offering entertainment for guests, including campfires, fireworks for the 4th of July, and syruping demonstrations. On special occasions, like Maine Maple weekend, even the kids will chip in to help make pancakes and keep guests happy. Given their emotional ties to the land they inherited, it’s no surprise Cyd and Deb are also highly involved members of their community. Deb serves in the Ladies Guild, and Cyd started a program to display American flags on all the telephone poles in town during the summer months. The couple also volunteers and donates gift certificates and baked goods for several local fundraisers throughout the year.
Canuvo, Inc., Biddeford
I
n 2011, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services awarded Glenn Peterson one of only eight Maine State Medical Marijuana Dispensary licenses. Realizing the enormity of the task ahead, Glenn asked his wife, Sage, to join him. The couple was soon joined by their daughter, Zia, and her now husband, Josh Quint. Sage and Glenn Peterson, founder Over the last 8 years the company has grown from that core group to 38 full-time employees working in Biddeford and Bridgton. Given the challenges of growing a business in a new and untested industry, the Peterson’s have developed a rallying cry: “We make it up every day!” The risks involved in the business have helped create a company culture based on open communication and a shared sense of purpose. The business operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year at their cultivation facility, with the retail location open 6 days a week. While the future remains hazy on both a state as well as Federal level, the company’s mission is to “grow a sustainable business that meets the needs of both employees and customers for generations to come.” A Semi-Finalist for last year’s Maine Family Business Awards, Canuvo’s determined growth, along with its commitment to educating and normalizing society’s view of cannabis, has made it an entrepreneurial success story. An active ambassador for the company and the industry at large, Glenn continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Cannabis Industry Association, while Sage has been named among the top 50 Most Important Women in the Cannabis Industry by Cannabis Business Executive.
18
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
19
Chewonki Campground, Wiscasset
C
hewonki Campground’s mission is to “create a peaceful, relaxing environment that inspires moments of introspection, laughter, and appreciation for family, friends, and the natural world.” Created for them 57 years ago by their parents, Pamela Brackett and Ann Brackett Beck are proud to fulfill their mission while sharing their haven on the coast of Maine with other families. Phaelon O’Donnell, (Pam’s Starting as a campground and day camp in 1961, Pamela and Ann’s parents eventually daughter), Pamela Brackett, Ann Brackett Beck, and focused on the campground. After their passing in 1969, the sisters — still in their teens — Johannah Beck, (Ann’s took over operations, expanding sites while growing their own daughter) families. Today their adult daughters, Johannah and Phaelon, are key members of the team, who have helped “ever since they were able to lift a garbage bag onto the pickup truck.” While the four women handle all the bookkeeping, reservations, gardening, maintenance, lawn care, painting, cleaning and other chores, the campground also hires at least two part-time personnel each year, along with contractors as required. “Family forums are frequently held around our kitchen table,” Pamela says, working out ways to make the camping experience “enriching and something a family will want to continue for generations.” With a long list of guests who return summer after summer for the best camping in Maine, along with newcomers discovering it every season, Chewonki Campground is a place where family fun makes terrific business sense.
DM&J Waste, Winterport
D
M&J Waste tells its customers to “Expect Service.” There is a focus on going the extra mile in this business that is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Tracey and Josh Wellman. Since purchasing the business from their parents in 2009, the pair have seen their business triple, expanding to 18 employees and three waste facilities – one in Winterport, and two in Ellsworth. In addition to Tracey and Josh Wellman, owners providing transportation, recycling, and disposal options for construction debris, the company will be opening a compost facility in the summer of 2018 to provide composting in the Ellsworth area. These days, their son Connor has joined the team as an equipment operator and laborer. As its owners, leaders, and managers, both Tracey and Josh are always on the go. During the day, they can be found working out of their offices in Winterport or traveling to job sites and meetings to discuss waste service options. On top of their busy days, they spend many nights at town meetings or management meetings. Relationships have been critical to helping their business grow over the years. Three generations of Wellmans, along with a team of dedicated employees, have worked to make connections in the waste industry on local, state, national, and even global levels. With an eye for finding “win-win” solutions in the waste industry, DM&J Waste is also committed to finding ways to recycle and reuse materials in ways that are cost-effective and make sense for the environment. As a family-oriented business with roots in Maine and a vision for keeping the state clean and healthy, that’s a goal that’s sure to be a winner for everyone.
