SJ Business Profile Section C

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P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

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For 125 Years (1868-1993) 280 Main St., Lewiston

For 19 Years (1888-2007) 807 Minot Ave., Auburn www.jlhayes.com 784-2499

~Feeds, Seeds & Other Needs Since 1868~ Back in 1868, Jacob Loring Hayes gave up a sea faring life and returned to Central Maine and founded J. L. Hayes & Co. During the Civil War, Jacob was a naval officer. Following the war, Jacob continued his maritime interests, sailing the Pacific Ocean. Then in 1868, Jacob abandoned the sea and established J. L. Hayes on Main Street in Lewiston as a cement and lime business.

Jacob was joined several years later by his younger brother Sylvanus, who became the grain merchant of the business and was often addressed as Deacon Sylvanus, being Deacon of the Pine Street Congregational Church. Like Jacob, Sylvanus served several years as a Lewiston City Councilperson.

Then, with Jacob's passing as he read the morning paper on New Year's Day in 1900, it was Sylvanus who carried the business on into the 1900's.

During the company's more than 135 years of growth, materials for such landmarks as St. Patrick's Church, Gulf Island Dam, the Lewiston Junior High School and the Franklin Pasture Athletic Field have been delivered by J. L. Hayes.

Today, members of the Hayes Family continue to serve Central Maine with materials and tools for the four seasons from J. L. Hayes/Agway at 807 Minot Avenue, Auburn.

Spring Season Specials Starting and Maintaining a New Lawn Any “do-it-yourselfer” can grow a professional looking lawn with the right knowledge and products.

Whether you are starting a new lawn or grooming an existing one, J.L. Hayes can help you.

Spring & Summer Birds

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Many of the Products Sold at J.L. Hayes are Maine Made Soils, Compost & Mulch

GENERAL PURPOSE GROWING MEDIUM

Sonshine Growers of Maine, LLC

PRO-MIX ‘BX’ is a “general purpose” peat-based growing medium with vermiculite and perlite, used for the cultivation of a wide variety of plant species. This complete mix is lightweight, uniform and blended to the highest degree of consistency to ensure maximum plant performance.

Annual, Perennials & Shrubs

INSECT CONTROL

WEED CONTROL

NATURAL/ORGANIC

REPELLENTS

Partners in Consumer Lawn & Garden Solution INSECT& DISEASE CONTROL

DISEASE CONTROL

HOME PEST CONTROL

For the Fall...

For the Summer...

Lawn and garden care through the summer months again require materials and tools from J. L. Hayes.

While many lawns require the application of non-burning fertilizer and weed control herbicdes, most gardens require insect and disease control treatments.

All these materials, as well as indoor pest control agents are found at J. L. Hayes.

Summer is also a time for both building and landscaping. J. L. Hayes makes available masonry and asphalt materials, coatings and sealers, as well as drain and sewer pipe. J. L. Hayes provides a line of landscaping materials, including walk and path stone, bagged and bulk bark and stone, landscaping edging and fabric.

After fall lawn and garden care projects, J. L. Hayes is remembered for stove installation materials, including cements and mortars, chimney block and tile, stove pipe and masonry tools. J. L. Hayes is also a source for wood handling tools (e.g., carts, axes, splitting malls, safety goggles, etc.) and materials such as tarps for covering wood piles and insecticides to control wood infesting insects.

Besides helping to prepare for wood burning, J. L. Hayes offers alternative fuels including coal, wood pellets, clear kerosene and propane.

For the Winter...

For snow removal, J. L. Hayes stocks shovels, scoops and roof rakes. For removing packed snow and ice, J. L. Hayes stocks ice scrapers, salt and Calcium. To insure traction, J. L. Hayes inventories bagged sand and grit.

To keep the birds singing throughout the winter, J. L. Hayes offers a variety of bird feeds. These include seed blends, sunflower seed and kernels, thistle seed, finch mix, safflower and millet.

To compliment these feeds, J. L. Hayes boasts having L/A's best selection of feeders.

FOR ALL SEASONS For all seasons, J. L. Hayes is a pet and animal feed store. J. L. Hayes offers cat and dog foods from Diamond, Fromm, Science Diet and Pro Pet. J. L. Hayes offers animal feeds from Nutrena and Poulin, both specializing in equine nutrition, while insuring the continued health of rabbits, poultry, sheep, goats and cows.

For both pets and livestock, J. L. Hayes offers hay, straw and shavings.

Also for all seasons, J. L. Hayes is a paint store. For both indoor and outdoor painting projects, J. L. Hayes makes available the necessary sundry tools and materials as well as the appropriate coatings. Being a Benjamin Moore paint dealer, J. L. Hayes offers a full line of residential and commercial coatings, applicable to a variety of surfaces.

Throughout the years, J. L. Hayes/Agway welcomes all parties involved in the maintenance of property, residential or commercial; and the feeding of birds and animals of the home, farm or wild. The staff at J. L. Hayes/Agway pride themselves in meeting the needs of their customers, whether that be by materials or tools, advice or answers to the questions.

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P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

Downeast Sun Space room transforms living space

BY LINDA GALWAY Freelance Writer

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or about 10 years now, Claire Small has been the Sun Journal’s advertising executive for Downeast Sun Space in Brunswick, where she helped promote the business and saw other people, in a sense, enjoying the fruits of her labor.

For the last three years, however, she and her husband Larry have been talking seriously about having one of the Downeast sunrooms put onto their own South Lewiston home.

“We’ve always done Profile articles where we’ve taken pictures and told the story of someone who was happy with their room,” Small said. “It seemed like it was our turn. No doubt, this has added value to our home, and it turned out to be everything we hoped for and more.

We’re so happy.”

The transformation turned out to be the second stage of a backyard remodeling job that included an enlarged and redesigned deck, as well as a screenedin room at one end, complete with an entrance from the main portion of the house itself.

Although the Smalls enjoyed their screened in area for many years, it certainly couldn’t be used for the majority of the time, and they felt deprived of the pleasure they experienced when it was warm and sunny. Now, the Smalls can enjoy the wildlife in their back yard without having to bundle up when the temperature drops below the comfort level.

“All of a sudden, the room isn’t just a screened in porch,” Small noted. “We didn’t want to lose the effect of that summer room, and by having the Downeast Sun Space conversion, we’ve been able to have breakfast there in the morning and dinner there in the evening, even after the warm weather disappeared.” nstalled in August last year and insulated only under the floor (a cathedral-style ceiling precludes insulating above at this point), with the mild temperatures Small said they were able to use the room regularly well into November, “and I think by April we’ll start using it full time again.”

In the meantime, they employed it sporadically for special occasions, such as during the holidays, by warming it with

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a simple space heater that has proven to be quiet, efficient and unobtrusive. At some point, they may install a propane stove, but until then, they are overjoyed with the results.

Small said she was adamant about having all glass from floor to ceiling in the 12-foot by 14-foot room. “I didn’t want to lose any of the light,” she continued. “In fact, we have more viewing area because there was a bar on the screens that was higher than this one.” There’s plenty of ventilation, too, because with one simple click, the windows slide open.

The project took one week from start to finish. “They came in, tore down the old walls, braced the ceiling and by the end of the week, my new walls were up,” she related. “In the fall, I used to take care of the cushions, put the furniture away and then snow would come in and I’d have to start cleaning all over again in June.

Now, when it’s pollen season, I’ll just keep the windows closed.”

Of owners Phil and Corinne Dumont, Small says they are “wonderful people to work with, and the construction crew doesn’t mess up your home.” In all, the

experience and the results have been worthwhile in every possible way.

“It’s my perfect reading room,” she reflected. “ I can’t wait to get out there on a Sunday afternoon and read, relax and watch the sun set.”

Church Road Brunswick, ME 04011 dessunrm@suscommaine.net

Phone: 207-729-1866 Fax: 207-729-1867

At Mainely Tubs your pleasure is our business! tive prices to having only one retail location and an informative web site (www.mainelytubs.com).

Van Fleet said that prices for their more than 20 models of hot tubs start under $3,000 and range all the way up to $20,000 for the large hot tub and gazebo package. Mainely Tubs offers free backyard or in-home planning services and can coordinate deck plans and construction as well as the necessary electrical work.

As customers traded up to newer models, Mainely Tubs started taking trade-in hot tubs. “There is a brisk market for these refurbished, ‘previously enjoyed’ tubs, which we offer every spring in our huge warehouse sale,” Van Fleet said.

BY ELIZABETH WEBSTER

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Freelance Writer

funny thing happened to Jim Van Fleet on his way to purchase a hot tub in December 1993. He ended up buying the whole hot tub company. Even more impressive is that Van Fleet has turned Mainely Tubs, located at 408 Payne Road, Scarborough, into the largest retail store in the world for HotSpring Spas, the world’s largest hot tub manufacturer.

Van Fleet’s company also has the distinction of being the first two-time winner of the most coveted award in the hot tub industry, the worldwide HotSpring Dealer of the Year award. Mainely Tubs competed with more than 850 locations in 55 countries for that prestigious award.

