Profile 2009 Section D by Sun Journal

HEALTH & WELLNESS • RETAIL • FINANCE

ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUN JOURNAL APRIL 11, 2009

2009

HOME PROFILE

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

The Theater At Monmouth:

40 years of inspiration! By R ich Livingston

– will also tour As Maine Grows, a provocative history of growth in Maine, in at least 30 different venues around the state this coming May and June. he reason so many theater professional from With an aggregate summer audience totaling more New York and other places away love to come than 14,000, and another 25,000 in the audiences of the back to the Theater at Monmouth, year after spring shows, devotees of the Theater at Monmouth year, is that “this is what you thought theater was when include locals, summer residents and their guests, you went into theater,” according to David Greenham, from all over northern New England. The increasingly who is in his 12th year as producing director of TAM. unusual repertory format enables people to see a wide “There’s a certain kind of creative energy that’s variety of performances in just a few days, and is chalachieved by a big company of theater professionals – 40 lenging and energizing for actors and staff. or so – living, working and playing together all sum“But just producing great theater is not enough,” mer,” Greenham explains. Greenham suggests. “We always The Theater At Monmouth, The provide opportunities for audiShakespearean Theater of Maine, is a ences to get more deeply engaged year-round repertory company of profesin what we do beyond just watchsional theater artists from across Maine ing. We want them to know how and the United States. Founded in 1970, it all happens. We encourage them the Theater was named The Shakespearto participate in discussions about ean Theater of Maine by the Maine State the productions and some of the Legislature in 1975. issues addressed in our plays. For Performances are held in beautiful example, we will be partnering Cumston Hall, listed on the National with family violence experts to Register of Historic Buildings since discuss some of the implications of 1976. The Mission of The Theater at MonCarousel this fall.” mouth is to bring innovative approaches The objective is to make the to Shakespeare and other classic plays theater-going experience as rich through professional productions which and rewarding as it can be, from Dan Olmstead, Dustin enrich the lives of people in Maine at simply enjoying the unique ambiTucker and the cast of historic Cumston Hall and throughout ance of the Cumston Hall venue, to the state. TAM has produced over 270 “The Merchant of Venice,” festival-style performances on the different productions, including at least 2008 season. greens before and after theater pro20 world premieres. ductions, to the array of opportuniAcclaimed as one of New England’s ties to explore the depths of the art. most distinguished and venerable sumTAM has robust relationships with mer performing arts destinations, The numerous other area performing Theater at Monmouth will celebrate its arts venues, community and civic 40th anniversary season this year, and groups, historical societies and the 2009 summer and fall season will libraries, and it is actively developinclude the customary two Shakespeare ing longer-term relationships with plays – this year Twelfth Night and several school districts. Hamlet – three other classic plays, and In addition to Shakespeare, the Rogers & Hammerstein’s beloved musi2009 summer season will include cal, Carousel. TAM is one of the oldest the theater’s first-ever production continually operating Shakespeare of an Agatha Christie mystery, The theaters in the country and one of the Mousetrap, along with the delightfew remaining truly repertory summer ful French comedy, A Little Hotel theater companies in New England. on the Side, the children’s classic In addition to the magnificently staged The Wind in the Willows, as well summer season, TAM is producing a Mark S. Cartier, David as Carousel. More information – and version of the unforgettable jazz and Greenham and the cast of the opportunity for season or individblues musical The Three Little Pigs that “Arsenic and Old Lace,” ual event tickets – can be found online will be touring schools and communities 2008 season. at www.theateratmonmouth.org, or state-wide this spring, and – in collaboration with the Maine Humanities Council call the box office at 207-933-9999. Freelance Writer

Magnificent Cumston Hall, home of The Theater At Monmouth.

