Youth Entrepreneurs of Bethel

by Meryl Kelly

New Englanders are a hearty breed. Self reliance is not only a conscious choice but an instinctual way of life. This truth has been an enduring catalyst for countless entrepreneurs across our region. A shining example of this inclination is the popularity of Applied Technology schools, such as Region 9 which offer high school students the opportunity to learn a trade. Whether students aim to be a subcontractor or a full blown business owner, the desire to “be your own boss” is often a primary goal. And some twentysomethings are wasting no time in achieving it.

excavation, lot clearing and logging jobs across Western Maine, just as his own grandfather has for the last half-century.

Cyle Marriott

Cyle Marriott has heavy machinery in his blood. His grandfather has been a local logger for over 50 years, making Cyle’s move into the industry almost a foregone conclusion. His rich heritage in earth work drove him to take advantage of both Telstar’s Schoolto-Work program and Region 9’s Trucking program, where he received his class A CDL License. After working for a local trucking and excavation company, Marriott chose to parlay his family legacy and earned skills into the formation of his own company — at just 22 years young. Under the name CM Earthwork, Cyle (occasionally with his brother) has spent the last 4 years completing a variety of

Mitchell Sabins

Young business owners like Mitchell Sabins have taken more subtle cues from their family patriarchs. As the son of a car salesman, Mitchell spent his early life around many cars — clean ones at that. Initially Mitchell enrolled in Region 9’s Automotive Tech program to embark on a career as a mechanic before deciding detailing would be his niche. After graduation, he worked as a detailing tech, accumulating skills and funds to put into his now thriving business. In September 2020, at 25 years old he and his wife Monica opened M&M Detailing in response to the area’s lack of services for car owners looking to keep their vehicles tidy. The husband and wife duo, who are high school sweethearts, set up shop on Annis Road in Bethel and have been busy detailing area cars ever since. Together they currently tackle every aspect of the operation but are now hiring additional crew to keep up with increasing demand.

But not every entrepreneur used the school route as a direct line to their profession. Many made their way despite their high school experience not because of it. The old adage, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” speaks to the fire ignited by a challenging upbringing or school experience. Traditional post secondary education is no longer a prerequisite for creating and sustaining a strong business. Sometimes all that’s required is a clear direction and the ambition to see it through. being self-employed was a no-brainer. Now, he gets to hire his good friends, determine his own schedule and produce quality work he can be proud of. Jordan’s company — 207 Painting — has been in business for 3 years, providing painting services and doing light landscaping for residential and commercial properties all over Western Maine and beyond.

While growing up, Shelby Levesque’s grandmother always encouraged Shelby’s interest in creating beautifully decorated sweets for every occasion. Feeling underwhelmed by the prospect of collegiate academics, Shelby instead sought to pursue something that filled her days with joy and variety. After a brief foray as an area line cook, Shelby’s Cakes was born in 2018 with a $50 Amazon gift card and well wishes from her former coworkers. Shelby’s Cakes now offers not only custom cakes but a whole host of other bakery items, from bagels to “ice your own” cookie kits, all of which are available by preorder or stocked at local haunts such as The Local Hub or Jade’s Homegrown. With a flourishing business at age 25, Shelby is keeping busy attending the weekly Greenwood Farmers Market and creating custom orders for patrons all across Oxford County.

Being from a local family, 26 year old Jordan Pilgrim knew he wanted to stay close to home as he began to build his own family. He thought to himself, “How can I make the most of my days doing something I enjoy, with people I want to be around?” For him,

Pilgrim works directly with home owners in addition to cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships with realtors, contractors and property management firms, helping to boost a property’s curb appeal or just keeping up on maintenance. As his own family grows, Pilgrim makes a special effort to extend support to family and friends in the development of their own business, believing that they all can rise.

One such family member is his cousin, David Pilgrim , who always hires Jordan whenever he needs help painting. At 26 years old, David has his sights set on becoming a business tycoon of sorts. After high school he worked in the marijuana industry in California. In 2017 he returned home to open Mr. Medicinals, a multi-use marijuana storefront in West Bethel. From storefronts to ATM units to grow build-outs and consultation services, David stays focused and strategic as he seeks to diversify his business ventures.

Currently he is working on an exciting new project in Auburn (so keep your eyes peeled for that announcement). As with many in our small rural town, his ambition is fueled in part by a drive to overcome the trajectory that was expected of him throughout his challenging adolescence. But what really keeps him striving for more is a dedication to his young son Lorenzo. His highest hope is that everything he creates will afford his son the opportunity to succeed and thrive in his own right.

6x. Her fabrics are all American milled and printed, and many of her designs come with organic options. She offers a “crunchy line” of reusable cloth products, produce bags and endless options of customizable clothing and apparel.

Whether honoring the traditions of their ancestors, or building a legacy for their own posterity, these young entrepreneurs are doing their part to inspire opportunity and create prosperity for both themselves and our community as a whole. This is just a small sample of the many business owners that propel our community, creating jobs and finding ways to give back to the place they call home. It is paramount for all of us to support and encourage them, as their efforts are a fundamental link in an unbroken chain of Bethel’s characteristically enterprising spirit. Their success only further ensures the vitality of our community’s future generations.

Destiny Hughes

Family tradition and providing a good life for loved ones are common threads for all of these entrepreneurs. For Destiny Hughes however, business ownership is not only a way to provide for her family, but also an opportunity to establish a broader identity after years of undivided dedication to raising three children as a stay at home mom. In 2020, at 25 years old, Destiny created her apparel and home goods line — destinedtobecrunchy — as a way to occupy her time while the children were napping. Starting with orders for friends and family, she has grown the business to include shelf space in many local shops, while attending the craft fair circuit in season and creating custom orders through online direct-to-consumer sales, mainly through social media. Since Destiny custom cuts and sews every order, destinedtobecrunchy makes products from preemie size all the way to adult

CM Earthworks - Cyle Marriott. Contact via Business Page Facebook message, call/text at (207) 381-7243 or email at cylemarriott73@gmail.com

M&M Detailing - Mitchell and Monica Sabins. 3 Annis Rd. Bethel, ME. Contact via Business Page Facebook message or call/text at (207) 583-5624

Shelby’s Cakes - Shelby Levesque. Contact via Business Page Facebook message or email at shelbyscakes207@gmail.com

207 Painting - Jordan Pilgrim. Contact via Business Page Facebook message or call/text at (207) 357-9083

Top Tier Management - David Pilgrim. Contact via Facebook message or call/text at (207) 583-5624 destinedtobecrunchy - Destiny Hughes. Contact via Business Page Facebook message or call/text at (207) 515-3120