Business Spotlight: Splane Insurance Solutions

As a direct to market insurance company, you will receive expert and personalized insurance attention with Michael Splane of Splane Insurance Solutions. Offering personal and commercial selections, Splane Insurance Solutions is also proud of their agricultural coverage specialization. As part of the American National Family Group of companies including Farm Family that writes 70 percent of all-inclusive coverages for farm policies in Maine, Splane Insurance Solutions has a very strong and dedicated presence to the livelihood of this state.

“American National has been providing 115 years of responsible, ethical and conservatively fiscal insurance across the country and has been a favorite go-to insurance company in Maine,” explained Michael. “There are many reasons for this. Since we are a direct to market insurance company and do not rely on brokers, we have the advantage of eliminating the possibility of gaps or overlap in insurance coverage as the result of being the one point of contact. We also uniquely provide residential and commercial farms with one policy tailored to meet the needs of today’s farmers.”

To serve area families, businesses and farms, Michael has recently opened his doors at 639 Roosevelt Trail, Suite C in Windham. Originally from Bangor and obtaining his business degree at the University of Maine-Orono, Michael has served the business community and families of Maine for over 20 years with his diverse knowledge of benefits, retirement, technology, business P&L strategies, insurance solutions, tax strategies and much more.

Michael explained why Splane Insurance Solutions provide solutions to the exceptional challenges many farmers face. “In Maine, we have a unique variety of farms - from vegetables, meats and micro-greens to seaweed, shellfish and clams,” began Michael. “Hemp and wind farms are also on the rise and whether you are a professional farmer, or you grow as a hobby we are here to work with you to craft our policies to cover your venture.”

Splane Insurance Solutions also provides property coverage on farm machinery, equipment breakdown and farm income loss. They also specialize in handling equine and livestock coverage. As a result, Splane Insurance Solutions is able to utilize its animal liability experience with other industries such as Veterinarians, which has earned the endorsement from the Maine Veterinary Medical Association.

It is true that Michael has extensive experience in the insurance and business worlds, but he also knows a thing or two about farming. He and his family own and run a small hobby farm in New Gloucester where they reside. There they grow vegetables and flowers, raise goats, chickens, ducks, cats and three golden doodles.

Additionally, Michael spends his free time volunteering in the community. He volunteers for the Department of Defense as the State of Maine Public Relations Director of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). ESGR advocates and promotes cooperation and understanding between civilian employers and their National Guard and Reserve employees.

Michael also serves on several other civic and community-based organizations and is active in the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. He was also elected and has served on the New Gloucester Economic Development Board.

His community service and experience has put him on the track of success - not only for him as an individual but, just as importantly, for those who trust him for their insurance needs. Michael has received many accolades including the following from Steve and Lynn:

"Mike was absolutely great to work with. We had a really hard time finding an insurance agent/company that was willing cover what we needed on our farm.  Then we found Mike and he made the process easy and painless and got us the coverage we needed at a reasonable cost.  It has been a pleasure to work with him and he continues to be available and responsive when we need anything. We would highly recommend him."

And Doug had this to say: "I was nearly four 1/2 months without insurance on the homestead. It was nearly impossible for my son and I to find an insurance company that would insure a working farm. I was directed by another farm family to contact Michael Splane. With hard work, a few upgrades and communications with Michael, we were able to secure farm insurance that satisfied our needs. Thank you for believing in and working with the farmers of Maine."

Whatever unique and extraordinary coverage you may seek, whether it is your mainstream personal or commercial insurance coverage or meeting the needs of agricultural challenges, Michael at Splane Insurance Solutions is the one who can find a policy to secure you and your future.

For more information or to contact Michael, he can be reached by phone at 207-894-7010, or email at michael.splane@american-national.com or on his website at www.splaneinsurancesolutions.com. Be sure to follow Splane Insurance Solutions on Facebook.

Business Spotlight: Petcurean

Petcurean, a premium quality pet food manufacturer that specializes in creating nutritionist-formulated, premium-quality recipes for cats and dogs, is excited to partner with Loyal Companion stores to introduce the company’s GO! SOLUTIONS™ collection, including the Loyal Companion pet store right here in Windham.

Loyal Companion, located at 770 Roosevelt Trail in the Shaw’s Shopping Plaza has on its shelves the specially formulated pet food by Petcurean’s Nutrition Team, led by Dr. Jennifer Adolphe PhD, who is recognized across North America for her expertise and influence in the pet food industry.

The GO! SOLUTIONS collection features wet and dry recipes for dogs and cats. Each recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition, while also offering functional benefits to support pets’ unique dietary needs, including picky eating, itchy skin or dull coat, and food sensitivities. With zero growth hormones, by-product meals, and artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, the complementary wet and dry recipes are formulated for easy combination feeding to add flavor variety and increased moisture to pets’ daily mealtimes.

Petcurean’s GO! SOLUTIONS recipes for dogs are complemented by a line of meal mixers, which feature freeze-dried functional ingredients to help address issues like skin and coat care, hip and joint support, digestive health and weight management.