For tickets call (207) 933-9999

For prices and complete schedule visit

www.theateratmonmouth.org

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Pineland Lumber: Vital part of this community

Pineland Lumber, April 1962

By M ike Bourgoin Photos by Dave Gondek

ince 1912, Pineland Lumber has been a vital part of the local community. In fact, Pineland Lumber has been responsible for building a large part of the community by providing the area with its building and hardware supplies. Pineland Lumber has always prided itself on being a local company helping local people. As a part of the community, Pineland Lumber has been able to provide a level of service unequaled by the big box stores. Almost all of Pineland’s employees have had experience in the construction industry before starting at Pineland Lumber. With competitive pricing, what is it that sets Pineland Lumber apart from their competitors? In a word – service. Pineland Lumber prides itself on the level of service it offers their customers. From hardware sales to kitchen designs to complete construction projects, Pineland Lumber can accommodate the homeowner as well as the professional contractor. Each customer’s needs are unique and Pineland Lumber has the experience to meet those needs. Supervising Inside Sales, Philippe Laurendeau has over 43 years in the business and can answer almost any question from customers. And if he doesn’t know the answer, he can track it down in a hurry. Phil is always there for the customers. If Pineland doesn’t have a specific item in stock, he’ll special order it. Many times, he can get the part in overnight. He can also schedule the delivery of items to a customer’s home or jobsite. Along with its large inventory, Pineland Lumber is in the business of providing design work for their customers. Whether it’s a kitchen, bath, addition, garage, or complete house, Pineland can help design it. To help customers create the perfect kitchen or bath, designer Stacy Whetzel brings over nine years of experience to the table. Using the latest computer design software, she can take a customer’s idea to completion. Whether a customer has a design in mind or just a vague idea, Stacy will sit down with the customer and design it for them. This allows the customer to see exactly what they’re getting. Stacy can design kitchens and bathrooms from scratch or help customers with a remodel of an existing area. Once a design has been selected, Stacy will work with customers to choose flooring, cabinets and countertops. Pineland offers cabinets from companies like Armstrong, Candlelight, and Diamond. They also offer a wide range of countertops from granite to laminates. Heading the list of countertops are companies such as Quartz, Hi-Macs, and

Avonite. To complete the flooring, Pineland offers a large selection of tile, laminates, and hardwood floors of varying species. In addition to kitchen and bath design, Matt Greenwood can also create complete home designs. Using the latest design software, he helps the customer’s dream become a reality. Even if the project is a small outbuilding on the property, Matt works with the customer to ensure that the customer’s vision becomes a reality. Like the rest of the people at Pineland, Matt isn’t satisfied until the customer is. Matt uses not only his considerable professional experience to create designs, but his personal experience as well. Pineland Lumber prides itself on being a local company helping local people. That is the main reason they offer free services such as free delivery and free estimates. The staff is always ready to visit the homeowner for project measurements or the contractor on the job site. Having a lot of design talent means nothing if you don’t have the materials to back it up. Pineland Lumber has what the customer needs both in terms of materials and knowledge. Rene Gaudette in Outside Sales sums it up best when he says, “We build relationships with our customers.” Rene will sit down with the customers and create a plan of action. He’ll discuss the customer’s expectations with them and the various options available to customers. One of the benefits of being a large part of the community is knowing the area’s resources. Along with the rest of the sales staff, Rene can recommend the right contractor for the job. Once a plan has been drafted to the customer’s satisfaction, Rene and the rest of the sales staff will get to work ordering supplies. Various items have different lead times. Pineland Lumber can coordinate the ordering so that the right supplies arrive at the right time. In these troubled economic times, it’s important to support local businesses. Local businesses are an integral part of the community and Pineland Lumber is doing its part to support them. Whenever possible, Pineland will purchase from local companies. One of their top windows line is manufactured by Matthews Brothers in Belfast, Maine and most of the pine sold at Pineland Lumber has been grown and harvested right here in Maine by Robbins Lumber in Searsmont. For over 97 years, Pineland Lumber has been a part of the local community. A lot of things have changed since then, but there’s one thing that has remained the same: Pineland’s commitment to their customers and the community. With competitive pricing and a dedicated staff with over 250 years of combined experience, Pineland Lumber is ready serve you today.

Outside Sales reps Rene Gaudette, Dave Coburn, and Nadia Ouellette.

Pineland Lumber has always prided itself on being a local company helping local people.

Shipping crew: Vinnie Castonguay, Doug McDowell Sr., Steve Carver, Doug McDowell Jr.

