Maine a Place of Business 2020

Celebrating Maine companies, their achievements over the years and the ways they give back to the communities that support them.

A Place of Business A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News l Friday, January 24, 2020

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MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020

Maine

Doing Business in

BY ERINNE MAGEE

When it comes to starting a business in Maine, the available resources to help entrepreneurs hone their vision and carry out their dream are plentiful.

“Having an idea and being really good at something is great,” said SarahJoy Chaples, Regional Manager and Microenterprise Specialist at New Ventures Maine. “Having an idea with a plan to monetize it and an understanding of the systems in place to make it all happen, is much, much better.”

New Ventures Maine is one organization in the state that helps Mainers with a variety of business-related topics, no matter where an individual may be in their career. This is done through tuition-free classes or individual coaching.

One of the biggest pieces of advice experts have for those contemplating a start-up is to cease the urge to go at it alone.

“Objective and positive support can be provided by business counselors, peers in networking groups, customers, and friends and family,” said Chaples. “It is critical to find people who do not just smile and nod at the ideas you come up with, but offer thoughtful reflection about the realistic nature of the ideas.”

Beyond the brainstorming, it’s important to look at what existing business owners are doing right and what is trending.

One of Maine’s strongest industry sectors is the service industry. With the rise of the “gig economy” more people are offering consulting or personal services. Chaples said the state is seeing a growing number of businesses looking to capitalize on the quality of life and outdoor adventure opportunities that are unique to Maine. Everything from outdoor experiences to the products you need to have a higher quality experience when you do go out.

As far as emerging industries, Chaples notes tech companies “looking to address security” are an industry to keep an eye on.

According to the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, labor costs in Maine are 6 percent less than the national per capita rate (also, the lowest in

New England). Additionally, Maine has a solid success rate when it comes to small businesses, specifically those staying open beyond the first year. In fact, the Kaufman Indicators of Entrepreneurship named Maine number one in the country for percent of startups that are active after one-year with 88.13 percent of new businesses going the distance, compared to 77.28 percent in New Hampshire, 78.82 percent in Vermont and 82.74 percent in Massachusetts.

While the positive statistics are inspiring, it’s also beneficial to think about the challenges business owners face that are unique to Maine.

“The distinct four seasons in Maine can both be an asset and a burden on a business, forcing seasonal revenue streams and unexpected weather-related costs,” said

Along with the obvious grit, time, money, tenacity and flexibility it takes to own a business, Chaples suggests another tip to longevity is simply a focus on customer service.

Alison Lane, business advisor with Maine Small Business Development Center.

Maine SBDC is another resource that provides mentorship at no cost to Mainers at several locations throughout the state by conducting seminars, workshops and courses (both in-person and online).

Lane said that some of the more rural regions of Maine face infrastructure-related challenges, such as access to high-speed internet. Chaples agrees: “Increasing access to high speed internet across the state will create significant economic opportunities.”

Because of Maine’s high energy costs, Chaples suggests one way to cut down on this particular expense is to consider working from home or a co-working space where these costs can be shared or reduced.

Since Maine is known to have an aging population, a shrinking workforce is inevitable, but also in terms of the customer base.

“As people move into retirement, they may have less discretionary funds, which can limit their spending ability,” said Chaples. “One way to address this is to work with people as they are preparing for retirement. Are there ways to help people prepare their own financial situation so that they will be more economically secure with higher capability for spending?”

With a growing number of businesses reaching retirement, both New Ventures and the Maine SBDC are seeing an increase in helping those that are in a transition phase. Both owners who are on the verge of retiring and want to sell their business as well as entrepreneurs hoping to acquire an already-established business.

Regardless of which path you take, starting from scratch or purchasing an existing business, trade-offs will exist when working for yourself. But when it is done right, it can be profitable.

Along with the obvious grit, time, money, tenacity and flexibility it takes to own a business, Chaples suggests another tip to longevity is simply a focus on customer service. “As industries grow and change, the value offered by individual businesses must remain relevant. Businesses need to focus on developing customer loyalty, particularly in a world where public opinion can take on a life of its own through social media.”

This is where patience and persistence are key to longterm success.

