Success Stories

Client Success Stories

Breggia Sanitation – Portland

Breggia Sanitation Logo - Maine SBDCGino Breggia approached the Maine SBDC in July of 2021 seeking financial advice to be able to open his own sanitation business. A Portland native, Gino moved out of state to explore career opportunities. He spent time in New York, where he got his introduction to the world’s largest sanitation department, before spending many years in California. Upon his return home to Maine, Gino saw an opportunity to create a more customer service-friendly sanitation business, with a focus specifically on the construction and restaurant industries. Read More

Maine Adventure Co. – Brunswick

Maine Adventure Co. Logo - Maine SBDCTrevar & 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. Read More

Rhona Beauty – Biddeford

Rhona Johnson Deah - Rhona Beauty Biddeford - Maine SBDCRhona 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 renting space in a Westbrook salon, but her dream was to open a business of her own where women of color could feel understood and appreciated. Read More

Little Mainer – Yarmouth

Kathie Bradeen - Little Mainer Yarmouth - Maine SBDCAfter 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, she saw a need in the marketplace and Little Mainer was born!  A successful business must always address a need or solve a problem in the marketplace, and Kathie found her niche. Read More

Martin’s Service and Sales – Andover

Tracy and Joe Greenwood - Martin's Service and Sales - Maine SBDCTracy 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 into the fold to help traverse the transition and clean up the financials under new ownership. Read More

Skipper Services – Portland

 Phillipe Brown Skipper Services - Portland - Maine SBDCFor 20 years Phillip Browne has been on the water, between sailing and lobstering, he has developed a deep love for the ocean and the way of life here in Maine. For years he’s watched the same routine boat tours and imagined a day when he could offer customizable experiences to others who wanted to see the coast he had come to know and love. Slowly Maine Coast Cruising (MCC) came together, first as a dream, then an idea, and eventually a plan which became an actualized business! Read More

Katharine Jane Jewelry – Morrill

Owner Katharine Jane Jewelry - Morrill - Maine SBDC

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! Read More

Fish & Whistle – Biddeford

Jason Eckerson and Kate Hamm Fish & Whistle - Biddeford - Maine SBDCFish & 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 and venture out on their own. They connected with the Maine SBDC business advisor Susan Desgrosseilliers, who helped them work through many aspects of their restaurant, including financial, managerial, and legal matters. Read More

Elder Law Offices – Lewiston

Building Sign - Elder Law Offices - Lewiston - Maine SBDCMia 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 matters important to an aging population. In January 2022, she acquired the law firm, and it became the Elder Law Office of Kienitz and Pross, P.A. She worked closely with Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Raynor Large to finalize her business plan and projections, they considered multiple financing options, and smoothly transitioned into the new ownership, all while keeping the office disruption to a minimum and maintaining the high-quality service and care the firm’s clients deserve and expect. Read More