Phil Laurendeau, Inside Sales Supervisor

Neal Ouellette, President and Owner

Office staff: Sue Macomber, Ruth Gallagher (treasurer/ owner), Cindy Best, Cheryl Tukey

Matthew Greenwood, Home Designer

Stacy Whetzel, Kitchen & Bath Designer

10 Avon Street  Lewiston  784-4524 www.pinelandlumber.com ,

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Hammond Tractor:

Big jobs, big dealership By R ich Livingston Freelance Writer

hen there’s big work to be done outdoors – on the farm, on the golf course, on the woodlot, on the jobsite, or in your own backyard – the right equipment at the right price is always available from Hammond Tractor, New England’s largest John Deere Gold Star Certified dealership and source for farm, garden, commercial, golf and turf and commercial chipping tractors and gear. For more than a quarter of a century, Hammond Tractor has been providing a full range of outdoor tractors, implements, blowers, mowers, pumps and generators. This has been a big year for snowblowers, of course, and the crew is preparing for its busy spring season when the blowers move to the back of garages, lawn and garden equipment is deployed, and outdoor commercial work ratchets up after the spring thaw. After acquiring the former Delekto Brothers dealership, Hammond Tractor moved to its comfortable new four-season showroom, conveniently and prominently located on Minot Avenue in Auburn in August of last year. With additional locations in Union and Fairfield, Hammond Tractor has a staff of 90, and a massive inventory of all sizes of tractors suited to every size job and site. Hammond Tractor is Maine’s largest dealer of heavyweight performance tractors from Mahindra, and northern New England’s largest golf and turf equipment dealership, as well. Hammond represents more than two dozen major brands of outdoor equipment, including Woods and Kuhn tractor implements and a large line of Honda power equipment such as generators, lawnmowers, pumps and more. There’s a wide range of used equipment and even an array of kid-sized John Deere gear. Hammond Tractor is dedicated to homeowners and small farmers, although the company stocks, sells and services work-

horse tractors and commercial sitework equipment including mini-excavators and specialized agricultural tractors equipped with GPS fertilizer monitoring technology, enhanced emissions controls and the latest ergonomically correct operator features. The business is built on the combination of superior service with a staff of thoroughly experienced certified technicians, combined with a huge inventory. Hammond continues to service equipment that has been in the field for a decade or more, and has computer access to the lifetime history of every John Deere tractor brought to its service department. Family owned for more than a generation, the entire staff is dedicated to fulfilling Hammond Tractor’s motto of “Committed People, Exceptional Value.” “It’s all about helping to get

the job done, and get it done right,” commented Stan Spilecki, general manager in Auburn recently, “whether it’s yard work, at the job site, or out on the farm. Maintaining a huge inventory means that we can meet whatever needs come up. Having an experienced, professional service team means that we can keep your equipment functioning at its best, too.” The Web site, www.hammondtractor.com, provides convenient links to all the brands carried at all the Hammond locations, making it easy to find the right equipment for the job. Back yard or back 40, Hammond Tractor has what it takes to cut the work down to size. Hammond Tractor Company in Auburn can be reached by phone at 207-783-2591. The company’s Web site is www.hammondtractor.com.

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Sherm Arnold’s Flooring and Kitchen Design Center By Dave G ondek Freelance Writer/Photographer

herm Arnold’s Flooring and Kitchen Design Center is a local family owned business located in the historic Pepperill Mill at 550 Lisbon Street in Lewiston. Owner Denis Lebel, who purchased the 30+ year old company in 2007, says that their emphasis is to provide customers with a personal and quick response to their flooring and kitchen needs, while keeping it all within budget. “Being family owned means that we are always here to help you. I personally am in the showroom all the hours that we are open, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 9a.m.-2 p.m.” Lebel added, “Our kitchen design specialist, Todd Lebel, is always available to go to your home, measure and provide ideas, all at no charge.” Diane Dube has over 26 years of experience in flooring and can help you select and measure the product that is right for you. “We pay attention to our customers and answer their questions in meaningful ways. There is no such thing as a dumb question. We know our business and we know how to meet your needs,” said Lebel. “We work with reputable contract installers for all types of flooring, kitchens and counter tops.” Sherm Arnold’s showroom is bright and friendly and emphasizes quality affordable products. “Our showrooms have some of the latest designs and we are excited by the popularity of our new Sturbridge collection by JSI,” explained Lebel. This

kitchen cabinet series is made of solid wood and the showroom has a beautiful display featured in red birch. “The display also showcases our Benissimo granite tile tops, an affordable way to add a true granite top without the expense of a granite slab.”

