Business Spotlight: Yarmouth Direct Primary Care

The days of waiting for weeks for a medical appointment or days spent trying to speak with a doctor are over for patients at Yarmouth Direct Primary Care. And for many of them, it’s certainly a life-changing experience.

Dr. John Daggett and his family have opened
Yarmouth Direct Primary Care, a new flexible
healthcare practice that reaches patients where
they need to be seen, COURTESY PHOTO   

Dr. John Daggett founded Yarmouth Direct Primary Care in January and the practice’s flexibility allows him to reach patients where they need to be seen, including home visits, on-site evaluations, online or in the office.

“Despite being headquartered in Yarmouth, I have connected with many patients from the Lakes Region who work in greater Portland, and I hope to expand my presence in the Windham area with patients and small businesses,” Daggett said.

Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model where patients pay their primary care physician a monthly or annual fee in exchange for unlimited access to primary care services. It includes preventive care, routine checkups, chronic disease management, common primary care procedures such as joint injections, skin biopsies, and access to laboratory tests as an alternative to traditional health insurance and does not require patients to have insurance coverage.

As such, it eliminates the need for physicians to bill insurance companies, which can reduce overhead and costs allowing Daggett to focus on providing individualized attention to his patients.

“I am so excited to be practicing primary care in a direct care model. As someone who has practiced primary care for some time, I commit to listening to my patients and thinking broadly about what may be going on with them and their health,” he said. “I like to think outside the box and be creative in how best my patients can access my care, and that doesn't always mean I will be sitting in the clinic all day. I want to get on the road, to the job site, on the phone or to pursue other channels to reach my patients where they are at, and I coordinate their care.”

Daggett says that Direct Primary Care is an exciting model that places the patient first.

“As a physician, I feel strongly that the public should be able to access my services without significant barriers. As an internal medicine physician, I trained nearly 9,000 hours during my residency followed by eight years thus far as a general internist in active practice,” he said. “My experience in adult medicine includes time spent training in all the various subspecialty fields and maintaining relationships with many subspecialists in the state.”

Daggett manages chronic conditions and assesses new conditions as they come up for my patients.

“This model gives me the time to advocate for my patients and have clear, direct communication with them,” he said. “It allows me focus on patient concerns.”

According to Daggett, Yarmouth Direct Primary Care doesn’t charge enrollment fees and doesn't require a minimum commitment, so it reduces the barriers for patients to experience the value of having a doctor on call for their healthcare needs.

“Regarding the level of one-on-one care, personalized attention, and unlimited access to a physician who knows you well, I think this is where the value is really felt by my patients within weeks of joining,” he said.

The traditional concierge medicine model offered extended time and one-on-one attention, but at a substantial price with retainer fees reaching into the $4,000 to $5,000 price range.

“Direct care brings that price down in my case to $125 per month to be a member of the clinic,” Daggett said. “I never bill insurance over and above that fee, so even if someone has a horrible month and has to see me six times for an ongoing illness, that would all be included in the membership fee.”

As a husband, father, brother and son, Daggett has been a patient and has had loved ones become ill and need the help of a primary care physician.

“This can be some of the most stressful times one may experience, so you want to have confidence in your physician and know they will be available for you when you need them,” he said. “I am down to earth in my approach, enjoying the cordial conversations with patients about their care and lives. When I answer the phone in the office, I can't tell you how many patients have commented that it was the first time they ever spoke with a physician on the phone. I have the time to make those personal connections and reach out to follow up with all of my patients directly. It is what physicians want, and it is what patients want, so I am thrilled to have the space to practice this way.”

To learn more about Yarmouth Direct Primary Care, call 207-560-0415 or visit www.yarmouthdpc.com. Find them on Facebook and Instagram under Yarmouth DPC. <

Business Spotlight: Coastal Construction and Design

With every project it completes, Coastal Construction and Design adds to its reputation for exceptional quality, timeless design, meticulous attention to detail and putting the customer first.

Based in Gorham, Coastal Construction and Design is a full-service construction and design firm offering full General Contractor services for new construction homes or large-scale renovations. It also provides full Interior Design services for larger projects, and it is included in the cost.