20
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
21
Franklin Printing, Farmington
O
ne of the most technologically advanced, high-quality printers in New England, Franklin Printing’s beginnings are rooted in the world of newspaper publishing: the Franklin Journal and Livermore Falls Advertiser, both still in circulation today. As the publishing industry evolved, so did the company and the newspapers were sold and the business transitioned into offset, sheet-fed commercial printing. Throughout the transition, and still to this day, this dynamic team of professionals are committed to technology, sustainability and efficiency. Started in 1969 by Joseph Nemi, the company was taken over by Joe’s sons upon his David, Michael, Jennifer, Greg, passing in 2006. Both Greg, who is President, and Dick, who serves as Vice President, and Dick Nemi are actively involved in the day to day operations, including daily production meetings. Greg’s son, David, now oversees Customer Service, as well as Sales and Marketing and his daughter, Jennifer, manages Business Development, while Dick’s son, Michael, serves as Production Manager. In addition to family members, many employees of the company have been working there for more than 15 years. For this reason, David says, “We consider ourselves one big family. The only pronoun used in our organization is ‘we.’” As the third generation begins to take on leadership roles, Franklin Printing plans to continue its growth by investing in the most advanced equipment. In doing so, they will continue their commitment to reducing their environmental impact, as well as their commitment to offering the best service in the industry to both their customers and their community. Previous and current owners proudly support a number of local organizations, including the Franklin Community Health Network, UMF, and the Greater Franklin Development Council.
Green Tree Event Consultants, Saco
W
hen your business is ranked the fifth most stressful job (after enlisted military personnel, firefighter, airline pilot, and police officer), you need a partner who has your back. For siblings Stefa and Vitas Normantas, working together as equal partners for Green Tree Event Consultants has been one of the keys to their success. Stefa Normantas, Managing Partner; In a sense, they’ve been working together all their lives. Their parents were war Vitas Normantas, Managing Partner refugees who came to the country through Ellis Island and settled in Maine, starting their own small lumber mill from scratch. Both siblings remember working in the family business from their earliest years, learning a strong work ethic along with the value of a family business. As Stefa says, “It is a privilege to work with someone you love and trust through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.” Based in Saco, with satellite operations in Rhode Island, the company covers the eastern seaboard as far as South Carolina, and has built a reputation for developing unique events that are high touch/high value, delivering substantial business growth and economic impact. Their New England Made Giftware and Specialty Food Shows (NEM) have generated more than $50 million in show sales and several million in tax revenue to the state of Maine, with more than 300 companies exhibiting in 2018. In addition to NEM and the Philadelphia Furniture Show, the company also provides event expertise and support services to clients such as the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, Boothbay Festival of Lights, and Granite State HR Conference. As Stefa describes it, “the work is demanding, many factors are outside of our control, and our clients depend on us to deliver top shelf results. We laugh a lot on the job, get serious when we need to, and genuinely care for each other. Our passion is delivering our expertise to achieve goals and dreams while having fun.”
22
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
23
Green with Envy Salon, Camden
T
hey say necessity is the mother of invention. For hair stylist Marlene Cohn, finding a salon that met her exacting requirements meant opening her own. As Marlene says, “I could not find the right kind of salon that I wanted to work at, a hybrid of corporate and high-end salons. I craved organic products and the flexibility to spend time with the family and perfect my craft in a fun, professional space. I guess it turns out that I’m not the Marlene Cohn, President only one!” and CEO Indeed not. Since opening her first salon, Marlene’s Green with Envy Salon & Spa has grown to five locations. All locations use Aveda products, a company with whom she shares a mission to “care for the world we live in…to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.” In addition to happy customers, Marlene has created a very satisfied team of stylists who enjoy some of the best benefits offered by any salon, including 20 hours of paid volunteer time each year. She encourages philanthropy in all her salons, with fundraising events to support the Natural Resources Council of Maine each April and a “pay $5 to wear jeans on Saturday” fund to support a local non-profit. For Marlene, sharing her passion in a rewarding way has been a critical component of her business plan. “Our mission is to respect and cherish our clients, employees, and the world through love and a desire to learn more about our industry and how we can make a positive impact.”
