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 a locally based operator that could respond quickly and reliably on the water.
Like many marine businesses, the biggest hurdle was the upfront cost to get started. Blasius needed equipment financing to purchase the barge and tools required to operate, and his loan officer encouraged him to connect with the Maine SBDC to strengthen his planning and projections.
Working with Business Advisor Christina Dodge, Blasius focused on building a clear, lender ready plan. Together they developed a comprehensive business plan and conservative cash flow projections designed to show how the business would generate enough revenue to comfortably repay the loan. Blasius said the process helped him move from a general idea to an organized plan he could stand behind, adding, “I can’t thank Christina enough for help in getting my business off the ground.”
With the plan and projections in place, Blasius secured bank financing through Maine State Credit Union, along with a cash equity injection of his own, to purchase the equipment needed to get Sand Island Marine Construction off the ground. Today, the business stands out as the only locally based pile driving barge in the region, serving residential, commercial, and municipal clients while also offering marine demolition and emergency storm response services that support working waterfront needs.
Looking ahead, Blasius sees the outlook as promising as he continues building a reputation for safe, reliable marine construction that strengthens Maine’s coastal communities.