A Salute to Maine Small Business

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

Also Awarded this Year

Congratulations Coffee By Design

— Josh Davis and Bruno Tropeano, owners of The Gelato Fiasco, were named Young Entrepreneurs of the Year.

Assigned to Dale McGarrigle — Cyndi Price, owner of Loo-Hoo LLC, was named Home-Based Business Champion. Assigned to Debra Bell — Deblois Electric was named Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Small Business of the Year. Assigned to Sheila Grant

We congratulate the owners of Coffee By Design, Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear – named 2014 Small Business Persons of the Year for Maine by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Androscoggin Bank partnered with Granite State Development Corporation’s SBA 504 Loan Program to finance Coffee By Design’s new retail and manufacturing facility located at 1 Diamond Street, Portland, Maine. Androscoggin Bank and Granite State Development Corporation, leading the way with SBA 504 lending.

— G-Force Laser Tag, owned by Brian and Kimberly Plavnick, received the Maine Micro-Enterprise Award.

Assigned to Sheila Grant

Paul Collins, Lead Commercial Lender for Androscoggin–Southern Maine • 207.518.6310 • pcollins@androscogginbank.com • androscogginbank.com

— Peter McVety, owner of Mcvety’s Hearth and Home, received the Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year Award.

Jim Maxwell, 504 State Director–Granite State Development Corporation • 207.646.5988 • jmaxwell@mainefinancial.com • granitestatedev.com Androscoggin Bank – Maine’s #1 Bank in volume and dollars for SBA 504 Lending YTD

Assigned to Wanda Curtis — Amy Bouchard, owner of Isamax Snacks Inc., received Woman Small Business Owner of the Year Award.

Assigned to Wanda Curtis — Terry Trickey, Bangor Savings Bank, will receive the Financial Services Champion Award. Assigned to Sheila Grant

Proud To Support The Dream Now avoid a monthly maintenance fee with TD Business Convenience Checking Plus. Use your business checking and personal checking account balance toward the low minimum daily balance of $1,500.

We believe in small business and the owners who put passion and priority into crafting their dream. We applaud the many men, women, minorities, and veterans in our region who work to make their businesses and our communities better each and every day.

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• 500 free transaction items • Deposit by 8pm; available next business day • Longest hours and open weekends Get more with a TD Bank Business relationship.

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 2014 is published by the Bangor Daily News advertising@bangordailynews.com 207.990.8105

At Katahdin Trust you’ll find banking professionals ready and willing to help you achieve success; whether you’re just starting out or ready to expand.

Contact Katahdin Trust and discover Community Banking at its Best!

To find one of our 19 locations:

TD Bank, N.A. | 500 free transaction items is associated with TD Business Convenience Checking Plus. Each additional item is $0.50 each. | Combine business checking and personal checking account balances to meet the minimum daily balance requirement. | A “Business Day” is a non-federal holiday weekday. The end of a Business Day varies by Store, but it is no earlier than 8pm EST. | Deposits may not be available next business day. I Please refer to Business Deposit Account Agreement for complete details. Other terms and conditions may apply.

www.KatahdinTrust.com

1-800-221-2542 SBA Preferred Lender

Maine award winners will be celebrated at the Hilton Garden Inn in Portland on June 17.

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

Creator of Wicked Whoopie Pies Receives Woman Business Owner of the Year Award

LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls owner Cyndi Prince named Maine’s Small Business Administration’s Home-Based Business Champion Award

By Wanda Curtis

BY DEBRA BELL Special to the BDN Camden entrepreneur Cyndi Prince is

based on the Dr. Seuss character from “The

took her thinking-outside-the-box idea and

helping save the world, one dryer at a time.