Hanington Bros., Inc, Macwahoc Plantation
S
tarted by two brothers with a team of horses sixty years ago, Hanington Bros., Inc. has been at the forefront of the logging industry here in Maine for three generations. Operating within a 100-mile radius that covers the Katahdin region, as well as the Southern and Northern Aroostook and Northern Penobscot counties, the company specializes in logging, chipping, trucking, and land management, managing Steve Hanington, President with over 24,000 acres of timber that they have made available to the public for recreation. son, Eric Since the days of logging with workhorses, the company has continuously innovated to stay ahead of their rapidly-changing industry. One of the first loggers in the region to purchase a skidder, they later made the move from hand cutters to mechanized machines such as wood harvesters. In spite of turbulent times for the logging industry, including market changes, economic downturns, and multiple mill closings, they have continued to thrive, purchasing a local logging company and a third-generation firewood business, retaining all employees to add them to their own growing family. Today the company boasts numerous long-standing employees, many of whom have celebrated forty plus years. President Steve Hanington credits the “family element” for helping them stay successful. “Having family means having people who go above and beyond to see you succeed,” he says. As president, he oversees all operations, with sister Sharon working as office manager, wife Teresa handling accounts payable, and son Eric overseeing the equipment maintenance and inspections. Recognized by former President George Bush, while serving as president of the American Logger’s Council. Named the 2005 Logging Business of the Year by Timber Harvesting magazine, the company is also invested in its community, supporting various local charities as well as The Special Olympics and the Children’s Miracle Network.
24
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
Hardypond Construction, Portland
W
hen Bob Gaudreau started Hardypond Construction in 1990, his daughter Deirdre was in third grade. Little did either of them know that three decades later, they would be creating a transition plan for Deirdre to take over the business. Since then, Hardypond has become a revolutionary small business. Not only is it one of only three general contractors in the state that is owned and operated by a woman, but the company’s 15 employees include members of four different families. Bob Gaudreau and Deirdre The construction industry is only made up of about 5% women, most of whom Wadsworth are in financial and administrative positions. In contrast to this statistic, Hardypond is made up of 33% women who work in the field and as project managers. Headquartered in Portland, the company works primarily in southern Maine, handling new construction and renovation for a variety of spaces. In its three decades, Hardypond has built a reputation for taking on projects that are “difficult, abstract, and cumbersome,” Deirdre explains. “We thrive on renovation-type projects which often find us in historical buildings being repurposed.” Some of the buildings Hardypond has helped reinvent include the historic Humpty Dumpty potato chip factory and the Konica/Minolta film processing facility, both on Route 1 in Scarborough, as well as the former Clark Memorial on Pleasant Avenue, which was recognized by Greater Portland Landmarks for the restoration of the building’s historical features. As a small company, Hardypond focuses on giving its employees long-term stability. Even through the last two recessions, Deirdre and her father created their own work to keep themselves, their employees, and their many subcontractors thriving. Last, but hardly least, Hardypond is committed to encouraging women to enter the construction industry, or, in Deirdre’s words, “creating the spaces that allow our community members to live, work, learn, and play in quality environments.”
Howe & Howe Technologies, Waterboro
I
nternationally recognized for extreme vehicle fabrication and design, Howe & Howe Technologies was founded with the vision of producing innovative vehicles to enable life saving strategies and technologies. Founders and brothers Geoffrey and Michael Howe first gained notoriety in 2001, with the introduction of the world’s fastest tank, the Ripsaw, an unmanned ground vehicle designed for the U.S. Military. When sequestration hit in 2013, their military contract ended. The brothers Geoff and Mike Howe turned their talents in a different direction, creating off-road wheelchairs, fire trucks, firefighting robots, and luxury supertanks and vehicles for Hollywood blockbusters including Fast and Furious 8. From there, the company took off and never looked back. Having started with just four employees, the brothers now employ 35. Michael credits these employees with helping them achieve their success. “Our most important value is that we consider our business employees to be our extended family.” To build the team necessary to create their paradigm-shifting products, the brothers believe in fostering a company that attracts and retains creative, practical, and energetic employees “who are driven to ‘outside the box’ thinking, hard work and a ‘never say die’ attitude.” In addition to making a difference for their customers and employees, Michael and Geoffrey have used their ‘outside the box’ thinking to give back to their community. In 2012, the brothers founded Outdoors Again (www.outdoorsagain.org), a non-profit organization that allows wheelchair users to get re-involved in outdoor activities.