“I started operating Mainely Tubs on Jan. 1, 1994, several weeks after a real estate broker friend suggested that I buy the whole company, not just one hot tub. He conveniently had the listing,” stated Van Fleet. The Mainely Tubs owner pointed out that the company has grown from first year sales in 1994 of just over 30 hot tubs, slightly over $200,000 gross revenue, and just two staffers to “now a 7-day-aweek operation, with unit sales of hot tubs, saunas, and whirlpools just under 1000 units, a staff of 30, gross revenues well over $6 million and a customer base almost 10,000 strong.”

While Mainely Tubs has grown at an astronomical compounded annual sales rate of 39 percent per year, Van Fleet believes that his business isn’t selling hot tubs but “taking care of customers once they’ve chosen to do business with us. We do it better than anybody else in our industry!”

Van Fleet credits his award-winning staff, many of whom are customers he hired as the business grew. “They are routinely recognized for their outstanding knowledge, professionalism, and friendly, can-do attitudes,” he said.

Despite offers to carry various hot tub manufacturers’ products, Van Fleet chooses to stick solely with the HotSpring family because it is the only manufacturer to be rated Consumer Digest Best Buy every time the publication has rated hot tubs (five times in 16 years), and because that brand has the lowest

electric bill in the entire industry. Van Fleet even guarantees his customer’s electric bill and will pay it if he’s wrong.

Mainely Tubs operates from a convenient location just south of the Maine Mall and has a large service and delivery crew who travel from southern and eastern New Hampshire all the way to Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and across to the Camden/Rockland area. Van Fleet was awarded the Lewiston/Auburn market for HotSpring in 1997, when the manufacturer realized how well Mainely Tubs was servicing Maine customers. Free delivery and installation services are part of every sale.

Van Fleet attributes his lower overhead and competi-

P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

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Decorating Plus offers complete DESIGN • PRODUCTS • QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

BY LINDA GALWAY Freelance Writer

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hen Cathy and Bob Thorpe of Auburn decided the time had come to remove some old carpeting, they were certain of one thing — they would need more than just a flooring consultation.

“I knew the house,” Cathy Thorpe said, and it wasn’t just because they had lived there for 23 years. “The house was built in the Fifties,” she continued, “and my mother and father once owned it. I knew there was hardwood flooring under part of the living room, but under part of the kitchen and dining room, there was linoleum. I needed to know my options.”

That’s when she called Lynne Maxfield, who has owned and operated Decorating Plus in Auburn for the last 23 years.

“My role is to listen, to take your environment, your wishes, your desires and needs and make it happen to the best of my ability,” Maxfield explained.

“We are service and education-focused from Day One.” Decorating Plus is not just a place to buy tile, wallpaper or carpet and then leave. Certainly, that’s possible, but if you don’t know where to get an answer to your questions, Maxfield does.

She often tells her clients they can think of her if they need “re” work — renovation, restoration, redecoration, redesigning, re-identifying (their space) and rebuilding. Her message to them is simple: She and her dedicated staff will do all of those things with value engineering, creativity and a respect for the client’s budget.

“I’ll work harder to stay at your budget than you do,” she stressed. “Some people have been surprised and said to me, ‘I thought you were expensive!’

Comfort Inn but I tell them I only look expensive.

Essentially, a gallon of paint is a gallon of paint. If you pick the right color, the results are tremendous, but if you pick the wrong color, things can look terrible.”

While they were at it, the Thorpes decided a guest room needed some updating, so up came the old carpet and pad and down went a new oak floor that matched what had just been done.

With the new floor in the living room, husband Bob decided it was time to paint the ceilings, too. “When you get into a project, it references opportunities for more work,” Cathy said.

Once the new work was done, the Thorpes decided not to put things back in the same places as before, so truly their space has been renovated, restored, redecorated, redesigned, reidentified and rebuilt — under the careful guidance of Lynne Maxfield and the dedicated staff at Decorating Plus, which includes seven on the payroll and a team of 47 craftsmen and tradesmen who can handle every aspect of the project.

Maxfield recalls one client who wanted an addition. The client already had one quote for the work she anticipated, but called Lynne to get a second opinion. Once the client shared her needs, Maxfield took the project in a different direction. “I suggested we not do an addition but instead re-do and re-think the use of the current space,” she said. That project came in less than the original quote, and for about the same amount of money the client had intended to spend, they were able to get the work done and include a 10-day vacation at a tropical island.

“We gutted a bath, reupholstered furniture, re-matted artwork and reconfigured the interior living space,” Max-

field said, adding it’s ultimately the client’s choice in how the project unfolds.

“When I say we’re not expensive, that doesn’t mean we can’t be, but there’s a lot that can be done; we just have to think outside the box,” Maxfield said. “I can’t stop some things from costing what they cost — granite vs. laminate, for example — but it’s still a countertop. That’s an individual choice.”

In addition to home decor, Maxfield also designs business, professional and office spaces. Also, she has designed six rooms for the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s designer ShowHouse, one of its largest fundraisers, and has had several of her rooms photographed and published nationally in home and garden magazines.

Part of the design process in general — making sure the space is properly adapted — has become a huge niche for Maxfield, who volunteers as an adaptive ski instructor with the Maine Handicapped Skiing program at Sunday River in Bethel. “Working with skiers with limited mobility is a passion for me, and I realized we had to fill this need with our design clients as well,” she said.

Known in the industry as Universal Design, the theory “revolves around the re-evaluation of current living space for the use of all family members, regardless of age and ability, while keeping the space cozy, friendly and homey for the entire family,” Maxfield explained. Universal Design may make all the difference in keeping an elderly family member at home longer than expected.

“You’re still investing in your property and will get a return on the investment,” Maxfield stressed, “but the important factor is to be able to keep parents home months and years longer because of what we can do.”

Maxfield said clients often come to her with questions, “but before I can answer them, I might have to ask them six. We work a realistic budget. I can’t stop the costs of gas and steel from going up, but I can get them a value-engineered project and help them make the choices that get them the end result they desire,” she added. “Let me show you what I can do with your budget.

Can it be costly? Sure, but we focus on getting the client’s home to be the best it can for what they want to spend.”

Multiplying projects

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or Nancy and Steve Mennealy of Lewiston, one thing led

to another.

“We originally decided to replace our refrigerator. The old one was small,” Nancy related, “but to have a larger one meant we had to remove some cupboards over that area. Then of course, the built-in oven next to it really needed to go. So in all, we ended up replacing about 10 cupboards, the stove top and a built-in oven.”

That, however, was just the beginning. “Our kitchen, living room and dining room are really all one big room,” she continued. “You know how it is. When you update one, it affects the others. It just multiplied from there.”

her suggestions; she’s very professional,” Nancy added. In addition to the cabinetry and new appliances, the Mennealys tossed out the old vinyl flooring, had the sub-floor rebuilt and added tile to the kitchen area.

The rug that had covered the dining and living room areas disappeared as well, and in its place there is a stunning, oak hardwood floor. The outdated textured ceiling is now freshly painted Sheetrock.

One of the most surprising elements of Maxfield’s suggestions was to swap the living and dining areas.

“We never would have thought of doing that on our own,” Nancy admitted. “We had a half-wall that separated the television area from the dining room, but there was always a glare (from the windows).”

The backsplash at the Mennealy residence.

It’s no wonder they turned to Lynne Maxfield and Decorating Plus for help, especially when their first experience with her had gone so well.

“We had hired her about 10 years ago for a bathroom remodel. We liked her, and it came out great, so we hired her again,” Nancy said. “She’s good at what she does and has a lot of experience.”

The couple relied on Maxfield to help them reconfigure the remaining space as well as select new colors and lend her expertise whenever and wherever it was needed. “We trust

Mennealy said the dining table is now near the picture window. “She had us try it out for a few days before we made the change, but we absolutely love it now,” Mennealy said.

“It just feels great to walk into the room.”

Working with Lynne Maxfield and Decorating Plus is like working with a good friend, Mennealy added.

“She’s excellent, and we trust her. I would recommend her to anyone. She stands by her word, and she’s fun and always willing to try something different.”

No job too small

we could give them room to entertain their friends without feeling like we were in the way or holed up somewhere.”

They love how the livable space has been maximized, including Lynne’s custom designed built-in storage units in the bedroom. “She designed a built-in headboard with storage cabinets on either side as well as closets built into the sloping ceiling,” Davis explained. “She also laid out the bathroom so that the sloping ceilings were integrated into the design and function of the space.”

Davis said she finds the custom shower with dual shower heads, four massage jets and a seat to be more practical than a separate shower and tub. Blackout blinds, operated by remote control, make sleeping in the spring and summer a breeze. For the last 10 months the couple has been able to enjoy their renovated space, and it makes their house “feel complete,” she added.

“Having our own quiet space, away from the traffic flow of the rest of the house, is a great retreat to go to each night.”

Davis noted that Maxfield kept them well informed of the cost of individual aspects of the project, even after the initial budget was developed, and they found her estimates to be accurate — another reason they liked working with Maxfield and the staff at Decorating Plus. “They are honest, hardworking people who do everything they can to meet the customers’ needs and desires,” she said. “We have several small decorating projects waiting in the wings for Lynne and Decorating Plus.”

