Business Spotlight: Sebago Metal Fabrication

By Briana Bizier

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, an upgrade for your truck, or a more convenient way to
reach the water, Sebago Metal Fabrication has the answer! The sister company to Sebago Docks, Sebago Metal Fab of Naples builds aluminum docks for use all over New England. But this company makes much more than just docks.

From custom metal signs to staircases to new truck beds, Sebago Metal Fab can make it all. “We do

pretty much anything,” James Sullivan, of Sebago Metal Fab explained. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Many of the outdoor structures they build are made of aluminum, which is lightweight, relatively easy to maneuver, and comes with a fifteen-year warranty. “If you have a staircase, once it’s there, it’s there forever,” James says. “If a wood staircase gets out of level, there’s not much you can do about it. But our stairs, you can take them apart and move them, or just take a few bolts out and re-level them.”

In addition, an aluminum structure doesn’t rust or rot. In James’s words, “it's never going to not look nice.” And, if the idea of a gleaming silver staircase leading down to the water doesn’t appeal to you, the metal can be powder-coated with one of 50,000 different colors.

Sebago Metal Fab, which has been doing metal work for over ten years, services a very broad area. The metalworkers travel as far as northern Maine, or south to Martha’s Vineyard, where they frequently work with the trustees of Martha’s Vineyard. Recently, Sebago Metal Fab even constructed an outdoor staircase for a famous movie star (although I’m not at liberty to disclose which famous movie star).

The same aluminum used in docks and outdoor staircases can also be used to make handicapped accessible ramps for homes or businesses. “The handicap ramps are modular,” James explained, “so they’re not a permanent structure. They can be moved around.” These can also be powder-coated in one of those 50,000 different shades to match the house or the trim.

Because aluminum is lightweight and rust-proof, it can be used to make a new bed for a pickup truck. Replacing a rusted truck bed through a dealer costs several thousand dollars and, with all the salt our roads use in a Maine winter, the new truck bed will be just as likely to rust. An aluminum truck bed, in contrast, will never rust, and it’s easy to customize. The bed can have flat sides for hauling equipment, or fold-down sides, or even collapsible ramps to help load snowmobiles and four-wheelers.

“So, you can come here and buy a truck bed that’s going to outlive the truck,” James said, with a laugh. And, if the custom truck bed does outlast your vehicle, the bed can always be placed on the next truck. “If you work your trucks hard, and they’re always getting beat up, you can buy one truck bed and put it on every truck you own,” James says. “You’re protecting your investment."

If you’re looking for something a bit more artistic than a new truck bed, Sebago Metal Fab now owns a CNC Plasma Cutter for making customized metal signs for homes and businesses. “It does things we could never do by hand,” James explains.

These metal signs make a fantastic and unique gift for the holidays or other occasions and can be made from any material, from aluminum to stainless steel to copper, or even different layers of different metals. Signs with family names have been very popular, as have signs for camps, pictures of farm animals, and dogs. These creative signs can even include lighting. For the Fryeburg Fair, James tells me, Sebago Metal Fab made a backlit sign with color-changing lights.

“The signs are a treat to make for sure,” James declared. “We like to make sure everyone is 100 percent happy with what they’re getting, and we try to make it as personal as possible."

They also use the CNC Plasma Cutter to make decorative panels for staircases and fireplaces; their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/sebagometalfab, showcases several beautiful scenes on these decorative panels, including a tree, a forest, and even a family of loons.

“We’re a pretty small, tight-knit group here,” James told me. “We like what we do, and we like who we work for. We try to make as many people happy as we can.”

“Anything you can dream of,” he added, “we can make it here.”

It takes approximately two weeks to turn around custom signs so order early to have items in time for Christmas. To put in your order or learn more call 207-653-3766 or visit www.sebagometalfab.com. You can find them on Facebook.

Business Spotlight: Sebago Kyokushin Karate

By Lorraine Glowczak

The martial arts are a well-known exercise and art discipline for learning self-defense with a goal of
rank (belt) advancement to ultimately achieve black belt. But it offers additional benefits that can be used in everyday life - contributing to happiness and personal accomplishment. It is also something which one can participate in order to stay fit or incorporate as a new hobby.

“Perseverance, self-discipline, self-control, structure and confidence play a big role in one’s success and approach in Kyokushin Karate and, in turn, can also filter into one’s success in life,” explained Tom, who owns Sebago Kyokushin Karate with his wife, Casey.

Senpai Casey and Sensei Tom (Sensei means “teacher”) have recently opened Sebago Kyokushin Karate, holding classes at 756 Roosevelt Trail in Windham (also the home of Partners in Canine). They offer evening beginner classes for children, ages four and up as well as adult classes that include advanced lessons and seminars.

Casey and Tom have been teaching students of all ages for over 15 years. Tom has a 4th degree in Kyokushin Karate, a second degree in TaeKwonDo and Casey has a first degree in Kyokushin Karate, 3rd degree in TaeKwonDo and first degree in Hapkido. They find, however, that the traditional philosophies of Kyokushin are more in alignment with their personal growth and viewpoints.

Casey and Tom Bobb

Briefly, and according to Kyokushin Karate practitioner and writer, Scott Heaney, “Kyokushin is a style of stand-up, full contact karate, founded in 1964 by Korean-Japanese Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama. Kyokushin is Japanese for “the ultimate truth”, developed from the determination of the pursuit of ultimate truth of mind, technique, and body.

The foundation of Sebago Kyokushin Karate is rooted in the philosophy of discipline, training from the heart and the spiritual evolution of martial artists. Its general disciplines include kumite (sparring) and katas (forms) with a focus on preserving traditional karate principles while incorporating techniques from other disciplines.

Tom began his journey in the martial arts at the age of 17. He believes his participation at a young age helped him to choose a good life, one filled with personal fulfillment.  “I was at a point in my teenage years where I was at a crossroads,” began Tom. “I was a really angry person and I could have easily gone down a very dark and destructive path. But I was one of those lucky kids who had an observant mentor. She saw my anger and redirected it by introducing me to Karate.”

The perseverance, self-discipline and self-control that’s imbedded in the martial arts way, helped Tom through those early years, transforming him and improving the way he lived his everyday life, “Kyokushin Karate can help you control your mood, control your spirit and mold you into the person you want to become,” Tom said.

Casey stated she began participating in the martial arts at the age of 28 because she wanted to challenge herself and to be independent “I sought out the martial arts because I wanted to be a strong woman who could rely and take care of myself,” Casey stated. “I believed that if I could learn to be independent, then when I found my partner in life it would be because I loved him, not because I needed him to protect or take care of me.”

Both Casey and Tom point out that all one needs to participate in Kyokushin Karate is the desire and passion to learn. “You don’t need to look like you’ve walked out of a cover of a fitness magazine to participate in Karate,” Tom explained. “You don’t have to look or be a certain way and it matters not what age you are or if you have any previous experience. We are an island of misfits where there are no egos, no jealousies. In fact, Karate is the most accepting and sharing art there is.”

Casey, who is the board president of Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center and the director of integrative marketing at IDEXX and Tom, who owns his own custom tile design company offer their classes at an affordable rate. While many martial art centers require contracts, memberships and enrollment fees, Sebago Kyokushin Karate does not. Instead, students simply pay $10 per class or punch cards that are available in $40 and $80 increments.

“We know how busy students and their families are,” Casey stated. “Life happens and we want to accommodate that. We are lucky to both have full-time jobs, so for us – this is about offering a discipline that is near and dear to our hearts. Making money is not our focus.”

It is so important for them to share the “ultimate truth” of Kyokushin Karate that they do not offer birthday parties or afterschool programs – but, instead, focus on the art itself, its transformational attributes and the way it can mold an individual for the better.

Whether you are an experienced martial artist or you simply want to explore something new and see what Sebago Kyokushin Karate can do for you, contact Senpai Casey and Sensei Tom at 207-272-2081 or to learn more visit www.sebagokarate.com.

Business Spotlight: Wyman Electric

By Lorraine Glowczak

Sporting the words “Wyman Electric” with the logo of a plug and outlet on each side of their
vehicles, the work trucks are recognized by many. “We’ve been told our trucks are like moving billboards,” joked co-owner, Jeff Wyman. The trucks are often spotted at both commercial and residential properties as Jeff, and co-owner Jim Malia, travel from place to place, providing professional electric repair services in the Greater Lakes Region area.

Established in 2012 by Jeff Wyman, the company has become a fast, local favorite for all electrical

repair services. Winning the Eagle Choice Award for the past two years, Wyman Electric prides itself on custom electrical work. They have a passion for quality electrical installations, generator installations and repairs that is provided by safe, experienced and talented electricians.

Although they offer just about any service that is asked of them, Jeff and Jim specialize in home renovations and generator installations. The two home rewiring specialists can install recessed lighting, upgrade existing wiring to accommodate new fixtures, and more. Whether you want to improve your living room’s lighting aesthetic or add lighting fixtures to brighten that dimly lit area, Jeff and Jim can turn your home into a space of your dreams.

“Most electricians don’t enjoy the dirty and difficult work it takes to upgrade electricity in an older home,” explained Jeff. “But for both Jim and I, we enjoy improving an existing living space and seeing the transformation that can occur.”

As for generators, now is the time to install this electrical saving device as the winter months approach and power outages are almost a certainty. Whether it’s your home or business, the two professionals can install stand-by generators with safety in mind. Having approximately 40 years of experience between them, Jeff and Jim are your trusted specialists.

Jeff began his career as an electrician in 1999. “I was working for an office furniture moving company. One day, as I was delivering furniture to a new office space, a friend of mine from high school who had become an electrician was wiring the office. We talked for a while and with his encouragement, I joined my friend and the company he worked for, gaining experience along the way.”

Jeff Wyman and Jim Malia

After working for various electricians and companies, Jeff decided to strike out on his own and became a sole-proprietor and entrepreneur, opening the doors of Wyman Electric in 2012. As his business grew, he decided he needed to hire another individual to help him. It was at this point that he reached out to a trusted friend whom he worked with for many years.

“I kept asking Jim to join me because I knew his work and professionalism,” began Jeff. “I trusted him enough to offer him co-ownership of the business. And he took me up on it.”

Jim, a 1999 Windham High School graduate, has been working in the field since 1997 – working while in high school during the summer months and on vacations. He joined Jeff and Wyman Electric as co-owner in 2017.

The two continue to impress those they serve. In fact, they have received many kudos from local individuals.  According to their social media page, one individual had this to say; “Another great job! Thanks again! I wouldn't call anyone else.”

And another satisfied customer: “Professional, personable and extremely efficient. In three hours, they installed my new laundry room light bar, three outside motion sensors and the last two ceiling fans with light fixtures in my basement. I have much needed light now and I look forward to having my remaining projects done by these two guys! Thank you so very much!”

What makes Jeff and Jim standout is their ability to communicate with their customers. “We always try to make sure that our customers are always happy with the end result,” explained Jim. “We do this by communicating with our customers each step of the way. We find out what their goals are and achieve that.”

For your next home renovation, generator installations and more, contact Jeff Wyman at 207- 415-5802 and Jim Malia at 207-776-5370 or message them on their Wyman Electric Facebook page.

Business Spotlight: Stryve College Planning

Guiding Families to Affordable Colleges Where Their Child Will Thrive

There’s nothing more heartbreaking for a parent, then for their child to fall in love with a college, and then figure out they can’t afford it, once he/she has been accepted. Bill and Stephanie have seen it happen and even worse, they’ve seen families try to make it work because they don’t want to disappoint their child. Neither option leads to a successful outcome.

Thoughtful planning is the only way to help families avoid making costly mistakes

As tuition costs began to rise over the last decade, more and more college graduates were coming to Bill with insurmountable amounts of loan debt, and asking for his advice on how to manage it. He was seeing firsthand the impact that the debt had on student’s lives and came to the sad but true realization, that once students’ accumulated the debt, he wasn’t able to offer them any real solutions. He decided that in order to truly help families, he needed to begin working with them at the beginning of the college process because thoughtful planning is the only way to help families avoid making costly mistakes.

At the same time, Bill and Stephanie were looking at staggering statistics… 1 in 3 students don’t return to the same college for sophomore year, and the average time it takes for a student to graduate is 5.5 years. They concluded that the typical approach of student’s beginning the college process with a list of colleges wasn’t working. More thought needed to be put into who the student is and identifying the colleges that will set them up for success.

Combining their skills and expertise along with the lessons they learned going through the college process with their own two sons, their mission became helping families find a college that they can afford and one where their child will thrive!

Stryve Founders Stephanie and Bill Whiting

When families work with Stryve, the very first step is for Bill to meet with them to devise a plan for paying for college. Using his expertise in taxes, financial planning and financial aid, Bill is able to determine a personalized strategy for the family to pay college costs for all four years, while minimizing loan debt and staying on track to meet their financial goals. This way a student begins the college process already knowing what their family’s budget is.

At the same time Bill is working with the family, Stephanie begins to work with the student. As opposed to the traditional approach of starting with a college list, Stephanie starts with helping students learn more about themselves, so they are able to identify the factors in college that are most important to them and will contribute to their long-term success. She then guides students through the college selection process to help them find an affordable college where they will thrive.

Few decisions that high school students have made in life so far, carry greater importance or cause greater anxiety than where to apply and attend college.

As a former teacher and parent of two adult sons and a teen-age daughter, Stephanie recognizes that few decisions that high school students have made in life so far, carry greater importance or cause greater anxiety than where to apply and attend college. When asked why she chose to become a College Planning Consultant, Stephanie’s response is always the same. “I get to combine my background in education and passion for supporting and guiding high school students during a very confusing and scary time in their lives. I watch them go from being unsure of themselves and their future to being empowered to take the lead and own the college process, all while learning how to make important decisions. It doesn’t get any better than that!”

If you are a parent of a high school student and would like to meet with Bill and Stephanie for a free 45 minute Introductory Meeting, they can be reached at 207-939-3979 or Stephanie@StryveToday.com. You can also visit their website, StryveToday.com to learn more!