Grinch That Stole Christmas.” Suggested by

went back to the business planning drawing

her sister, LooHoo was also fun to say, Prince

board to map out her success. She then used

noted. “How can it not be with all those ‘o’s?”

all of her available resources in Maine to

pies per hour, initial production was slow

Street in Farmingdale and Main Street in

pie business out of her Gardiner home 20

going. In one week alone, I burned out the

Freeport.

years ago, she never dreamed she’d become a

motors of four mixers. I had no business

nationally-recognized celebrity.

experience, but I was determined. My goal

oversee the customer service and shipping

Administration has taken notice. It will

was-and still is-to share my Wicked Whoopies

departments at Isamax. Their son Maxx works

present her with the 2014 Maine SBA Home-

with everyone in America.”

in the production department, while Isabella

based Business Champion Award at the

in 2009 she made a commitment to hone her

helps out in the retail stores where they sell 20

annual dinner on June 17 in Portland.

business acumen. That’s when she took the

Buxton and understands the value in the

New Ventures Business Entrepreneurship

farming industry, one reason why each

When Amy Bouchard started a whoopie

In recent years, Bouchard has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show, the Boston Phantom’s Gourmet Show, and Maine’s “207”

Bouchard goes on to explain how she

news magazine show. And now the president

marketed her business which eventually

and founder of Isamax Snacks Inc. is selling

began to grow.

Wicked Whoopie Pies on the Home Shopping Network.

“I started my business from my home

Her husband David left his fulltime job to

And the Maine Small Business

different varieties of Wicked Whoopie Pies.

Prince’s company, LooHoo Wool Dryer

They sell, among others, classic, peanut

Training through Women, Work and

LooHoo wool ball is made from U.S. wool

of her son, Graham. She wanted a healthy

Community’s Rockland office. New Ventures

and manufactured by another home-based

under my arm and a basket of Whoopies in the

velvet, lemon, strawberry, chocolate lovers,

home for her son that was free of non-toxic

walks its participants through creating a

business, Pieceworks Inc. in Montville.

other, I set off to make deliveries. Customers

orange, vanilla bean, and coconut.

products and that would support their

business plan, looking at all the components

Pieceworks produces roughly 700 balls each

decision to use cloth diapers.

of business and preparing them for the

week.

Bouchard is this year’s recipient of the

knew my schedule and often met me at the door, eagerly awaiting a freshly baked Wicked

Woman Business Owner of the Year award.

baking,” she said. “I created whoopie pie

Whoopie Pie. Watching people respond to the

She was nominated for the award by Lorraine

harmful chemicals and actually make clothes

flavors that were not available in the market

first bite is awesome. Making people smile is

Boston.

less absorbent – including cloth diapers. That

20 years ago ... like strawberry, lemon, orange,

still the most rewarding aspect of the business.

chocolate chip, coconut, raspberry, to name a

I like to say there are at least 10 smiles in

a successful business woman, she’s grown

“I began looking for alternatives to dryer

few, with a goal to make as many people happy

each Wicked Whoopie Pie. Within a couple of

her business, she’s increased the number

with my whoopie pies as possible.”

years, stacks of baking sheets were as tall as

of her employees, and she’s done a good job

my 10-year-old son, Maxx. Tables and ovens

marketing a Maine product,” Boston said.

products “Wicked Whoopie Pies” because all

lined all sides of the kitchen. Our dining room

of her friends described her whoopie pies as

had become shipping and receiving central,

“wicked.”

jammed with boxes, bags, and packing slips.

“She’s been in business 20 years. She’s

According to Prince, dryer sheets contain

wouldn’t do for the soon-to-be mom.

challenges ahead. Her instructor was Gigi Guyton.

But LooHoo wasn’t the business she went through New Ventures with: At least not her for entering the market with her LooHoo

pets from taking off with the balls, LooHoo

clothes’,” she said.

products and set her up for success.

has introduced a pet line as well.

That eco-friendly, softening alternative

“I have so much respect for Gigi,” Prince said. “Since the course, we’ve stayed in

award],” Prince said, “but it’s so wonderful

…To be recognized by the SBA as a female-

wool dryer balls online and decided to order

contact as I moved forward. We’d email once

to be recognized. When you’re a home-based

owned company means so much to me

some. And that’s when she fell in love with

or twice a month and she’d invite me to

business you’re usually flying under the

them.

things that were coming up. She was always

radar. I don’t have a big sign or a

there for me. You need to have a strong voice

shop. And it’s a huge honor. I’m so

as an entrepreneur.”

happy that this business is being

Bouchard said. “I was 26 years old when I

‘wicked.’”

was time to move out of the home and into a

started this business, uneducated, and a stay-

not only all natural and sustainable, but

commercial bakery.”

at-home mom with no experience in business.

actually reduce dry time and soften clothes

Prince said that the wool dryer balls are

Guyton said the reason she nominated

I am so proud to work with hard working

without the use of chemicals and fragrances.