A colorful adventure

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fter residing in their home for three years, Nancy and Paul St. Pierre finally feel as though they are living in their house and not in someone else’s. That’s because Lynne Maxfield and Decorating Plus have helped the St. Pierres turn it into a home.

“We were only going to plan colors,” said Nancy of her first meeting with Lynne. “A friend of mine had her over to pick colors for a house she is selling, so originally that’s what I had her in for, but it ballooned from there.”

Before long, Paul suggested redecorating the living room, and Nancy decided they might as well renovate the kitchen while they were at it.

“I really liked the way we could work together with Lynne,” Nancy commented. The project began in late October. A wall came down in the living room, cabinets in the hall were refaced and added to, and a custom-designed entertainment center surrounds a supplementary propane fireplace in the living room. A new laminate floor covers the kitchen, dining area and hallway.

Nancy’s favorite feature, however, has to be the “skylights,” which are actually solar tube lights. “It’s like we’ve got the lights on all the time,” she said, and anyone living in a light-deprived home knows how special that can be. “They work because we put them where we needed and wanted them,” she added.

As long as the crew was on site, Nancy and Paul also decided to have their front entrance — indented from the basic floor plan of the house — pushed out to match the other walls, creating more space in the kitchen.

“Once it’s all done and painted this spring, no one will ever be able to tell it wasn’t like that from the beginning,” she noted.

Reflecting on the entire project, Nancy described the cabinetmaker’s work as “exceptional.”

“The changes are everything I wanted and more,” she continued. “I like what’s been done. The outcome was worth all the time and money.”

Decorating, plus more

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oline Lacoste of Sabattus found out about Lynne Maxfield and Decorating Plus in a very common way — she heard an ad on the radio.

When she moved into her house in February 2002, someone else had done the decorating, “and I wanted something that felt more like me,” she said, deciding to have all the rooms repainted, wallpaper removed, and most of the carpeting ripped up and replaced with hardwood flooring (including a staircase from first to second floor). In addition, there are two, new bathroom vanity tops, a new kitchen countertop and back splash, carpeting in the bedrooms, new flooring in a bathroom and a new, built-in bookcase and associated lighting in the den.

“Lynne’s ideas just flowed together,” Lacoste said. “She took a bathroom that was a nightmare and turned it into a nice area with just a change in color and a new vanity top.”

As the project nears completion, Lacoste said she really likes all the changes to date. “It’s everything I hoped for and more,” she continued. “Lynne and her staff are very easy to work with, and I would gladly use Lynne again if the need arises.” In fact, Lacoste has already recommended her to friends and relatives.

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n 2001, Laura and Vaughn Davis of York needed a really small repair job done, but no one in their own back yard wanted to bother fixing a portion of their tiled kitchen floor. However, Lynne Maxfield of Decorating Plus in Auburn did.

“Lynne was willing to have her company do the work on this small project when we could find no one in our immediate area willing to do so,” reflected Laura Davis. While working with Maxfield, the Davises discovered the full range of services Decorating Plus provides.

“Since we were pleased with the way Decorating Plus handled the tile floor repair,” she continued, “when we were ready to begin the project to finish our third floor walk-up attic into a master bedroom suite in 2005, we contacted Lynne to discuss the project with her.”

The remodel converting the attic space included a bedroom, bathroom and sitting area. “When we built the house, the attic was left unfinished intentionally, until we could determine how to best use the space,” Davis explained. “After living in other homes in different regions of the country, we found that our existing master bedroom and its adjoining bathroom were not working well for the way we wanted to live.”

The bathroom was small and lacked amenities the couple considered important and in keeping with the size and location of their house. “Also, we wanted to create a more private space, away from the children, so that as they got older,

Lynne Maxfield

336 Center Street Auburn, Maine 04210 784-0173 or 877-332-6757 www.decoratingplus.net

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P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

A Family Owned Company Insuring Maine Business Owners & Families Since 1901 GHM Insurance Agency, a locally owned independent insurance agency has been serving the insurance needs of Maine families and businesses since 1901. John B. Friel founded the Agency just after the turn of the century, on two simple goals: 1) Provide competitively priced, quality insurance products, and 2) Offer the most competitive rates available to Maine families and business owners. Today the goals are still the same, says Bill Mitchell, GHM’s owner. “Insurance consumers deserve to receive exceptional service and we work hard to exceed our clients expectations every day. And fortunately we represent some of the finest insurance carriers in Maine, who offer great products at very competitive rates”.

GHM has offices in Auburn, Augusta, and Waterville to make it as convenient and easy as possible for its clients to do business with them. The GHM Team has expertise in all lines of business including personal insurance, business insurance, bonding, and employee benefits.

Our team of friendly professionals is always eager to help our clients and look forward to working with Maine families and business owners for many years to come.

Exceptional Service, Lower Insurance Rates

Peerless Insurance

®

Member of Liberty Mutual Group

Auto – Home – Business – Life – Benefits 155 Center Street, Auburn - (207) 689-9171 Lee Farm Mall, Augusta - (207) 620-8878 51 Main Street, Waterville - (207) 873-5101 Statewide Toll Free - 800-244-9046 Tne Hartford

www.ghmagency.com

Oxford

Union Mutual

Central Maine Insurance Agency Delivers Exceptional Service and Lower Rates GHM offers policies from more than 20 of Freelance Writer the nation’s leading insurance carriers inave you taken time cluding Peerless, Hanrecently to review over, One Beacon, Acayour insurance covdia, Memic, Concord erage? Do you have enough coverGroup, MMG, Patrons age? Do you know how much covOxford, Allstate, Anerage you have? Is it the right coverthem, Harvard Pilage? If you had an accident, a fire, or grim, Hartford, Union theft, would your policies cover the Mutual, Dairyland, claim in whole or in part, or not at Unum, Aflac, and sevall? If you become disabled or died eral others. unexpectedly, will your family be As a full service taken care of? agency, GHM can hanIf you’re like most people, you undle virtually any insurderstand the important role insurance needs their cliBill Mitchell ance plays with protecting your fients may have. They nancial stability but many people offer a full range of perdon’t take time to even look at their sonal lines such as auto policies, much less meet with their and homeowners, umbrella liability, boats, agent to review and update their coverage. motorcycles, ATV’s, and snowmobiles. AdWhen you stop to think about how impor- ditionally, GHM has many programs for intant your insurance is, time spent reviewing, dividual life, health, disability, and long term understanding, and updating your coverage care coverages. can save you a lot of grief, and possibly a lot GHM services the needs of large and small of money, if the unexpected occurs. With the business owners with commercial insurance vast number of different insurance carriers policies such as property, general liability, and plans available, making the right choices business auto, workers’ compensation, and can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the peo- umbrella liability. In addition, GHM repreple of Central Maine now have a new resource sents many carriers for employee benefits in navigating the insurance maze. such as major medical, long & short term disFor over 106 years, individuals, families, ability, group life, dental, vision, and long and business owners in the Augusta and Wa- term care. Specialized business coverages terville areas have turned to the GHM Insur- such as directors & officers liability, employance Agency for all their insurance needs. ment practices liability, fiduciary liability, as Now with the opening of an Auburn location well as professional liability, errors & omisat 155 Center Street, Riverside Plaza, Central sions, and product liability are among the Maine residents can access the GHM network many types of insurance provided through in their own back yard.

GHM Agency.

GHM has been family owned and operated Offering a wide range of policies and prosince it was founded in 1901. The agency was grams is just the start. The friendly and propurchased from John B. Friel in 1964 by Paul fessional staff of GHM has the experience and Mitchell and has been run by the Mitchell expertise to meet the high expectations insurfamily ever since. Today, GHM is managed ance consumers expect and deserve. GHM

by Bill Mitchell, who serves as vice president meets those needs in all three of their locaand CEO. At age 81, Paul Mitchell is still ac- tions. tive in the company, having served With 28 licensed insuras the past president of the Maine ance agents, of which sevIndependent Agent’s Association, en are Certified Insurance and an active member of the assoCounselors, GHM continciation for the past 25 years. uously exceeds the high GHM operates as an independent expectations their clients insurance agent. That means they expect of them. Regardaren’t tied to just one insurance less of whether you call company but instead are free to or visit the Auburn, Auchoose from several of the best ingusta, or Waterville ofsurance companies in Maine. Havfice, you have the full suping so many options translates into port and knowledge of the providing many choices for their entire GHM team at your Elisa Porter clients at very competitive rates. disposal.

BY M ICHAEL BOURGOIN

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As part of GHM’s commitment to provid- getting information and quotes over the Ining the best products and services to their cli- ternet, GHM offers an interactive Web site ents, their agents are active throughout the where consumers can complete online quote industry, including serving as a member of requests and submit them for a prompt quote the agent advisory councils of four different from GHM. Quote requests are available at insurance carriers. This involvement allows www.ghmagency.com. The GHM Web site GHM to provide important input to the execu- allows clients the flexibility of requesting ID tive management of those insurance carriers Cards, Certificates of Insurance, and reportto help influence products, pricing, and criti- ing claims. cal services offered to insurance consumers throughout Maine.