25
26
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
HR Studio Group, LLC, Falmouth
S
tarting with a vision of providing small and medium-sized Maine businesses with tactical and strategic leadership development, Deborah Whitworth has seen her client base grow by more than 350% since she started HR Studio Group in 2014. The company provides human resources consulting services for companies throughout Northern New England. It started with just Deb, but she was soon joined by her daughter Erin, who handles operations, finances, marketing, and social media. In addition, her son Brad helps with IT support, and her son-in-law Nate assists with web development. In 2017, the firm contracted with several additional trainers. Deborah L. Whitworth, Owner For Deb, having that close family support was critical. “We were able to hit the ground and CEO with daughter Erin running because trust was already established,” she says. “Our business is strong because all of us are committed to providing services so many small Maine businesses need, and all of us have a commitment to live and work in Maine for the long term.” One of the things Deb loves most about consulting is the flexibility of the schedule, which allows time for being with family, pursuing volunteer work, and giving back to the community, which both Deb and Erin are passionate about. Erin serves as leader of a Brownie Troop, and Deb is a member of the board of the Cromwell Center for Disability Awareness. She was also recently appointed by the Governor to her third term as Commissioner with the Maine Human Rights Commission. A volunteer leader for many years, Deb has developed a wide network of human resource professionals, including staff employed by the Society STUDIO GROUP, LLC for Human Resource Management, allowing her to call on national experts, when needed.
Hussey Seating Company, North Berwick
W
hen Philip Hussey Sr. was first starting out in the business of making plows, his Quaker father advised him, “Philip, when thee agrees to furnish a man with a dollar’s worth of goods, just try thy very best to deliver to him a dollar and one cent’s worth.” 183 years later, Hussey Seating Company has continued to exceed its customers’ expectations by staying true to that Golden Rule. Gary Merrill, President and CEO; Constant innovation has been essential to Hussey Seating’s success. The company Letitia Hussey Beauregard, has manufactured everything from plows, ski lifts, fire escapes, and manhole covers, to Board Chair bleachers, stadium seats, portable chairs, and seating for high-end theaters. Though the business has never stopped changing, “the constant innovation to meet the market needs and surpass customer expectations has never faltered.” Customers like the New England Patriots have learned that, no matter how tight the timeline, Hussey Seating always delivers the ball. With the passing of Tim Hussey in June of 2016, the first non-family CEO in company history, Gary Merrill, took over. Even still, the Hussey family remains dedicated to keeping the business in the family and were one of the pioneer families of the Institute for Family-Owned Business. One of the core principles of the company is that they care about the people they work with. From the very beginning, the goal of the business has always been to pass it along to the next generation — meaning everyone involved, not just the family. The Hussey family is not the only family working at Hussey Seating to have multiple generations working. In fact, there are several families in their third generation working at the company. The corporate culture is based on establishing a family environment that encourages longevity. Few other companies can say their employees have more than 3,700 years of experience!
27
28
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
29
John T. Cyr & Sons, Inc., Old Town
A
ccording to family lore, John T. and his son Joseph Cyr started their delivery service in 1912 with two horses. More of the family became involved as the company grew steadily over the next few decades, taking on more contracts and freight services, including the transport of schoolchildren in 1922. In 1978, after winning the Mike Cyr, Sue Cyr, Joe Cyr, Becky Cyr Bangor School Department busing contract, Joe and the company took a huge leap Whitmore, DJ Whitmore. Front row: Ian and by purchasing 30 new school buses and increasing staff considerably. Today, Cyr Bus Ruby Whitmore has six different locations, with a fleet of more than 250 vehicles and more than 230 employees. Combined, Cyr’s school buses and motor coaches travel almost 4 million miles annually. Since its inception, Cyr Bus has been run by family members. Today, Joe Cyr, John T.’s grandson, serves as company president, Joe’s son Mike serves as vice president, and his daughter Becky serves as business manager. There are seven family members on the payroll, including a member of the fifth generation. According to Becky, trust is the foundation of the company. “We are all looking out for the company’s best interest and we want to see it succeed for another 100 years. Additionally, having family members working hard every day for the company creates confidence in employees as to the strength of the company going forward.” As Becky explains, “our customers appreciate the family legacy. Having the ability to tell a customer that we have been transporting people for over 100 years is quite remarkable and it instills confidence in our customers. They trust our track record, knowing that a family run company leads first and foremost with its reputation for excellent service.” The Cyr family has always believed in serving the community and becoming involved with local organizations. Both Joe and his wife Sue, the driving force behind Cyr Northstar Tours (retail tours ranging from one day to multi-day trips traveling coast to coast in both the U.S. and Canada) have served on numerous boards in addition to volunteering and supporting local charities.