Prince was a stellar example of what New

Internet, and retail business selling her

employees. They are the reason this business

Likewise, compared with rubber or plastic

Ventures is all about.

now mushrooming business on her website

Wicked Whoopie Pies at three Maine locations

is growing.”

dryer balls, which Prince said are loud and

wickedwhoopiepies.com.

— a commercial bakery located in Gardiner,

leak gasses and chemicals into the dryer over

in 2009 with a completely different

and two retail bake shops located on Maine

time, wool balls are quiet and biodegradable.

business idea,” Guyton said.

“At the sluggish pace of one dozen whoopie

The only problem with the wool dryer balls

Congratulations!

•

2014 •

Small Business Administration Award Winners

Your diligent work and industry leadership is appreciated in the community. Thank you for all you do.

From your friends at

©2014 Machias Savings Bank.

Member FDIC.

“That idea didn’t launch, but when Cyndi later realized she

before starting to unravel. She believed there

might have a more marketable

had to be a better way so she put her crafty

product with the wool dryer

mind to work and tried making them herself.

balls, she told me she picked

It took some time to find the right method and

up the New Ventures notebook

once she had, a product was born.

and wrote a completely new

LooHoo’s quirky name comes from Prince’s

recognized.”

“Cyndi took our New Ventures class

she purchased was that they didn’t last long

own childhood nickname: Cindy LooHoo

Camden entrepreneur, Cyndi Prince

“It’s been surreal [since learning I won this

turned out to be made from wool. She found

“My first SBA loan allowed me to expand

considering the odds were against me,”

Today, Bouchard’s involved in wholesale,

And since the balls are all natural, it’s only

sheets, especially since I didn’t want ‘crunchy

cocoa. It was a whoopie explosion! I decided it

Bouchard describes the slow start of her

Canada as well as online at loo-hoo.com natural that pets love the products. To keep

Our den housed sacks of flour, sugar and

two children, Isabella and Maxx.

LooHoo dryer balls are found in over 200 retail stores throughout the United States and

initially. However, the training prepared

it ‘good.’ When something’s great, we call it She named her business “Isamax” after her

Prince grew up on a farm in North

Balls, was born as she prepared for the birth

no business experience, just a passion for

“In Maine, when something’s good, we call

follow her plan.”

butter, chocolate chip, maple, pumpkin, red

“Four times a week, with baby Isabella

20 years ago as a stay-at-home mom with

Bouchard explained that she calls her

Prince is an entrepreneur at heart and

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business plan.

“She’s a true entrepreneur in that she

“she took her thinking-outside-the-box idea and went back to the business planning drawing board to map out her success”

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

McVety’s Home and Hearth Received Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year Award

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SBA names Coffee by Design Maine’s Small Business Person of the Year Award

By Wanda Curtis PORTLAND — Whoever said going into business with your spouse should be avoided never met Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear.

45,000-square-foot warehouse in East Bayside and opened a

groups. A dollar for each pound of their Rebel Blend, for

Administration. The couple will be invited to Washington to vie

swank new cafe/roastery and coffee lab last month. Spear

example, is funneled to community arts funding. The couple co-

for a national award in mid-May.

travels the world to meet with coffee farmers, and the

founded Portland Buy Local and First Friday Artwalk.

England administrator for the federal government’s small-

so we decided to find a viable business and see

new to our stores is a Retractable Awning by

customers for years to come. Northeast Bank

if we could make a go of it in Maine, before we

Solair. We are promoting and have on display

McVety as the recipient of the 2014 Veteran

is proud to partner with the SBA to support

lost our sanity. Both of our children were out

in Bangor and Yarmouth stores the Mini

Owned Small Business of the Year Award.

our veteran entrepreneurs and look to do

of the house so there was no family tying us

Split by Fujitsu. We also have customized

The award is presented to a veteran of the

more to help our service men and women as

to D.C. We had looked at several businesses

aluminum dock systems by Aqua Lounge

U.S. Armed Forces who serves as majority

they grow their businesses here in Maine.”

when we decided on the stove shop -- after

made here in Maine. We have a couple of grill

owner of a small business operating for at

McVety is a 20-year veteran of the U.S.

all, how can you go wrong with selling wood

lines as well, both gas and pellet ... Our best

stoves in Maine?”

selling product is the CB1200 pellet stove from

least three years.

