Business Spotlight: Windham Automotive

Through decades of serving the Windham community, generations have come to rely on Windham Automotive for honest and outstanding automotive service and maintenance. 

Since 1991, the dedicated team of professionals at Windham Automotive has been the leading choice for exceptional customer service and value in resolving and repairing problems in a trustworthy manner and safeguarding a customer’s important investment in a vehicle.

Located at 385 Roosevelt Trail, Windham Automotive is a complete car care center that has built a solid reputation by treating its customers as if they are family and earning their respect through integrity and thorough automotive expertise.

Co-Owners Dave Poree and Brett Cartwright strive to provide each customer with auto service that is second to none and helping them to get back on the road as soon as possible.

“The best thing we do here is treat every customer the way we ourselves would want to be treated each time they walk through the door,” Poree said. “We always strive to be the very best at it and to offer every one of our customers a great experience and a high level of comfort.” 

Serving local customers in the Sebago Lakes region and throughout Southern Maine, Windham Automotive works on a wide variety of vehicles, both foreign and domestic, and has a staff of five employees.

“We truly enjoy the opportunity to work with our customers and to find a solution to their problems and concerns,” Poree said.

Windham Automotive is able to service all of your automotive repair and maintenance needs. They are a Maine State Inspection station. They have the latest in diagnostic equipment and the knowledge that goes along with it. They are also equipped with alignment equipment. Whether it's an oil change, scheduled maintenance, tires, brakes, steering and suspension, complex diagnostics or anything in between Windham Automotive can do it all.

Both Cartwright and Poree have been with Windham Automotive for just under 10 years and have the understanding and expertise to assist customers in understanding what services are needed to get their vehicle back on the road safely and quickly.

“Our goal and intention here is to make the process as seamless as possible for our customers,” Cartwright said. “We’re doing things the right way and intend to always do that. We offer quality and value and customer service is our utmost priority.”

Through investing in new tools and technology and constantly receiving training in new ways to efficiently repair vehicles, Windham Automotive stays up to date on current industry trends and new ways to effectively assist customers.

For years the motto of Windham Automotive is “Where quality and value still have a meaning” and those are more than merely words for Poree, Cartwright and their staff.

“We are here to help,” Poree said. “Your satisfaction is very important to us. We’ve been a pillar of this community for a long time now, and we intend to continue that.”

Reviews show that the focus on delivering exceptional service is paying dividends for the business.

“I highly recommend Windham Automotive. Fast Friendly and Fair service. Always ready to help you get back on the road,” Jan Strout posted on Facebook.

“I will never go anywhere else. As a single woman, sometimes it can be intimidating to take your vehicle in for service or repair but the whole crew make you feel like family! Everything they do is first rate. I highly recommend Windham Automotive,” Wendy Leighton posted on Facebook.

“First time using their services. They were so great! Fast, knowledgeable, and professional! I highly recommend them! Thanks,” Laura M. Stanley posted on Facebook.

“We have been very satisfied with their efforts, professionalism and friendliness. With clear explanations of the work involved, we are treated fairly and pay a fair price,” Doug Hamilton posted on Facebook.

For more information about Windham Automotive or to schedule an appointment for service, call 207-892-1212 or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/windhamauto/ <

Business Spotlight: OTELCO

OTELCO has completed its Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) network in Windham. The project is part of a larger expansion the company currently has under way in 18 Maine towns and cities. 

About 2,200 locations in Windham are eligible for fiber Internet service offering residential speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second and customizable speeds for businesses.  The OTELCO customer service team began processing the first orders on Oct. 28, and the first installations were completed on Monday, Nov. 1.

“We’re so pleased to begin serving customers in Windham,” said OTELCO VP of Marketing Trevor Jones. “I know that those who subscribe will be thrilled with the performance of our high-speed fiber Internet.  We’re already hearing from them on social media.”  

One new subscriber who wasn’t even connected yet was so excited about having a new choice in providers, he posted the following to the Windham Community Facebook page:

“Following up on an older post about Otelco fiber optic coming to North Windham.  I was notified this morning that the service went active yesterday.  I have Spectrum (about to be had Spectrum) at $74.99 a month for 100 down / 20 up.  Otelco is offering 150 down and up for $59.99 for the first year and then $69.99 on.  Their 500 down and 500 up is $69.99 starting and then $79.99.  1000 down and 1000 up is $$79.99 a month starting then $89.99.  Some crazy speed for decent prices.  Line drop to the house is tomorrow and install is Monday.  Just thought I would let people know.”