Diana and Chris Friedlund are the husband and wife team
of Coastal Construction and Design. SUBMITTED PHOTO

“This includes designing all of the furniture that will go into your new home, ordering and installing the furniture for a truly one-stop shop turn-key package,” said Chris and Diana Friedlund, the husband-and-wife team who own and operate Coastal Construction and Design. “We work on new construction, existing family homes, camps, and even historic properties.”

According to Chris, combining construction and design in one company saves customers time and money.

“That makes an enormous difference if a client is looking for a seamless and efficient construction process. It can be emotionally draining when a client is stuck between their builder and their designer,” he said. “Or, in most instances, between their builder and their spouse for example. We cut out that stress. We communicate efficiently, and often since we are under the same roof. We really are a true ‘Maine’ couple that loves building a client's dream home, and we do it as if it's our own money. We don't waste time or money, and we really get invested. We care about the final result from the start right up until the very last day of work.”

He said Coastal Construction and Design is passionate about making high-end style accessible for all.

“We work with you to transform your environment into a comforting, timeless space so you can share it with those you love most,” Chris said.

“Having a custom home builder and designer under one roof keeps the building process efficient and effective. We believe that the best design solutions can only be realized when design and construction go hand in hand. That’s what makes us different.”

Diana says the couple’s ability to bounce ideas off one another and become energized with creativity on every job they take on creates a worthwhile final result.

“We also strive to have multiple subcontractors on the same page and that makes for smooth projects,” she said.

Best known for large-scale renovations, most Coastal Construction and Design jobs consist of kitchens, bathrooms and mudrooms.

“We focus on high quality specialty features in areas of a home that really wow our clients,” Diana said. “We specialize in problem solving and tackling even the most perplexing layouts. Are you dreaming of a beautifully renovated kitchen or living room that perfectly embodies your style and enhances your everyday living experience? We’re here to give you the home of your dreams, starting with your hardest working rooms.”

As a small company, Coastal Construction and Design can deliver extremely competitive pricing with exceptional results.

“I am certain our pricing is extremely competitive,” Diana said. “We pride ourselves on encouraging our clients to spend where it matters, and only where it matters. Design features do not have to be pricey. We can get the ‘look for less’ and have a truly magazine-worthy result, with budget-friendly materials like the tile, or the knobs, or sometimes the lighting.”

The couple says that most Maine homeowners can benefit from finding a company that drafts the plans, designs the entire home, builds their home, and then furnishes it, making it more efficient and a less stressful experience.

“That's where we excel,” Diana said. “We’re not the quickest or the cheapest, but we are honest.”

Chris started his career working for other contractors before deciding to launch his own business in 2014. At the time, Diana was a stay-at-home mom but loved design and helped her husband with ideas on the side all the time.

“So, I asked him ‘why did you put 'design' in the name," she said. “He said it was for me, in the future, when I was ready. Fast forward to 2019 when my daughter started Kindergarten, and I was ready to work full time.”

To learn more about Coastal Constriction and Design, call 207-577-1653 or visit www.coastalconstructionanddesign.com Find them on Facebook and Instagram under Coastal Construction and Design. <

Business Spotlight: Kristen Roy Real Estate at Elevate Maine Realty

In today’s world, the real estate market is constantly evolving, and the most exceptional agents are skilled professionals who are passionate about their work and adept problem-solvers able to prioritize the best interests of those they represent. Kristen Roy is exactly one of those agents.

Kristen Roy Real Estate at Elevate
Maine Realty offers a range of
valuable services for home buyers
and home sellers in the Lakes
Region of Maine.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Possessing a warm and friendly approach and a desire to help others, she brings a conscientious and client-focused mindset to her agent role at Elevate Maine Realty. Her extensive background in banking and finance provides Kristen with the expertise to guide clients smoothly through the home buying and selling process.

From her office located at 211 US-1 in Falmouth, Kristen’s range of services for home buyers includes market research in finding properties that match a client’s budget and preferences; property tours in scheduling and showing homes that meet a client’s criteria; negotiation expertise in making competitive offers and negotiating the best price; skills in handling legal documents and disclosures; and the ability to assist in the closing process with inspections, appraisals, and loan approvals.