Being a family owned business has instilled a sense of community in the GHM team. Employees sit on a variety of nonprofit boards throughout the state as well as being active in the Androscoggin, Kennebec Valley, and Mid-Maine Chambers of Commerce. They also are financial supporters of over 30 different non-profit organizations and youth programs throughout Central Maine.

Their commitment to hard work and exceptional service has been recognized by James Sanborn and Kristy Lachance the insurance industry. GHM is one of two Maine insurance agencies that have been recognized by Rough Notes, an insurance And, because accidents don’t always occur industry trade journal, received the 2001 during normal business hours, GHM offers 24 Business Achievement Award from the Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce, 2006 Honor- hour claim service, 365 days a year. Clients able Mention from the Gannett Organiza- can call at anytime day or night to report a tion as Family Business of the Year, and are claim, and a GHM representative will assist a Trusted Choice Agent. Additionally, GHM them with their claims. aybe insurance isn’t someis a Light House agent for One Beacon Insurthing most people think about ance, and a President’s Club member for Haon a regular basis. But if you nover Insurance. Both distinctions are attake a few minutes to call or stop by the GHM tained by less then 5% of insurance agents Insurance Agency in Riverside Plaza at 155 nationwide.

It’s important to note that all of this hard Center Street in Auburn, you’ll be pleased work and sense of community happen be- that you did. Not only will you leave knowing cause the agents and staff of GHM are part of you’re getting the best rates available to you, the community. GHM employees live in the but you’ll have peace of mind knowing that communities they serve. They are not on- you took the time to review and update one of ly agents but also, more importantly, neigh- the most important things that protects you, bors. GHM agents and their families share your family, and/or your business … your inthe same values and commitment to commu- surance. nity as you do.

With GHM, you also get to talk to a real person, face to face and not wait endlessly on the phone for the next available operator. Or worse, having to navigate some Web site hoping that you’re making the right coverage choices. Agents will take the time to sit down to review and discuss the options and coverages that are right for you.

Agents can perform a no-obligation review of your various insurance policies and make suggesThe GHM Agency is conveniently located at tions on how to improve coverage, 155 Center Street in Auburn and the building as well as ideas to help lower premihas plenty of parking. ums. Or for those of you who prefer

M

P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

Central Maine Real Estate Company Brings Innovation To Local Market

BY RICH LIVINGSTON Freelance Writer

W

ith some of the most productive and successful agents gathered in one place, Keller Williams Realty Mid Maine provides unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers of real estate, both residential and commercial.

The local Mid Maine market center provides buyers with a one-stop shop that includes access to on-site mortgage and title services.

Mark Richard, Team Leader

Keller Williams Realty recently launched its own proprietary listing service providing cutting-edge information exchange to all its agents. This listing service is part of a brand-new Web site, also just being rolled out, which connects all offices, agents and the public with Keller Williams listings internationally, making all KWR agents specialists in relocation services.

A unique new concept in real estate, Keller Williams Realty is

“

not only revolutionizing the industry but, in just a single year, has had a dramatic impact on the local real estate community,” says Keller Williams Realty Mid-Maine Team Leader, Mark Richard.

Unlike more traditional real estate brokerages which rely on their corporate identities and brands to attract listings and buyers, Keller Williams focuses its resources on attracting and retaining the best locally knowledgeable and experienced agents, and the agents, in turn, attract the business.

“Keller Williams employs an agent-led philosophy,” Richard explains. “We have a learning and consulting-based workplace that offers a unique culture of team work and cooperation. Daily classes are offered in all aspects of developing and managing a successful real estate practice. With a higher education in real estate, our agents can provide our buyer and seller clients with the most current industry information and trends.”

Bottom up leadership, including the operations, expenses, and culture of each locallyowned Keller Williams Realty market center is conducted by an Agent Leadership Council, comprised of the top 20% of producing agents in that office.

“Under Keller Williams’ unique starting commission, we offer an aggressive profit-sharing plan where approximately 50% of office profits are returned directly to agents. Keller Williams Realty in Maine has returned more than $1.3-million in profit share to its agents since its inception,” Richard added.

Having started in Austin, Texas in the mid 1980s, Keller Williams Realty has grown to more than 650 offices and 74,000 agents nationwide and in Canada, making them the fourth largest – and fastest growing – brokerage firm in the United States. The Auburn market center, just a year old, has already grown to over 70 agents.

The market center’s success ranks it among the top 10% of Keller Williams market centers internationally during this launch period. y building careers worth having, businesses worth owning, and lives worth living, Keller Williams Realty is about value to agents and their clients. The agent-driven philosophy works because real estate is a local service business driven by individual real estate associates and

B

More than two dozen agent training classes are offered monthly in the Auburn market center.

their local image with centers of influence. At the heart of every business decision, policy and service offered by Keller Williams Realty lies the most important factor: the agent.

Richard goes on to say, “Our company’s foundation is a

strong belief system that ensures a win/win philosophy and integrity in all we do. We look forward to providing the highest level of service to our community and invite everyone to call or visit us anytime and experience the difference.”

The 11 member Agent Leadership Council met recently. They are, from left to right, front: Steve Morgan, Mark Richard, Sue Meservier; Middle: Tanya Busch, Kelly Webb; Back: Jan Jacques, Brian Loisel, Dan Fortin, Brad Knowles, Barbara Trafton, Cathy Fifield.

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY MID MAINE

34 Center Street • Auburn, Maine 04210 • www.kwmidmaine.com • 207-689-9800

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P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

Main Street Rehab & Landscaping

BY M ICHAEL BOURGOIN Freelance Writer

“We

are the cure for residential headaches.” That quote from Christina White sums up part of Main Street Rehab & Landscaping’s philosophy. Main Street is one of the area’s newest property management and maintenance companies, having been started three years ago. But, to call them a property management company may not do justice to what they really do.

Since its creation, Main Street Rehab & Landscaping has set the bar higher in terms of the services they offer. The staff at Main Street looked at what other property management companies offered their customers and knew they could do better. Organization and talent has been the key to Main Street’s success.

From the beginning, the owners created a company infrastructure that allowed the company to grow with its client base. Secondly, they built a team with diverse talents and vast experience to tackle the challenges that come with managing residential and commercial properties.

Interior, before.

Interior, after.

What is it they do that others don’t, or can’t? They offer the level of service and involvement that best suits their clients. People purchase residential properties for a variety of reasons. For some it’s an investment for the future, for others it is a source of income for the present.

Whatever the reason, many property owners find that they’ve gotten in over their heads. Some owners may have difficulty in dealing with tenant issues while others find they don’t have the mechanical skills to stay on top of maintaining their property. What started as an investment soon becomes a headache and what could have been a solid investment is sold off without ever reaching its full potential.

Enter the cure. Main Street Rehab will work with owners to create and implement a plan that suits the owner’s needs. They will be as involved as the owner wants them to be.

For example, an owner might be mechanically inclined but interacting with tenants isn’t his forte. Main Street will tailor a management plan to suit the owner’s needs.

For owners who want the investment return that residential or commercial properties bring but don’t have the time to dedicate to the property, Main Street Rehab will handle everything for them. Whether it is dealing with tenant concerns, building renovations, finish carpentry, health and safety issues, yard work, snow removal, or a service call at 2 a.m., Main Street Rehab will be there.

There is another type of property owner that Main Street Rehab has made it a priority to help and that is the elderly property owner. Far too many elderly are forced to sell their property and move to new and unfamiliar surroundings. Sometimes it is the death of a spouse or the tasks associated with maintaining property are just too much to handle.

They may be capable of living on their own, but are forced by circumstance to leave their homes.

Main Street Rehab understands the challenges faced by elderly property owners and will work with them to develop a plan

that will allow these owners to stay in their homes. In some cases, depending on the size of the property, Main Street Rehab is able to create tenant units. Not only do the owners get to live in the home that they’ve built, they now have an additional source of income.

More than just a property management company, Main Street Rehab has the people and expertise to do everything from a simple renovation to a complete rehab of a residential or commercial building to suit an owner’s tastes. In order to do this, they’ve assembled a team of experienced people who are experts in their respective fields.

They understand the value people put on their property and finish each job as if they were working on their own home. Master carpenter Alan Pooler and crew can handle any aspect of the renovation phase right down to recreating mouldings in historic buildings. As part of their commitment to their clients, Main Street Rehab has on-call maintenance 24/7/365. They are also well versed in all local, state and federal building and fire codes.

This commitment to their clients has led to spectacular results. In three short years they have established a presence in 10 out of Maine’s 16 counties, manage 18 buildings, 31 residential units, and over 52,000 square feet of office space with more on the horizon.

When you hire Main Street Rehab & Landscaping, you get the full length and breadth of their knowledge. From Christina White with over 10 years of property management to John Snyder with more than 30 years of electrical engineering to the rest of the staff, clients can rest easy knowing that their property is safe. If you own property, you owe it to yourself to check out Main Street Rehab & Landscaping. The cure for that residential headache is only a phone call away.