Johns River Oysters, New Harbor
F
or David Cheney, president of Johns River Oysters, the biggest challenge to growing his business is finding the right help. As he says, “You can either do this job or you can’t.” David started Johns River Oysters 11 years ago when he began to notice a decline in his lobster catch. Having been a lobsterman all his life, like everyone in his family, he wanted to find work that would allow him to continue fishing because he loved it so much. Aquaculture was the answer. Today, Johns River Oysters cultivates and manages a million oysters with three rafts, three boats, and seven employees. David Cheney, President It isn’t easy work. As David explains, it takes great strength and stamina, a depth of knowledge about boats, and a willingness to work in wet and cold environments. In return, he rewards his workers with the kind of support you only find in a family-oriented business. In addition to helping outfit them with the necessary gear for work, the company helps supplement diving certification, as well as any other skills certifications that can help the business. In addition to giving back to his employees, David also recognizes the importance of giving back to the community. Every year, David donates oysters to the Friends of Colonial Pemaquid for their annual shellfish party. He has also donated to the Lions Club, as well as several local food pantries. His wife Merrillee helps with the website, receivables, and summer sales deliveries, which has helped streamline operations. As Merrillee says, “We are told by many that John’s River are the best oysters that people have ever tasted. [David] is patient with his product and takes great care to make sure that every single one is perfect before it goes to market.” It’s a difficult job, but one that David hopes to turn into a sustainable family business that will be owned by his daughters Julia and Liza someday.
30
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
31
Modernist Pantry, LLC, Eliot
W
hen they started Modernist Pantry, Husband-and-wife team Janie Wang and Chris Anderson suspected that some fellow foodies would appreciate small packages of niche ingredients at a good price. What they couldn’t have imagined was just how well their products would be received, catapulting the company from a two-person operation to one Janie Wang, owner with 12 employees and counting in just six years. Serving home cooks, food enthusiasts, and professional chefs all over the U.S. and the world, they are the country’s leading provider of ‘functional ingredients’ targeted at advancing and improving modern cooking techniques. The company’s catalog has grown from a few specialty products to include more than 600 unique culinary tools and ingredients. They serve a large base of restaurants, caterers, and culinary schools, as well as most of the top chefs in the country, who have come to depend on them for ingredients that can’t be found elsewhere. As a young company, one of the main principles Janie and Chris focus on is continuous improvement. They believe that everyone on their team can and should contribute towards improving the company. They encourage input by tracking every idea for improving quality, reducing waste, or improving safety. They often hold quality meetings at which they reward winning ideas with prizes such as gift cards, cash, and paid vacation time. As residents of Eliot, both Janie and Chris are active in local organizations. Janie serves on the town Budget Committee and Chris serves as a member of the Maine Board Forum, meeting regularly with other Maine CEOs to discuss business issues and strategies.
Opus Consulting Group, Portland
O
pus Consulting Group provides business performance management services to numerous family-owned and operated companies. Its mission is to support the health and growth of local Maine communities. Husband-and-wife team Jacques and Patricia Santucci started the business in 2009 in response to a need for a strong and solid management consulting firm within the Maine business market. Jacques and Patricia Santucci Over the past nine years, the company has expanded its vision, deepening its roots in the Maine entrepreneurial community to help dozens of companies start or grow their business. The team at Opus focuses on performance management, particularly with CFO services, Business Strategy and Exit Strategy. Jacques has served as a chair of the Maine chapter of Turnaround Management Association and founded the Center for Wellness Leadership and participated in other non-profits. He is part of the founding team of Elsmere BBQ, as well as Wellness Connection of Maine. A seasoned C-Level executive, Patricia Rosi is the current CEO of the Wellness Connection, Maine’s leading group of medical cannabis operators as well as a board director for the Center for Grieving Children. Jacques and Patricia have made great strides in establishing a name in Maine from originally coming from France almost 20 years ago. They have two daughters, Stella who is starting at Bates this fall and Chloé who is a freshman and Maine gymnastics champion. Both children’s involvement within the company is what Jacques believes has helped drive the company’s compassion for other family-owned businesses. “We want to watch our clients succeed in our community and have that connection with them where they know they can rely on us for anything and everything involved with their business needs. Our daughters clearly look up to us and see how hard we are working and how this is impacting their community, which in turn makes them want to do great things.”
