Business Spotlight: Pine Tree Bakery

Baking is really all about transformation, from turning flour, sugar and eggs into delicious cookies and pastries, and baked goods into smiles, and it’s the essence of what the new Pine Tree Bakery is all about.

Lesa Beck owns Pine Tree Bakery on Route 302
on the Windham/Westbrook town line. It offers
a vast selection of pastries, cookies, brownies,
and breakfast sandwiches and everything is
made from scratch using high quality ingredients.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

Located at 1557 Bridgton Road in Westbrook on the Windham/Westbrook Town Line, Pine Tree Bakery is owned and operated by Lesa Beck, who turns out baked goods by hand each day using only the finest quality ingredients. The bakery offers a vast selection of pastries, ​small cakes, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, tea and ​hand-crafted espresso drinks and a generous assortment of tasty desserts such as tarts, cookies, brownies, and more​.

“By far the best thing we do is bring smiles to the people we serve,” Beck said. “It makes them happy. Our friendly staff works hard to make sure you are happy with what you receive when you visit us.”

Pine Tree Bakery opened April 10 and uses exceptional ingredients such as Callebaut chocolate, Cabot butter, and King Arthur flour, which give their products a high-quality and delicious taste.

“While many bakeries use pre-made mixes or bought-in packaged products, at Pine Tree Bakery we make everything from scratch in house,” Beck said. “Our baked goods include a rotating selection of cookies, muffins, small cakes, pastries, and desserts. We update our selection each week to feature new flavors and items. While we don’t have a full lunch menu yet, it’s something we are working on for the future and we do offer a couple of savory baked items each day.”

For coffee, Pine Tree Bakery offers drip coffee and Espresso-based drinks with beans from Coffee by Design, a high-quality local coffee roaster right here in Maine.

“Our pastries and desserts are all individual serving size,” Beck said. “We’ve worked hard to keep our prices reasonable for our customers. Our pastries and desserts range in price from $2.25 to $5. What really sets us apart is our high-quality food and pastries and our customer service. We really want to make it a good experience for our customers so they will come back again and again.”

“And we are a great spot to grab breakfast and coffee on your way to work in the morning or stop by later in the afternoon for that end-of-day pick-me-up and a cookie,” she said. “We offer both take-out and dine-in so you can choose to grab and go if you’re in a hurry or sit and relax with some good coffee and a treat or two.”

Beck first learned how to bake as a child and found it to be wonderful stress relief when she worked in a technology career.

“I spent 20 years in the tech industry as a project and program manager but was ready for a change and had always dreamed of opening my own bakery café,” she said.

Prior to opening the new bakery, Beck remodeled the 1,500-square-foot interior so it can now seat 38 customers at one time, transforming the former CeCe’s Diner into a new favorite gathering spot for locals.

“We have also created a comfortable and cozy space to hang out with a cup of coffee and breakfast or to spend time with family and friends,” Beck said. “We have a spacious dining area and plenty of parking.

Beck says that feedback from our customers has been incredibly positive to date, and she and her employees are so happy that their customers are enjoying their food.

“Some of our best sellers to date have been our Swedish Cinnamon Knots, Blueberry Streusel Muffin, Cinnamon Rolls, and Scones,” she said. “I’d like to give a shoutout to our amazing baker, Sue Jones, and to Jessie Farinella, the friendly face you’ll see at the front counter.”

Hours for Pine Tree Bakery are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

For more details, call 207-887-9087 or visit https://pinetreebakery.my.canva.site/home

Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556319087506 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pinetreebakeryme/ <

Business Spotlight: SmartBinz.us

When it comes to simplicity, efficiency, and customer support, SmartBinz.us stands out as an exceptional choice when choosing a dumpster company.

Owned by Paul Vail and based in Windham, SmartBinz.us is a new business that is available for both residential and commercial customers. No matter if you’re managing construction debris or taking on a home renovation project, SmartBinz.us stands ready to help.

Featuring a variety of cost-effective roll-off dumpster sizes and a hassle-free and convenient experience for customers, SmartBinz.us offers the best value and service for just about any project.

“I designed this company for it to be as easy as possible for making a reservation, payment, delivery and pick-up,” Vail said. “Our bins are clean and new and everything about our business is simple and effortless for our customers. We take pride in what we do.”

Vail said that SmartBinz.us can be used for home renovation projects for disposing of debris from home remodels. They also can be used to collect yard waste such as branches, leaves, and grass cuttings, or for spring cleaning to get rid of old furniture, appliances, and clutter from your attic, garage, or basement.

Contractors can use SmartBinz.us to keep construction sites clean by removing scrap materials and waste or to safely dispose of old roofing materials and shingles during a roof replacement.

