Friday, June 26, 2020

Business Spotlight: Den of Antiquities

http://www.denofantiquitiesme.com/At its new location in Windham, the “Den of Antiquities” antique and vintage shop is a treasure trove of childhood memories and do-it-yourself possibilities and each item sold there has a story to tell.

Now found at 201 Roosevelt Trail (Route 302) in Windham, “The Den” as customers like to call it, is open this summer on Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features some of the most exciting discoveries to be found in the Sebago Lakes Region.

We are a multi-vendor shop,” said ‘The Den’ co-owner Sonja Nielsen. “This allows us to have a large and diverse variety of styles and merchandise. We have vendors that specialize in vintage kitchen ware, vintage textiles, florals, tools, furniture, art, toys, coins, and jewelry. We also have artisan wares such as handmade soaps, herbal teas and body products, and giftware. We also sell a line of chalk paint and accessories.”

Across America, sales of antiques are flourishing, courtesy of the popularity of television shows like “Antiques Roadshow” and “American Pickers.” For members of nearly every generation, interest in antiques and items from long ago seems to trigger recollections of a simpler life and a yearning to own a piece of the past. 

Nielsen said she’s found that in the antique business there are highs and lows in the value and popularity of certain items, but the business is beloved by many because of its unique link to nostalgia and precious memories that her customers associate with family and the quality and versatility of old furniture which can be restored and repurposed to meet almost every budget.  

“The most often-heard comment from our customers refer to the variety of goods and the weekly and almost daily new merchandise,” Nielsen said. “In addition, most of our regular shoppers will tell you how welcoming and comfortable they feel here. We try very hard to engage with and to get to know our customers on a personal level.” 

If a customer is seeking a particular item not found at ‘The Den,” Nielsen and co-owner Jim Gammon will try and track it down for them.

“We maintain a wish list for clients,” Nielsen said. “We will work with our vendors and other contacts to try and find specific items. We work with clients from all over the world. We have the capabilities of shipping and sending large freight items all over.” 

According to Nielsen, prices at “The Den” are highly competitive and merchandise is constantly revolving, so each shopping experience there is different.

“We have more vendors than we have been able to accommodate before, so we have an even larger offering of new and ever-changing merchandise,” she said. “We are always looking to buy one item or a whole estate.”

Nielsen said “The Den” is currently working on bringing in more Do-It-Yourself products and hopes to create a studio space for people to visit and work on projects. 

Since starting their first brick and mortar antique store six years ago in Westbrook, Nielsen and Gammon say they have strived to assist customers through outstanding customer service and a willingness to help.

“You have to love what you do, care about the people,” Nielsen said. “Everything else will fall into place.”

For those interested in antiques and vintage merchandise, the hunt for treasured items heightens the shopping experience.  

Many antique and vintage shoppers in the Sebago Lakes Region and beyond first came to know “The Den” from visiting its former location on Route 302 in Westbrook.

We rapidly outgrew that space. When the opportunity arose to purchase the new location in Windham, we jumped on it,” Nielsen said.

The shop’s new site is an 1840s farmhouse and barn and had been used by previous owner as an antique shop known as The Ruby Slipper.

“It’s a wonderful old gal and we are happy to be the new caretakers of the property and to bring her back to life,” Nielsen said. “So not only do we love her, we call her the old gal, but it met all the needs for our business.” 

For customers who are at a high risk or require special shopping accommodations, earlier hours are available by appointment.

For more information about the “Den of Antiquities,” call 207-650-3007 or visit www.denofantiquitiesme.com or connect to them on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OctoberHouseAntiques/. <


Friday, June 19, 2020

Business Spotlight: Dave's World

https://www.davesworld.com/Summer may not usually be associated with thinking about winter heating costs, but there’s never been a better time for home and business owners to consider investing in a highly efficient dual-purpose heating and cooling pump from the experts at Dave’s World with great rebate opportunities available.

With Maine locations in Windham, Scarborough, Dover-Foxcroft, and Ellsworth, Dave’s World is committed to providing only the finest high-quality products and legendary customer service after the sale. Offering more than 40 years of experience and knowledge of the products they sell and maintain, Dave’s World has become the largest residential heat pump installer in the United States and remains a trusted leader in the field of heating technology.

“We’ve been in business since the 80’s and have 60 employees and growing,” said Matt Scott, Dave’s World vice-president. “The best thing we offer is peace of mind. We’re really good at electronics and can fix any issue that arises with a heat pump. Our reach is tremendous and extends from Jackman to Calais to Ellsworth to Kittery and we have a dedicated sales team at each store that truly cares about customer service.”

Scott said that Dave’s World specializes in ductless heat pump systems that are energy and environmentally efficient and supply long range heating and cooling solutions tailored to fit customer needs. The company sells state-of-the-art hyper-pump brands such as Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Daikin, LG and Haier and their own brand, Osem.

According to Scott, a heat pump is an electrical device that extracts heat from one place and transfers it to another, similar to the technology used in refrigerators and air conditioners. The heat pump cycle is fully reversible and can used to warm homes in the winter and cool them in summer.

Heat pump systems deliver quiet and reliable comfort throughout the year at substantial savings over wood, pellet, oil, and propane systems. They are a smart, energy-efficient alternative that take the place of both furnace and air conditioning units and offer unbeatable efficiency and an environmentally friendly upgrade to traditional heating and cooling systems.

The process begins with a simple and convenient consultation in your home with a Dave’s World sales team member. A written estimate is developed on the spot based upon the size of structure to be heated and your desired budget. All heat pump systems come with a full 12-year warranty and a one-year workmanship guarantee and financing for systems is also available.

“We offer the total package and the best value in the business,” Scott said. “We use top-notch installers and stay up to date on cutting-edge technology to better serve our customers.”

He said during the installation process, Dave’s World handles all mechanical and electrical permits needed to add a heat pump, so all customers have to do is sit back and enjoy the savings they will experience.
“They are most gentle on the environment because they are electrical,” Scott said. “From no other heating source can you get above 100 percent efficiency, yet heat pumps offer 300 percent efficiency. Every single BTU is used.”

By regulating the climate inside homes and businesses, heat pumps also promote health and improved quality of life by eliminating buildups of condensation, mites, mildew, and airborne spores through the circulation of clean and dry air to breathe.     

Because the company has been in business for four decades, customers can rely on Dave’s World for practical and honest guidance about heating solutions or repair costs.

“Our customers are not guinea pigs,” Scott said. “We’re very seasoned and we know the best products to use with every structure. And one of the most important things we’ve found through the years we’ve been doing this is that service after the sale really matters.”

Costs to operate a properly sized heat pump are about one third of those of a conventional heating and cooling system and lead to huge savings for home and business owners in the long run, Scott said. 

Because Dave’s World is a family business, Scott said that each and every employee can relate to concerns and questions customers may have.

“We’re small town people and treat everyone like family,” he said. “We keep the same pricing no matter who you are and care about everyone we work with. We believe in sharing our expertise and industry knowledge with all of our customers to help them make informed decisions that meet their unique needs.”

In Windham, Dave’s World is at 359 Roosevelt Trail and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment only on Saturdays. 

For more information, call 207-523-9414 or visit davesworld.com.   <


Friday, June 12, 2020

Business Spotlight: Q-Team Tree Service

http://www.q-team.com/testimonials/Chances are that when a tree needs to be removed or is causing a problem on your property, it can be a dizzying decision to make about who to call for help.

But with years of experience and expertise, Q-Team Tree Service is a sound choice to get the job done safely and securely.  With a staff of 26 employees that are available within the Sebago Lake Region, Q-Team has been a trusted choice for generations when tree management issues arise.

Located at 86 Casco Road/Route 11 in Naples, Q-Team is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday year-round and can handle the most difficult tree tasks including removing and pruning dangerous trees and branches, stump grinding and tree trunk injection.

“We inject fertilizer into weak trees, and we’re gearing up to inject pesticides into ash trees to fend off the Emerald Ash Borer, which is headed our way,” said Robert Fogg of Q-Team.

Fogg said that Q-Team has a very experienced crew and some has very specialized equipment.

“For instance, we have two self-propelled aerial lifts that enable us to get into tight spaces with little or no damage to the yard and remove trees faster and safer than climbing or dropping the tree whole,” he said. “These lifts are 87 and 92 feet tall.”

According to Fogg, Q-Team prices are competitive with other fully insured high standard providers and they offer knowledgeable and experienced workers and have the right insurance coverage and equipment to tackle the hardest jobs.

He said Q-Team gives free estimates and if a customer is concerned about cost, payment plans are available.

Shoreland tree cutting rules have become much stricter and more complicated over the years and Fogg said that Q-Team knows what is needed to get the job done legally.

“We spend a lot of time identifying what work can be done legally near water bodies and getting the work permitted before cutting,” he said. “One thing people should know is that if they hire someone who is not familiar with the shoreland tree cutting rules, or doesn’t care, and they cut too much, the property owner is typically held responsible, not the contractor, and it can run into a lot of heartache and expense.”

He said that Q-Team has a rock-solid reputation for being professional and doing what’s right for both their employees and their customers.

“We don’t cut corners on safety or quality just to cut the price and work cheap,” Fogg said. “If someone gets a lower quote for tree work from another provider, you can bet there’s a good reason for the difference. Remember, the bitterness of low quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price has been forgotten.”

His advice to those looking to have tree work done is to hire a contractor with Workman’s Compensation Insurance.

“Tree work is dangerous work and if a worker gets hurt on your property without adequate insurance to cover the medical bills and lost income, they may seek compensation from you,” Fogg said. “Be sure to get a ‘Certificate of Insurance’ directly from the tree service provider’s insurance company that includes liability insurance and more importantly worker’s compensation. This way you have proof and if the insurance is canceled, you will be notified.”

Fogg started Q-Team in 1985 and it merged with Cook’s Tree Service of Bridgton in 2007. Cook’s was started by the father of Q-Team’s Adam and Aaron Gosselin, and along with Keith Andrews, they do the majority of estimating and lining up work for Q-Team.

The most difficult jobs for the company are when a tree top extends over the roof of a home because the goal is to remove the tree without causing damage to the roof, Fogg said.

Fogg said there is one job he’s particularly proud of.

“A couple of years ago we took down and removed a very large white pine tree at the new location of the Rufus Porter Museum in Bridgton and we were able to donate the work,” he said. “We have figured out how to do large quantities of high-quality work and you can see the proof in the thousands of testimonials on our website, Q-Team.com.

Fogg said that Q-Team is employee-owned and as such, it gives workers a better sense of pride in the work they perform.

“The thing I like best about working at Q-Team is I get to work with some experienced and dedicated people and we are able, on a daily basis, to help people solve their tree issues and keep their properties safe,” Fogg said. “We have hundreds of repeat customers, some that have been with us for 30 years.”

Q-Team is constantly hiring and offers great benefits which can be viewed at Q-Team,com/Benefits. Visit Q-Team.com/JobApp to apply.

For more information about Q-Team services, call 207-693-3831 or visit Q-Team.com. <







Friday, June 5, 2020

Business Spotlight: Spectrum Orthopaedics

https://spectrumhcp.com/orthoaccess/Orthopaedic Care in Windham Has Never Been More Convenient

It has been an exciting few months for Spectrum Orthopaedics in Windham. Spectrum Orthopaedics
– which includes OA Centers for Orthopaedics – recently unveiled an expanded space, which includes the opening of OrthoAccess, an orthopaedic walk-in clinic, and the expansion of the physical therapy center.
OrthoAccess is designed to offer quick, cost-effective, and specialized care for a range of acute orthopaedic needs such as sprains, strains, fractures, and other activity-related injuries.
Spectrum Orthopaedics in Windham is led by Jeffrey Bean, DO. Dr. Bean is a board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine physician who specializes in the treatment of non-surgical sports-related and other musculoskeletal injuries. He is a familiar face around town, as a Windham native and sports medicine consultant to local schools, including Windham High School and Bridgton Academy. Dr. Bean also serves as the team physician for St. Joseph’s College and the head team physician for the Portland Sea Dogs.
Dr. Bean has always embraced a practice where patients can walk in and be seen.  “Since I arrived at OA Centers for Orthopaedics 11 years ago, I’ve been committed to providing care to the local community, the community where I was born and raised. I understand the desire and need for immediate, stress-free access to high-quality, cost-effective orthopaedic care. Every year, I provide walk-in care for the local summer camps and most all other patients throughout the year who need to be seen acutely are accommodated same day. Now, it officially has a name! OrthoAccess Windham.”
The new physical therapy center has state-of-the-art equipment and offers patients more room for exercise and functional movement. It also allows patients to be seen in an expedited fashion. Megan Cutter, DPT, physical therapist at the Windham practice states: “Our new expanded space allows patients more room to move around and gives us the ability to provide therapy in a way that feels like what ‘real life’ is to our patients. So, when they’re discharged from our care, they know what to expect at home or on the field."
As the state progresses on its reopening plan, more people are getting involved in outdoor recreations and hobbies, increasing the likelihood of an activity-related injury. The walk-in clinic cares for patients of all ages and offers immediate assessment for a wide range of activity-related injuries, such as a sprained ankle while out on a hike or a back injury while gardening.
No appointment is needed, and specialists are available to assess and treat injuries. Some of the advantages of OrthoAccess include:  
·         No appointment needed: skip the ER and start with a specialist. This saves you both time and money.
·         Specialized treatment: you will always be seen by an orthopaedic specialist.
·         Lower cost: because OrthoAccess is an extension of an orthopaedic practice, their charges and co-pays are generally the same as a visit to a specialty doctor. Charges and co-pays at hospital emergency departments or even urgent care clinics are generally much higher. 
·         Shorter wait: the wait time is typically shorter at OrthoAccess than at a hospital emergency department. The longest waits are usually during the first hour of clinic time. At other times, patients are often seen right away.
In Windham, the Spectrum Orthopaedics clinic, OrthoAccess, and physical therapy centers are conveniently located on Commons Avenue. There are also OrthoAccess clinics located in Portland, Saco, and Auburn. 
Quality and patient safety have always been a hallmark of Spectrum Orthopaedics and have been an even greater focus during the pandemic. “We want to ensure all of our patients, and those visiting our clinics, can be seen and treated safely, effectively, and efficiently. We have instituted a variety of protocols based on best practices in infection control,” stated Herbert Cushing, MD, Spectrum Healthcare Partners chief medical officer and infectious disease physician. The Windham practice currently screens patients before entering the clinic, requires face coverings while in the building, and has implemented new check-in procedures minimizing patient time in common areas.  Exam rooms, furniture, and commonly used items are frequently sanitized.  
The OrthoAccess walk-in clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (no appointment needed). Dr. Bean and his team also see patients by appointment in the clinic Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4 p.m., or for physical therapy, Monday to Thursday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To learn more or to make an appointment, call 207-893-1738 or visit spectrumhcp.com/orthoaccess.