“Many new entrepreneurs don’t realize how much time it takes to get off the ground and are tempted to give up before they’ve given their business a fair shot,” said Lane. “New entrepreneurs see existing businesses as successful because they are up and running and putting on a brave facade. In reality, the public doesn’t see what happens behind the scenes and the true nature of the uphill climb.”

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK © MANDRITOIU

MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020

Meet the Lynch Family of Companies A family of integrated locally owned companies with a focus on logistics, providing truckload freight hauling, warehousing, residential and commercial moving, final mile & home delivery, secure document management services, self-storage and real estate. Learn more at movingme.com.

Your Partner in Logistics Lynch Logistics, Inc. and its transportation, warehousing, (Consolidated Warehouse), freight brokerage division (Freight Central) and full-service maintenance facility (Central Maine Truck & Trailer Service) have over 30 years’ experience providing integrated logistics services. Headquartered in Bangor and operating a satellite facility out of Lewiston /Auburn, Lynch Logistics has the size and capabilities to link Northern New England and the Canadian Maritimes with the rest of North America. Learn more at lynchlogistics.com or 207-947-3311.

Moving, Storage & Final Mile Delivery Central Maine Moving & Storage has over 40 years of experience moving folks to, from, and around Maine. And as Bangor’s local moving agent for northAmerican Van Lines, they can also help you move throughout the country and internationally. They also feature the only climate controlled, military approved storage in the State. In addition, Central Maine Moving & Storage offers Final Mile & Home Delivery service for local, regional and national businesses that need reliable delivery and installation of oversized parcels to their customers in Eastern, Central and Northern Maine.

Learn more at movingmaine.com or 207-947-4114.

Your Data Secured Healthcare facilities, municipalities, institutions and large and small businesses in Maine and New Hampshire rely on Records Management Center & Shredding On Site to help them mitigate privacy risks, improve access to records and data, and reduce overhead costs.

Secure Document Storage For more than 20 years Records Management Center, (RMC) has helped businesses and organizations throughout Maine and New Hampshire reduce the cost and risk associated with records and data protection and storage. They serve a variety of industries including healthcare, banking, legal, architectural and engineering, retail, municipalities, energy, and local, state and federal government agencies.

Secure Document, Hard Drive & E-Media Destruction Shredding On Site, (SOS) provides fast, cost-effective, and completely secure NAID, AAA Certified Document Destruction using their on-site or off-site shredding services and it’s worth noting that RMC recycles all shredded materials, when able. In fact, they save over 30,000 trees annual by recycling shredded paper waste. Let them help your business go green!

Scanning & Imaging Records Management Center, (RMC) can help your organization transition smoothly from paper to electronic records. Their fullservice scanning department has successfully scanned and processed millions of documents, both for archived files and day forward document scanning programs, including patient file scanning conversion into Electronic Medical Record systems.

Learn more at rmcmaine.com or 207-990-4636.

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MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020

Mentor

How to be a better Mentors can have profound impacts on the lives of the people they mentor. A mentor is often a source of wisdom and support over the course of months or even years. The relationship between mentor and mentee can endure as long as each person desires.

Serving as a mentor can be rewarding. Certain traits and practices set mentors apart.

Those who want to be mentors can follow these tips.

Be a good and active listener

Mentors help mentees navigate the tricky waters of life but will not solve all problems.

Mentors need to listen to what mentees say, meaning good listening skills are an essential trait for prospective mentors. After listening, mentors can provide a host of solutions, though ultimately it is up to the mentee to find his or her own path.

Meld with the mentee

Mentors and their mentees need to be close and compatible. A good mentor will not try to manipulate or influence decisions, but realize that support and guidance are the best ways to get messages across. Asking a lot of questions and truly getting to know the mentee can set a strong foundation for the relationship.

Emphasize learning

Mentors realize that continuing education is vital to success. Good mentors tend to be lifelong learners who share the lessons they’ve learned with the people they mentor. Even though they may not always be experts, mentors try to be as informed as possible on topics that relate to the mentorship.

Set expectations

It is one thing to provide support, but mentors also should inspire their mentees to work hard. Once mentees cite their goals, good mentors will share their own expectations and goals for their mentees, even going so far as to offer advice as to how to achieve those goals.

Deliver honest feedback

Good mentors will not sugarcoat feedback in order to stay in their mentees’ good graces. A mentor should aspire to be both a critic and a coach. Even though mentees may want to garner praise, mentors know it is important to say what others may not be willing to say. With the right feedback, mentees can flourish.