Home sellers can be confident that Kristen can help with property valuation and determining a competitive listing price; has a firm grasp of marketing and advertising with professional photos, virtual tours, and online listings; is remarkable at the coordination of open houses, showings and staging advice; is extraordinary in handling offers and counteroffers to maximize profit for her clients; and highly experienced in closings managing inspections, contracts, and paperwork.

She also offers investment property guidance, relocation assistance, new construction representation, and free real estate market analysis.

Kristen is living out a long-standing dream of hers by working in real estate.

“I have always wanted to work in real estate,” she said. “I have an odd obsession with houses and love helping people tour and find their dream come true.”

Born and raised in Northern Maine, she spent more than half her life there before relocating to Southern Maine with her husband and two sons. That lifelong connection to Maine gives her an unparalleled understanding of its communities, culture, and lifestyle and is an invaluable resource for her clients looking to make Maine their own.

“I have had the opportunity to work with clients all over the state of Maine in my 13 plus years of real estate,” Kristen said. “From Jackman to Eastport, Sanford to Sebago. If I can’t meet you, I would be happy to help you find a trusted agent in your area.”

An experienced and dedicated worker, Kristen has been able to keep her business relationships from organic connections.

“My referral base is my main business. I’ve been working with clients for many years now and all my friends and family send them to me with trust,” she said. “I take pride in the trusted referrals I have been able to grow over the years.”

Always available, Kristen says that she enjoys being a part of her local communities and statewide opportunities.

“I feel I have been a trusted realtor for many years now and many more to go,” she said. “I feel I am a great community go-to for all your home needs. From my contacts or experience I will be here for my clients during the transactions and for many years after.”

Getting to know her clients well is responsible for much of her success.

“I want my customers during our meetings to feel that they have a friend by their side in me during the entire real estate process,” Kristen said.

A top-producing agent, she joined Elevate Maine Realty to embrace new challenges and opportunities for professional growth. Her unparalleled dedication to her clients and the communities she serves drives her to deliver exceptional service, ensuring every real estate journey is smooth, successful, and rewarding.

No matter if you are buying or selling, Kristen Roy is committed to guide you every step of the way. She understands that those she works with are not just purchasing or selling a home, they are making one of life's most exciting yet complex and difficult decisions.

“I understand the many concerns and challenges that come with this process and take a strong customer-focused approach to representing my clients,” Kristen said. “Reach out today to start your real estate journey with me.”

To learn more about Kristen Roy Real Estate at Elevate Maine Realty, call 207-671-8149 or visit https://kristenroy.elevatemaine.com/ or find her on Facebook at Kristen Roy Real Estate. <

Business Spotlight: Big Swing Golf Sim

If all goes according to plan, a new recreational facility will be opening locally in March where golfers can tee off year-round. Big Swing Golf Sim will feature sophisticated golf simulators and other golfing-related activities for residents of Windham and the surrounding area.

Connor Dufour owns Big Swing Golf Sim, a
new recreational facility opening soon in
Windham which features the latest golf
simulator software and other games in a
relaxed and comfortable setting.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

Located at 765 Roosevelt Trail Unit 100 in Windham, Big Swing Golf Sim is owned by Connor Dufour, who says he’s excited to provide a fun place for golfers to work on their game year-round or just gather with friends in a comfortable and relaxed setting.

“With the latest and greatest golf simulator software, Big Swing Golf Sim will provide high quality fun and top of the line accuracy to improve their game,” Dufour said. “Our tracking system not only records your swing and the strike for you to play back and review, it also will provide accurate specifics of ball movement.”

The Big Swing Golf Sim offers five 16-foot advanced golf simulator bays with high-definition graphics that have more than 1,000 courses around the country. Customers will also be able to switch the big game onto the bay projector to really feel immersed in the game. The simulators offer unmatched realism with dazzling 4K graphics, ultra-realistic ball physics and ultra-fast response times.

No matter if you're playing solo, teaming up with your friends or families, and regardless of age or skill level, Big Swing Golf Sim delivers maximum fun.

“Our bays will be outfitted with cable access so you can watch the big game and golf at the same time,” Dufour said. “A sixth bay will be introduced shortly after opening. On top of that, the facility will offer other activities such as darts, a putting green, cornhole, and shuffleboard. Big Swing Golf will also be serving both soft drinks, and a wide variety of beer.”

Dufour said the best thing about the new business is what it is going to mean for the community.