“Sherm Arnold’s has also expanded its line of JSI bathroom vanities and tops at a price nobody in the area can afford to sell it for. People are truly surprised when they walk in our door,” said Lebel. Inside the showroom you will find a comfortable atmosphere to browse through the selections and ask questions. “Visit us and see just how affordable your new kitchen and floors can be.” Sherm Arnold’s carries a complete selection of laminate flooring with over 30 colors to choose from at all times. The selections feature brand names such as Mohawk, Quickstep, Kingston by Formica and other well known brands. “Our tile room is always a popular spot with a very quick turn over in styles, patterns and colors,” said Lebel. The showroom has approximately 25,000 square feet of tile at all times and “we can save you money on our in-stock tiles. We also carry a large selection of beautiful carpet and vinyl remnants as well as a great selection of stock carpet and vinyl rolls for you to choose from. Picking out your favorite out of all the styles offered will be the toughest part of the process since we make the rest easy for you,” said Lebel. Visit www.shermarnolds.com for information that will start you on your way to achieving the home of your dreams. There is even a page devoted to special promotions complete with pricing. “We encourage customers to stop by and experience our showroom featuring great products, a truly dedicated staff and personalized customer service,” said Lebel.

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Creative Glass: Creating your window to the world By Linda Galway Freelance Writer

here’s no job too large or too small for Creative Glass Inc. of Lewiston. “Every project is important,” say the owners, Lucien and Lauretta Clavet. This family-owned and operated business got its start 14 years ago when the Clavets purchased the former Twin Cities Glass Co. Since then, it’s been a steady increase of loyal customers near and far.

Creative Glass owners Lauretta and Lucien Clavet pose with their children Jessica, 8, and Kyle, 4. “We are a little off the beaten path,” admits Lauretta, referring to their 25 Middle Street location — the former site of Webber Energies/P&P Fuel. Since March of 1995, however, a brand new building sits in that same place, heralding a successful era for a flourishing business built on reliable work, quality products and outstanding customer service. “People who come to us are working directly with the owners, one-on-one,” she continued. “They’re not just a number to us.” In fact, Creative Glass has been contacted for work other glass companies were unwilling to take on. “We’ll do everything, even the smallest repair,” she stressed. “No job is unimportant.” Creative Glass offers professional expertise in commercial installations of entrances and storefronts, glass and glazing, brake metal for posts and sills, and glazing for interior office windows and doors. “We also take care of residential projects such as vinyl replacement windows, new construction windows, patio doors, exterior doors, storm doors and windows, awnings, mirrors and glass repair,” Lauretta added, noting they have an extensive selection of patterned specialty glass for all applications,

including kitchen cabinets. “There are endless possibilities when it comes to glass,” she said. “A nice way to bring the beauty of nature inside is with our exclusive Bow and Bay Windows. This is a terrific window to lighten up a kitchen or living room and create a bright spot with flowering plants and knickknacks.” A by-no-means complete list of projects Creative Glass has to its credit include: The Green Ladle, Lewiston High School’s culinary arts center; Lewiston’s McMahon School; CVS on Sabattus Street; Food City at the Lisbon Falls mall; multiple Dunkin’ Donuts locations; Gediman’s Appliance Store in Bath; Androscoggin Savings Bank on Sabattus Street; Pinette Funeral Home in Lewiston; Thrifty Car Mart on Main Street; and TGIFriday’s restaurant in Auburn. Creative Glass also serves as a resource for Harvey windows and doors as well as fabricator and distributor of aluminum entrance, storefront, curtain wall and ribbon window systems for the commercial building industry. Creative Glass provides free, in-home estimates and custom measures each job to meet exacting criteria and specifications. Although the list of services is extensive, the bulk of their work includes installation of energy efficient vinyl replacement windows, patio and entry doors, storm doors and windows, and storefront door entrances. They are also able to procure and replace wood stove glass, Lauretta added. Another facet of the business includes custom and beveled mirrors, one-way glass and complete auto glass installation as well as screen repairs and awnings. For more information about how Creative Glass can meet your needs, contact them at 207-782-1442 or via e-mail: creative@creative glassinc.com. “Our goal is to provide our customers with the best quality service,” Lucien stressed. “Our reputation depends on their full satisfaction.”