Honesty, listening skills, a life-long desire to learn, and the ability to mesh with a mentee are all qualities of solid mentors.

MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020

How remote workers can separate Working remotely from home or another location has become the norm for many professionals. The ability to set one’s own hours and avoid lengthy commutes can be quite a boon to productivity. Business owners also may find they can reduce overhead costs by not keeping a static office location.

Those who work exclusively from home may find it challenging to separate their work from family life and vice versa. While there is bound to be some overlap, the following strategies can help remote workers deftly manage their responsibilities to their employers and their families. · Establish a clear-cut workspace Working at the dining room table or in the bedroom may seem convenient, but these places are full of distractions, whether workers realize that or not. Plus they may cause the

work life

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from family life

mind to wander, as they’re usually associated with other tasks, like eating or lounging. Creating a specific work-only area is a great way to stay on target and maintain focus.

to handle such tasks. Remember, if you wouldn’t be doing it in an office setting, you shouldn’t be doing it while working remotely.

· Build in break times Treat working at home as you would working in an office. Schedule breaks to get up and run errands, eat lunch away from your desk, take a breather to soak up some sunlight, or engage in a brief conversation with a friend.

· Maintain a consistent schedule Working from home affords workers the chance to make a doctor’s appointment or pick up a sick child sick from school. But it’s easier to get into work mode and then disengage from work mode if you have a relatively consistent schedule. A schedule also makes it easier for coworkers and clients to know when they can get in touch with you – and when it’s family time.

· Turn a blind eye to distractions Is the laundry piling up? Does the dog need a walk?

What about that grocery list? Home life distractions and needs can slowly creep into your work realm if you let them. If you’re meant to be putting in hours, resist the urge to do household chores. Instead, wait for break times

Finding the balance between work and home life when your home is your place of employment can be tricky. But practice makes perfect.

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MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020

Business owner

Lessons from a first-time

BY COREY ZIMMERMAN

Have you ever thought about starting your own business?

I didn’t… until I did. After working in the healthcare industry for more than 20 years, I craved independence and control of my work life. I wanted to choose which clients to work with and make a living doing what interested me. I needed more flexibility so I could travel to visit my family more regularly.

After doing a lot of self-reflection and a bunch of aptitude tests, I chose a field that would capitalize on my interests and natural skills – web development. I completed my training as a web developer while I worked, then decided to go “all in.” Fortunately, like with most service-based businesses, my startup costs were low. I planned an emergency cash reserve to deal with the uncertain income of starting my own business.

Here’s what I have learned in my first six months as an entrepreneur.

Learning the ropes

As an entrepreneur, you are always working. You may be more likely to overwork and burn out. I’ve hit a wall a couple times. Hard. I’m learning as I go, and have been more mindful about planning ahead so I can be consistently productive. I set aside a day each week for business development, where I work on my business, not in my business.

Working from home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I was so excited to work in my own space, surrounded by the things I love. But I quickly tired of looking at the same walls and found it stifled my creativity. Also, I didn’t feel comfortable scheduling client meetings in my home, so I was at the mercy of local coffee

shops. I found a reasonably priced shared studio space in downtown Bangor and am thrilled with the decision.

Local resources

Advisors and consultants are useful, and there are a lot of free resources right here in Bangor. When starting up, I had no idea what I didn’t know, or even what questions to ask. I attended an Introduction to Entrepreneurship class offered through New Ventures Maine. I didn’t expect much – how good could it be if it was free? I. WAS. WRONG. Not only did I leave the class with a solid business plan and market analysis, I received a list of invaluable free resources.

Grow your network

Networks are critical and learning from other entrepreneurs is invaluable. After joining a local networking group, my business took off immediately.

Connecting to and learning from other entrepreneurs has helped accelerate my business growth. And, the time I spent connecting with industry experts and potential referral partners has made a substantial impact on my client roster. I’ve also developed an in-studio partnership with another entrepreneur whose business and skillset compliment my business, and we support each other as primary referral partners.

As I move through this new venture, I remind myself daily that there is no set path. Despite my business plan and strategy, I have already had to change directions. But I’m not alone. There’s a whole team helping me along the way.

Corey Zimmerman is the founder of The WanderWeb, a website design and development studio in downtown Bangor.