Mike Paquette

Main Street Rehab & Landscaping

Brad Forgues

650 Main St. Lewiston, Maine 344-6477

The staff at Main Street Rehab & Landscaping, left to right: Brad Forgues, Mike Paquette, John Snyder, Chris White, Jeanne Jones and Mo Morrissette.

P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

THE PERFECT TIME FOR BUILDING, REMODELING Low Costs, Low Interest Rates, Quick Turn-Around...

Tax Credits Too! Have you been thinking about getting started on a new building project, but then say, “Nah, this isn’t quite the right time?” Actually, the people at Hammond Lumber Company believe that right now is the perfect time, and they point to many reasons.

“For one,” says Fred Perkins, Hammond’s sales manager, “lumber prices are lower right now than they’ve been in more than five years. Prices of many other building materials are also down.

Where road conditions are not restrictive, Hammond’s large boom trucks as well as “spider” trucks with truck-mounted fork lifts can place a load exactly where the customer needs it. Recent Hammond television commercials have featured loads of plywood being boomed through upstairs windows and other materials being transported up narrow driveways by a fork lift.

“We have many different kinds of trucks in our fleet,” Perkins says, “so we tailor a delivery to your specific needs. We’ll set it where you want it.”

“Lumber, like other commodities, goes in cycles,” says Perkins, “and right now, the price is lower than at any time in the previous five years.

Other materials, like insulation and sheet rock and shingles, tend to increase in price but undergo occasional corrections.

We’re in a correction period now, and the prices have dropped back.”

In The Zone All The Time

Some companies have begun doing “zone” deliveries, meaning that they deliver to different areas on different days. By contrast, Hammond trucks service all areas every day, and they deliver free within “striking distance” of the company’s seven stores: Auburn, Bangor, Fairfield, Farmington, Greenville and Skowhegan.

And while interest rates have been in the mid single digits for months, Perkins points out that it wasn’t so long ago that rates were in the double digits. Indeed, most financial analysts expect them to shoot back up at any time.

“We’ll bring in-stock items to you within twenty-four hours,” the sales manager emphasizes, “and often on the same day. In fact, you just tell us when and where you want it, and we’ll do the rest.”

“Rates have stayed low for a while now,” he say, “and it’s an excellent time to consider a mortgage and homeimprovement loan. It’s anybody’s guess how long it will last.”

Let Uncle Sam Help

Another financial factor is that the federal government is offering tax credits through the end of 2007 for home improvements that increase energy efficiency. The federal government’s Energy Star Program makes tax credits available for insulation, low-E windows and other improvements. More information is available at http://energystar.gov.

“We encourage homeowners to check online or talk with their tax consultant,” says Perkins. “It may be that a project they’re already considering qualifies for several hundred dollars in tax savings, and we’ll help them meet the requirements.”

The recent ups and downs in weather temperatures promise a challenging “posted road season,” even though it started later than usual (March rather than late January to early February). On roads that will be off limits to heavy trucks until early May, some building suppliers will have trouble delivering to certain customers.

“We have a definite advantage here,” says Perkins, “because our fleet includes plenty of smaller trucks like one-tons and pick-ups. We even have one-and-a-half-ton trucks that can carry a pretty large load without exceeding the limit.”

Another factor that makes now the perfect time to start planning a building project is the seasonal workload of Maine contractors.

“This,” Perkins says, “is when builders are lining up projects for the spring and summer. Now is when you want to be planning with them and getting your design work done.”

Speaking of design, Hammond Lumber offers expert design help with any kind and size of project, including garages, kitchens and new homes. This service is free when the customer purchases the materials from Hammond.

“The fact is, “ Perkins says, “this time of year is the perfect time to get a project going .

It may not look like it out the window, but when you consider all that needs to happen before breaking ground, you begin to see the light. If you want to do a major project this year, start now.”

Hammond’s Auburn store is located on the Poland Road and can be reached by phone toll free at 1-800-439-2826 or 784-4009. Directions for driving to the store are available by phone, and a map is available by e-mail. Customers may also call 1-866HAMMOND toll free, and they will be connected with the store nearest where you are calling from. The website address is www.hammondlumber.com.

Auburn • Bangor • Belgrade Fairfield • Farmington Greenville • Skowhegan Portland Opening in 2007

www.hammondlumber.com TOLL FREE IN MAINE

1-866-HAMMOND

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Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

Main Str eet Fur nitur e & A ppliances Count on it

To Former Western Auto Customers and Main Street Furniture & Appliances New Friends, As many of you know, there have been some changes made at Western Auto of Norway. Chief among them is the name, we are now Main Street Furniture and Appliances. We have also changed our product lines by phasing out the Hardware and Lawn and Garden Departments and added some new furniture and bedding lines.

General Electric, Whirlpool, Maytag, Frigidaire and KitchenAid will continue as our appliance leaders and Serta is the main-stay of our bedding department, but we have also added Amesbury and Lancer to our furniture line-up. These new products will give our customers a larger inventory of quality items to fulfill all their furniture and appliance needs.

Change is good and we think that when you need a new appliance, sofa, chair, dining set or bedding you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Main Street Furniture and Appliances.

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to you, our loyal customers. When you come into our store we will do our best to make you feel at home and help you find the product to meet your needs. Then we will deliver it to your home, set it up and we’ll even take away the item that you’re replacing.

At Main Street Furniture and Appliances the owner is in the store. We stand behind what we sell and will do whatever it takes to make you a satisfied customer.

And...that is our commitment to you.

Sincerely, Chris Shorey

• GE • WHIRLPOOL • MAYTAG • FRIGIDAIRE • KITCHENAID • SERTA • AMESBURY • LANCER • BEST HOME FURNISHINGS • FLEXSTEEL • SPEED QUEEN • LG TELEVISIONS

313 Main St., Norway, ME 743-5151 or toll-free 1-800-895-5151

P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

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haron Millett learned two important lessons during her years as President of the National Association of Realtors®…

The first lesson is that there are certain timeless approaches that will lead to success, no matter where you are in the world. Personalized customer service, agents who love their community, a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives – these are the key elements of excellent real estate service.

Linda Beaulieu

Katie Hamby

Lucien Bedard

Lorraine Bennett

Katie Sirois

Todd Boulet

Susan Cameron

Georgia Chomas

Steve Comeau

Rita Conner

Jane Cyr

Linda Davis

Dave Depot

Jan Dwinal

Monita Gagnon

Betty Grant

George Grant

Don Kilbreth

Win Frank

Jann Poland Perkins

Kevin Fletcher

Trisha Fletcher

Sheila Shelly

Shawn Watkins

Tony Morra

TIMELESS VALUES The second lesson is that there’s no place quite as special as Maine.

Family, neighbors, community, integrity – these are the values that define life here in Maine. These are also the traits that define Sharon and her team of leading real estate professionals at Coldwell Banker Millett Realty. They have earned a trusted reputation that continues to get stronger year after year.

REPUTATION IS KEY

Sharon Millett, Broker-Owner

Millett Realty’s reputation is built on pride in their community and a genuine commitment to their friends and neighbors throughout Maine.

It continues to grow through the work of their dedicated, experienced agents and knowledgeable management team. Backed by the worldwide real estate resources of Coldwell Banker, their reputation for quality service with a personal touch is certainly well-earned.

Simply put, no one sells more real estate in Central Maine than Millett Realty. They have earned a reputation for excellent results. Call today or visit their Web site, www.millettrealty.com .

Patience Johnson

Cindy Martin

Tammy Silva

Diane Landry

Gina Letourneau

Karen Gruver

Deb Lebourdais

Nel Roy

Renee Roy

Brie McCarthy

Dave Stevens

Chad Sylvester

Brady Gates

Christie Smith

(207) 782-8311

Janet McCarthey

Brant McCarthy

Mark Pilot, Sales Manager

#1 in Sales. Consistently.

Lynda Wade

Faith Morse

Marcel B. Poulin

Professionals Dedicated to Client Satisfaction

www.millettrealty.com

Frank Webb’s Bath Center: Experiencing is believing!

P

eople often ask what makes Frank Webb’s Bath Centers special. This can be answered with one word, “Experiencing.” The Lewiston showroom (now accessed at 60 Lexington Street) has recently been renovated and there is no better place to launch a bath or kitchen renovation project. Frank Webb’s Bath Center staff offers friendly, knowledgeable guidance that is often hard to find when embarking on a remodeling adventure.

With the vast assortment of plumbing design options available today, there is no better way to compare products and brands than actually seeing them. Today’s faucets and showerheads offer an entirely new experience of water. Some cascade, others flow, yet others waterfall into your sink or tub. The live displays at Frank Webb’s Bath Center allow you to see the flow of water from a faucet, understand the placement of body sprays for your shower, and experience the difference between an air jet tub and whirlpool.

It’s impossible to know whether a steam shower is right for you, unless you see what the surround looks like, actually touch the controls and watch how the steam envelops you instantly.

Since your selections for bath or kitchen are more than simply aesthetic choices, it is important for you to understand the plumbing requirements, the water conservation options, and the impact your decisions will have on the layout and design of your space. The Frank Webb’s Bath Center staff is fully versed

in all of these issues and enjoys the educational role they play.