“We congratulate Peter and Susan McVety

Navy. He also served at the Pentagon for five years, where he was during the Sept.

McVety’s instincts were right. He and his

on this well deserved award, and we thank

11 terrorist attacks. After McVety retired

wife now own three shops located in Bangor,

them for their service to our country and

from the Navy, he thought he’d move back to

Augusta and Yarmouth.

the local business community,” Jeanne A.

Maine but said he was unsure what he would

Hulit, president of the Community Banking

do for employment.

Division for Northeast Bank said. “Their

“I was the contracts administrator for a

“We bought the locations of the Bangor and Augusta store,” said McVety. “The two stores

quadrafire.”

McVety said the SBA helped free up the money that he and his wife needed to purchase the Bangor location.

“Without the SBA loan backing, I doubt we

were already in business as Finest Hearth.

would have been able to open. It is difficult to borrow money,” said McVety.

efforts to implement sound management

large security firm in Northern Virginia,

That business had five stores at the time -- we

practices and develop a knowledgeable sales

and our goal was always to come back to

purchased two of the five locations ...We sell

force has resulted in consistent sales growth

Maine once I was done with the Navy,” he

wood, gas and pellet stoves, fireplaces, and

appreciates the SBA’s recognition of all the

and product expansion over the past three

said. “That goal was delayed a couple of years

inserts. We sell all of the accessories that

hard work he and his wife have put into the

years. This foundation has been invaluable

while our children finished high school. As

accompany any of these products as well. We

business.

to their success and I have no doubt will help

you may know, life in D.C. is quite a rat race,

sell a number of lines of patio furniture and

In regards to the award, McVety said he

“This award is great,” he said.

company’s wholesale clients from Fort Fairfield to Chicago continues to expand.

Nominations are judged on criteria such as staying power,

Paul Collins, vice president of Androscoggin Bank, nominated them.

“Once you hear their backstory, which is success through

business advocacy arm. “These awards honor companies that

employee growth and increase in sales and innovation.

work and determination, it’s a story that a lot of small

are exceptionally strong and contribute to New England’s

Matthew Qualey of Qualey Granite & Quartz in Veazie nabbed

businesses aspire to,” said Collins, who gave Coffee By Design

economy.”

the state’s top award last year.

a loan to purchase its new headquarters. “When I was asked to

Goodall said Coffee By Design’s steady growth and eagerness

them serve the home heating needs of area

The specialty coffee company, with 55 employees and five

Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business

only locally but regionally as well,” said Seth Goodall, New

The Small Business Association has named

recognized and valued,” said Lindemann. “We are thrilled.”

Celebrating 20 years in business this July, the Portland

cafes, has a long history of supporting local arts and nonprofit

“The company has a long track record of leading not

McVety’s Home and Hearth owner Pete

Maine, it is nice on a statewide level to have what we do be

mouth” made the company rise to the top. roasters have been on an updraft of late. They purchased a

The founders of Coffee By Design were named Maine’s

“How can you go wrong with selling wood stoves in Maine?”

to “promote their product not only through sales but word of

“For those of us in the food service industry in the state of

nominate someone, I thought of them first.”

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

“ Once you hear their backstory, which is success through work and determination, it’s a story that a lot of small businesses aspire to”

A winning mission Coffee By Design aims to carry out its mission of educating consumers about specialty coffee; providing superior quality coffee beans, beverages, and food products; and fulfilling its commitment to environmental and economic sustainability by always keeping with the core values that set their company apart:

1. We are accountable for all our words, actions, and deeds.

2. We are passionate about coffee and excited to share our knowledge with our customers.

3. We are committed to the local community and the arts.

4. We strive to be good citizens and do our part to protect the environment.

5. We expect to have fun.

6. We value and respect our co-workers, our customers, our

suppliers, and our community.

7. Communication: We will maintain open and honest

communication and feedback and respect all points of view.

8. Representing the Company: We represent CBD well, acting as ambassadors casting the Company in a positive light.

9. Leading Others: We lead by example, exemplifying the values set forth in our mission statement.

10. Commitment to Excellence: We will handle all tasks with a high degree of professionalism, ensuring excellence in all our work and relationships.

