Posts Categorized: Success Stories

Fundamental Foot Care – Hampden

Close view of a nurse treating someone's feet

Heather Fogg, RN, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2019 when she established Fundamental Foot Care. In 2023, she reached her biggest milestone yet, opening a comfortable and clean physical space for footcare services and gatherings at 735 Main Road North in Hampden, ME.

Black Diamond Detailing – Lewiston

Photo of Abdinur Mohamed and Abdirahman Saeed of Black Diamond Detailing

Abdinur Mohamed and Abdirahman Saeed of Black Diamond Detailing are not only business partners but also friends with a shared interest in cars. They decided to pursue their dreams together and start a business that would provide convenient and reasonably priced auto detailing services. The two partners knew that starting a business was challenging and… Read more »

Bolton Electric – Windham

Well lighted room with book shelves, lighting done by Bolton Electric

Edward Bolton started his electrical journey in high school vocational training. After working in the industry for many years as an employee, he was more than ready to start his own business. Eddie wanted to take his knowledge and work ethic and focus it on a business that he could proudly call his own. His… Read more »

Crosswind Investments – Bangor

Chelsie Crane with airplane

Chelsie Crane discovered her true calling amidst pages of textbooks when completing her MBA. Driven by her belief that investing and good financial health shouldn’t be reserved for the elite, Chelsie embarked on a journey through the male-dominated field of financial advisory services. A native Mainer and mother of three, she wanted to start her own business to… Read more »

Kelly’s Place Learning Center – Presque Isle

Business owners near sign leading into daycare in Presque Isle, Maine

Shyla Pinette recognized a need in her community after having her daughter. Childcare in Aroostook County was incredibly hard to come by. So, after years in the medical field, she decided to purchase a struggling childcare business and make it a safe and welcoming place for local families. For assistance making this happen, Shyla turned… Read more »

A&B Naturals – Bar Harbor

Tommy Maruca and Jonathan Record are first time small business owners but long term fans of A&B Naturals, the natural food store they just bought on MDI! The couple shares a passion for a healthy lifestyle and products that are good for both people and the planet. Values they also share with the previous owner,… Read more »

Great Wave Sushi – Portland

White food truck with man inside smiling, Great Wave Sushi food struck with flowers

Seeing young entrepreneurs launch a new business and develop roots in their community is one of the most satisfying outcomes for the Maine SBDC.  It’s even more exciting to help them scale up, grow and succeed. For Alex and Megan Herzog, starting Great Wave Sushi is the perfect example of how a new business with… Read more »

Yarrow – Kittery

Retail display of house plants and other related items at Yarrow in Kittery Maine

In 2019, Jodie Curtis opened Yarrow, a retail shop that invites customers to be curious and explorative about what wellness can look like! Jodie has a background in retail, with experience in wholesale, product development, and marketing, which helped her understand the complexities of owning a retail business. But for her, the creative freedom of… Read more »

Cadillac Mtn. Summit Shuttle – Bar Harbor

Ellen Finn of Cadillac Mtn. Summit Shuttle and Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Ann McAlhany in front of the shuttle van

The best business ideas solve a problem for their customers and Ellen Finn of Cadillac Mtn. Summit Shuttle definitely does that! She has lived and worked as a local tour guide on Mount Desert Island for many years, just outside Acadia National Park. A few years ago, the National Park System instituted a reservation system… Read more »

The Frappe Shoppe – Brunswick

The Frappe Shoppe sign

Jamie Alexander fondly remembers working at the Brunswick drive-in restaurant, which her grandparents started in the 1950s. The restaurant was a staple in the community and Jamie began working there as a young teen, making milkshakes, frappes, and other drive-in favorites.  It has been her dream for a decade to bring that experience to downtown… Read more »