With the new Pascal faucet from Brizo, you run your hands under this swan-necked fixture and water pours out. Without experiencing this hands-free operation, you might look at a catalogue and think it’s just a nice stainless steel faucet.

The Neorest toilet from Toto can’t be imagined. With bidet, auto dryer, tankless design, and push-button controls – the experience is the thing.

In addition to the wide assortment of products from manufacturers including American Standard, Porcher, Toto, KWC, Moen, Grohe, Jacuzzi, and more, you can also appreciate the newest in gas fireplaces at Frank Webb’s Bath Center.

With 20 showrooms open to the public throughout New England and upstate New York, Frank Webb’s Bath Centers are the best of both worlds. Each showroom is locally managed and has a pulse on the trends and design direction of interest in its community, yet all are backed by the inventory and prestige of the Northeast’s largest plumbing wholesaler, FW Webb.

Visit www.frankwebb.com for directions to the Lewiston showroom and hours. While walk-ins are welcome, it’s always helpful to call the showroom before your visit, as a member of the team can advise you on what to bring, including measurements of existing fixtures and plans for renovation, which often help guide your product selection.

At Frank Webb’s Bath Centers, live displays give you a real look at your choices for bath and kitchen design.

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Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

Jim Adams

Marie Beaulieu

Carl Beckett

Roger Begin

Tim Worden

Judy Worden

Bill Bergeron

Crystal Bergeron Linda Blier-Austin

Connie Boucher

Brian & Kristin Boulay

Norm & Denise Brodeur

Bob Brown

Glenn Carey

Amy Casper

Colette Clouter

Harriet Cummings

Kristina Daigle

Sheila Delamater

Steve Drury

Sue Dube

ONE Real Estate Company in Central Maine Laurie Danforth

Beth Favreau

Joe Daniels

Dot Fernald

Helen Davidson

Melissa Field

HAS SOLD OVER 10,000 HOMES!

Roger Begin

Bill Bergeron

Tim Worden

Great agents make Roger Begin Bergeron Tim Worden greatBill companies!

Brenda Fontaine Claude Fontaine

Roger Gagnon

FOR OVER 35 YEARS the Lewiston/Auburn Area has trusted the experience of

ERA Worden Real Estate in the buying and selling Roger Begin of their Bill Bergeron homes! Tim Worden

Donna Guiggey

Quent Hall

Lori Hart

Angie Larochelle

Clayton Larochelle

Marilyn Larochelle

Eva Little

Nicole Lussier

Bert Ouellette

Claire Poussard

Dan Ridley

Maurice Rioux

Chris Rizzolo

Kate Saunders

Faye Searles

Anne Servidio

Jacqui Smith

Julia Sprague

Lynda Hebert

Paulette King

Elaine Lajoie

John & Christine Marcous

Jeanne Martin

Barbara Mitchell

Maryann Norcross

Scott Robert

Conrad Robitaille

Sue Robitaille

Linda Rukzsnis

Julie Watt

Kathy White

Michelle Therrien Melanie Vincent

www.eraworden.com

Worden Realty 473 Center St., Auburn, ME 04210 • 784-0159

P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

Custom Window Decorators helps create your home’s unique look

BY M ICHAEL BOURGOIN

I

Freelance Writer

n today’s hectic world, your home may become a sanctuary. It is a place where you can go to escape what the outside world throws at you. It is also a place where you can express your sense of style. For people in the Central Maine area, there is a place to go for help in making their home not only a sanctuary, but also a place to be proud to show your friends.

Since 1987, Custom Window Decorators has been providing the area with the best in window treatments and interior decorations. People have come to rely on their skill and expertise to provide the perfect look for their home.

Owner Mike Favreau started Custom Window Decorators as a manufacturer of vertical blinds. From there, he grew the business into what it is today. Through its years of continued growth, Custom Window Decorators has moved to accommodate this expansion, settling in at their current location at 1478 Lisbon Street in Lewiston where they don’t just sell blinds and shades, but also decorate with window treatments.

One thing that sets Custom Window Decorators apart from all other decorators is their commitment to their customers. They will work with their customers to get that perfect look. Many people want to change the décor of their house. Unfortunately, they’re not sure exactly what it is they want. They know what they don’t want, but the perfect look eludes them.

Custom Window Decorators listens to their customers. Unlike other decorators who tell their customers what they want, the people at Custom Window Decorators pride themselves on being good listeners.

They want people to be able to walk into your house, look around, and say “Who did this for you?” and not “Who did this to you?”

Another role that Custom Window Decorators performs for its customers is to make the decorating process as easy as possible. When you call or stop in at Custom Window Decorators the staff will discuss various options available to you.

They’ll discuss your needs and the look that you’re going for. Once they know what you’re looking for, they’ll go to your house to make all the necessary measurements and come up with the perfect look and custom fit.

Helping a client realize their vision is interior decorator Mona Rand. With over 30 years of experience, she has the knowledge necessary to take any project from concept to reality.

Custom Window Decorators offers a large product line of window treatments from companies such as Hunter Douglas, Graber, Stroheim and Romann, as well as several others. To complete the look, Custom Window Decorators offers a wide assortment of vertical, mini, and wood blinds, shutters, draperies and valances.

They also offer lines of motorized blinds to fit any application.

In addition to window treatments, Custom Window Decorators offers a full line of custom upholstered furniture. Customers can choose from sofas, club chairs, and many other pieces to complement their décor. All of their custom furniture is built on a maple hardwood frame for durability.

They offer thousands of different colors, so they are sure to have the perfect match for you.

Custom Window Decorators prides itself on going the extra mile for its customers.

They will search to find the perfect item to complement any decorating project they undertake. Mona will travel to the Design Center in Boston to find exactly what she needs to make your project a success.

No project is too small or too large for Custom Window Decorators. They can handle anything ranging from a one room project to an estate to an entire office complex. Some of their commercial work has included the Amethyst project oil rigs in Portland, area colleges, schools, and nursing homes.

Whether a homeowner wants a stunning room or a business owner wants to redecorate every office in their building, you need to stop in at Custom Window Decorators located at 1478 Lisbon Street in Lewiston. The one of a kind look for your lifestyle is just a phone call or visit away.

Owner Mike Favreau and decorator Mona Rand of Custom Window Decorators.

Window Decorators 1478 Lisbon Street Lewiston, Maine 04240 784-4113 or 1-800-273-1119 www.customwindowdecorators.com

In addition to window treatments, Custom Window Decorators offers a full line of custom upholstered furniture. With thousands of colors to choose from, they are sure to have the perfect match for you.

Kitchen • Bath • Plumbing • Heating • Supplies

J

eff Allen’s business philosophy is simple.

When it comes to helping his customers, Jeff and his staff at Selco Plumbing & Heating Supply in Lewiston bend over backwards to please them.

Selco, which sells everything from faucets to sinks to vanities to whirlpool baths to heaters, has gained a reputation among its customers for outstanding service. “We know our products,” Jeff said, who became involved with this business in 1990 and is now the sole owner. He wants to take the mystery and stress out of do-it-yourself projects.

“If a customer buys a product from us, we’ll show them step by step how to install it.” In fact, Selco provides one-stop shopping for the homeowner and contractor who wants to tackle a home improvement project. Besides a host of plumbing and heating supplies, Selco also sells cabinetry such as the well known Merillat brand. Unlike some stores where customers are limited to the choices on the shelves, special orders are no problem at Selco.

Worried about putting in a faucet? No need, as Jeff and his staff will gladly explain how to install it. Intimidated by the thought of spending hours putting together a bathroom vanity? Selco offers free assembly on its vanities.

Selco also emphasizes prod-

uct quality. “We can sell you a nice quality whirlpool for $1,000 or we can sell you one for $7,000,” Jeff said. Presently, Selco has 15 whirlpools on display for your selection.

Selco will stand behind its products. A higher quality product will cost a customer less in the long run, not only in terms of less money but also less inconvenience and aggravation.

This willingness to back up its merchandise has made Selco a popular place among local plumbing and heating contractors. Selco also carries a multitude of product lines, featuring the best brand names in the plumbing and heating industry — Mansfield, Aquatic and Monitor, to name a few.

And because Selco is independently owned, it allows

them to stock a wide variety of brands. “We can special order anything you want. While some stores will sell only a certain brand, we’re not limited to any particular brand,” Jeff said. The result is a greater choice for customers.

One trend growing in popularity is radiant heat. Although the method has been around for a number of years, it’s starting to become more common in Maine, Jeff said.

A radiant heating system is made up of tubes filled with water. The tubes, which are mounted underneath or on top of the floor or in cement, radiate warmth once the water is heated.

Radiant heat offers several advantages. First, it eliminates cold floors. Second, it’s more efficient because it allows the boiler to run at a

lower temperature. It’s a feature that’s being installed more and more in new homes and renovations throughout Maine.