SmartBinz.us roll-off dumpsters can be used to haul away old refrigerators, hot tubs, mattresses, foreclosure clean-outs, trash removal, television disposal, and e-waste disposal.

According to Vail, when choosing the right dumpster rental service, it is important that your needs should guide your decision.

“It's essential to assess various rental options to ensure you're getting the best value and service for your project,” he said. “Considering the size and type of dumpster required is crucial in making an informed choice. At SmartBinz.us, we understand that reliability and affordability are key when selecting a rental for your requirements. Our services address these needs with a customer-focused approach, ensuring that your rental experience is as seamless as possible.”

Roll-off dumpsters are versatile, suitable for everything from home renovations to garden clear-outs, ensuring efficient removal of debris. On the other hand, construction dumpsters are designed for heavier materials often found on construction sites. Vail said that understanding the specifics of your project will guide your dumpster selection, ensuring the debris is managed properly.

“Our selection features dumpsters designed for specific materials and waste types, ensuring efficiency and compliance with local regulations,” Vail said. “You’ll find that each dumpster type has been crafted to facilitate different kinds of debris removal. From roll-off dumpsters perfect for bulky waste to compact bins ideal for residential clean-ups, SmartBinz.us is equipped to handle it all. Available dumpster options are just a click away, simplifying your project planning and execution.”

He said repeat rentals from our satisfied customers affirm the company’s commitment to meeting their service expectations every time.

SmartBinz.us rentals are eco-friendly and that means you are choosing a partner committed to responsible dumpster management.

“By embracing eco-friendly practices, we minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability,” Vail said. “Remember, efficient waste disposal is about making greener choices for our community.”

He said the proficiency of SmartBinz.us ensures that your home or construction site remains orderly and efficient.

“At SmartBinz.us, every customer benefits from the simplicity and effectiveness of our dumpster rentals, featuring an assortment of sizes to accommodate any project magnitude,” Vail said. “We offer more than just a bin, our comprehensive services include swift delivery and pickup, enhancing your overall rental experience. We’re dedicated to delivering exemplary waste disposal services, and SmartBinz.us is committed to ensuring your specific needs are met, catering to both residential and commercial projects in Windham.

To learn more about SmartBinz.us or schedule an instant quote, visit smartbinz.us/ or call 207-404-1308. <

Business Spotlight: Cleaning Essentials

The customer always comes first at Cleaning Essentials and it’s part of the reason the Raymond-based cleaning company remains successful.

Owned by Regan Burke, Cleaning Essentials offers personable, reliable, and experienced staff, flat-rate fees and customizable cleaning services while using green cleaning products and emphasizing efficiency.

“Helping our customers has always been our mission at Cleaning Essentials,” Burke said. “There are no surprises with our customized flat-rate fee based on the scope of work for your particular needs.”

She said that Cleaning Essentials has reasonable hourly rates for move-ins and move-outs or for deep cleans, and the company thoroughly trains its employees to be as efficient and productive as possible on the job creating total customer satisfaction.

Cleaning Essentials provides expertise in specialty surfaces. Regular maintenance includes floor care, dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and making kitchens and bathrooms sparkle. Extra al la carte services include ovens, refrigerators, making beds, and windows. No job is too large or too small for its staff, many of whom have been with the company for years.

“Our team of people are fully trained staff that can efficiently clean a house in a reasonable period of time at a fair and reasonable cost,” Burke said. “We clean homes, businesses, and vacation rentals. We also work closely with homebuilders and real estate professionals to get the job done right.”

The Cleaning Essentials company also is socially conscious and participates in a wide array of community service programs, including Cleaning For A Reason for cancer patients, and also offer a FLEX program for teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, and the elderly.

“It's not the 1950's anymore. Cleaning services are more mainstream than ever before, especially after COVID,” Burke said. “Regular maintenance cleaning is proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and to improve household relationships and overall health. This is a no judgement zone. This is what we do.”

Burke says that she started cleaning in her neighborhood during high school as a way to help pay for her horse. “Thirty years later when he passed, I started making natural products called Noteworthy Naturals,” she said. “Simultaneously, I joined up with another single mom to clean for extra income. The products and the company took off. I’ve come full circle.”

Since launching Cleaning Essentials in 2017, the company now has just under a dozen employees but continues to grow. “We’re small but mighty,” Burke said. “Consistency and reliability are what we are all about and we are not like the rest.

Customers have certainly noticed and Cleaning Essentials is now an award-winning company, taking home the 2023 Best of the 207 Award and in 2023 it was the gold recipient of the Eagle Choice Award for cleaning services.

Social media and Google reviews are exceptional.