“It’s going to be a great relaxing fun place to go,” he said. “There will be something here to appeal to everyone.”

Featuring competitive pricing, Dufour said that Big Swing Golf Sim will offer convenient memberships which will save frequent consumers money the more that they stop by to play.

“Although our focus is to provide high quality golf simulators, we also want to create a sports environment that can also be interactive,” Dufour said. “Bring your friends, play some golf, throw some darts or bags, and enjoy yourself.”

As Big Swing Golf settles in, Dufour envisions recreational leagues launching and becoming a popular place for birthday celebrations or a great place to have a party.

“Each bay can be converted into a big screen television, and you’ll still be able to golf at the same time,” he said. “The simulators will have an arcade function which can be used for kids’ parties.”

Dufour attended college in this area and says he craved a place where he could join his friends to enjoy a beer but also to interact with them in fun activities.

“I didn’t want to settle for going to Portland to achieve this or travel 30 minutes away,” he said. “Windham is a friendly, beautiful, and developing town that deserves to have a place for its residents to enjoy remaining active during the evening while enjoying their favorite beer.”

To become a successful business, Dufour said that Big Swing Golf Sim will be responsive to customer needs.

“It all comes down to providing a service that our customers can really get behind,” he said. “We want to be able to receive feedback from our customers and to build a great product and are able to upgrade and adapt as we go along.”

To learn more about Big Swing Golf Sim visit them on Facebook under Big Swing Golf Sim or on Instagram under big_swing_Golf <

Business Spotlight: 207 Landscaping & Tree Service

Caring for lawns, gardens and trees is almost second nature for Cel Chinchilla, a second generation-arborist and landscaper who owns and operates 207 Landscaping & Tree Service, based in Gorham and serving all the Lakes Region of Maine.

207 Landscaping & Tree Service can safely and efficiently
remove troublesome trees from properties in an affordable
manner. The company also offers an array of landscaping
and snow removal services. COURTESY PHOTO

207 Landscaping & Tree Service provides prompt, responsive, professional and affordable landscaping and tree care. The reputable and trustworthy company offers a wide range of locally sourced materials to meet your landscaping, gardening, tree removal, and heating needs.

“We stand behind our business and operate it with integrity, respect, and ensure that safety and quality will always be met,” Chinchilla said. “We can advise on tree health and maintenance, tree removal and perform stump grinding.”

In the landscaping and tree removal business for more than 10 ten years, 207 Landscaping & Tree Service is proud of its reputation for professionalism and excellence.

“Our business is dedicated to the safety of our workers and our timely production of work, always giving personal attention and quality service to our customers,” Chinchilla said. “We pride ourselves on our creativity and our attention to detail. Our long-standing commitment to customer service and our family-oriented values help provide a level of superior dedication to the customers.”

In the spring, summer and fall, 207 Landscaping & Tree Service can take exceptional care of your yard so that you don’t have to worry about yard work. Services offered by the company include seasonal cleanups; mulch bed installation; brush and wood removal; curbside brush removal; lawn installations; hedge trimming; tree and shrub planting and removal; installations of vegetable and flower beds; pruning; sod installations; brush hogging; and commercial mowing.

Products offered by 207 Landscaping & Tree Service can assist in meeting every landscaping, gardening, and heating need, with firewood and mulch deliveries available.

“Our green firewood and seasoned firewood are sustainably harvested, ensuring a reliable and eco-friendly source of heat for your home,” Chinchilla said. “For landscaping projects, we provide raw woodchips, perfect for mulching and soil protection, as well as 3/4 crushed stone for durable and aesthetically pleasing driveways, paths, or foundations. Gardeners will appreciate our nutrient-rich loam and veggie soil, ideal for growing healthy vegetables and vibrant plants. By choosing our materials, you are supporting local resources and ensuring top-quality products for your outdoor project.”

They can help with light excavation and construction services which are designed to enhance and maintain your property with precision and care. Some of the many services available are walkways; decks; crushed stone and concrete pad installations; and septic tank cover digging.

A variety of snow removal services for commercial, residential, condo and industrial properties are offered by 207 Landscaping & Tree Service that include plowing, shoveling, sanding and snow displacement off site and from parking lots.