32
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
33
Portland Container Company, Inc., South Portland
W
ith a mission to “help Maine people organize their homes, work spaces and lives, one container at a time,” brother-and-sister team Ben and Emily Davis are proof that hard work and family values are the perfect foundation for a successful business. Rentable square footage in their 10,000-foot storage facility in South Portland has already grown by over 500% in its first year, with 95% occupancy. With support from an uncle who has sales and real estate experience, Ben and Emily Emily Davis Co-Owner, COO; have jumped into the business. They provide creative solutions above and beyond the Ben Davis, President usual level of customer service, such as turnkey solutions that involve getting the required permits for street storage. Coupled with their focus on building relationships with their customers and peers in the industry, these innovations have helped them quickly become a popular choice for people seeking competitively-priced, locally-owned storage. Just six months into starting the company, Ben and Emily were approached by an investment group in California interested in their business. In spite of the lure of a large cash infusion, the siblings decided that their true goal was to build and expand as a family-owned business focused on Maine, building a legacy they can pass on to future generations. That commitment extends to their community. The company invests in local organizations such as the “Friends of Congress Square Park” by donating a CUSTOM Container to support their community programming for the next three years. Ben also serves on the board of the MS Harborfest, New England’s largest charitable regatta.
Rinck Advertising, Lewiston
R
inck founders Peter and Laura Davis Rinck never set out to create a large agency, but their key values of continuous learning, data-driven creativity and excellence in delivery have helped the full-service marketing, advertising and public relations agency headquartered in Lewiston, to grow to 45 employees in Maine and Maryland, and over $10 million in yearly sales. It’s also led to the agency winning numerous national and international awards and building a team of consummate professionals who are always made to feel like they are part of the family. Peter Rinck, CEO, and This caring and giving mentality extends to the community as well. Since its founding Laura Davis Rinck, President in 2001, Rinck has become a leading philanthropist in the Lewiston/Auburn area and surrounding Maine communities. They donate substantial volunteer hours, in-kind services, cash, and goods to various organizations, particularly in the areas of health, education, arts & culture, and animal welfare. Organizations Rinck has supported include the Maine Cancer Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness-Maine, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine, Dempsey Center, Center for Wisdom’s Women, Tree Street Youth, Advocates for Children, Museum-LA, the Maine Music Society, The Public Theater, the Emerge Film Festival, the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, and many more. Peter and Laura also encourage their Rinck team, which includes daughter Sarah and her husband Tony, as well as daughter-in-law Mariah, to give back to the community in other ways, such as volunteering for local organizations, collecting mittens for a seasonal drive, putting together a Giving Tree to support several non-profits at the holidays, and serving on local boards. While their industry has continued to expand and change, one thing remains the same: the Rinck name will continue to be synonymous with community support.
34
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
35
Ted Berry Company, Inc., Livermore
T
he Ted Berry Company was founded in 1972 by Ted Berry. Over 40 years later, the company is still family-owned and operated. Its offices sit atop Berry Hill in North Livermore, once the home of Berry Hill Orchards, and the home of the Berry family for many generations. Brian Turcotte, Matt Timberlake, and a pipe Innovation was the name of the game from the moment Ted started his business, inspection robot along with son Jack and son-in-law Jim Timberlake. Selling and servicing agricultural and municipal equipment like pumps, fire trucks, orchard spraying equipment, and sewer-cleaning equipment, the three men developed many specialized tools and tricks of the trade that are still used by the company today. After Jim and Linda Timberland purchased the company from Ted in the 1990s, the focus of the business shifted to industrial and municipal services. Having grown up in the shop, their son Matt, Ted’s grandson, joined the company in 1994, working his way from general laborer to shop foreman, project supervisor, and, eventually, General Manager in the early 2000s. Under his leadership, the company added robotic pipeline inspection equipment and trenchless technologies, helping launch the Ted Berry Company from its strong local roots to an industry leader that serves customers of all sizes throughout New England. Today, as the third President of the company, Matt manages more than 70 hardworking men and women, known for their commitment to their customers and their “never give up” attitude, passed down through many generations.
The Holy Donut, Portland
T
he idea for The Holy Donut grew out of Leigh’s desire to create a donut made with fresh ingredients that she could feel good about eating. Since she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she decided to create it herself. She began Leigh Kellis, founder experimenting in her kitchen in 2011, making donuts from scratch and using as many local ingredients as possible. Interestingly, fresh Maine potatoes became her winning ingredient. She made her first batches in her kitchen, four donuts at a time. In 2017, Leigh was named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Maine Small Business Person of the Year. Today, The Holy Donut operates three retail locations that produce nearly two million donuts a year. Family has been one of the most important aspects of The Holy Donut ’s success, with her father jumping in to help her get the business started. Leigh’s sister Elizabeth now works as the company’s HR coordinator, while her mother Cynthia, the original investor, is a co-owner. Elizabeth’s husband, Jeff Buckwalter, is the CEO, her cousin Peter is a part-owner, and her niece Riley works in the Scarborough shop. The company employs 75 workers in all. As Leigh explains, working with family makes all the difference. “We all have one goal! Make this business successful, profitable, positive and sustainable! We trust each other and work smoothly as we all bring different skills to the operation.” With a work environment that is collaborative, positive, and encouraging of creative innovation and personal growth, The Holy Donut is a Maine company on a roll.