Bath Showroom • Plumbing & Heating Supplies

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,” said Jeff, 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 is the home of the “flushup” toilet. 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 product 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 several whirlpools on display for your selection. Selco stands behind its products. A higher quality product will cost a customer less in the long run, not only in terms of money, but also 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, Monitor and Rinnai. Because Selco is independently owned, it allows them to stock a wide variety of brands. “We can special order anything you want. While Jeff Allen, owner of Selco on Lisbon Street in some stores will sell only Lewiston, stands next to a display of Rinnai a certain brand, we’re not direct vent and vent-free propane heaters, touted limited to any particular as energy efficient and easy to install.

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.

brand,” Jeff said. The result is a greater choice for customers. One trend growing in popularity is radiant

Look for Aquatic Industries Whirlpool tubs, part of the “Luxury Series” at Selco.

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 Price-Pfister faucets for bath or kitchen. Look for Delta faucets at Selco this spring.

207-783-6927

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Riverside Millwork Center offers custom fit for your project “Talk to us about what you want in your home or business and we can custom design it to fit perfectly,” said Murphy.

By Dave G ondek Freelance Writer / Photographer

iverside Millwork Center / Prehung Doors Inc. located at 353 Riverside Drive in Auburn, is the 36,000 square foot home to an amazing selection of custom made doors, windows, moldings, kitchen cabinetry and decorative hardware. Known throughout the area as “New England’s Maine Millwork Source” since 1987, Riverside Millwork Center works with local contractors and homeowners. Riverside Millwork’s parent company, Prehung Doors Inc., also does a good deal of commercial out-of-state work such as high rises in Boston, Long Island, Connecticut and Rhode Island. “We are known for our quality, professionalism and knowledge in the industry. Whether you are building your first home, remodeling a family homestead, or putting up an exquisite office complex, we can offer you customization that will set you apart from the rest,” said Jim Murphy, owner. The company, which employs 10 people locally, has been at its present address for the past 18 years. Riverside offers the public a wide array of doors and windows, from economy vinyl to custom made solid wood. The showroom features Wood-Mode and Brookhaven cabinet displays, along with over 100 interior and exterior doors. “We offer a superior level of knowledge and service combined with the best resources to create custom products right here at our facility. Our decorative hardware room is the best around with unique products all gathered for ease of comparison. Our door and window specialists know how to find or create the right product for you using the best brands in the industry,” said Murphy. The newly added custom kitchen service had a grand opening in December 2008. Laura Blair, the in-house kitchen designer, will listen to your requirements, make suggestions

Doors slide out for ease of viewing.

Door displays show design possibilities.

and create the kitchen you’ve always wanted. She has a background in fine woodworking and over 10 years of design experience. She uses 3-D design software that allows you to see just what your custom design will look like. “We also offer custom mill work of unparalleled quality, working with Master Cabinetmaker Roland Martin of RoMar Custom Wood,” noted Murphy. If you’re looking for a one of a kind kitchen, library, den or entry way, Riverside can handcraft products to your specifications. Riverside carries a wide variety of quality moldings and trims. They can customize for you by working with your sketches and ideas. Custom services include custom size doors, product installation, material take-off and spec writing, decorative doors, and fire rated doors. Millwork includes stock moldings, custom moldings, stair components, running trim, and specialty jambs. Riverside Millwork Center carries high quality products from top manufacturers such as doors by I.W.P., Buffelen, Jeld-Wen, Masonite, Tru-Stile, and PeachTree; windows by Norwood, M.V.P., Velux, and PeachTree; hardware by Emtek, Penrod, Yale, Baldwin, Hager, and Schlage. “Our ability to adapt, change and customize to meet your needs allows us to work on the professional jobs that lumberyards and big box stores cannot handle. Our showroom beautifully displays just how unique our work is, and our staff is knowledgeable, friendly, devoted to their craft and here for you when you need them,” explained Murphy. Riverside Millwork is open from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday and by appointment. We invite you to stop by and have a look around.