In addition to the product offerings that were shared in this Facebook post, OTELCO also offers service to businesses with a 100 Mbps basic package at $99.95, that allows for up to two added phone lines with unlimited long distance for $20 each.  For larger businesses or those with more complex needs, the OTELCO B-to-B sales team is happy to consult to develop customized solutions to meet the individual needs of any company. 

So, what is Fiber Optic Internet?

Fiber Optic Cable is made up of many hair-thin strands of glass that use light pulses to transmit data.  It’s important to understand that fiber was designed specifically to send and receive data while DSL and Cable (both made of copper wire) were initially designed to carry telephone and TV signals respectively.  Over the years, providers, OTELCO included, have modified phone and Cable TV networks to deliver data, but today, neither have the capabilities to meet our ever-growing demand for connectivity. 

Unlike copper wire, fiber transmission doesn’t deteriorate over long distances.  Fiber also offers symmetrical bandwidth which means that upload and download speeds are the same; neither DSL nor Cable have that capability so download speed is faster than upload.  Anyone who has been telecommuting for work or using videoconferencing for remote schooling knows that upload speeds have become extremely important.   

OTELCO has an interactive map to help Windham residents see if their location is part of the build and view updates about the project.  Visit www.otelco.com/WindhamGotFiber and register to be contacted by Customer Care to arrange for installation.  Businesses submitting the form will be forwarded to our B-to-B sales team.

OTELCO is also employing a crowdsourcing model to help determine areas suitable for future network expansion.  All Windham residents are encouraged to register even if their address is not part of the current project area.  If there is overwhelming interest in specific areas, the company may decide to expand its network at a future date.

ABOUT OTELCO

Otelco Inc. provides wireline telecommunications services in Alabama, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, and West Virginia passing more than 67,000 locations.  The Company’s services include local and long-distance telephone, digital high-speed data lines, transport services, network access, cable television and other related services.  It also provides competitive retail and wholesale communications services and technology consulting, and managed services.  For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.otelco.com.  <

Business Spotlight: Maine Pawn & Jewelry

Ask Jonathan Burnham the secret to the success of Maine Pawn & Jewelry for the past three decades and he’ll give you a simple answer.

“Without a doubt, it’s our customers,” Burnham said. “We have very loyal customers that we’ve been able to build a trust with for more than 30 years.”

Located at 760 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, Maine Pawn & Jewelry offers a vast inventory worth exploring with everything from diamonds to firearms to guitars and rare coins with prices second to none.

“We love being in Windham. It’s not the typical location for a pawnshop like being in a larger city area, but we like the people and the community here, and we do get quite a few customers from outside the area because of our positive ratings online and social media,” Burnham said.

Maine Pawn & Jewelry is a family-owned business that specializes in providing quick cash to customers in the form of short-term collateral loans or the immediate purchase of a variety of quality merchandise such as gold, diamonds, fine jewelry, watches, guitars, musical instruments, firearms, televisions, electronics, and many other items of value.

“We can help out those who need quick money if they need it for an emergency or if they need heating oil,” Burnham said. “We offer cash on the spot.”

Burnham’s son James has been helping at the pawn shop since he was 12 and decided to come on board full-time about a year ago after exploring other interests. 

“He’s really great with customers and likes to help people out as much as possible.” Burnham said. “He also adds an element of knowing the interests in merchandise of the younger generation.”

Featuring a showroom filled with clean quality merchandise for sale at very reasonable prices, Maine Pawn & Jewelry takes cash, credit cards, and trades as well. With outstanding value and unbeatable prices, shopping at Maine Pawn & Jewelry provides a genuine alternative to traditional retail stores, and best of all, can save customers money.

For those interested in jewelry, Maine Pawn & Jewelry has an expert jeweler available.

“We have an excellent reputation in the business and lots of experience with several well-known jewelry stores,” Burnham said. “We do ring sizing, repairs and custom designs as well. Fair prices, quality work and quick turn-around times are what it's all about.”

According to Burnham, customers have made the business popular because of the personalized attention they receive at Maine Pawn & Jewelry.

“We always try and make sure our customer service is exceptional,” he said. “Through the years we’ve been able to build a trust with customers and have been able to adapt to different economies and changing times.”    

That trust has grown through 30 years in town and cemented a loyal and devoted following within the community as an honest partner with whom to do business.

“Our reputation is extremely important to us and that's why you'll see lots of familiar faces returning to the store over and over again both buying and selling,” Burnham said. “We try to be fair and honest so people will feel comfortable doing business with us.”

The hours for Maine Pawn & Jewelry are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The shop is closed on Sundays and is open Mondays by appointment only.

Whether you’re young or old, out doing some holiday shopping or searching for a way to generate some quick cash, Maine Pawn & Jewelry has something for everyone.

For more information about Maine Pawn & Jewelry, call them at 207-892-4131, visit them online at www.Mainepawn.com or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mainepawnandjewelry/ <

Business Spotlight: Excel Nails

Excel Nails, a professional nail care salon for women, men and children, has been in business locally for more than 20 years, but since June has been owned and operated by longtime Windham favorite nail professional Dawn Ta.  

Featuring the finest manicure and pedicure services in the Sebago Lakes Region, Excel Nails also offers acrylics, dips, gel nail treatments, complete waxing services and more. Excel’s devoted staff of six professionals stand ready to show clients of all ages an exceptional level of customer service at the salon, located at 778 Roosevelt Trail in the Rich Plaza.

Ta is renowned in nail care in Windham and throughout the Sebago Lakes Region because of her level of experience, attention to hygiene and providing her customers with service second to none. She formerly owned another nail salon in Windham and sold that successful business but was eager to rejoin the industry earlier this year when she purchased Excel Nails.

“The key to operating a successful business to me is loving what we do and making the customers feel and look their best,” Ta said. “A customer is the most important person to come into our business, customers are not dependent on us, we are dependent on them and they are the purpose of it. We are not doing a favor for servicing the customer, it is the customer doing us a favor by letting us serve them. We are thankful for each one of our guests who walk through our door.”

According to Ta, Excel Nails takes great pride in providing each of their valued customers with top service and high-quality products and materials.

“We only use the most trusted brands in the beauty industry,” she said. “Our world-class products, services and technologies truly do distinguish Excel Nails from other similar businesses in this area.”

All services offered at Excel Nails are decently priced and customer safety and sanitation are a priority for the staff there.

“All of our implements are always thoroughly cleaned and subjected to an approved sanitizing and disinfecting process before being reused,” Ta said. “Buffers and files are used only once then are discarded. All of our pedicure procedures are performed with liner protection. Our staff is trained to follow a proper sanitation protocol that puts our customer’s cleanliness as our most important and number one priority.”

Loyal customers rave about Ta’s dedication to quality and since she purchased Excel Nails, the business has racked up many outstanding customer reviews, many citing Excel’s vast assortment of top brands and products and the salon’s superior level of personalized customer care.

One customer gave a review recently which said, “Dawn and Tom are very professional. I recommend Tom for pink and white sets. Everyone there does amazing nails though! Only place I will go to in the lake region area.”

Another customer raved saying, “New girl did a wonderful job. I have not ever experienced a bad job with them. Very polite and a very clean establishment. All vivid protocols are followed, and I feel safe.”

“I love what I’m doing to transform short problem nails to long beautiful nails, giving our customers good results and delivering exactly what they are looking for,” she said.

A complete facial waxing experience is available at Excel Nails including brow cleanup, eyebrow shaping, and lip and chin waxing, along with full-face waxing.

Dips include a full set with tips, full set with tips, full set ombre with tips, full set on your own nails, and fill set on your own nails. Excel Nails offers Pink and white powder and ombre treatments, and a full line of acrylic nail products featuring either nail polish, gel polish or shellac polish.

“At Excel Nails, a wide choice is provided to customers so you can be confident about using any services that you may prefer,” Ta said. “Excel Nails is a first-class relaxation and beauty nails spa that promotes comfort, beauty, well-being and health.”

The salon is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Walk-ins are always welcome and gift cards are available for purchase.

“We care for every customer that walks through the door,” Ta said. “We want everybody to be happy before they leave.”  

For more information about Excel Nails or to make an appointment, call 207-892-6752, visit them online at https://excelnailswindham.com or find them on Facebook at Excel Nails. Walk-ins are welcome and gift certificates are available which will make a great holiday gift. <