"Launching GO! SOLUTIONS is an exciting opportunity to introduce Petcurean to pet parents who are committed to providing the best possible care and nutrition to help their pets live happy and healthy lives,” says Anabel Immega, trade marketing manager at Petcurean. “At Petcurean, we focus on being leaders in science-based pet nutrition, and we know that Loyal Companion shares that commitment in their mission to be a singular, knowledgeable destination for consumers to find the best possible mix of products to suit the needs of each and every pet. By extension, we also look forward to further deepening our connection to pet parents and their four-legged family members across New England."

All GO! SOLUTIONS wet food recipes are packaged in sustainable Tetra Pak^® cartons, and Petcurean is currently the only brand to offer Tetra Pak recipes in shredded, minced and pâté formats, in addition to stews. This provides highly palatable texture options for cats and dogs that may have varying preferences due to age, breed size and other factors. They can be served as a treat, topper, or as a complete and balanced meal on their own.

There are many happy customers (and their pets) who share their GO! SOLUTIONS stories:

“My 2-year-old cat has been eating Petcurean cat food for a year,” Natalie said. “I was buying trout+salmon for her until I decided to try this new recipe: GO! SOLUTIONS CARNIVORE Grain Free Salmon + Cod. She loves it. I've read passages about feline mineral deficiency, and Petcurean's dry cat food satisfies the daily requirements of mineral intake. What I like most is the low level of carbohydrates and high level of proteins. And of course, the first four ingredients are specified species of fish, which is great because the protein in this dry food mainly comes from animals. This brand is a hidden gem in my city. I love this brand, Petcurean, so much.”

Then there is Lee Ann and her dog, Rex who battled hair loss, itching, digging and chronic ear problems. “I saw an ad for GO! SOLUTIONS online and decided to give it a try. After two weeks his eyes were crystal clear. His coat started growing back very silky and shiny.  The scratching and digging stopped completely and there were no more ear problems! Never give up on finding something that will completely change the health and well-being of your pet for the better. Hard to believe that something so simple could make such a drastic transformation in the health of my dog. We can never thank you enough for such a great quality food. My dog will be seven this June and does not even look or act like a senior.”

Petcurean pet foods are sold exclusively through pet specialty retailers in Canada, the United States, and more than 30 countries internationally. At Petcurean, with every decision they make and every recipe they create, they put pets first. Please visit www.petcurean.com for more information.

To promote the health and happiness for your dog or cat, be sure to purchase your next GO! SOLUTIONS collection of pet food (and a belly scratch for the four-legged customer) at Loyal Companion. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The Loyal Companion experts are available to answer your questions at (207) 892-8825

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Business Spotlight: Automotive Everything

If your vehicle’s check engine light glows on your dashboard, more often than not it is trying to alert you of something gone wrong. Mark Daniels, the owner of Automotive Everything can find out what the problem is, sending you and your newly repaired vehicle on its way home safely.

Located at 1255 Roosevelt Trail, Daniels provides the latest in diagnostic equipment. Automotive Everything is one of the very few automotive repair centers in the Windham and Raymond areas that offers module, can-bus communication and electrical interference diagnosis.

“Vehicles are run by hundreds of sensors and computers and they control almost everything,” explained Daniels. “If one thing goes wrong, it can affect another part of your car’s electrical system and finding the problem is almost impossible. It takes high-quality diagnostic equipment to analyze and find where the original problem is and here at Automotive Everything, I have the equipment that can detect it.”

Automotive Everything officially opened its doors in July of 2019, providing all vehicle service needs including inspections, alignments, oil changes and more on both domestic and foreign vehicles to include Audi, Mercedes Benz and BMW.

Formerly known as Auto Werke, this turn-key automotive repair business had an intentional transition plan with only one thing in mind – making sure customers remain happy and providing the same great, superior service.

“I had been wanting to retire for a while but did not want to quickly sell my business to just anyone,” stated Tom Blackburn, owner of the former Auto Werke business. “I knew Mark because he worked for other auto service businesses in the Lakes Region and knew from experience that he was the best mechanic in the area. In fact, if there is something other mechanics can’t figure out, they often reach out to Mark to help them. When I discovered he was in the process of purchasing his own automotive business, I called him and offered him a deal he couldn’t refuse. I knew that I could trust Mark to continue giving the high-quality service I demanded of myself. Afterall, it is due to my customers and their trust in me that gave me my successful business and thus the ability to retire - I owed my customers a continuation of the same service they have been receiving for over 20 years with me. I found that with Mark and I was able to retire without concern.”

Daniels has been working in the field of auto mechanics for approximately 15 years. However, he admitted that his first love was construction and woodworking. While in high school, Daniels worked with his father during school breaks and on weekends. Once he graduated in 2005 from Bonny Eagle High School, he worked for a few construction companies believing that he had found his niche in life. But while working part-time at an auto-parts store and then at a transmission repair shop, he discovered he enjoyed working on vehicles more.

“It helped that one of the technicians took me under his wings, so to speak, and taught me much of what I know today,” explained Daniels. “From there, I knew I wanted to work with vehicles instead of homes.”

Mark Daniels with his sons Zachary (left) and Chase

As the name suggests, Daniels at Automotive Everything can do just about everything including fluid film rust preventative maintenance program.

People come from just about everywhere in the greater New England area as he continues to build the trust that Blackburn began.

“I still have customers who come from South Portland, Buxton and other Southern Maine towns to get the cars serviced here. And during the summer, I also have clients from as far as New York and New Jersey."

The following statements are from a few satisfied customers:

“Mark and his team at Automotive Everything have serviced three of our vehicles. The diagnosis, repairs and follow-up are exactly what we are looking for in a service facility -- specifically, communicating priority of repairs that are needed in order to keep our vehicles safe and in good working order. We are very pleased that we can count on Automotive Everything and highly recommend them to anyone that has a vehicle in need of repairs and that wants those repairs done right.”

“Mark did great during a very frustrating time. He had my transmission replaced much sooner than he had originally told me, (Finished in less than a day and a half!) and his estimate was spot on; no surprise costs after he started the work. Fair price, reliable work, and just a good guy.”

As for Blackburn, he stated, “I’m very happy with how Mark has continued on in this business – and I know for a fact that my customers are happy, too!”

The next time your engine light comes on, be sure to give Mark Daniels at Automotive Everything a call at 207-655-3101 or email him at automotive.everything@yahoo.com. Be sure to also follow Automotive Everything on Facebook.

Business Spotlight: Acadia Lending Group, LLC

To purchase a home of one’s dream is at the top of most every Americans’ aspirations. It provides a
sense of security and is a key to future wealth building. It is also a huge financial commitment. And while it’s an exciting process, having the wrong mortgage lender steering you down the wrong path could leave you paying more money than necessary, cutting into your future wealth.

It is for this reason, among many, that Acadia Lending Group, located at 10 Donald B. Dean Drive in South Portland was established with its mission of finding the best mortgages for their customers. The Acadia Lending Team works closely with their clients, getting to know them - their needs, budget and life plans with the intent that the customer will never have to fear financial loss.

“We work very hard for our customers because nothing pleases us more than helping our clients achieve the dream of affordable home ownership,” explained Heather Rose, co-owner and partner with her husband, John, both of whom are Windham residents.

Working hard for their customers has paid off in more ways than one. First and foremost, the Acadia Lending Team has many very happy, satisfied and repeat customers. Secondly, they have received multiple awards for being the top mortgage broker company in Maine – and most recently – the team can boost their top ranked loan officer on a national level, Skylar Welch, also of Windham. “Skylar is ranked in the top 1% in the country for mortgage broker loan originators,” stated Heather. “We are proud of her and we are proud of our whole team of dedicated employees for their genuine commitment to our customers.”

And these high standards and awards have all been accomplished in just ten years, when Acadia Lending Group opened its doors in 2010.

Acadia Lending Group owners and partners, Heather and John, have always been in the mortgage business. They met as coworkers at a mortgage company in Massachusetts in the early 2000s after they graduated with business degrees from college. After five years, they were ready for a slight change. “We loved our job and our life there, but I wanted to return back home to Maine,” explained Heather, who is originally from Down East.

In 2005, they moved to Windham and worked for a mortgage company in Portland. While there they continued to learn and grow in the lending business, obtaining their Mortgage Brokerage License a few years later.

Wanting to continue to grow and expand, the Roses began to take the next step in their careers and Acadia Lending Group was it. They began the process of owning their own mortgage broker business in 2009, officially opening their doors one year later. It was during a period when the nation was experiencing a financial crisis and mortgage brokers were expected to be a dying breed.

“I will admit it was a scary time, but I knew we would succeed,” Heather said. “I knew it would take hard work, but I’ve learned in my life that there is no substitute for hard work. If you do the right thing every day and you value your clients by taking the time to build a relationship and gaining their trust, it has been proven to me that business will always be there.”

Not only has business been there for Acadia Lending Group, but it has grown by leaps and bounds. In just a short ten years, they went from a company of three (Heather, John and a processing agent – who is still there today) to a company of 13 staff members of both processing agents and mortgage loan officers. With award winning accolades to their name, they have also received many positive testimonials from satisfied customers including the following:

“From our first conversation to the final closing, [they were] there to answer every question we had (and we had a lot as first-time home buyers). [They] communicated clearly everything we needed to know, expect, and provide for our home loan. [They were] always available for our questions and concerns, and [they were] quick to get us all set up and ready to go!”

Another happy customer stated, “Both friendly and professional, [they were] very prompt in [their] responses to my questions and demonstrated genuine concern for the success of my home purchase and sale. [Their] answers to questions came quickly and were brief but clear. [They] stayed on top of things and made sure all paperwork was completed on time.”

It is the Acadia Lending Team goal to end their day feeling good that they have helped others in some way. “We are not in this business to make a quick buck. We want to end our days knowing that we helped our clients by giving them the best advice possible and thus being happy with their choices. And, I personally, want to make our staff happy as well,” Heather said. “To accomplish that each and every day is the most rewarding experience.”

And as the Acadia Lending motto suggests, this is the way mortgage lending…and life…should be.
For questions or to learn more about Acadia Lending Group, contact Heather, John, Skylar and the whole Acadia team at www.acadialending.com/ or call at 207-899-4500.