Decorative hardware

Riverside Millwork Center

353 Riverside Drive, Auburn 207-783-3881 www.RiversideMillwork.net

ROARING BROOK NURSERIES:

A delightful experience By Dave Sargent Freelance Writer

asm about quality foods.” She said she notices a “green wave” of renewed interest in small home gardens and canning of home harvests. Jim remarked that many men are among the top chefs seen on television culinary arts programs, so men are becoming more and more involved in cooking and nutrition. They also commented that there is increased interest in buying locally-grown produce in this time of economic challenge. Of course, spring brings a surge of business for plant sales to gardeners. The opening of the new retail building wraps up a lot of work through the winter when Jim and Operations Manager Lew Robichau constructed the fully-computerized greenhouse wings on each side of the store. The computer controls temperature and watering so personnel can give full attention to customers. They drew on a number of local businesses and craftsmen for help with the project. The attention to fine woodworking details can be seen throughout the building. In addition to the store’s items, pick-your-own strawberries will be available on the property this year, and there will be PYO blueberries, raspberries and cut flowers next year.

t’s an exciting season for the owners of Roaring Brook Nurseries in Wales. A new retail farm and garden market building is opening up beside the beautiful Route 126 fields. The new store and attached greenhouses will highlight locally-grown quality produce as well as plants and supplies for home vegetable and flower gardens. It’s one of the first steps in an expanded agritourism direction for Jim and Kristen Glazier, the second-generation owners of the 50 year old family farm. As Jim describes it in horticultural terms, “We’re branching out again, and we’re also going back to our roots.” “We want to offer a rural experience,” Kristen added. Their vision is to develop a family destination where entertainment and education will be as much a part of the experience as market purchases. Tractor rides and walking trails on the 150acre property are in the planning stages. There could be educational tours for schools at some point. The spring, summer and fall seasons offer all kinds of opportunities for events. A petting zoo would be one of the additions. Another major project for the future will be an autumn pumpkin patch area where kids will find all kinds of fun and games. Jim and Kristen have spent a lot of time traveling to similar agri-tourism businesses throughout the northeast. They hope to incorporate many new features into the Roaring Brook Nurseries experience. Here are the folks you’ll see at Roaring Brook Kristen noted that people Nurseries, left to right: Jared Glazier, Manager have “a whole new enthusi-

Lew Robichau, Jim, Kristen, and Lindsay Glazier.

Also new for the 2009 season is the construction of a nine bin aggregate holding facility. Mulches, stones, compost, loam, gravel and wood chips are among the materials available for pick up or delivery. The Glaziers said the expansion will mean they will be adding to their work force. Daughter Lindsay and son Jared keep busy with the family business and the Glaziers said they think there’s a good chance the enterprise will continue into the third generation. In 1956, Jim’s father (Jim Glazier, Sr.) held the position of research assistant in the Pomology Department at the University of Massachusetts. Glazier foresaw the need to supply young fruit trees to local orchardists, so he began propagating several varieties of apples in the backyard of his Leverett, MA farmhouse. He gave his fledging nursery the name Roaring Brook Nurseries after the brook which ran through the side of his property. In 1977, Roaring Brook Nurseries relocated to the Maine town of Wales where Jim Glazier, Sr., and his wife Dorothy expanded production on the 100-plus acres of rich farmland. In 1992, Jim Glazier, Jr., and his wife Kristen became the second generation owners of Roaring Brook Nurseries, Inc., a well-established wholesale business that emphasized fruit trees and ornamental trees for landscaping. They constructed a five-acre state-ofthe-art wholesale yard facility with a fully-computerized irrigation system using underground piping and an overhead watering system. The irrigation system has a Dosatron fertilizer injector system that maintains a daily slow release. That was just one of the innovations that are examples of the Glaziers’ acumen for pinpointing a regional need. The Glaziers look forward to their latest expansion and welcome the opportunity to serve the local community with their landscaping and gardening needs. Roaring Brook Nurseries at 639 Gardiner Road, Route 126, Wales, can be reached by calling 207-375-4884, or check out their Web site at www.roaringbrooknurseries.com.

Jim Glazier cultivates a bed of strawberry plants at Roaring Brook Nurseries.

