Laurie Murphy and her husband Bart launched Crawford Farm Weddings & Events in Warren as an ambitious new chapter in retirement, combining their love of old architecture, Maine barns, and meaningful gatherings. Laurie retired last year after a lifelong career as a special educator, while Bart continues to work as a highly skilled contractor. Together,… Read more »
When MacKenzie Cayford and Josh Bowker found themselves standing on a 20-acre Christmas tree farm in Lebanon, Maine, it felt like every conversation they had ever shared about their future was suddenly within reach. The property that would become Fallen Oak Farms was not part of their original plan, but it quickly became an obvious… Read more »
After several years working in the coffee shop industry, Saylor DesJardin knew she enjoyed the fast pace, the customer relationships, and the sense of community that comes from serving familiar faces each day. She also had a clear vision to open her own brick-and-mortar coffee and bagel business.
For decades, Aroostook County residents had to travel several hours to central Maine for their emergency veterinary needs, putting a significant financial strain on pet owners who are already struggling with high veterinary bills.
After more than 25 years working in heavy industrial maintenance and reliability, Chris Brochu launched Proactive Reliability Services in Livermore Falls to help manufacturers prevent equipment failures and improve operational performance.
For Ashley and Ray DeSilva, opening a restaurant was never a given. Ashley, an experienced chef, often joked that her number one rule was never to own the restaurant. But when a small cafe on Bailey Island became available, the opportunity felt too right to pass up. They had found the perfect size, the perfect… Read more »
Katie Prestridge opened Aura & Hue in Turner to build the kind of salon experience she felt was missing: a calm, private studio where clients can decompress while receiving vivid color work and nail services. Located inside the Skin Hub, Aura & Hue operates as a personal suite within a larger beauty collective, giving clients… Read more »
Douglas Blasius launched Sand Island Marine Construction in Friendship to deliver pile driving and marine construction services across Midcoast Maine, including dock and pier construction, shoreline stabilization, and barge-based crane support. A Maine Maritime Academy graduate with an engineering background, Blasius spotted the opportunity after building his own wharf and realizing there was demand for… Read more »
Chris Bean purchased Sylvester Stump Grinding in Durham to create more flexibility for his young family while continuing to earn an income doing hands-on work he enjoys. A lifelong Mainer, Chris brings more than a decade of experience in artificial turf and landscape installation, along with 12 years in mechanical maintenance, to his stump removal… Read more »
Reo Miyake opened Aomori Restaurant and Market in Portland as the next chapter in his family’s long history in Maine’s restaurant industry. Located on Hanover Street, the restaurant and market bring together traditional Japanese cuisine and specialty goods through a shared family vision.
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