In 2019, Patrick Walker Russell opened Factory 3 in Portland’s Libbytown neighborhood with a bold vision: to create a makerspace that would lower the barriers to entrepreneurship for artists, artisans, and tradespeople. Located in a 4,400-square-foot warehouse on Saint James Street, Factory 3 provides tools, training, and workspace for woodworking, welding, sewing, 3D printing, and more. For a monthly fee, members gain access to specialized equipment, private studios, and a collaborative community designed to help them turn ideas into businesses.
Since Patrick moved to Portland in 2009, he watched sharply rising rents price many artists and makers out of the city. Factory 3 was his response: a place where creativity, access, and community could thrive together. Patrick’s inspiration came from visiting makerspaces across the country. He saw how the right environment could empower anyone to pursue a creative career.
“There should be no judgment. The space should be spotless. Tools should be easy to find. Help should be easy to locate when needed. If you want to improve yourself as a maker or business owner, Factory 3 is open for membership,” he said.
As Factory 3 grew, Patrick turned to the Maine SBDC for support at key points in the journey. Business advising helped him navigate the uncertainty of the pandemic, evaluate growth opportunities, and think creatively about how to sustain and expand the business. “The biggest risks are the ones you don’t know about — learn from others’ mistakes whenever possible to avoid making them yourself,” Patrick shared. Business Advisor Peter Harriman provided guidance early on and continues to collaborate with Factory 3 today, offering insight and support as needed.
An advocate for lifelong learning, Patrick draws on his extensive background in entrepreneurship and media, as well as insight gained through SCORE mentorship and the SBA’s Next Level CEO training.
In 2025, Factory 3 was named Small Business of the Year by the City of Portland. The award recognized its impact on the local creative economy and its success in helping hundreds of makers, artists, and entrepreneurs launch and grow their ideas. For Patrick, it was a milestone that affirmed not just the strength of the business, but the power of the community it was built to serve.
Looking ahead, Factory 3 plans to double its footprint by adding a second floor and expand beyond Portland through virtual classes and educational programming, keeping the doors open and thriving for the next generation of creators.
For more on Factory 3, check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram!