Business Spotlight: Red Door Title

Maine’s largest title company, Red Door Title, remains successful because it treats each buyer, seller, and borrower it works with as if they are family.

With 18 offices in New England and 11 here in Maine, Red Door Title handles real estate transactions and title searches for buyers, borrowers, and sellers. Its staff has the expertise, resources, and experience to make even the most challenging transactions run smoothly and delivers an exceptional level of customer service is that unmatched in this industry.

“The best thing about what we do is being able to see people get excited about getting into buying a property, whether it’s vacation homes or their primary residence,” said Melanie Tromblee, Red Door Title’s owner. “Our greatest concern these days is that there’s a lot of fraud and deception in the industry right now and we have to keep on our toes to protect ourselves and our clients.”

Making the process as easy as possible is the goal of Red Door Title, which is now expanding to better serve residents in the Lakes Region. The company started 10 ½ years ago with just two employees and now has 65 employees.

Tromblee says only specializing in real estate title work and the company’s willingness to be flexible in its hours is the key to Red Door Title’s continuing popularity with buyers, sellers, and borrowers.

“We work seven days a week and are not a 9 to 5 shop,” she said. “We’re always available and answer our emails all weekend long. We’re there when our clients need us.”

She said that Red Door Title is a Maine-based title company and all the company’s closers and many of its staff are Maine notaries. Additionally, the Red Door Title team receives extensive and continuing training to stay current on all borrowing procedures and real estate transaction laws.

Joey Nelson is a closer with Red Door Title and has been doing title work in the Lakes Region for a few years now. He knows the unique needs of clients in this area, is involved with the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, and grew up coming to Sebago regularly.

Nelson says that his goal is to bring the exceptional quality of Red Door Title to more clients in this area.

“We have a policy against saying ‘no’ and our closers, processors, and our entire staff work as a team to make sure all parties are satisfied and smiling at the end of the day,” Nelson said. “One of the nice things about being the largest title company in Maine is having the resources that we do. We have hundreds of years of combined title experience, and while some title companies only have one attorney on staff, we have several. At the end of the day this means that when an issue arises on a real estate transaction, we have the expertise to know how to handle it correctly. We are also very proud to be a women-founded company.”

According to Nelson, the amount of behind-the-scenes work that Red Door Title employees perform daily has been instrumental in making the experience for their clients so outstanding and affordable too.

“Unlike our competitors, we have not raised our prices in over 10 years, even as inflation has increased in the last few years,” he said. “In fact, we will always beat or match any competitor’s price. Additionally, we never charge bogus fees or travel fees. We are unmatched in our customer service and the quality and thoroughness of our work. We will do everything in our power to make sure that issues are resolved, our clients are happy, and our closings are smooth. This is really what we are known for, and this is what keeps our clients coming back to work with us.”

Nelson said that there is a great deal of uncertainty in the economy right now, but he believes we are moving in the direction of a more balanced housing market.

“We always keep our finger on the pulse of what is happening in real estate. There is lots of uncertainty in the economy right now, but I feel that we are headed towards a more balanced housing market,” he said. “While it seems like everything has gotten more expensive lately, we offer huge discounts for our clients, including first-time home buyer discounts and veteran discounts. We also offer discounts to new clients, and we will match or beat any competitor’s price.”

For more information about Red Door Title, call 207-358-7500 or visit https://reddoortitle.com/ Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RedDoorTitle or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/reddoortitle/ or https://www.instagram.com/joeynelsonreddoor/ <

Business Spotlight: Viking Power Wash

With spring right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to consider sprucing up your home’s exterior using the services of Viking Power Wash, a company known for its meticulous attention to detail and exceptional customer care.

Based in Standish and serving the Lakes Region and most of Southern Maine, Viking Power Wash goes above and beyond to make cleaning a home’s exterior as easy as possible for homeowners.

“We want our customers to know that when they deal with us, we want to make it the easiest possible process for them,” Viking Power Wash owner Ryan Carpenter said. “We keep our focus on the customer through open communications and provide tremendous value for the services that we offer.”

Those services include house washing, pressure washing, roof cleaning, wood restoration, and deck and patio cleaning using a soft-washing approach that cleans thoroughly and is gentle on exterior surfaces.

“Truly the best thing about what we do is helping people,” Carpenter said. “It’s amazing to watch it all unfold when a property is cleaned and then seeing the people’s reaction when it’s all done. It’s extremely rewarding.”

According to Carpenter, while there are several companies that can be hired to clean a property, he believes that Viking Power Wash’s never- ending journey to improve and enhance their customer experience is what sets them apart from the competition.

“From communication, on-time technicians, a completely transparent sales process, and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, our customers can expect nothing but the best results and a customer experience that they can use as a new standard when dealing with local contractors,” he said.

Viking Power Wash uses a specially formulated process for cleaning homes that is not only safe for the environment but is also a much safer alternative to traditional pressure washing.

“This process will also protect the warranties in place on the building materials on your home,” Carpenter said. “I would like the customers to know that when they are doing business with Viking that they are dealing with a trusted, highly rated, locally owned and operated company.”

Featuring competitive pricing, experienced, trained, and insured technicians who provide superior customer service, Carpenter said Viking started as a small side job for himself in 2017 after washing his deck and having neighbors and friends interested in having theirs done. The business took off and now Viking Power Wash is looking to add a few hard-working members to its team for the upcoming season.