11. Decision making: We value consensual and participatory

decision making. When necessary, leadership may make decisions using their best judgment without input from staff members.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

Terry Trickey wins the Small Business Administration’s Financial Services Champion Award

From One Generation to the Next, DeBlois Electric Inc.

BY SHEILA GRANT Special to the BDN

BY SHEILA GRANT Special to the BDN

is a perfect match for our business.”

DeBlois Electric Inc. in Lewiston is the

recipient of this year’s SBA Jeffrey Butland

With a full-time electrical design

businesses by five percent over a five-year period. Bangor

she continued. “I am lucky enough to have a job that allows me

Award, which honors a family-owned and

engineer on staff, the compnay specializes in

business banking officer

Savings was selected for this special program based on the

to learn about all of the wonderful things that business owners

operated business that has been passed on

design and build services, as well as negotiated

with Bangor Savings Bank in

bank’s track record for lending to veterans.

in Maine are doing and I consider it a privilege to be able to

from one generation to the next.

and competitively bid plan and specification

Terry Trickey, a senior

projects.

“Bangor Savings Bank is a Preferred Lender

assist in some way to help them be successful. I would not be

DeBlois Electric was founded in 1967

as the Small Business

Program (PLP) bank, which allows the highest level of

in a position to have been selected without the great support

by Wilfrid DeBlois. While no longer the

Administration’s Financial

autonomy that the SBA affords to lenders,” Trickey explained.

of the bank and the people within the organization. Bangor

residential contractor business of the early

for hospitals, medical offices, commercial

Services Champion.

This designation means that Bangor Savings can make final

Savings has always had a strong commitment to offer guaranty

days, the company remains true to its original

venues, retail/box stores, manufacturing,

Portland, is being recognized

“Our resume includes electrical projects

credit decisions on behalf of the SBA, closing, and most

programs such as SBA, and that allows me to provide creative

mission to build lasting relationships,

educational facilities, and residential/multi-

advocate for business owners,”

servicing and liquidation authority. While the SBA continues

options to businesses.”

according to Mitch DeBlois, co-owner and

unit residential projects,” he said.

Trickey said. “That includes

to make the final eligibility decisions, Bangor Savings’

spending time with them

PLP status allows them to streamline and expedite the loan

in assets, offers retail banking and investment management

retains his ownership position as chairman of

statewide. Twenty years ago, DeBlois Electric

approval process, often times by weeks.

services to Maine consumers as well as comprehensive

the board, and his wife, Gaetane, continues to

expanded by opening a retail store, Lighting

commercial, corporate, payroll administration, merchant

serve as treasurer.

Concepts.

“I work to be an

to learn about the business, as well as their plans, both

“SBA has recognized the expertise of the bank and its

immediate and in the future.”

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Trickey noted that Bangor Savings Bank has been

recognized as the top SBA lender in Maine for the past three years, during which time the bank approved more than

Bangor Savings Bank, with more than $3 billion

president of the company. Wilfrid DeBlois

The company provides services

“We made the decision to diversify into

employees based on their demonstrated proficiency in

services, insurance, and small business banking services to

processing and servicing SBA loans,” she said.

Maine businesses. Together the bank and its foundation invest

ethic on to their sons. Mitch joined the family

retail to offer our residential customers a local

more than $1 million per year into the community in the form

business as an electrical project and design

resource for home lighting,” DeBlois said.

of nonprofit sponsorships, grants and partnership initiatives.

engineer in 1988, and is a master electrician

“We work diligently to cross-promote both

in Maine and New Hampshire. Raymond

companies, and many employees share skill

(877) 226-4671, visit bangor.com, or stop by any of the 57

DeBlois, co-owner and chief financial officer,

sets between the businesses.”

Bangor Savings Bank branches statewide.

joined DeBlois Electric in 1993 after receiving

“As Maine’s largest independent bank, we

$30 million in SBA guaranteed loans. Additionally, Bangor

understand the importance of supporting Maine businesses

Savings is one of only 200 banks nationwide participating in

and recognize that small business is an extremely powerful

the SBA Veteran’s Pledge Initiative, which is committed to

driver of Maine’s economy,” Trickey said.

increasing the level of financing to military veteran-owned

“I am flattered and honored to receive this award,”

For more information, call

The couple has passed their work

his degree in business management.

“They come to your business.

They talk to you.

They want you to succeed.”

Bangor Savings Bank is proud to have earned the SBA’s recognition as Maine’s top lender to small businesses three years in a row.