For more, visit www.thewanderweb.com.

Resources for business owners SCORE SCORE is a network of volunteer expert business mentors. My mentor is a retired CEO who still teaches at a local business school. He helped me hone in on my value statement and how to get those first few clients, and guided me away from a few rookie mistakes that would have been very costly in the long run. www.score.org

Small Business Development Center I meet with a Maine SBDC advisor every six weeks.

She helps me cut through the noise and set meaningful, actionable goals. She also provides coaching to those who need support with hiring, getting funding and writing business plans. www.mainesbdc.org

Business Librarian The value here is incredible. I was astounded by how much information is available, from industry financial reports to market research. You can find great business librarians locally at the Bangor Public Library as well as the University of Maine.

Your Business Banker I chose to set up my account at a local bank, and the support is phenomenal, from coaching to free advertising.

Seriously. Check it out.

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK © IRYNA

MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020

How to sustain a

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Small business

Opening a small business can be an exciting time in the life of an entrepreneur. Part of that excitement no doubt stems from the financial risks associated with opening a new business.

Keeping that business growing and thriving takes effort, but the results can be rewarding.

It is reasonable to feel nervous when starting a business. Information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that about 20 percent of small businesses fail within a year of opening. That number climbs to 50 percent after five years and 70 percent by year 10.

While it’s essential for small business owners to focus on getting their businesses off the ground, it is equally important to consider the strategies necessary to keep that business afloat for the long haul.

Alternative lenders are typically companies, but not banks, that operate primarily online to quickly approve and distribute funds. Many are comprised of peer-to-peer lenders. According to a study by Harvard Business School, most major alternative lenders offer full loan applications online on desktop or mobile that take 30 minutes to complete. Keep in mind that interest rates typically are higher with these lenders than with traditional banks. · Stay efficient Small businesses can grow by maximizing operational efficiency and eliminating unnecessary duties. Efficient business owners delegate tasks to employees so they can keep their own management and business-growing priorities in order.

· Find an industry with staying power Statistics indicate that health care and social assistance businesses have longevity. The BLS indicates businesses in the construction, transportation and warehousing industries do not enjoy the same staying power. After the fifth year in business, about 35 to 40 percent of these industries will survive. Opening a business in an industry where the stats are on your side can be a savvy move.

· Build a strong brand and emphasize customer service Whether a large company or a mom-and-pop business, building a trustworthy and reputable brand can help sustain a business for years to come. It is key to keep a business fresh in the minds of consumers. This can be achieved by making small changes dictated by evolving markets and/or offering new products or services.

· Access capital Quite often businesses fail because of lack of access to cash to sustain their operations.

Fundera, a small business lending marketplace, advises that a large percentage of small business owners who apply for bank loans from big banks get rejected. In addition to raising capital through daily operations, businesses may have to turn to alternative lenders.

Forbes says employee interactions are also key to building loyalty among customers.

Keeping in touch with clients and using their opinions to make a product or service better can ensure repeat business.

Small business success comes down to recognizing that it takes continued work to keep operations afloat. Knowing what supports a business is essential to its longevity.

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MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020

Business plans

Key components of traditional

Owning a business is a dream for millions of people across the globe. Entrepreneurs envision being their own boss, but few successful businesses can get off the ground without a little financial help. That help is often not available without a business plan.

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a valuable tool for entrepreneurs looking to start a business. Selffunded entrepreneurs who won’t be seeking seed money or assistance from external sources, such as banks or investors, can still benefit from writing a business plan, which is a detailed guide that can serve as a road map for prospective business owners.

Self-funded entrepreneurs can make their business plans as formal as they prefer, but aspiring business owners who are seeking funding will need to make their business plans formal, as lenders and prospective investors are more likely to read and respond to formal documents than informal requests. The U.S. Small Business Administration notes that many lenders and investors will want a traditional business plan before they offer any financing or decide to invest. Traditional business plans are formal documents that lay out the goals for the business, how owners plan to achieve those goals and how much time they anticipate they will need to achieve them.

What are the key components of a traditional business plan?

Traditional business plans include a number of components, all of which do not necessarily need to be included in a plan. The SBA recommends that entrepreneurs include as many of the following components as necessary. In regard to how many of these to include, individuals must make that determination on their own or with the help of an advisor.