“I have been very happy with the services provided by Cleaning Essentials. The crew that cleans my house are on time, friendly, go about their work efficiently and are the least disruptive of any previous cleaning services I've used. In addition, the admin staff are very responsive and a pleasure to deal with. Thank you, Cleaning Essentials!” Connee Bush

“I was impressed by the cleaning results, but also by the efficiency – there was no wasted effort. The company came to us highly recommended by neighbors who would never recommend anyone who wasn’t superior. Later, I used this company for interim cleaning of the toilets and kitchen. Once again, the work was done very well.” Peter Greer

“Cleaning essentials did a fantastic job on our family's camp! They cleaned very thoroughly and left the place in pristine condition. Regan and Amanda were also responsive and were very clear on price (which was a great value for how deeply they cleaned). Thank you!” Anna Hartley

“Love working with Cleaning Essentials. Everyone is friendly, responsive, and efficient. They do a great job cleaning and go out of their way to make us happy. 10/10 would recommend.” Sofia Prado Huggins

“I’ve used Cleaning Essentials for years. It’s the best cleaning service I’ve ever had. The staff does an excellent job. I never hesitate to recommend them.” Kerrie Mangione

For more information about Cleaning Essentials services or associated costs, call 207-804-8966 or visit their website at www.mycleaningessentials.com You can also find them on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and on Facebook at Facebook.com/CleaningEssentials207. <     

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Business Spotlight: Lakes Region Enterprises

Whether you’re looking to add curb appeal to your property or just trying to create your own slice of heaven right here on earth, Lakes Region Enterprises can help you achieve your dreams.

Anthony Palla of Lakes Region
Enterprises takes pride in his work and 
treats customers like he would his own
family. He resides in the Lakes Region
with his wife, Kelli, and their son.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Located at 999 Roosevelt Trail, Unit 2 in Windham, Lakes Region Enterprises is owned and operated by Anthony Palla, who has the knowledge and expertise to transform any project while keeping the associated costs highly competitive.

Lakes Region Enterprises performs an array of landscaping, hardscape, and plowing services for customers throughout the Lakes Region and in the Greater Portland area, including mowing and weekly yard maintenance, mulch, clean ups, pruning, installations, parking lot sweeping, snow plowing and removal, and other hardscaping projects.

The company can provide expertise in the installation of interlocking pavers, bricks and stone, outdoor fireplaces and firepits, patios, pool decks and terraces, retaining and landscape walls and creating custom walkways. It also can handle any project involving grass cutting, edging, debris removal, lawn aeration, seeding, shrub and small tree pruning and initiating a cost-effective turf management program.

“The best thing about what I do is getting to work outside and helping people turn their vision for their property into a reality,” Palla said.

He has extensive experience in landscaping and field management and has managed both large and small companies while developing an intricate knowledge of landscaping and hardscaping over that time. That experience was developed from 10 years in the field and then as a supervisor and company manager in the Portland area before branching off on his own to create Lakes Region Enterprises.

Now with his own company, Palla focuses on training employees to perform tasks the correct way and the equipment needed to accomplish the jobs his customers need done.

“I have experience on the commercial side of things as well as on the residential side,” he said. “We always strive to provide the best possible service at competitive pricing including offering year-round and seasonal contracts.”

Because of this background, Lakes Region Enterprises has the right experience to properly address winter expectations for businesses that need to be open or remain open during winter storms.

“We have the experience, the expertise, and emphasis on quality to take care of any projects that any business or homes are looking for in year-round contracts,” Palla said. “We can take care of them, so they don’t have to worry about landscaping and plowing and they can focus on other things.”

His strong work ethic ensures reliability and always places the needs of Lakes Region Enterprises customers first.

“We show up when we say we will and we return all phone calls in a prompt and timely manner,” Palla said. “We provide the best quality possible, and word-of-mouth referrals have backed that.”

Online reviews for Lakes Region Enterprises are exceptional.

“Lakes Region has been our go to landscape and hardscape provider for a few years now. Anthony has been responsive and dedicated to working with us and within our budgets. There has been more than one occasion we had to call on them for a special project, installing new playgrounds, storm cleanup, or site work. Not once have they let us down.” Thomas Wood, Point Sebago CSA Property Manager

“Anthony is the best, and most knowledgeable guy when it comes to any property services. Very nice, and easy to talk to. The work that they do over at Lakes Region is second to none. I would recommend them for sure.” Bruce Smith

“Anthony did an excellent job with my yard cleanup yesterday. Such a genuinely nice guy and I’d hire him again for sure.” Julia Holden

“You guys did a great job with our yard. Thank you so much!” Destiny Johnson

Now going into its third year, Lakes Region Enterprises offers a staff of seven and stands ready to assist with whatever project you may have at your home, vacation home or commercial property.

For more details about Lakes Region Enterprises and for a free estimate, call 207-415-4296, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lremaine or send an email to LakesregionenterprisesME@gmail.com <