Business Spotlight: Lake Region Trailers and Sheds

Conveniently located on Route 302 in Casco, just over the Raymond town line, is where you’ll find Lake Region Trailers & Sheds’ spacious sales lot. Upon arrival you are warmly greeted by John or Laura Carver, the proud owners of their family-operated business of three years.

Laura and John Carver own Lake Region Trailers and Sheds
on Route 302 in Casco. COURTESY PHOTO

“We aim to be the region’s trailer source and will meet or beat any competitor’s advertised pricing for a comparable trailer”, says John. “Our range of trailers include: Snowmobile, Utility, Landscape, Enclosed / Cargo, Equipment, Car Haulers, ATV, Jet ski, Pontoon Boat, Dump and ATV Off-Road Tub Trailers. Most are offered in multiple sizes and come with various options.”

The Carver’s carry trailers from popular brands such as: High Country, Triple Crown, Northforce, Road King, Marlon, Down2Earth, Anvil, Karavan and EZ Loader.

Realizing that some customers may have little to no experience or may not yet be comfortable driving with or backing-up a trailer they can provide guidance and tips. “It only takes a few minutes of coaching to get most people proficient at handling their new trailer.” states John.

At Lake Region Trailers & Sheds you will also find all the parts and accessories to meet your trailering needs. They carry spare tires, tongue jacks, hitches, balls, and trailer lights, as well as locks, tarp kits for dump trailers, tongue toolboxes, ladder racks for enclosed trailers and snowmobile ski guides, track matts and much more.

In addition to trailers, Lake Region Trailers & Sheds is an authorized dealer of Old Hickory Buildings and Sheds. Their sales lot has a wide variety of in-stock buildings and sheds, or if you don’t find the exact design you want, they can work with you to create a custom building using the Old Hickory 3D Builder. With this you can customize size, colors, and features digitally right before your eyes.

Old Hickory Buildings and Sheds began in 1997 and has a long-standing reputation for superior craftsmanship and quality. They are used for a variety of purposes from simple storage of lawn tools or vehicles to completely insulated structures for workshops and cabins. They are constructed to last and are backed with material and construction warranties, a variety of purchase and rental options, free delivery and set-up within 30 miles, and Engineer Certification for ground snow load and wind load. They can even supply engineered plans that will satisfy municipal inspectors.

In their quest to be the region’s leading trailer and shed dealership Laura emphasizes: “if we don’t have what you’re looking for we can order it – at no extra cost.”

John and Laura know that thinking about one’s trailer is typically a low priority on most people’s minds. Folks simply want their trailer ready-to-go on a moment’s notice. That said, people often forget about the simple inspection check-ups that are important to ensure their trailer remains safe on the road and in good operating condition. In response to this, Lake Region Trailers & Sheds offers complimentary lifetime 10-point visual inspection check-ups on any trailer they sell.

Through the month of April they will provide this free 10-point visual inspection check-up on ANY trailer, brought in by the general public, that is comparable to what they sell. The inspection check-up is free, quick and simple, and provides the opportunity to view the many trailer and shed options they provide! Please note that the inspections we offer are not state certified inspections. View their website for additional details on this offer.

Lake Region Trailers & Sheds recently launched a website showcasing their products, including pricing and specifications on every trailer on their lot. To view their website visit: www.LakeRegionTrailersME.com. You can also reach John and Laura via email at LakeRegionTrailers@gmail.com or by phone: 207-655-6144. Also find them on Facebook. To visit their spacious lot simply punch their address into your GPS: 32 Roosevelt trail, Casco, ME. They are open Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· The Old Hickory Sheds we offer include: Storage Barns, Lofted Barns, Utility Sheds, Portable Buildings, Mini Barns, Garages, Animal Shelters, Playhouses, Cabins, Single Slope Sheds, Sheds with Porches, Sheds with Dormers, and more

· Prices starting at $3,195, includes delivery and setup (within 30 miles)

· To spec out and price your shed stop by Lake Region Trailers & Sheds, or visit Old Hickory’s 3D Builder at: www.oldhickorybuildings.com <

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 <