· Organization and management: This tells readers how the company will be structured, including who will run it. This section also should include the legal structure of the business (i.e., LLC, C corp, S corp, etc.). · Service or product line: This section indicates the products the business will sell or the services it will provide. Any plans for intellectual property, such as patent filings, should be included here. · Marketing and sales: This section should aim to describe how the business will attract and retain customers. · Funding request: This section outlines the funding requirements, including how much money is needed, and how funds will be used over the next several years. · Financial projections: The SBA recommends supplementing funding requests with financial projections, including a five-year financial outlook as well as more immediate terms, such as quarterly projections. · Appendix: The appendix should include supporting documents, such as credit histories, résumés, letters of reference, permits, licenses, and other items.

Business plans are vital to many entrepreneurs. Learn more about drafting a plan at www.sba.gov.

· Executive summary: The executive summary is what your business is and why it will be successful. This summary should include a mission statement, the product or service being provided and basic information about the business, such as its employees and location. The SBA also recommends that entrepreneurs seeking funding include financial information. · Company description: This should be detailed information about the company, including the problems it solves. List the consumers or businesses the company will serve. · Market analysis: Market research is vital, and this information should indicate that entrepreneurs have a strong grasp of their industry and target market.

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK © AKSONSAT

MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020

How to manage your company’s Today’s small business owners face unique challenges that businesspeople of yesteryear never had to confront.

While the internet has made it possible for even the smallest businesses to have a global footprint, it’s also forced business owners to devote substantial time to managing their online reputations.

A company’s online reputation can have a major impact on its ability to survive and thrive. In its 2018 “Local Consumer Review Survey,” BrightLocal, a United Kingdombased company that focuses on the needs of digital marketing agencies and local businesses, found that 91 percent of consumers between the ages of 18 and 34 trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. In addition, the survey found that 57 percent of consumers won’t use a business that has a star rating of fewer than four stars.

The BrightLocal survey underscores the effort small business owners must put into managing their companies’ online reputations. Whether business owners feel their online reputations are warranted or not, ignoring them

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Online reputation

can greatly affect their bottom lines. The following are a handful of simple ways business owners can manage their companies’ online reputations in the hopes of benefitting their businesses and expanding their customer base. · Don’t ignore negative reviews. Small Biz Ahead, a service from the insurance provider The Hartford that aims to help business owners manage and grow their businesses, advises business owners to acknowledge negative reviews. Respond privately to customers, apologizing for their unsatisfactory experience and thanking them for their feedback. When communicating with customers, always keep these communications friendly and constructive. Dismissive, confrontational and/or rude interactions with customers will only further damage your online reputation. · Actively monitor your reputation. Websites such as Yelp and Google, via its Google Reviews capability, give

customers plenty of places to go to share their comments about your business. Stay up-to-date on these, making a concerted effort to monitor your reputation. If you’re open for business seven days a week, chances are customers will be reviewing your business seven days a week. Reach out to customers who had negative experiences as soon as possible, and report any comments you feel violate websites’ standards the moment you see them. · Don’t hesitate to ask customers to edit their reviews.

When you successfully reach out to customers who left negative reviews, don’t hesitate to ask them to consider editing their reviews. Many customers are happy to update their reviews if issues were promptly and successfully addressed.

Online reputation management is important for today’s business owners. Though managing online reputations can seem like a full-time job, a positive reputation can greatly benefit your bottom line.

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MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020

Marketing strategies for Small businesses are the backbones of many local communities. Such businesses have helped to revitalize many communities and may benefit communities in ways that would surprise even the most ardent small businesses supporters.

Economists at Penn State University studied data on economic growth and residence status of business owners that was from more than 2,900 rural and urban communities.

The researchers found that small, locally owned businesses tend to generate higher incomes for community residents than large, non-local firms.

Small businesses can be vital to the success of a community, and those businesses’ own success may depend on how well they can market themselves to potential customers. The Small Business Administration notes that only one-third of small businesses will survive 10 years. Those that reach that benchmark often find ways to market themselves and grow revenue. Whether a small business owner is just starting out or looking to continue growing, these marketing strategies can be effective ways to connect with customers.