We’re committed to going the extra mile so you don’t have to.

“As the CFO, Ray works with the

“DeBlois Electric and Lighting

Concepts have remained devoted to success

prosperous future.”

The company’s owners and

The mission of both companies is to

build lasting relationships, he said.

“We are proud to say that we have grown

project team on cost accountability and

through an extremely challenging economic

employees are proud to receive the Jeffrey

the company from Willie’s two-man operation

cost containment for the benefit of both our

environment over the last few years, and we

Butland Award, and take it as a sign that

into two companies that employ 42 people.

company and our customers,” said Mitch

are poised for future success,” Mitch DeBlois

family business in Maine is strong and

Half of our employees have been with our

DeBlois, who works closely with project

said. “Rather than sit back and allow the

thriving, he said.

companies for more than 10 years,” said

owners, general contractors, architects and

poor economy to drive our future, we have

construction managers to bring projects to

proactively managed our resources and

as a small business. They recognized our

a “satisfactory conclusion through closely

developed new strategies. With Androscoggin

challenges, especially in this ever-changing

coordinated and managed design/build

Bank as our new banking partner, we

banking environment. The SBA enabled us to

applications.”

are confident we will have a secure and

refinance with a local banking partner, which

“The SBA really stepped up to support us

DeBlois.

For more information, call

783-6512 or visit debloiselectric.com.

Ask about our small business loans and other solutions that can help your business grow.

Member FDIC

Kurt & Kathy Cressey Owners, Pack Baskets of Maine

www.bangor.com

1.877.BANGOR1

“Rather than sit back and allow the poor economy to drive our future, we have proactively managed our resources and developed new strategies.”

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

Two Founders of Gelato Fiasco are named Young Entrepreneurs of the Year

“Over the years we made it a point to try gelato in U.S. cities -- places where you’d expect to find

By Dale McGarrigle Special to the BDN dairy profile that should allow flavors to come

management company in college, had been

and management, while president Tropeano

to be at the heart of a Maine business success

through more strongly than a traditional ice

looking for another business opportunity. So

is the gelato maker, developing new flavors,

story.

cream.”

why not make this passion their livelihood?

managing ingredient supply sources, and

Gelato would seem to be an unusual product

Yet the passion of Joshua Davis and Bruno

How did the two friends, who first met

“Josh and Bruno sensed both a

gelateri.

in 2001 as roommates at Bentley College in

responsibility and an opportunity and set

to the two founders of Gelato Fiasco being

Waltham, Massachusetts develop an affinity

off to rediscover the lost art. Imagining a

named Young Entrepreneurs of the Year by

for gelato?

long-forgotten Red Spoon Society of superior

at 74 Maine St. in Brunswick. They chose the

gelato artisans, they learned the techniques

name “as a hedge against trend-pursuers,

It was almost hereditary for Tropeano, a

Their flagship store opened Aug. 7, 2007,

Brookfield, Connecticut native. His parents

and practices of the old masters of gelato.

treasure hunters, and impostors, for only a

“Josh Davis and Bruno Tropeano have

emigrated from Italy, and the family took

They used those techniques as a foundation

true food lover, guided by his or her own sense

worked really hard to make their business

multiple trips to the old country, where he

for creating an even better gelato experience:

of adventure, would dare enter a store with

successful, and it shows,” Seth Goodall, SBA

developed a taste for gelato. Davis, a Belgrade

make lots of creative flavors for discerning

that name,” their website explains.

regional administrator for New England,

native, got hooked on the Italian ice cream

guests, serve them in a way that invites

said of the pair. “They are dedicated and

while in college.

discovery and delight, and never compromise

restaurant industry, as consumers, they knew

on quality,” according to the official company

what they liked, which informed the core

history

values of Gelato Fiasco.

state, but for Region 1 (New England), as well.

creative and sell very tasty and high quality

After graduating from Bentley in 2005, the

products. As young entrepreneurs, Josh and

two began an informal quest to find the best

Bruno also serve as terrific role models and

gelato.