Roaring Brook Nurseries will be selling a wide variety of market produce and plants in this new store and greenhouse built in the past few months.

www.roaringbrooknurseries.com 639 Gardiner Rd., Route 126  Wales, Maine  375-4884

D10

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Redlon & Johnson

ranty such items. “If the product fails, it becomes the consumer’s responsibility to pay to have it taken out and reinstalled,” Fox explained. “Unfortunately, the consumer may end up paying considerably more than the initial savings at the time of purchase.” At Redlon & Johnson, their “Partnering with Professionals” philosophy takes the burden off the consumer. Working with a licensed plumbing and heating contractors provides the customer with both quality and value. Essentially, Redlon & Johnson provides the licensed professional with the following:

From left to right, Tim Fox - Judy Patterson - Ed Turgeon

By Linda Galway Freelance Writer

f you’re looking for customer service from the very beginning to the very end of your plumbing and heating projects, then Redlon & Johnson is your first and last stop. “We have the expertise to address the details of your plumbing and heating needs,” commented Showroom Manager Tim Fox. “For example, whirlpool tubs have become very popular,” noted Fred Hall Jr., branch manager, “but a lot of hot water systems can’t supply enough hot water to fill them!” “That’s where professional guidance and troubleshooting comes in,” added Fox. “We’re able to solve those types of problems and work directly with the installer.” With locations in Maine and New Hampshire, Redlon & Johnson has become one of the nation’s leading wholesale distributors in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, water system and industrial products. Redlon’s Supply began in Bath in 1887; Johnson Supply got its start in Portland in 1928. Almost one hundred years later, in 1984, Redlon’s Supply merged with Johnson Supply, to become Redlon & Johnson, Inc. By 1986, other locations in New England had merged with Redlon & Johnson, including the 110-yearold Hall & Knight Co. of Lewiston, bringing additional plumbing, heating and industrial locations into the company. Beginning in 2000, all locations changed their names to Redlon & Johnson. With more than 24,000 items in inventory, Redlon & Johnson is able to service the professional installer in a matter of minutes. Add to that an extensive showroom for the homeowner to browse, and the combination can’t be equaled. “We recently had a customer from New York, who owns property here, come into our showroom,” related Fox. “She said after visiting numerous showrooms in New York and New Jersey, she found our showroom to be one of the nicest she’s seen. It was a very happy surprise for her.” Although Redlon & Johnson doesn’t sell directly to the consumer, they “partner with professionals”

 Product selection  Design services  Availability  Trend-setting showrooms  Competitive pricing  Product knowledge  Heating design  Delivery  Warranty  Long-standing local reputation

to provide unparalleled service and products. “We are constantly updating our showroom,” Fox added, “and we now have working tubs and showers so the consumer can see how things work. ”

The showroom includes more than faucets, sinks and tubs. It’s an opportunity to imagine the possibilities when brand names at competitive prices combine with bathroom cabinetry and countertops, accessories and specialty items.

The licensed installer provides:

 Professional installation by a trained technician  Technical expertise  Labor warranty  Delivery arrangement  Disposal of old fixtures, etc.  The comfort and security of working with a local, small business

Redlon & Johnson also warehouses items until the homeowner is ready for the project to get under way. “Each room is itemized and staged here,” Hall explained. “The installer can then locate what he wants when he needs it. That way, the items are safe. As we know, things have a way of disappearing from (an unsecured) job site.” Seeing the individual vignettes gives customers a chance to incorporate and extrapolate those ideas into what their own homes can express. Free delivery within the company’s trading area and an inviting atmosphere make shopping at Redlon & Johnson a treat to the senses. “In today’s competitive marketplace,” Fox noted, “there are many options for the consumer. They can buy products directly from the home centers or other warehouse-type outlets, but there are pitfalls.” He went on to explains that products purchased at these venues are, in many ways, designed primarily for the retail market and may not have the quality they expect from a professional contractor who frequents Redlon & Johnson. “A local contractor asked to install a product supplied by a home center will, in many cases, charge a different hourly rate for retail products because the installation can take longer,” Fox noted. In addition, the consumer is responsible for maintaining the warranty for these products, as the contractor generally will not war-

Partnering with Professionals

Benefits for the consumer:

 Quality products  Installed correctly  Engineered properly  Warranty on the product and labor  Convenience of dealing with a local contractor to arrange delivery and installation and to handle technical issues. Guidance, attention to detail, free delivery and service before and after the sale are all part of the Redlon & Johnson package and philosophy. For more information, contact your local licensed professional or visit the Redlon & Johnson Web site:

www.redlon-johnson.com

3 Middle Street, Lewiston

Judy Patterson (514-1135) jpatterson@redlon-johnson.com Ed Turgeon (514-1136) eturgeon@redlon-johnson.com Tim Fox (514-1137) tfox@redlon-johnson.com Showroom: http://showroom.redlon-johnson.com Fax (514-1134)