36
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
37
The Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport
S
tarted 135 years ago as a 20-room, 10-employee boarding house by a sea captain named Henry Heckman, Kennebunkport’s Nonantum Resort has blossomed into one of Maine’s most cherished seaside resorts, with 109 guest rooms and up to 200 employees during peak season. Owned and operated by three generations of the Ginn family, Jean Ginn Marvin, daughter of founders Herbert and Adah Ginn, serves as the Innkeeper. Being family-owned and family-friendly, the resort prides itself on delivering an outstanding level of service, from guests and diners to the many brides who stage their weddings at the Resort. To ensure a commitment to service, the Nonantum provides an unparalleled work experience for all employees, including opportunities like attending community college for free, an opportunity not available anywhere else. Management works hard to ensure employees are valued not just for their contributions to the hotel, but for what they do outside of work to improve their communities and families. As Jean explains, “Because employees feel so valued and taken care of, they take care of guests. Review after review states that every employee looks thrilled to be at work and goes out of their way to make everyone’s stay as amazing and memorable as possible. Our motto is ‘whatever it takes,’ and we live by that wholeheartedly.” Proof that the Nonantum’s warm and welcoming culture works is the sheer volume of people — guests and employees — who return, noting “you truly cannot find a quality of life as great as the one The Nonantum Resort provides.”
Vena’s Fizz House, Portland
F
rom its start specializing in old-fashioned, all-natural fizz sodas, Vena’s Fizz House has grown into one of Maine’s most cutting-edge bar and mixology shops. In addition to a custom cocktail menu featuring bitters and hard-to-find ingredients like shrubs and switchels, Vena’s offers an array of items for cocktail enthusiasts, including shakers, muddlers, vintage glassware, coasters, and a new line of infusion kits, featuring freeze-dried fruit in mason jars that are ready to drink by simply Johanna and Steve Corman, owners adding liquor. For the Corman family, who founded Vena’s, the business of pleasure is something the whole family works at. Steve runs the bar and retail portion of the business, while his wife Johanna spearheads the production of new products, and their children Silas and Mayzie work in the bar and retail venue as their college schedules allow. Working together as a family allows the company to be proactive and innovative, while being able to take calculated risks as it expands to serve local, regional, and national markets. With its unique model of a combined bar and retail shop, Vena’s aim is to give customers more than just the experience of consuming a healthy, well-crafted drink, but also an education in how to make such drinks, along with the tools and ingredients needed to make them at home. In turn, the company hopes to build a broad customer base that includes families, younger and older professionals, and healthconscious consumers. Most importantly, the family wants to make the art and science of mixology fun for everyone, instilling their venue at 345 Fore Street in Portland and the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook with an informal and collaborative environment.
38
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
39
Washburn & Doughty Assoc., Inc., East Boothbay
A
fter noting that workboats that came into Maine often showed low-quality craftsmanship and finish, Bruce Washburn and Bruce Doughty, along with Carl Pianka, opened Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc. in Woolwich in 1977. Specializing in the design and construction of steel and aluminum commercial vessels, the boatyard has prospered by diversifying its capabilities, developing innovative designs and building Bruce Washburn, Executive Vice techniques, and reaching out to new markets to deliver a diverse mix of tugboats, President and Bruce Doughty, Chairman commercial passenger vessels, fishing boats, barges, ferries, and research vessels. Bruce Washburn and Bruce Doughty’s passion for, and dedication to, delivering unique design, high quality, and topnotch craftsmanship at an affordable price point has been contagious, infecting family members and employees who are committed to carrying on his legacy. Bruce Doughty’s daughters Katie and Kristen, with son-in-law Matt Maddox, all work on board with approximately 88 employees and a dozen contract full-time positions. The company’s commitment to family was put to the test when a fire destroyed their facility in 2008. “Within 5 minutes,” according to Bruce, the decision was made to reinvest in the construction of a new facility and keep everyone working, an event that still makes employees present in that year emotional when talking about what working at the company has meant to them. Today, with a state of the art, twin bay construction facility on the Damariscotta River and the award of an $8.8 million contract for the construction of a new Maine State Ferry Service vessel, Washburn & Doughty is looking forward to driving into its second generation of Maine-made success.
