Posts Categorized: Success Stories

Maine Adventure Co. – Brunswick

Trevar & David Haefele are a father/son team with a passion for the outdoors and a desire to increase sustainable accessibility to the natural beauty Maine has to offer. With diverse life experience in leadership, personal development, and coaching, both Trevar & David are in an excellent position to bring their passion to others. 

Retro Roadtripper – Kennebunk

Retro Roadtripper Logo Maine SBDC

Joshua Hrehovcik the photographer behind Retro Roadtripper, a photography and media company, reached out to the Maine SBDC for help marketing his business. He connected with Maine SBDC Business Advisor Anne Lancaster, who covers York County, and together they discussed his business plan and whether or not the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) would… Read more »

Rhona Beauty – Biddeford

Rhona Johnson Deah saw an unmet need in the marketplace when she couldn’t find on-trend beauty services specifically designed for style-conscious ethnic women in Maine.  With this in mind, she left her job as a medical technician, apprenticed with several beauty salons, and obtained her full cosmetology license in 2021.  She started her business by… Read more »

Little Mainer – Yarmouth

After retiring from teaching in 2020, Kathie Bradeen started using her crafting skills to print Maine-themed designs on toddler and babywear.  She wanted an alternative to the ubiquitous “touristy” designs printed on low-quality clothing, to give as gifts to the babies and toddlers in her life.  Frustrated by the lack of options she was finding,… Read more »

Martin’s Service and Sales – Andover

Tracy and Joe Greenwood are a dynamic duo and were excited at the opportunity to purchase Martin’s Service and Sales.  With Tracy’s business skills and Joe’s mechanical skills, they hoped to win over Martin’s regulars and grow the decades-old business to its full capacity in 2022.  Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Alison Lane came… Read more »

Katharine Jane Jewelry – Morrill

There are so many reasons to shop small, especially when looking for a special or unique gift! Small-scale production means you’ll be supporting a specific small business and supporting a more local economy. Focusing in even further, you’ll be supporting a small business owner; like Katharine Mason, of Katharine Jane Jewelry!

Fish & Whistle – Biddeford

Fish & Whistle was conceptualized by husband and wife duo Jason Eckerson and Kate Hamm. They dreamed of a small neighborhood restaurant that could showcase the best of Maine’s seafood while remaining approachable and fun. Kate and Jason have worked in the restaurant industry for over 20 years and felt it was time to try… Read more »

Elder Law Offices – Lewiston

Mia Poliquin Pross began her career in the non-profit sector, developing a skill set (and a heart) for supporting more vulnerable populations. As she shifted to private law practice at the Elder Law Offices of Kathleen Kienitz, she continued to focus on those in need, helping families plan for long-term care needs, transitions, and other… Read more »

Midcoast Comics – Brunswick

When Steven Thanos first began working with Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Bradshaw Swanson, he had a vision of building a successful comic book store in downtown Brunswick. With a wide collection of current issues, historic collector’s editions, and graphic novels there would be something to attract both long-time fans and new hobbyists. Brad… Read more »