The company is always seeking ways to staying on the cutting edge of the exterior cleaning industry for its clients.

“From the products we use to the equipment mounted on our trucks, we are constantly trying to improve our processes and procedures so that we can become more efficient and provide better and longer lasting results to our customers,” Carpenter said. “We aim to ultimately save them time and money in the long run and help protect their largest investment.”

He said the biggest misconception with power washing is that traditional "pressure washing" is the only way to clean your home.

“While high pressure cleaning has its place for brick, stone or concrete, when it comes to your home, soft washing is the safest and most effective process. This is a low-pressure approach that has been outlined by the manufacturer of 99 percent of residential building materials,” Carpenter said. “This process uses a blend of specially formulated, environmentally safe soaps and degreasers to remove the staining and buildup on your home, all while using not much more pressure than your average garden hose.”

Reviews have been outstanding.

“Highly recommended! I can’t tell you how many clients reach back to me and thank me for the referral, but Ryan runs a top-notch service that can add value to your home just by the way it will show when they’re done!” Andrew Nash

“I am so impressed with this company. They returned calls or texts quickly. Ryan is very friendly and very professional. He pressure washed our house and garage and did a great job. I even had him clean the gutters and did a great job with that. I definitely will have him again and would recommend them 100 percent.” Jim Whalen

“Excellent service! Ryan did a top-notch job. He was in and out in three hours and our entire house looks great!!!I highly recommend this service.” Scott Fitzgerald

To schedule an appointment with Viking Power Wash or for an estimate, call 207-615-3161 or visit them online at www.vikingpowerwash.com. Find them on Facebook under VikingPowerWash207. <

Business Spotlight: Gray Family Vision Center

The cornerstone of any successful optometry practice is providing exceptional care, expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and taking the time to listen to patient concerns while offering comprehensive treatment and quality eyeglass products. All of that and more can be found at Gray Family Vision Centers.

With convenient locations at 6 Turnpike Acres Road in Gray and 8 Crimson Drive in Windham, Gray Family Vision Center focuses on patients and creating a family type atmosphere for everyone who walks through the door.

“Our philosophy is being able to help our patients to take better care of their eyes,” said Dr. David Guiseley of Gray Family Vision Center. “We offer comprehensive eye exams and really take the time with patients to ensure they receive the utmost in customer service.”

Gray Family Vision Center treats patients of all ages and provides routine eye exams, emergency eye care, dry eye treatment, and care for chronic ocular diseases. It also offers a large inventory of eyeglasses and fits all the most up-to-date contact lenses.

Known for its outstanding customer service and experience, the practice’s staff members take great pride in being there for their patients when needed and providing the same level of care and assistance as they would want for our own families, said Dr. Jonathan Cook of Gray Family Vision Center.

“We’re independent, locally owned and make our own decisions,” Dr. Cook said. “The emphasis is we are patient focused.”

Featuring highly competitive pricing, Gray Family Vision Center accepts most major medical insurance and has eyeglass packages starting at $99. It also offers competitive prices on contact lenses, sometimes being even less than some major online sellers.

“We have the experience and the latest in technology to give you the most accurate prescription eyeglasses, the best fitting contacts, and early detection of ocular disease,” Dr. Cook said. “The best thing about what I do here is that we get to interact with a lot of different patients from 6 months old and up. We see them when they’re young and continue throughout their lives. I find that to be quite rewarding.”

Dr. Guiseley first opened the practice in Gray in 1989 and then opened the Windham location with Dr. Cook in February 2013, recently celebrating the Windham facility’s 10th anniversary. The practice employs three optometrists, recently adding Dr. John Hamilton, and has 10 staff members, some of whom have been with the Gray Family Vision Center practice for more than a decade.

Reviews for Gray Family Vision Center are overwhelmingly positive.

“This was my first visit at Gray Family Vision Center. My appointment went incredibly well. I was late to my appointment, and they still took me in. Dr. Cook and his staff are amazing. He was incredibly honest and didn’t try to sell me anything I didn’t need in glasses or contacts. He also brought closure to me for a question that had gone unanswered after many years of eye exams with other optometrists. I will make all of my future appointments through this place and have recommended my family and friends here after that first visit. 11/10 experience.” Robert Machado

“Wonderful experience! Latest technologies and Dr. Guiseley spent as much time as I needed, answering my many questions.” Becky Burns Lee

"I have been going to Gray Family Vision Center since 1994! Couldn't be more pleased with the professionalism and friendly staff – my "vision" family!” Barbara Wentworth

According to Dr. Guiseley, Gray Family Vision Center has strived to remain a relatively small, intimate practice so it can continue to provide the attention to detail that its patients deserve.

“To us, our patients are what make our practice successful,” Dr. Guiseley said. “We hear all the time from new patients that they’ve never had a more thorough exam.”

He said a common misconception about Gray Family Vision Center is that they’re more expensive than competitors, but counters that it’s not the case.

“We have glasses for all price ranges and our patients are surprised at how affordable our products are and the exceptional quality that we provide.”

For more information about Gray Family Vision Center or to schedule an appointment, call 207-657-4488 for the Gray office or 207-894-2174 for the Windham office. Or visit www.Grayfamilyvisioncenter.com or find them on Facebook under Gray Family Vision Center, P.A. <

Business Spotlight: Gracie Gym Maine

There’s a reason why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has taken the world by storm, and now everyone interested in the popular form of martial arts can receive instruction at an exceptional new facility in Windham.