The store’s hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday; Saturdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Selco

1525 Lisbon St. Lewiston, Maine 207-783-6927

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Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

First Assembly of God: The local church for over 60 years

BY RICH LIVINGSTON

T

Freelance Writer

he Reverend Donald R. Cougle, Pastor of the First Assembly of God church on the Hogan Road in Lewiston, has presided over the dedication ceremonies of literally hundreds of babies since assuming leadership of this local fellowship in the summer of 1970. Membership in the local church has grown from the 19 adults and five children who were there that first Sunday when Pastor Cougle arrived to now approximately 300 attending in the two morning services with several dozen more claiming this as their home church.

Of the original 19 adults, several are still active in the church. Pastor Cougle says he has dedicated both the children and grandchildren of his original constituents.

“You know,” Pastor says, “in many ways the church community is closer than our own families. We live with our parents for only 17 or 18 years, and we’re off to college or out into the working world, while for me and my family our church family has been a part of our lives for almost 37 years.”

A 1968 graduate of the Faith School of Theology in Charleston, Maine, Rev. Cougle spent one year filling in as a speaker at churches throughout Northern New England and New Brunswick. He became the Pastor of the First Assembly of God Church in 1970 when it was located on 19 High St. in Lewiston.

Ministry at First Assembly is a family adventure in a lot of ways: Don’s wife, Cheryl, has been Director of Christian Education for as

long as Don has been in the pulpit. On a typical Sunday, between 55 to 60 children aged three to 10 will be at children’s church, plus another 15 to 20 between the ages of 10 to 12, and older teens join the adult service. An inviting nursery welcomes infants and toddlers during services. There is a special ministry for boys aged three to 17 called Royal Rangers along with a girls’ ministry Cheryl Cougle, Reverend for the same ages called MisDirector of Christian Donald R. Cougle, sionettes. These are both a Education Pastor part of the national Assemblies of God Programs for enrichment. boys and girls. These groups meet First Assembly, as a local fellowevery Wednesday evening at 6:00 ship, provides a wide variety of minduring “Family Night” while the istries, including Care and Share adults enjoy Bible study in the sancgroups, summertime services in tuary.

Kennedy Park (including the disAn affiliate of the cooperative feltribution of a trailer-load of clothing lowship of the Assemblies of God each time the church visits the park) church network, the Hogan Road and special outdoor music events church is part of an evangelical Penheld in the Great Falls Plaza parking tecostal tradition. Considered a colot adjoining the Esplanade senior operative fellowship of independent housing facility. During Christmas churches, rather than a denominain July, gifts are collected which are tion in its own right, the national then distributed at Christmas time headquarters operation is primarily Royal Rangers at 2005 Pow Wow, to 50 or more families along with a service organization. It provides Senior Commander Tom Whittingham, far left. food boxes. Another three dozen educational curriculum, organizes food boxes are given out at Thanksmission programs, and is responsitional ministries such as Promise sic due to a larger number of singers giving. ble for credentialing ministers and Keepers. within the church. The Pastor, muA Golden Seniors group offers felfor oversight of the church’s collegSeveral small fellowship groups sicians and worship leaders believe lowship, activities and even occaes and seminary. The Assemblies meet weekly at First Assembly.

A that the services are to be a fulfillsional trips for those 55 and older. of God is the world’s largest PenteCare and Share Group meets Tuesment of the Biblical exhortation to Several other programs are held costal association, with over 51 milday mornings at 10:00 and emphasizlift up your hearts in song. each year, just for the ladies. These lion constituents. Principally a place es supporting one another through There is a welcoming fellowship include a Ladies Tea as well a Mothfor worship, the local church offers fellowship and prayer.

In addition, for the young, the elderly, and everyer-Daughter Banquet. In addition, services at 8:00 and 10:00 on Sunday “Fellowship and the Word Groups” one in between, at the First Assemdistrict-wide Ladies Conventions mornings, plus an evening service are held on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. bly of God. Visitors will find an enand Ladies Retreats are held annuat 5:00 p.m. The local church is also and Fridays at 6:30 p.m. These provironment of love and acceptance, ally. The men get together for breaka place for friendship, learning, and vide opportunity for Fellowship, a place where one can find opporfast one Saturday prayer, and Bible Study. A home tunities for service and for spiritua month and also fellowship group for Young Adults al fulfillment. Pastor Cougle says, join together in meets Saturday evenings. There is “There is always a welcome at First service projects also a variety of special programs for Assembly of God Church.” such as putting on children and teens. a new roof, siding Music is an important element in a house, or paintthe Evangelical traditions, and it is ing a home of some clearly central to the experience at of the elderly in the Hogan Road church and its outthe congregation. reach services. A 50 to 60 voice choir Their desire is to presents special cantatas at Easter extend this minisas well as during other special octry into the comcasions throughout the year. Their munity. The men worship services are accompanied also take part in Church board members by piano, keyboards, organs, drums district Men’s Reand guitars and a lot of special mutreats and in na-

First Assembly of God

Sue Lansley, Missionettes coordinator

70 Hogan Rd. Lewiston, Maine

Tel: 786-2636

Atlas Supply stays connected with their customers in innovative ways

BY M ARIE ROSSITER

L

Freelance Writer

ocated between the Androscoggin River and the historic Bates Mill, Atlas Supply is a piece of history still in the making. Atlas Supply got its start in 1958 when Rosaire LaFontaine opened Dealers Metal Building Supply on Spring Street in Lewiston. During the 1980’s, Rosie’s daughter, Lise, and her husband, Jeff Lothrop, took over company operations. This family tradition is now continuing with the third generation, as their son Alan has recently joined the company.

Lise recalls how her father came into the sheet metal and heating industry.

“The start of Atlas Supply’s sheet metal shop was almost an accident. Dad originally worked at another wholesale company and decided to open his own place.

Then, one of his customers went bankrupt and had nothing left to pay off his account. So the customer offered my dad his equipment as payment and that’s how the fabrication part got started.”

As a family business, Atlas Supply takes great pride in their work and attention to customer service. Jeff believes that this is what makes Atlas Supply stand out from the competition. “There are a lot of wholesalers out there who can produce standard parts,” he says. “But, we also do a lot of custom-made work. That is a service that just isn’t out there any more.

We put in a lot of hours to make sure the job is done exactly the way the customer wants it.”

Recently, Jeff fabricated custom copper chimney caps for the Shaker Village in New Gloucester. “They wanted to follow the traditional style of their buildings, but have something sturdy that could be taken apart when the chimney’s needed cleaning.” He designed what he now calls the “Shaker Cap” for that job and its inclusion on their Web site has generated many interested calls.

Atlas Supply understands that not only is good customer service grounded in years of tradition, but also by keeping an

Office and warehouse on Lincoln Street.

The Atlas Supply logo throughout the years has always represented quality.

Chimney topper

eye on the future. More people turn to the Internet for their service needs and Atlas Supply is focused on staying connected with their customers in innovative ways.

“We are building more of a presence on the Web,” Lise explains. “We know it will help bring in more business.”

In addition to the Web site at AtlasSupplyCorp.awardspace.com, Atlas Supply has also created a nationwide 800-number for its customers 1-800-244-4726.

Atlas Supply workshop

Out of their 40,000 square foot warehouse, Atlas Supply can fill all of your needs:  From heat recovery ventilators to wood furnaces;  From kitchen range and dryer ventilation to wood stove installation;  From zoning to air conditioning;  From gutter to prefabricated chimney…you’ll find the products and knowledge you need to get the job done right at Atlas Supply.

Atlas Supply 47 Lincoln St. Lewiston, Maine 784-4726 1-800-244-4726 atlassupply@gmail.com http://AtlasSupplyCorp.awardspace.com

P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

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Pineland Lumber: BUILDING L-A, FOR NEARLY A CENTURY

BY RICH LIVINGSTON Freelance Writer

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hen Pineland Lumber was first established in Lewiston, 95 years ago, building materials meant pine lumber. Of course, as times have changed, there is now a wide variety of substitutes for lumber – including plasterboard, plywood and related materials. Insulating materials were unknown a century ago. Sash, blinds and doors are now manufactured in factories utilizing production lines which greatly reduce the cost of quality prefabricated millwork for consumers. But, Pineland continues to be the primary local source for all things lumber, as well as all the newer materials.

“With over 350 years of combined experience among our staff,” says Pineland President and co-owner Neal Ouellette – himself a 35-year veteran of the venerable company – “we provide not only a full range of building materials, at competitive prices, but we also have the expertise to help complete any building project on time, on budget, and to probably save money, minimize work orders and reduce waste in the process.”

From design to delivery – which is free and generally available on a same-day basis: in by 9 a.m., delivered today; ordered by 2 p.m. and delivered by noon next business day – Pineland has been advising and supplying professional builders in the housing and commercial markets from the same Avon Street location along the river in Lewiston since well before the big box stores (and much of the merchandise they sell) had been invented.

Pineland continues to be the first choice for over 400 local area builders who are committed to supporting the local economy. A proud sponsor of the Lewiston MAINEiacs, the “It’s Happening Here” campaign, and dozens of community and sports groups, Pineland remains a cornerstone of central Maine.

Pineland is committed to helping profes-

95 years in business (1912-2007) sional builders serve their customers more efficiently, but they also provide consumers with a full range of materials, supplies and tools, and they offer a professional referral service. Building from scratch? Remodeling? Pineland can point you to the right contractor, someone who will do what they commit to do, who is reputable, experienced and insured.