Small business owners · Take advantage of the free Google listing service. Google My Business is a free service that allows business owners to manage how their business appears across Google, including on its Search and Map services. A Google listing is essentially the new phonebook listing, as the “Local Consumer Review Survey 2018” from the marketing experts at BrightLocal found that 27 percent of consumers looked online daily for local businesses in 2018. That’s more than double the number of people who did so in 2017, suggesting that more and more consumers are finding local businesses via internet searches every day.

· Pay attention to your online reviews. Online reviews can be a mixed bag for business owners and consumers, but reviews still bear considerable weight among the latter. The BrightLocal survey found that 50 percent of consumers between the ages of 18 and 34 always read online reviews when shopping for goods or services.

Consumers are most likely to read restaurant reviews, but

small businesses, regardless of their industries, can benefit from positive online reviews.

· Take part in local festivals. Local events such as Oktoberfest festivals and holiday shopping bazaars provide great opportunities to connect with new customers. Such events tend to attract residents of the community and even those from neighboring towns, providing ample opportunities for small businesses to connect with new customers. · Make your presence known on social media. A 2017 survey from the social media specialists at Sprout Social found that 58 percent of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand they follow on social media than they are to buy from one they do not follow.

Small business owners who learn to market their businesses can contribute much to their bottom lines and their local communities.

MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020

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Hartt Transportation Systems: A safe and reliable motor carrier service Hartt Transportation Systems has been providing professional, reliable and safe motor carrier service to Maine and the nation for 72 years. Starting in 1948 with a single truck designed to haul gravel and pulpwood, Delmont Hartt, and more recently his son William, have directed the company’s growth to include 400 tractors, 2,000 dry vans, and nearly 600 dedicated employees working all along the East Coast and west to the Mississippi River.

Hartt Transportation Systems corporate offices are located in Bangor, the main terminal in Auburn and an additional terminal in Sumter, SC. In a time of motor carrier consolidations and corporate ownership, Hartt Transportation Systems is extremely proud of its family ownership and management. William Hartt oversees the entire operation as Chief Executive Officer along with President Jeffrey Castonguay. Each is available daily to assist in meeting our customers’ needs to maintain our excellent customer service standards.

Hartt has deep roots in the State of Maine, helping support the communities we work and live in with numerous charitable donations and proud Travel Partner of the University of Maine Men’s Baseball Team.

Hartt Transportation Systems commitment to its employees can be seen through the fleet of new model tractors and state-of-the-art equipment. This includes the best in electronic logging systems to ensure compliance with federal regulations, as well as top notch Bendix safety systems and cameras to keep the motoring public and our trucks safe on the road.

Hartt Transportation Systems has been recognized by the American Trucking Association’s Safety Management Council, the Maine Motor Transport Association and Reliance Insurance Company for its superior safety record. Our equipment is late model,

consisting of 53’ air ride well-maintained dry van trailers and 50 flatbeds. Our drivers are trained professionals, courteous, proud and productive with a 98.7% on-time delivery rate.

Employees love working at Hartt Transportation. Below are what some employees have to say: “I would say this trucking company is really decent. I’ve been driving for a long time with a lot of different jobs over the years. I feel the pay is really good for the East Coast and the equipment is taken care of. No garbage on the road and if you need something fixed it’s taken care of even if you’re on the road…”

“Very flexible with people’s lives, decent pay, plenty of overtime but not mandatory. Many shifts available for any life requirements. This is a company you can do your job as good as you can, and retire there!”

“Hartt Transportation has been a breath of fresh air for those of us that have had the misfortune of working for corporate America. Hartt is a family owned and family managed business, which means that you’re not just a number, but rather a valued team member that’s on a first-name basis with the CEO, president, executive team and all management. If you’re looking for the corporate ‘hackarama’ you won’t find it here, but if you’re looking to join a company that’s more like your family, you’ll feel right at home.”

Anyone looking for an awesome place to work, great pay, and excellent benefits will find it at Hartt Transportation Systems – a great place for a great career.

If you are shipping from the heart of Maine or the heartland of America, we’re confident you’ll be pleased with the dedicated services of Maine’s family owned and managed Hartt Transportation Systems, Inc.

In a time of motor carrier consolidations and corporate ownership, Hartt Transportation Systems is extremely proud of its family ownership and management.

PHOTO: LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

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MAINE: A PLACE OF BUSINNESS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • January 24, 2020