Gracie Gym Maine's Vinicius Garcia
is widely considered as one of the most elite
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world.
He has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since he
was 16 and has competed in and won many of
Brazil's top events under renowned coach
Rodrigo Castro who promoted him to black
belt in 2015. SUBMITTED PHOTO      

Gracie Gym Maine has opened at 770 Roosevelt Trail #6 in the Shaw’s Plaza in North Windham and its academy is expected to draw students from all over the state. It offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons to everyone ages 4 and up and the program’s head coach, Vinicius Garcia, is widely considered one of the most elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world.

Garcia has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 16 and has competed in many of Brazil’s top events under renowned coach Rodrigo Castro who promoted him to black belt in 2015.

“We have kid’s classes, teen classes, beginner classes and advanced classes, both in Gi and No-Gi,” said Gracie Gym Maine owner Michael Smith. “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a self-defense martial art system and combat sport, focused on grappling and ground fighting. It promotes the concept that smaller and weaker people can successfully defend themselves against bigger, stronger, and heavier attackers.”

Smith said that seeing people change and transform their lives through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is gratifying and it’s the reason that he decided to open Gracie Gym Maine in Windham.

“The transformation is really remarkable,” Smith said. “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will change your life. It is a profound mentally, physically, and spiritually experience.”

According to Smith, the caliber of instruction being offered at Gracie Gym Maine is exceptional and features three experienced Brazilian instructors using modern teaching techniques.

“We intend to build a Gracie Family Culture where all individuals become better together,” Smith said. “We have the most class times for Gi and No-Gi than any Jiu Jitsu Gym in Maine and the size of our academy and facility is more than 7,000 square feet and has over 3.000 square feet of mat space.”

Other amenities available at Gracie Gym Maine include a weight room and a recovery lounge with an infrared sauna and cold plunge. Additionally, there is plenty of seating and five changing rooms.

Smith said that Gracie Gym Maine has made sure it’s covered all the bases to ensure a comfortable and outstanding user experience.

“We are offering legacy memberships for the first 90 days where pricing will be the lowest that we will ever offer,” Smith said. “The facility rivals Jiu-Jitsu academies in major metropolitan areas in size, amenities and instruction level and yet keeps the pricing below industry standard.”

Originating in Brazil in the early 20th century, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on using leverage and submission holds to defeat opponents, making it an effective form of self-defense for people of all sizes and abilities. It is an effective form of self-defense because it teaches practitioners how to stay calm and composed in high-pressure situations.

Along with teaching physical techniques, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also emphasizes the development of mental toughness and a strong, positive mindset. Its practitioners learn to be confident and mentally prepared for any situation, and its intense, full-body workout will help participants get in great shape and improve their overall physical fitness.

All Gracie Gym Maine professors are certified Black Belts through the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Smith also dispelled a common misconception about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that participants must know something about martial arts before walking in the door.

“Come as you are,” he said. “We love beginners. Most students start as beginners who have never trained before, and all foundational classes are designed to introduce the basic concepts.”

Besides providing basic instruction, Smith said that Gracie Gym Maine will be a place for seasoned Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and high-level competitors to continue to refine their game.

“At Gracie Gym Maine, everybody is important. We’re here to help everyone experience a transformation, but it’s not easy. It’s hard and the mat is a great equalizer. We offer a personal, professional, and spiritual challenge from the very finest instructors.”

For more information about Gracie Gym Maine, call 207-383-2228 or visit https://www.graciegymmaine.com/ Find them on Instagram under graciegymmaine <

Business Spotlight: Automill LLC

For Mark and Sarah Day, the owners of Automill in Windham, their business is the realization of a dream come true, and that’s evident in everything they do for their customers

Just six years ago, the couple were both working full-time jobs when the opportunity arose to launch Automill, a resale auto dealership also offering maintenance and parts. Located at 971 River Road in Windham, Automill has grown to become a preferred destination for high quality customer service, hard-to-find auto parts and exceptional vehicles and maintenance.

“Opening the business we tried to work our full-time jobs and get the business up and running but we were not meeting the needs of our customers. Then we finally decided that it was time to leave our full-time jobs and make the business our full-time jobs,” said Sarah. “We have five children so the first year was super tough and going into our second year we were thrown into Covid and had five children that had to be remote learners. But that didn’t stop us, we worked long hard hours to build our business to best meet the needs of our customers.”

Mark said the most significant aspect of the Automill business is Subarus.

“We specialize in Subarus, we know Subarus from front to back, not only for resale but parts and any maintenance,” he said. “We have about 300 Subaru parts vehicles, as well as tons of Subaru parts already removed and on the shelf. We also have tons of other vehicles for arts too.”

He said that Automill has customers from all of New England drive to Windham for specific parts for their vehicles, but the business also ships parts nationwide.

“We know Subarus very well so typically Subarus always have the same issues,” Mark said. Anyone that knows Subarus knows that a leaking head gasket is very common, So we get that out of the way by doing the head gaskets, timing belt and water pump and we still keep our prices at an affordable rate. We also offer financing, and everyone gets approved. We offer bad credit, no credit with easy terms and extended warranties.”

Sarah said Automill’s parts inventory is vast.

“We sell used auto parts from the smallest piece of plastic on the vehicle to major components, for example, engines of vehicles,” she said. “Back in the day it was very common for families and children to go to a junk yard and check out all the other vehicles while bonding with your family to pull your own parts. Yes, we offer pick and pull. Also ,we have multiple tools to look up parts so if we don’t have it, we can find it.”

Customers who purchase cars from Automill discover that the business performs any and all upcoming work or maintenance to Automill vehicles at a discounted rate. Oil changes for vehicles purchased through them are just $30.

“We try to maintain a high quality of services and keep our customers happy. We have had numerous families that purchase not one vehicle but multiple and we keep up with the maintenance,” Mark said. “Also because we have so many parts vehicles on hand if something breaks like a bumper or headlight, we almost can do an exact match up for parts right down to the color.”

Customer reviews have been outstanding.

“Very nice people to work with. They do what it takes to provide 100 percent customer satisfaction. We have gotten three vehicles through them and were very happy with all three.” Tammie Donner

“Great folks to buy a car from. Reasonably priced and reliable. Their knowledge of Subarus is extremely impressive. I am so glad I purchased my son’s first car from them. I feel safe sending my child out in a car they have run through because of their knowledge and trustworthiness. I highly recommend purchasing a car from them and I will continue bringing this car to them for regular maintenance and repairs.” Rebecca Poole

“Excellent. Great people to deal with. Honest and fair.” Chris Whitney

Both Mark and Sarah say what makes Automill stand out from the competition is that everyone is treated as a family member.

“We are a family run business so you can bring your children and pets, it does not matter and pull parts or find parts that are very inexpensive,” Mark said. “With prices on everything skyrocketing, we have managed to still keep our prices affordable and reasonable.”

To find out more about Automill, call them at 207-890-9270 or visit them at automillllc.com or on Facebook under Automill LLC. <

Business Spotlight: Nappi's Painting

Are you looking to transform the look and feel of your home or business with a fresh coat of paint? Choosing the right painter is crucial to achieving a high-quality, long-lasting paint job. The job needs to be done right — and that takes experience, expertise, trustworthiness, and reliability. Nappi’s Painting offers all of that and more.

Sam Nappi, owner/operator of
Nappi's Painting, knows the
importance of quality work and
is ready to give your home or
office a perfect finish.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Locally owned and operated by Raymond resident Sam Nappi, Nappi’s Painting is a company that has established a stellar reputation for its exceptional work and outstanding customer service. Sam has built his business on a foundation of integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in every project he undertakes. With a keen eye for detail, he takes great pride in his work, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standards.

As Sam puts it, "I will not leave a job unless the quality is 100 percent, and the customer is 100 percent satisfied." He always goes the extra mile on quality and precision to ensure that his clients are happy with the results.

Sam's commitment to excellence has earned him high praise from contractors and realtors who have called his work "the best paint job they've ever seen." But for Sam, it's not about boosting his ego - it's about completing each project with the highest of standards and earning trust.

While the business itself is two years old, Nappi has been working as a painter on and off since the age of 13. Over the years, he has gained thousands of hours of experience, which has helped him develop precise skill in applying products properly for various projects, from outdoor homes and decks to interior walls and basement floors. He has also learned the most effective ways to complete tasks within the given timeframe without sacrificing quality workmanship.

Sam understands that painting is an investment which is why he knows the importance of starting with a high-quality product. For this, Sam has a distinct preference. "I only use Sherwin Williams products because they offer top-of-the-line paints.” He adds, "Using the same products for every project guarantees that we can produce quality results every time."

According to Nappi, he’s flexible in scheduling and tries to work with customers as much as possible. He understands that everyone has a unique schedule and works hard to accommodate that. "I want to make the process easy and stress-free for my customers," he emphasized. “If a customer has something come up and wants me to come back the day after tomorrow, I do it, no questions asked. We are totally customer focused and that’s important.”

His prices are in line with current market rates, but what sets Nappi's Painting apart is his honesty, transparency, excellent customer service, and meticulous attention to detail. "My customers are spending their hard-earned money into my work, and they expect it to be done correctly and efficiently," Nappi stated. "I have high standards, and I always strive to meet or exceed them."

“The best thing about what I do is being able to provide a skilled service for someone,” Sam said. “I derive a great deal of satisfaction in customer engagement. I enjoy seeing the results of a project as much as they do. People want their home or office to be a place where they’re comfortable and fresh paint changes people’s moods in positive ways.”

Equipped to handle painting projects of all sizes, whether big or small — Nappi’s primary service area is the Lakes Region and Southern Maine, but he is always open to travel upon request. He serves residential and commercial customers in all aspects of painting and staining from new construction to renovations.

He strives to stay up to date on current industry trends for the benefit of his customers. “I would say one of the more popular options in painting right now would be cabinets. It's a slightly cheaper option than replacing them but provides the finish and appearance of new cabinets,” Sam said. “General repaints of interior rooms are also something to consider since studies show room color can help set mood and even enhance productivity.”

A true professional in his field, if you’re looking for unparalleled quality and professionalism in the painting industry— Nappi’s Painting is the clear choice.

For more information about Nappi's Painting, please call 207-233-5397 or check out Nappi's Painting on Facebook, Instagram, or Google.<

Business Spotlight: Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care

Around the clock, day or night, during the week or on the weekend, the emergency department staff at Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care (PVESC) is on duty and stands ready to assist with emergencies when pets experience severe health issues and life-threatening injuries.

PVESC is locally owned and operated, with two convenient locations at 739 Warren Avenue and 2255 Congress Street in Portland. Emergency and critical care is available from PVESC’s reliable and compassionate staff members at their Warren Ave location 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The Warren Avenue location also provides specialty services with board-certified veterinary specialists in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Neurology and Cardiology. Ophthalmology and Dermatology services are offered at their Congress Street facility.

“The best thing about what we do is absolutely helping animals and their families,” said Dr. Marta Agrodnia, Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care’s owner. “I’ve been doing this for 26 years and I love assisting animals in recovering and leading healthy lives with their families.”

PVESC’s emergency service has been providing emergency and critical care for animals every day, serving Maine for more than 30 years, delivering compassionate, expert emergency care for your pet, and offering pet owners peace of mind that their pet is receiving the best possible treatment available.

“We see so many sick animals,” Dr. Agrodnia said. “Having to work in a high-stress environment is certainly a challenge, but it’s a duty that we embrace and our highly trained and caring staff are truly the best.”

Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care has more than 100 employees, including many board-certified specialists, emergency veterinarians, veterinary technician specialists, licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants and client service representatives who can be counted on to care for your pet when your regular day clinic isn’t open, or if critical care or specialty care is needed. Emergency care is prioritized based upon triage determination.

PVESC is the only privately owned multi-specialty and emergency veterinary hospital in the state of Maine and offers most every service that can be found at more distant locations in Boston.

“More than anything, the quality of care that animals receive at PVESC is what I’m most proud of,” Dr. Agrodnia said. “We take our responsibility to care for each pet very seriously. We do everything we can to make your pet as comfortable as possible.”

Board-certified veterinary specialists at Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care receive referrals from general practice veterinary hospitals throughout Maine and surrounding areas, and they work in partnership with family veterinarians for the benefit of your pet. PVESC provides advanced diagnostics, sophisticated techniques, and treatment of complex diseases and injuries while working together as a team to provide diagnoses and effective therapies for the most challenging conditions.

“When your family veterinarian refers you to the specialty services at Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care, it is because they know we will work hand-in-hand with them to ensure the best help for your pet,” Dr. Agrodnia said. “We will continue to work with you and your pet throughout the duration of the illness for which you sought our attention.”

The PVESC hospitals serve the Greater Portland area and surrounding communities but take clients from across Maine, throughout New England and beyond.

PVESC Warren Avenue offers 24/7/365 emergency and critical care, and the specialty services of surgery, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, neurology, radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroid cats, and Synovetin OA therapy for canine osteoarthritis treatment. PVESC Congress Street offers the specialties of ophthalmology and dermatology.

As a referral center, PVESC beta-tests new veterinary diagnostic equipment and is often involved in research and clinical trials pioneering new diagnostics and treatment options for patients.

“Our staff consists of experienced, kindhearted board-certified veterinary specialists and emergency veterinarians,” Dr. Agrodnia said. “We have highly trained veterinary technicians and we seek the best equipment and treatment modalities from around the country and the world. It takes a tremendous level of dedication to accomplish our goal, which is to provide the highest quality medical, surgical, and critical care to our patients, and offer excellent service to our clients.”

To learn more about Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care, call 207-878-3121, or visit them online at https://www.pvesc.com/. Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PVSpetvets<

Nonprofit Spotlight: Health Choice Maine

<Paid Advertising>

Health Choice Maine is working to restore and protect medical choice in Maine and strives to help people find the support they need.

A statewide nonprofit organization under the umbrella of American Citizens for Health Choice, the Health Choice Maine organization offers advocacy services for supporters and Mainers that are navigating complicated situations stemming from vaccine-related issues.

According to Tiffany Kreck of Health Choice Maine, some issues that the organization has assisted with include assisting Mainers that have suffered an adverse event related to the COVID-19 vaccine, schools that she said ignore sections of the immunization law and attempt to discharge students out of compliance, pediatrics offices that have lost vaccination records, and students that have legitimate, lawful medical exemptions that are being denied by schools.

“We also provide resources, and make as much data available as possible, to facilitate informed decisions by individuals and families,” Kreck said. “We work to build relationships with lawmakers to support good policy and oppose bad policy. We also host an array of events to support community building and resource development.”

Overall, Kreck said that Health Choice Maine endeavors to dispel the hyperbole that surrounds this topic in order to facilitate healthy conversation about vaccination based upon real science and fact.

She said what distinguishes Health Choice Maine from other organizations is two-fold.

“We operate within strict principles of honesty and integrity. While other organizations have often become self-serving, or unsupportive, we have maintained a safer community in which people can find the help they need,” Kreck said. “Our supporters span political divides, religious ideologies, and is rich in diversity and experience. We are Mainers of many backgrounds, brought together by a similar experience, that have bonded to create support for one another.”

She said Health Choice Maine is proud of its hard work and success in retaining legal counsel, not only to take on the legal fights that few others will, but also so that supporters have access to legal advice, when they otherwise wouldn’t have.

Health Choice Maine services are 100 percent supported by Mainers that believe in this cause, and believe in the work that Health Choice Maine does, Kreck said.

“We aren't what most people think we are. We don't want vaccines done away with,” she said. “We just want acknowledgment and support for the injured, and we want folks to have the space they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. It really is just that simple.”

She said Health Choice Maine continues to grow and build more support across the state over time.

“If people didn't believe in what we do, and didn't value our efforts, we wouldn't be funded. Our donors aren't wealthy backers, they are families like mine, and yours, that have prioritized us into their budgets,” Kreck said. “We have also never really advertised before, most of the people that seek us out with questions, or in need of help, have found us by word of mouth.”

The organization doesn’t have traditional staff, it’s made up of volunteers from across Maine.

“Our leadership team consists of six individuals, and we have a supporting advisory board made up of five more professionals in related fields and we continue to grow,” Kreck said. “In addition to this, we have almost two dozen active volunteers across the state, and we currently have almost 4,000 members in Maine.”

She said that Health Choice Maine volunteers are constantly monitoring any vaccine-related legislation or rule change actions being taken and also monitor and review all new studies, while constantly updating data regarding complex legal developments and other situations that are important with regard to vaccination issues.

“The most important issue that people need to be taking notice of, of course, is the COVID vaccine safety signals, not only the developing concerns with the safety, but also the unseen concerns,” Kreck said. “There is a lot of confusion, misinformation, and political polarization regarding this issue, and that's unfortunate because it's the everyday person that suffers as a result. With post-market safety monitoring, accurate reporting is paramount."

To reach Health Choice Maine, call 207-801-0227 or visit Healthchoicemaine.org. Find them on Facebook and Instagram under Health Choice Maine. <

Business Spotlight: Armstrong Advanced Dental Concepts

Armstrong Advanced Dental Concepts is the brainchild of Dr. Stanley D. Armstrong. With his mission
of complete, comprehensive care, he has built a practice centered on creating and maintaining functional and healthy smiles for all his patients. “For over three decades I have been improving patient's dental health”, said Dr. Armstrong. “I have come to realize that the smile effects one's well-being more than most of us ever realize. My treatment plans are centered on this realization.”

The list of services provided at Armstrong Advanced Dental encompasses everything from routine maintenance to complete smile makeovers and everything in between to include implants, porcelain laminate veneers, crowns, professional whitening, mouth guards, Invisalign and more. Modern dentistry offers the skilled practitioner a huge variety of materials and treatments to create beautiful and functional smiles. The "art" of dentistry occurs when Dr. Armstrong sculpts naturally beautiful and functional smiles from his personalized treatment plans, completely focusing on his patients' desired outcomes. By working this way, the Armstrong Advanced team can treat cases from the minimally involved to the extremely comprehensive, with little to no pain, and with your absolute comfort and convenience as our first priority.

Speaking of comfort, at Armstrong Advanced Dental Concepts they take comfort very seriously and have worked hard creating an environment that is beautiful, relaxing, and comforting - that makes you feel at home. They know that a good 50 percent of Americans, through negative previous dental experiences, are dyed in the wool dental phobes. This is why they offer lots of amenities you won’t find at other practices such TVs in each room with access to movies, headphones for listening to music or a podcast, hot towel service, coffee/beverage center, cozy blankets, TLC system lights, and even paraffin hand treatments.

Sometimes dental hygiene can be downplayed, especially when compared to the extreme change a smile makeover can make in their patients’ lives. But without great dental hygiene, and great dental hygienists, your smile, and your health, can go down the drain. Recently, several studies have found a startling link between heart disease and gum (periodontal) disease. Heart disease is the number one killer of American women, and periodontal disease may be present in up to 75% of Americans over the age of 30. As chairside detectives, the Armstrong team of dental hygienists are doing their part to save hearts every day. Early detection and effective treatment by our hygienists, followed by the proper course of care, can reduce or even eliminate the risk.

Dr. Armstrong is proud to be Maine’s only accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic

Dr. Stanley D. Armstrong of Armstrong
Advanced Dental Concepts

Dentistry. The AACD accreditation requires proven experience, case reviews, and ongoing education that sets members apart in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Members of the AACD stand for the practice of responsible esthetic and is the primary dental resource for patients as they strive to maintain their health, function, and appearance for their lifetime. Cosmetic dentistry encompasses any treatment, application, or procedure that improves the appearance of teeth, gums, and bite.

Sometimes getting a beautiful new smile is as simple, and unobtrusive, as Invisalign. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective. Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Not only are the aligners invisible, but they are also removable, so you can brush and floss easily, as well as eat and drink what you want while in treatment. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. No metal and wires mean you spend less time in our office getting adjustments. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until they have straightened to the final position your doctor has prescribed. You'll visit Dr. Armstrong about once every two to four weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9 to 15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Start your journey toward a more beautiful smile and set up an initial consultation with Dr. Armstrong today by calling 207-892-8325. They are located at 744 Roosevelt Trail, Suite 104 in Windham and are open Monday and Wednesday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit armstrongadvanced.com to learn more about their team and the extensive services they provide. Also follow them on Facebook and Instagram. <

Business Spotlight: Mainely Veterinary Dentistry

To say that the opening of Dr. Jennifer Keaten’s new business, Mainely Veterinary Dentistry, is the

realization of a dream come true would be an understatement.

Dr. Jennifer Keaten of 
Mainely Veterinary Dentistry.

Dr. Keaten opened the new practice at 158 Roosevelt Trail in Windham in December and offers dentistry services for cats and dogs while providing veterinary dentistry clinics for other veterinarian practices across Maine and New England.

“We are thrilled to open our doors and begin to help people and their cats and dogs with a wide range of oral health services. With the shortage of veterinary dental service providers, we see this location as a great way to serve Maine cat and dog owners as well as people who will travel from New Hampshire or Massachusetts,” Dr. Keaten said.

She said she chose Windham as the location for Mainely Veterinary Dentistry because of its proximity to the Greater Portland area so she and her team can treat as many patients as possible.

The Mainely Veterinary Dentistry facility features state-of-the-art equipment, and offers an ergonomic workspace with proper seating, lighting, and tools.

“The best thing about what we do is returning cats and dogs to pain-free living,” Dr. Keaten said. "It’s wonderful to hear owners say that they are acting like a puppy or kitten again."

She said that since animals can’t talk, they can’t express pain they experience from dental problems.

“Sometimes because of that, we as pet owners don’t recognize pet dental issues,” Dr. Keaten said. “A big part of our mission at Mainely Veterinary Dentistry is educating the public about pet dental disease and proper oral health.”

According to Dr. Keaten, 80 percent of cats and dogs over the age of 3 have some sort of dental disease and these issues can be corrected to ensure that pets live long, healthy, and pain-free lives.

With four dedicated employees, Mainely Veterinary Dentistry offers a large four-table dental suite and two consultation rooms to provide clients and their pets a wide and complete range of oral health services.

“The misconception may be that we’re just here cleaning teeth and that’s wrong,” Dr. Keaten said. “We do clean a pet's teeth, but we also assess every tooth, perform full mouth dental x-rays, and complete a thorough oral exam with probing of every tooth for pockets or other problems. We offer so much more than just a cleaning and we do offer options to try and save teeth when possible."

She said Mainely Veterinary Dentistry believes in and advocates for routine annual comprehensive oral health assessments and treatments for cats and dogs.

“Some patients may even need this service every six months to prevent dental disease from progressing,” Dr. Keaten said. “We encourage dental homecare and educate owners on the best options for their pet; however, a proper oral exam cannot be performed on an awake animal and two-thirds of the pet’s tooth is under the gumline. Dental x-rays ensure that we do not miss any problems that could otherwise go unseen.”

Dr. Keaten grew up in Fryeburg and lives in Bridgton. She studied biology at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont and initially pursued a career in wildlife and environmental ecology. In 2006 she was introduced to the world of veterinary medicine when she took a job at Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital. She was trained to be a veterinary technician and quickly fell in love with the field, developing a passion for veterinary dentistry and preventive medicine.

In 2008, Dr. Keaten applied to veterinary school and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Iowa State University in 2013. She completed a practicum project for a master’s degree in public health in 2016 from the University of Maine.

She received her certificate as a Veterinary Dental Practitioner (VDP) through the International Veterinary Dental Institute (IVDI) in March 2020 and assisted Dr. Brett Beckman, Board Certified Veterinary Dentist and IVDI founder, in teaching other general practitioners to perform high quality dentistry in a general practice setting before opening Mainely Veterinary Dentistry.

In addition to starting the business, Dr. Keaten will continue to provide educational training and dental clinics at veterinary practices across New England. She hopes that the training she offers will help other veterinarians and veterinary technicians to become more familiar with veterinary dentistry and provide more dentistry services.

Mainely Veterinary Services accepts referrals from other veterinary practices and pet owners are also encouraged to make an appointment to bring their animals to the facility for services and examinations. The business is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

For a complete list of available services or to make an appointment, call 207-481-8232, or visit MainelyVetDentistry.com. Find them on Facebook under Mainely Veterinary Dentistry. <

 

Business Spotlight: Sky's Med Spa

Sky’s Med Spa, located at 4 Whites Bridge Road, Suite B-5 in Windham, has quickly become known as the area’s most luxurious and full-service aesthetics facility and med spa. It’s menu of services and list of satisfied clients has continued to surge in popularity not only because it delivers exceptional results but because it places the needs of people first. The quality of products and services along with personal attention is the reason behind their growth and success.

Over the past year they have added several new services offering all the latest and greatest technologies available on the market. Services range from anti-aging and medical aesthetic treatments to skincare solutions, including cosmetic injectables, Botox, dermal fillers, bio-stimulatory collagen fillers, non-surgical thread lifts, laser hair removal, body contouring, radio frequency skin tightening, micro-needling, skin resurfacing, IPL skin rejuvenation, anti-aging and acne facials, chemical peels, teeth whitening, vitamin shots, body treatments, and lash lift and tints.

Sky's is owned and operated by Erin Thompson, an RN, and Licensed Esthetician with more than 10 years of experience in the field. "I have named Sky's Med Spa after my son, Skyler' Sky,'" says Thompson. Since opening in 2021, they have moved to a larger location downstairs and created a calming, inviting atmosphere where people feel comfortable and accepted. The newly renovated space includes three cloud-named treatment rooms and an infrared sauna.

Thompson and her team love helping people feel good and confident about themselves but wants everyone to know that these services are part of personal self-care. Skin is the largest organ, yet often neglected. "We offer free consultations to create a tailored treatment plan and will always go the extra mile to assist clients in reaching their desired look. This includes helping our clients understand the importance of caring for their skin at home to achieve optimal results."

She said that educating customers is a huge component of what Sky's Med Spa does. "Education is huge, and people appreciate the insight we give them," Thompson said. "Often people do not know what to expect, and we can help them understand what services are available for them, which combination treatments complement each other, and provide the guidance necessary to yield the best outcomes." Our staff continues to earn additional certifications for aesthetics to stay up to date with the most innovative trends and techniques.

Their dedicated Licensed Estheticians incorporate therapeutic head, neck, and shoulder massages in every facial. Clients say the facials at Sky's Med Spa are the best, most relaxing they have ever received. The HydraFacial is one of their most popular services. This dermabrasion treatment uses the best serums in the industry and leaves skin refreshed and rejuvenated.

Other new services which are becoming increasingly popular are the Silhouette InstaLift which is used to instantly give lift to sagging skin in the mid-face, jawline neck or brows. The results continue to be apparent for up to two years due to the way it activates your natural collagen production. BellaFill is a treatment that also stimulates collagen for up to five years and not only smooth smile lines but improves overall skin texture and is effective for treating acne scars.

Starting in February, PDO (Polydioxanone) thread lifts will be available at Sky's Med Spa. Thread lifts are non-surgical and effective on not just the face, but also the stomach, buttocks, back, inner thighs and upper arms. Threads are anchored and inserted into different layers of the skin using cannulas, instantly lifting, and pulling sagging skin through Neocollagenesis, also known as the formation of new collagen.

Everyone's face and body are different, so there is an art to it all," Thompson said. “We will assess which procedures are best for you and even offer payment plans to make your dreams a reality.”

"Aesthetics help people build confidence and take care of themselves. Our goal is to help people, so I decided to pursue a master's in nursing to expand upon our services in the future. Plans are to incorporate weight loss programs and hormone replacement therapy." Although I started this business on my own originally, I could not be more grateful for my team of trained professionals. They truly are the best in the business and take pride in everything they do.”

Sky's Med Spa offers excellent services at highly competitive prices. With monthly promotions, there has never been a better time to take advantage of their expertise and reach desirable outcomes. "We also have membership programs for a complete skin wellness approach that exceeds expectations," Thompson said.

To learn more about each service, apply for financing or make an appointment, visit skysmedspa.com, or call or text 207-349-4203. Also follow them on Facebook and Instagram @Sky's Med Spa. <

Business Spotlight: Northern Lights Mechanical

Commercial, industrial, and residential customers in Southern Maine appreciate and value the honesty, integrity, expertise, experience, and quality products offered by Northern Lights Mechanical of Windham, a company that takes pride in the work it performs.

Chris and Maureen LaSalle,
owners of Northern Lights
Mechanical, look forward to
helping with all your heating,
cooling and electrical projects.  
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Owned by Chris and Maureen LaSalle, Northern Lights Mechanical has been in business for the past six years and provides heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and electrical services for primarily commercial customers but also handles some residential work.

“We are a one stop shop and this means we can streamline the installation process without relying on other subcontractors,” said Chris LaSalle. “We pride ourselves on being a company that focuses on the needs of the customer at a fair price. We never sell you something you don’t need.”

Northern Lights Mechanical has five employees, all of whom are licensed in their respective fields and is based at 483 Gray Road in Windham and is dedicated to offering highly affordable and energy-efficient solutions for heating, cooling and electrical needs.

Chris LaSalle is a military veteran with more than 25 years of experience working with nearly every fuel source and says the best aspect of his work is using his expertise to help his customers.

“We are fair, honest, and transparent,” he said. “Other companies look at the problem, we look at the whole facility. We establish short-term and long-term plans to provide cost savings to the customer. Preventative maintenance goes a long way. Something as simple as getting your boiler or furnace cleaned on a yearly basis helps save you money in the long run.”

Maureen LaSalle said that the company’s commitment to quality at a fair price is part of the ongoing success story for Northern Lights Mechanical.

“In the six years that we have been in business, we have never had to advertise, simply due to our reputation,” she said. “Word of mouth is how people find us. We stand by our work. If a customer isn’t happy or we haven’t lived up to their expectations, we figure out how to fix it. We never, ever want someone to feel like they did not receive what we promised. Our core customers have been the same since we started the business, and they are happy with the work we do and the service we provide.”

She said that the company consistently looks for ways to help everyone they work with to save money and does so because it cares about its customers and if they’re happy, they will tell others.

“Heat pumps are a hot trend right now and we install these all the time,” Maureen LaSalle said. “Customers should be aware that currently there are a lot of rebates being offered by Efficiency Maine to upgrade your heating and cooling systems and also for your lighting.”

Efficiency Maine was created to offer programs to improve the efficiency of energy use and reduce greenhouse gases in Maine. It provides a wealth of consumer information, discounts, rebates, loans and investments for high-efficiency, clean energy equipment and strategies to manage energy demand throughout the state.

Northern Lights Mechanical installs all the equipment that it sells and never sells customers products and services that are not necessary and designed simply to drive up costs.

According to Chris LaSalle, the team of experts at Northern Lights Mechanical stands ready to help, no matter what the circumstance.

“Heat pumps? We do that. Natural Gas installs? We do that,” he said. “Generators? We do that. In fact, we do everything HVAC and electrical-related. And we do it well. Let us know what you need. “We help people consistently and that’s being a part of the community. We want people to say, ‘Hey who installed that?’ because we take great pride in our work and our products.”

To reach Northern Lights Mechanical, call 207-749-7456, or visit its website at www.northernlightsmechanical.com Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/northernlightsmechanical <