Although they had no experience in the

The key to make artisanal gelato: use of

“The little things became so obviously

local milk from Houlton Farms Dairy and

what makes the difference in us having a

gelato in U.S. cities -- places where you’d

Maine’s Own Organic (MOO) Milk, adding

great experience at a place versus just having

expect to find the best, like New York and

only the best ingredients, such as pistachios

an okay time,” Davis said. “So, with that in

on the same day that the company finished

Boston -- and we both agreed that no one was

from Sicily, vanilla beans from Madagascar

mind, we decided that our core value would

paying off its SBA-backed loan.

doing gelato justice,” Davis recalled. “We had

and wild blueberries from the Maine coast,

be running the business from a customer’s

to do something.”

and making a fresh product daily.

point of view, i.e., later hours, open every day,

an inspiration for others to start their own business in Maine.”

Coincidentally, word of the award came

“I saw the SBA on caller ID and I figured it had to do with the loan payoff,” Davis recalled.

“Little did I know, it was to announce we had won the award.”

“Over the years we made it a point to try

The pair, who had run a small property

CEO Davis focuses on customer service

giving samples for free, etc.”

These decisions came organically rather than deliberately.

The award serves as affirmation.

“We didn’t think too much about those

“It’s a reassuring sign that we’re

things specifically -- we just implemented

doing the right type of things,”

them because they were things we would

Tropeano said. “There aren’t many

want as customers,” Tropeano added.

points along the way of bootstrapping a gelato company based in Maine that the route is clearly identified, but somehow

The second store, Gelato Fiasco Old Port, opened in 2012 at 425 Fore St. in Portland.

The two locations serve about 30 flavors

the award gives us something to mark

of gelato and sorbetto (a water-based

the path so-far with. We’re humbled to

dessert), chosen from a roster of around

win.”

The Gelato Fiasco website offers this

the best, like New York and Boston -- and we both agreed that no one was doing gelato justice”

training staff members to become expert

Tropeano for this tasty Italian dessert has led

the Small Business Association not just for the

13

1,500 flavors, made fresh each day, along with a variety of hot drinks.

description of the

The company also

company’s treat:

supplies hand-packed

“Gelato is a style

pints to approximately

be sold in over 32 states, largely because

of ice cream that

500 grocery stores across

of the association people make between

dates back several

the nation.

wholesomeness, Maine and Gelato Fiasco,”

Gelato Fiasco also provides catering for weddings and parties.

The company gives back through its

at its two stores and its Flavor Foundry manufacturing facility and offices in Brunswick.

Much of the credit for the company’s

seriously care about doing a good job.”

As for the company’s future, it’s always evolving.

“We have a lot of things to figure out, but

centuries to Italy.

“People all over the

Davis said. “It’s really amazing to be able to

Scooping for Community Program, through

Since the primary

country really recognize

travel across the country and find a pint of

which Gelato Fiasco donates 100 percent of

success should go to its employees, Tropeano

we are very excited about the opportunity in

ingredient in good

Maine products for

gelato at a supermarket. It makes me smile

sales from a non-profit’s supporters on the

said.

front of us and feel good about the team behind

gelato is milk, not

their quality and we’re

when I look at the back and it says ‘Hand

organization’s designated day.

cream, it has a softer

really proud to now

packed in Brunswick, Maine.’ ”

Gelato Fiasco employs more than 50 people

“Our employees are top-notch. These are folks with big hearts who work hard and

us, working so hard to make it all happen,” Tropeano said.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

14

SMALL BUSINESS ADMIISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

G-Force Laser Tag, based in Caribou, is the SBA’s Microenterprise of the Year.

Let us help your Maine business Commercial loans ‐ Personal service Loans up to $10,000,000

BY SHEILA GRANT Special to the BDN Rick L. Koch, SVP Business Services 207‐373‐5101

“I have worked for myself since I was a little kid, and I’ve always had to do everything with a shoestring, or even a broken string, budget.” decided to focus solely on laser tag. When

has increased to 80, with another 40 to be

kid, and I’ve always had to do everything with

and Kimberly Plavnick faced numerous

financing still could not be secured to buy the

finished by summer. A six-person wrecking

a shoestring, or even a broken string, budget,”

challenges while struggling to launch

equipment necessary for startup, Plavnick,

ball and a 150-foot-long “military style”

he said. “I’ve never had anybody believe in me

and grow a new business. Perhaps what

who has a technology background, decided to

obstacle course, a gaga ball, a bounce/

before; never had a business loan before; and

distinguishes the duo and their seven

develop his own product.

jousting arena, and sumo wrestling have

never been recognized for the hard work that

been added to the company’s portable venue

I do.”