The expert in-house design staff can provide drawings and spec lists of materials for whatever building project you have in mind so that you can have confidence in the outcome – and the price – before you start. The Pineland outside sales staff will meet you on the job site, will arrange convenient delivery schedules, and will ensure the right materials are in the right place at the right time.

And now, Pineland has become the lumber yard of cyberspace, with a brand new Web site designed to help builders and consumers alike do a better job of anticipating materials needed for any project, from kitchen or bath remodeling to new home construction projects. Need a builder? Visit www.pinelandlumber.com.

Browse through a virtual building supply lot of bath, kitchen, Pineland Lumber display kitchen roofing, flooring, siding materials, fixtures and equipment.

For the serious builder, the serious conPineland’s new Web site includes sumer; for quality materials custom speciall sorts of useful links and tools, including fied to your requirements, Pineland Lumber nearly a dozen materials calculators which will help you determine just how much you’ll remains, as it has been for over nine decades, the one-stop shop in central Maine. need – lumber, concrete, paint, drywall, roofing, siding, flooring and more. Simply enter your measurements and the Web site does the work. Combine the calculators with the free design services, builder referrals, free deliveries, and priceless expertise, and it’s clear why Pineland continues to occupy a distinctive role in the local building industry, one that offers full, in depth service and www.pinelandlumber.com cannot be dislodged by simple convenience.

Pineland Lumber 10 Avon Street Lewiston, Maine 784-4524

Over 350 years combined experience

ERA Worden Realty Norm and Denise Brodeur:

Matchmakers of Lewiston-Auburn area

BY M ARIE ROSSITER Freelance Writer

Norm and Denise Brodeur of ERA Worden Realty are the “Matchmakers of the Lewiston-Auburn area.”

With almost 40 years of combined experience in the real estate business, Norm and Denise have a magical quality of being able to find just the right property for perspective buyers.

T

he Brodeurs have established a solid reputation based on their attention to customer service. This reputation has helped them serve countless home sellers and buyers in the L-A area, including three generations of the same family. “This is a testament to the level of personal attention that Norm and Denise provide,” explains Tim Worden, owner of ERA Worden on Center Street in Auburn. “Service like this is the reason why our company has grown so much over the years.”

As ERA Worden celebrates their 30th year in the Lewiston-Auburn area, Norm and Denise Brodeur understand the ever-changing dynamics of the real estate market. “Real estate is often thought of as a noun,” shares Norm. “Today, though, real estate is a verb. It is something that Denise and I constantly work on to make sure that we give our customers exactly what they need.”

With the Internet becoming such a large part of the public’s real estate experience, Norm and Denise know that buyers and sellers are more sophisticated now than ever. As a result, the Brodeur team maintains open communication and is easily accessible to their clients to answer any questions they may have. “There is simply no reason why our clients can not get in touch with us,” Norm continues. “And our customers deal with us directly at all times, which we feel is very important.”

Norm and Denise work with their clients from beginning to end. “Denise and I take care of the details, so our clients can continue to lead their busy lives,” assures Norm. While technology has made information more accessible to the public, real estate transactions are still complicated.

In most cases, buying or selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage government-mandated settlement statements. The Brodeurs are knowledgeable guides who help their clients avoid delays and costly mistakes.

“Because of their complexity, almost all real estate transactions have some sort of stumbling block,” says Norm. “It’s our job, as Broker/ Realtors, to make sure that we solve the problems as they arise and make the transition as seamless as possible.”

Advances in technology have also changed the landscape of real estate marketing. The Brodeur team understands that increased advertising helps sell a home. The more people who see and read about a home listing, the more showings there will be, and that leads to the best chance of meeting the right buyer.

“The Internet is quickly becoming our biggest advertising tool,” Norm acknowledges. “We use digital visual tour technology and other real estate Web sites to promote our listings.” They also still advertise regularly in area newspapers and real estate publications to ensure that a property listing will be seen by as many people as possible on a local, state and national level.

People trust Norm and Denise Brodeur, along with the entire ERA Worden agency, because of their expertise, customer service and attention to the finest details in real estate.

For more information on how the Brodeur Brokers can be of service, feel free to call 207-754-6060.

If you’re looking to buy or sell, Denise and Norm Brodeur, husband and wife team at ERA Worden Realty, want to hear from you.

ERA Worden Realty 473 Center St. Auburn, Maine Cell phone: 207-754-6060 Fax: 207-784-1717

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P R O F I L E 2007

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 14, 2007

Passion and dedication

The Brenda Fontaine Family Team 336 Center Street Auburn, Maine 04210 207-784-3800 “The name family and friends recommend since 1983.”

www.brendafontaine.com Brenda

Claude Associate Broker

www.fontainefamilyteam.com

Broker

WORDEN knowledge for site visitors, including neighborhood and city descriptions. Local links and school information are of primary f Brenda Fontaine could sit across the kitchimportance to many families, and you’ll find it all here. en table from you, there is one thing she would Search Saver — This expedient feature allows interested buywant you to know. “After 24 years in the real esers to save what they find in home searches and receive e-mail tate business, I am still as passionate, commitfollow-ups when new listings match their saved criteria. This is ted and dedicated as ever,” she said recently. also beneficial to sellers because their new listings automaticalAlthough she is part of a family business with a great work ly target the buyers looking for those types of properties. ethic, Fontaine says she is “very grateful to Lewiston and AuComplimentary Moving Truck — Clients working with the burn for their loyalty.”

Fontaine family have the option of using the company’s moving That loyalty has propelled her into the top echelon of realtors truck free of charge. The Web site offers registration and a calAngie across the country. In fact, Fontaine was recently interviewed endar to check for availability.

Associate Broker by a trade publication for a book titled, “Top 10 Free Real Estate Tools — Numerous userTraits of the Top 10 Performers.” friendly services are available to help visitors to Despite those accolades, her passion often the site, including a dream-home finder, e-mail uptakes the form of compassion — giving back to dates, home evaluation, brokerage services and inthe community by donating generously to the depth buyer and seller information.

March of Dimes, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Search Engine Optimization — This feature MDA and also sponsoring numerous school and customizes the Web site for the specific target marsports programs. Her dedication to both buyers kets of Lewiston-Auburn and Central Maine, creand sellers can be seen with copious past client ating high rankings in search engine queries. Visreferrals and hits to her Web site — one of the itors will find it consistent and easy to find what most visited real estate Web sites in the entire they are looking for. country.

“With this improved Web site, we can better ser“When a seller lists with us they become part vice the local residents looking to buy or sell, but of a network of 20 other different Web sites,” we can also connect with the out-of-state buyers beCrystal Melissa she explained. “We keep our site current, and fore they even step foot in the state,” she explained.

Associate Broker Associate Broker we’re at the top of various search engines.” No “When you list your home with the Fontaine Fammatter what you type in — brendafontaine.com ily Team, the Web site will be one of the first outor fontaineteam.com — you will reach the Web of-state buyers, as well as local clients, find. That site, which has recently undergone a complete means they will find your home first!” transformation in an effort to serve customers The Fontaine Family Team, under the auspices — past, present and future — more efficiently of ERA Worden Realty in Auburn, has been growand effectively. ing at a steady pace for several years now. There “This is cutting edge,” she said. “Even someare currently 11 licensed realtors in the office; five one from another country can change the Engare sales agents, and six serve as support staff. lish version to their own language. We’ve been “What’s different,” Fontaine said, “is when a working diligently to develop a user-friendly, inbuyer or seller calls, they don’t have to wait for a formative, on-line resource.” call back from someone else, because there is alSome unique features of the Web site, noted by ways someone here qualified to help them, to set the design team, include: up appointments and handle their specific needs.”

Advanced Search Tools — The new system Fontaine sees herself as the type of person who Clay Bill provides a map-based search along with categoacts as a consultant, Broker Broker ries for specific listproviding the customings, such as starter with numerous oper, luxury and wations for their real esterfront properties tate needs. “They’re as well as new conthe decision-maker, struction opportunot me,” she said, addnities. ing, “I love what I do; Area Educationit’s my passion, and I al Resources — It’s still get excited about important to know going on a listing apmore about an area pointment because I you may be considknow if the homeownering, and extensive er chooses us to be Marilyn Julia Marie Beth ���������������������������������������������� real estate informatheir realtor, we will Associate Broker Licensed Sales Agent Licensed Sales Agent Associate Broker tion provides this get their home sold!” �������������������������������

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BY LINDA GALWAY Freelance Writer

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Testimonials from satisfied clients: HELPING FAMILIES FULFILL THEIR DREAMS!

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���� ���������� ���� ���������������� ���� ��������� ������� ����� ���������� �������������������������������������� ������ ��� ����������� ������ ��������� ����������������������������������� ������������������ Mercier Family

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“Having lots of sales every year is admittedly, very nice. But for us, it’s what’s behind all our sales that counts – Lots of Happy Families! When it’s time to buy or sell, we hope you’ll put our experience and track record to work for your family.”

– Brenda Fontaine