Woodlands Senior Living, Waterville
W
oodlands Senior Living Founder, President and CEO Lon Walters literally grew up in the business of caring for others. His mother, Dorothy, took over a small rest home in the 1950s from her own mother when Lon was a child. It was there, living alongside residents, that he learned how intrinsically valuable residential senior care communities can be in the lives of Maine families. Lon opened his first community in 1980 and passed these principles along Lon Walters, President, CEO; to his own family – including his son Matthew, now a co-owner and the chief operating officer, Matthew L. Walters, COO forming the foundation and culture that is found at Woodlands Senior Living today. Woodlands consists of 12 individually licensed communities in seven locations—Brewer, Cape Elizabeth, Farmington, Hallowell, Lewiston, Rockland, and Waterville. The company employs more than 325 people statewide and cares for more than 500 residents. While Matthew handles the day-to-day operations, Lon remains actively focused on the growth and expansion of the organization—from conception and development to being personally involved in choosing and installing select décor in each community. The hands-on commitment and pride of ownership that Lon and Matthew display extends beyond the Walters family. Woodlands is fortunate to have many loyal and long-serving staff members who are invested in the organization’s success, driven by the unique opportunities Woodlands fosters for personal and professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and their families. The value of caring for others is not limited to the individuals the organization serves directly but also includes those in the greater local communities as well. Woodlands contributes to and encourages staff to participate in causes they believe in, including the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease, the Humane Society, The United Way, and donations to local food pantries. The organization’s innovative programming and support of the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has earned it two “Corporate Champion” awards.
40
F O F RIEN E L C DS CIR
41
42
43
THANK YOU TO OUR
RECEPTION, DÉCOR AND TABLE SPONSORS
Reception Sponsor
Décor Sponsor
44
45
46
Institute for Family-Owned Business presents 2018 MAINE FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS
A glimpse back
Women’s Leadership Forum at O bag
Dean, Melinda and Brian. How To’s for Family Business – Understanding Financials Holiday Party with Frank O’Shea and Denise D’Amboise
Holiday Party with Patric Santerre and Jen and David Nemi Women in Family Business Including Men
Tawny, Dave, Peter and Deb. How To’s for Family Business – HR 411
Family Business Spotlight at Planet Dog
47 47
48
transformational growth ideas from Maine’s business leaders
SPARK
CAlling All BOSSES! (and those who want to learn from them)
Join the Institute for Family-Owned Business, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Mainebiz for the inaugural SPARK Competition. We’re looking for four business leaders from different industries and backgrounds to present a transformational idea that led to meaningful growth in their respective company. On Tuesday, October 30th each contestant will have 10 minutes to showcase their idea. The format will be similar to “TedEx” or “Battle of the Bosses”; at the end of the presentations, the audience will vote for their favorite transformational growth idea. Event Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Time: 4-5 p.m. VIP Reception – 5-8 p.m. Program / Contest Location: Aura, 121 Center Street, Portland Cost: IFOB & Chamber Members $20 – Future Members $25 Register: www.portlandregion.com/events.html The Bosses will be competing for a $1,000 prize to be donated to the business owner’s charity of choice. The runners up will each receive $500 for their charity. As the votes are tabulated, the four will gather on stage for a 30-minute Q&A moderated by Steve Tenney, Family Wealth Management Partners, UBS.
CALL FOR EnTRIES: Sponsored by
Hosted by
Deadline: Wednesday, August 1st, 2018 If you are interested in competing or if you know someone who should, please contact Catherine Wygant Fossett, Executive Director, Institute for Family-Owned Business, catherine@fambusiness.org.
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
Thanks
The Maine Family Business Awards thanks these fine people and businesses who have contributed their time and energies, making tonight a success. Catherine Duranceau David Ciullo Lindsay Skilling Maureen Costello Wedge Colleen McCracken Christine Viscone Jed Weiss Reuben Bell Maureen Hassett
Joe Capozza Chris Wasileski Keith Citrine Sally Newhall Cindy Williams John Reny Faustine Reny Adam Reny Chris Hilton Angie Helton
PROGRAM
Editorial: Angie Helton and Catherine Wygant Fossett Design: Patty Johnson Printing: DMM, Inc. Coordinator: Keith L. Citrine
Andrea Masse Patty Johnson Theresa Cloutier Jeff Trent Meredith Strang Burgess Maddy Corson Taylor Kashmer Kristina Emmons Franklin Printing
2 0 1 8
In partnership with MEMIC
PO Box 3364 • Portland, ME 04104-3364 fambusiness.org• 207-798-2667