Chinchilla is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture, a Certified Maine Arborist, a Master of Pesticides; has a First-class landscaping license and is a First-class Utility Arborist.

Because of its dedication to customers, 207 Landscaping & Tree Service has earned the second-highest Google rating in Maine for the services it provides, and reviews are outstanding.

“I have had 207 Landscaping help me with yard work (cutting my lawn, removing leaves, tree removal, stump grinding) for a number of years and I could not be happier with their work. Cel, the owner, is honest, a straight talker and most important, a thoughtful and caring man.” ~ Len G.

“Everything from the initial meeting with Cel (owner) at the beginning for an estimate, right up until the end of the job was smooth sailing. I highly recommend the 207 Landscaping Team for any of their services. The pricing is competitive, and you will not be disappointed with their service!" ~ Amy V.

“The team that arrived was incredibly efficient and so good at what they do. It was amazing to watch their teamwork. They took my beloved pine tree down, cleaned up, and even cut me a special keep-sake chunk of it (after I asked for it) for me to keep. Highly recommend them.” ~ Erica S.

“I have hired them a few times for storm related tree work, and regular yard clean up. Always punctual, they don’t leave until you are happy with the work. Licensed and insured, so no worries about doing tree work. Highly recommend.” ~ Joseph O.

207 Landscaping & Tree Service is located at 166 Narragansett St. in Gorham. Visit them online at 207landscaping.com/ or call 207-222-2932. Find them on Facebook. <

Business Spotlight: Vigor Strength Studio

Vigor Strength Studio is a raw and high energy strength and conditioning training studio at 39 Mechanic St. in downtown Westbrook that opened in 2021. Co-Owners Zachary Russell and Julian Despres both grew up in Southern Maine and found their passion for helping others with their health and wellness.

Julian Despres and Zachary Russell both grew up in
Southern Maine and co-own Vigor Strength Studio
in downtown Westbrook. They work with everyone
from beginners to adept exercisers and athletes.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Everyone exercising in the gym has an experienced and educated strength and conditioning coach by their side for every workout. The gym is open-concept and brings the efficiency of collegiate strength and conditioning workouts to the general population by mainly using free weights, your own body weight, resistance bands, and other unique strength training equipment.

“People that train at our gym are there to get things done the right way. Our clientele ranges from complete beginners to adept exercisers, and most of them simply want the general physical benefits of exercise and strength training; they are training to live long and healthy lives doing what they love,” says co-owner and coach Julian Despres.

Coaches are experts at modifying exercises depending on the individual, making them easier or more challenging. However, our exercise circuits work for most everyone, athletes and the general population alike.

Its gym puts a huge emphasis on moving in pain free, sustainable ways. We don’t just want your squat to look good, for example, we want it to feel good too! We teach proper movement (feeling the right muscles at the right times during exercises) so that you can train hard with no real pain and continue to get the results you’re after. We establish your initial goals before and during your first free session, and periodically after that we will need to set new ones.

Coaches design workouts as part of overarching programs that are created after meeting with you for the first time. Its young team has a combined training experience of over 30 years between them. They work next to each other every day and learn new ways to keep exercises feeling fresh and effective.

Vigor’s primary service is semi-private training sessions, where two to four people share their strength coach’s time. Each person has their own individual exercises to focus on specific to their goals. Think of the other few members in your session like your squad, they can help you in more ways than you’d think: from motivating you to keep going, to helping load your bar, to finding the kettlebell you need, or to spotting you through a set. Coaches like to keep people consistently working out with the same squad each week if schedules allow, building camaraderie and fostering productive energy. We do offer 1 on 1 training, but it is only at certain times when the gym is less busy.

Their strength and conditioning coaches also have experience training groups of athletes from high school level all the way to D1 college sports. Currently, coach Jaryd Penn works with Westbrook High baseball players, as well as a variety of hockey players from different training camps while co-owner and coach Zach Russell is working with the Windham High basketball team on its movement quality and mobility.

Coaches work hard to push your limits so that you get the most out of your sessions and to get your money’s-worth every single workout and stay safe while doing it. It starts with effective but brief warm up circuits to help address joint mobility issues, activate the muscles we aim to use, and raise the heart rate.