Like many small business owners, Brian

employees is the innovative ways in which

By the summer of 2008, the company

Start, build, and grow your small business with us!

SBA Lender Preferred Lenders Program

G-Force Laser Tag travels

those challenges were overcome, and the

had built 16 taggers and was ready to offer

options. Customers can also opt to have fog,

company’s commitment to giving back to the

mobile events, rather than owning a fixed-

a light show, and even food. The most recent

throughout New England and beyond to

BHBT.com • 1-888-853-7100

community via numerous in-kind donations

location business.

expansion of services is the addition of music

provide entertainment at a variety of events

Member FDIC

by DJ NoKlipz.

-- from birthday parties to corporate events.

and fundraising events.

In 2006, the Plavnicks began

“The first year we definitely lost money,” he said. “The second year we started making

exploring the possibility of opening a youth-

a little bit, and each year after that we grew.

based business.

We put all of the money back into the business.

“We didn’t have much of a nest egg,”

About two years ago, we were doing really

said Brian Plavnick. The couple dreamed of

well, so we decided to go back again and try to

opening a fixed-location facility that offered

get additional funding to get more equipment.”

youths a variety of activities to do under one

Plavnick returned to the Northern

Maine Development Commission, one of the

roof.

“I worked on a business plan and shopped that around, but it was very difficult to get a loan at that point, especially for a youth-based

entities which had reviewed his original

believed in it,” Plavnick said. An arrangement with the NMDC, using SBA funds, provided

“I took his advice after trying hard to

do the thing that I wanted,” Plavnick said. But

award have deep meaning for Plavnick.

For more information, call 227-5562 or visit g-forcelasertag.com.

“I have worked for myself since I was a little

DeBlois Electric

Congratulations! Winner of Maine SBA’s Jeffrey Butland Small Family Business of the Year

“They really liked what I was doing and

Brian Plavnick explained. the couple start off with a smaller idea.

Both the financial support and the

business plan.

business, from a bank or any other source,” Eventually, one bank official suggested that

Serviced Locally

significant financial support, allowed the company to consolidate financing, and reduced its monthly payments.

The company has been able to

financing remained elusive, so the business

add “inflatable city” to its laser tag course

plan was scaled back even further. The couple

landscaping options. The number of taggers

Androscoggin Bank congratulates Wilfrid, Geatane, Mitch and Ray DeBlois, awarded Maine’s 2014 Jeffrey Butland Family Business of the Year by the U.S Small Business Administration. As one of Northern New England’s premier electrical contractors, DeBlois Electric has been building relationships since 1967. Androscoggin Bank is proud to partner with, and support businesses like DeBlois.

For information on how we can partner with your business efforts, contact Dave Eldridge, SVP & Commercial Lending Manager • 207.376.3626 • deldridge@androscogginbank.com Androscoggin Bank—#1 in volume and dollars for SBA 504 Lending YTD in 2014 • androscogginbank.com

15

16

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • JUNE 6, 2014

Congratulations

iness community.

We are proud to support Maine’s bus ard Winners!

Congratulations to the 2014 SBA Aw

Smart Business Checking

The checks would have to write themselves to make this account any better.

2014 SBA Award Winners

Helping Maine Businesses Since 1983 1-800-228-3734

www.FAMEmaine.com

Smart Business Checking is a low to no cost checking account* that comes with your own personal banker to get you started and provide you with ongoing support.

Call 207-839-4796 or visit your nearest branch to learn more.

gorhamsavingsbank.com Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

* No transaction fees for up to 450 paid or deposited items per statement cycle (additional items $ .35 each).

Congratulations Peter McVety of McVety’s Hearth and Home Maine’s SBA 2014 Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year!

Northeast Bank is committed to helping Veterans like Peter start or grow their business through the SBA’s Veterans Advantage Program.

To learn more, visit northeastbank.com/smallbusiness Contact one of our Small Business Loan Specialists today!

Tim Michalak

1.800.284.5989 ext. 3720 tmichalak@northeastbank.com

Small Business Lender Luke Takatsu and Community Banking Division President Jeanne Hulit with Peter McVety.

Luke Takatsu

1.800.284.5989 ext. 3549 ltakatsu@northeastbank.com