Once warmed up, they move into their primary exercises which are specific to each individual at Vigor. Everyone has different exercise focuses, postures, muscular strengths, and weaknesses that we work on. Coaches believe that training should be challenging and should stimulate mental growth as much as anything physical.

Coaches write exercises and notes down diligently, tracking the sets and repetitions closely so that we continue to push toward better and better performances, the longer you train with them the better they can dial it into what you need. Their gym is a melting pot of positive goals and productive physical activity. They are driven to build a stronger community, and they can’t wait to meet you!

To schedule your free first session with one of their great coaches, contact them by email at vigor.maine@gmail.com or call/ text them at 207-615-1990. You can also check them out on Facebook and Instagram. <

Business Spotlight: Monroe & Conley Financial Group

Accomplished financial services advisors Kevin Monroe and Zack Conley bring invaluable experience and an innovative mindset benefiting clients to the Monroe & Conley Financial Group.

Kevin Monroe, right, and Zack Conley,
second from left, are innovative and
independent financial services advisors.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

With locations in Raymond and Alfred, Monroe & Conley offer wealth management, retirement planning, legacy planning, life insurance and annuity products. They help advise their clients about disability and long-term care situations, along with giving recommendations regarding estate planning attorneys to work with as they believe this fits hand in hand with a solid financial future.

“The most significant aspect of our business is the relationship we have with our clients,” Conley said.

Monroe has been in business since 1992 and has many clients who have been with him since the start. Conley, 28, has been in business since 2016. They are accepting new clients and book by appointment only.

“It allows our clients to have continuity with their finances and they get the best of both worlds,” Monroe and Conley said. “They get an older more experienced advisor. Yet they also receive a younger advisor with a new perspective on business and the world of economics. Our clients also know that with this set up, God willing, they likely won’t have to hire another advisor as Zack has 30-plus years ahead of him.”

The most important thing that Monroe and Conley want their clients to know is that as independent advisors they act as a fiduciary, meaning they don’t have any products or services that they “have” to sell.

“We always say, ‘tell us your story’ and always start with a blank sheet of paper. This allows us to not have any agenda,” they said. “We believe that a true advisor should listen more than talk. As an independent firm we are not beholding to any one company. This allows us the ability to work with any company we deem fit for our clients. We truly ‘price out’ different companies and ‘shop’ what we feel is best for our clients. This allows us to make recommendations with nothing but our client in mind. Another important thing is that when you call our office you aren’t calling an 800 number. You get to know our staff and it creates a long-lasting relationship with not just our advisors, but with our awesome office staff.”

Both Monroe and Conley previously worked for a national firm for many years. Over the past few years, landscape began changing in the financial services industry and in September 2024 they decided to go fully independent and open Monroe & Conley Financial Group. They believe that this move was in the best interest of their clients, allowing them to continue to offer objective advice and service. When Monroe started his career in 1992, he was focused on the importance of life insurance. As the business evolved, he moved into the wealth management business which quickly took off. When Conley started in 2016, he and Monroe quickly connected, and now as an independent firm, they plan to continue to maintain exceptional service for their clients.

“We fell in love with the business due to our love for helping others,” they said. “We felt this was what we were called to do and since starting we've never looked back. We take each client and situation one at a time and slowly build respect and gain trust from our clients. Over the years, the products and services have evolved, yet our commitment to the people we serve has maintained the same. We treat others the way we want to be treated. We have always strived to put ourselves in our client’s shoes. With the knowledge we have compiled over the years, we look to do what they would do if it were their mom, dad, brother, sister or grandparents sitting across from them. This has created the family environment our clients have grown to love and enjoy.”

For the future, Monroe and Conley are excited to expand their team of advisors and office staff.

“The thought is that as the book of business continues to grow, we will find advisors who fit our culture and way of business,” they said. “This will allow us to ensure that each client gets the time and respect that they deserve as choosing a financial advisor is more than just a transaction, it is a decision that typically lasts for years and grows into a friendship. We are excited to find new advisors and if any advisors are interested in making the shift to be part of an independent firm or team, they are welcome to reach out.”

For further details about Monroe & Conley Financial Group, call 207-490-3495 or visit www.monroeconleyfg.com Find them on Facebook page under Monroe & Conley Financial Group.

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors. Monroe & Conley Financial Group and Cambridge are not affiliated. <