Business Spotlight: Knuckle Up Customs

Very exciting news for those who love motorcycles and are looking to explore the open road anytime, anyplace, and especially here in Maine. Knuckle Up Customs, a favorite local shop to take care of motorcycle body work and painting needs, audio systems, air ride and all aftermarket accessories, has a new location in Windham and is ready to perform all your Harley quality customization and specialty work.

Anthony Scamman, owner of Knuckle Up
Customs, welcomes motorcycle lovers 
to check out his new shop at 608
Roosevelt Trail in Windham.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Owned and operated by Anthony Scamman, Knuckle Up Customs has moved from its previous North Windham location to 608 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. The move has enabled Knuckle Up Customs to be able to offer a full range of services and to carry a complete line of parts including tires, gaskets and oil in stock.

“We offer an unforgettable experience and unbeatable value and have triple the amount of space we had at the old location,” Scamman said. “Knuckle Up Customs is a leading dealer, proudly serving the Windham area. Our goal is to help with all your Harley Davidson needs, from sale to service to parts. Since our doors first opened, complete customer satisfaction has been our top priority. Our experienced staff is committed to finding the right Harley Davidson products for you at the best possible prices.”

At Knuckle Up Customs, certified technicians are always on hand to take care of your service needs and have an exceptional reputation for paint work and audio installations and repairs.

According to Scamman, the larger Knuckle Up shop now has the space to carry an extensive line of merchandise and apparel as well. That includes a wide variety of accessories and riding gear.

He says that although Knuckle Up Customs specializes in Harley Davidsons they will paint almost any type of bike.

Scamman knows the ins and outs of motorcycles, having started his career in business by detailing bikes in 1991. Now with more than 33 years of experience in the field, he’s able to focus on providing quality products and exceptional service that customers deserve.

“We feature Harley stereo systems, air ride, body kits, parts and accessories and custom Harley builds,” he said. “We are a certified shop for SystemX Ceramic Coatings and complete bike detailing. Whether you are a veteran rider or are planning your first adventure, we welcome you to experience everything Knuckle Up Customs has to offer.”

Available services at Knuckle Up include everything from body and paint to audio systems, air ride, detailing, aftermarket accessories, brake service, tire installations, oil and filter changes, bars and exhaust installations and custom builds. They also offer convenient pick-up and delivery services for motorcycles.

For Scamman the best aspects of his expanded business and new location are delivering quality products and providing outstanding service for new and returning customers.

“I love making someone’s bike a part of them,” he said. “It’s very gratifying to customize it and in doing that, it really becomes a part of who they are.”

He says that the most challenging part of his work is all the constant research that must be done to stay current and up to date with all the latest products and popular accessories ready to hit the market.

But above everything else, Scamman said that listening to people is the most important key to his longevity in the business world.

“The key to lasting success for our business is listening to our customers and what they say they want,” he said. “If you do that and make sure that everyone is happy with the finished product, you can be successful.”

By moving and expanding the Knuckle Up Customs shop, Scamman says he is dispelling the notion that his business is basically just a service shop.

“We focus on products and services that other people do not do, such as music systems and paint work and we encourage everyone to stop in and see what we have to offer,” he said.

Knuckle Up Customs is located at 608 Roosevelt Trail in Windham and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are closed Sundays.

To learn more about Knuckle Up Customs and their custom Harley work and services, call 207-232-5533. Visit their Facebook and social media pages under Knuckle Up Customs. <

Business Spotlight: Kelp's Cleaning

Since launching Kelp’s Cleaning in January 2024, Kel-Sea Toothaker has earned an exceptional reputation through careful attention to detail and her unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

Before-and-after photos show how effectively
Kelp's Cleaning is able to transform bathtubs
and doors using environmentally friendly
cleaning products. COURTESY PHOTOS  

Kelp’s Cleaning is based in Oxford and provides cleaning for residential homes, commercial and office buildings and she also cleans vacation rental homes. Services available include floor care, dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and everything necessary to make kitchens and bathrooms shine.

“Typically, it's all just standard to those specific areas but I can also do carpet cleaning and detailed interior window cleaning,” Toothaker said. “I have experience in cleaning in several different settings over the years and when I decided to start up my own business, I did the research about what I needed to do to get started.”

The most significant aspect of Kelp’s Cleaning is how much Toothaker strives to cater to her clients, her personalized level of customer service, her experience and expertise, and her honesty.

“I communicate extremely well with them and I'm flexible in that I work with them to clean and get done what is most important to them,” she said. “Some cleaning companies are almost too rigid in how things need to be done. For example, not everyone wants super-detailed dusting, but they want to focus more on kitchens or bathrooms. I also use eco-friendly, plant-based products.”

Those cleaning products are natural palm and coconut-derived cleaners and feature the penetrating power of T36-C5 Melaleuca Oil to power through life’s messes, from sticky fingerprints to caked-on grease and oily spills and are safe for people and the environment.

Her attention to detail goes the extra step to include the cleaning of ceiling fan blades, ovens, light fixtures, baseboards, removing difficult water stains from sinks and tubs, and polishing tile and grout so that it shines and sparkles like new.

Featuring competitive and affordable pricing, Kelp Cleaning offers convenient appointments based upon your schedule. She returns all phone calls and emails, shows up on time as agreed and does everything possible to exceed all customer expectations.

“We are fully insured and committed to providing our clients with the highest quality of service. I'm very thorough and efficient. I do what I say I’m going to do,” Toothaker said. “I've gotten a lot of compliments about how flexible and understanding I am. Life happens, and I try really hard to work with my clients when something comes up. I've also received a lot of good feedback about how well I communicate with clients and how quickly I get back to them.”

Appointments are available throughout the Lakes Region, Oxford, and most of Androscoggin County.

Reviews posted online for Kelp’s Cleaning are nothing less than outstanding.

“We have been so pleased with Kelp's cleaning since starting with Kel-Sea a few months ago. We have used a handful of companies over the years and just never felt that our house was thoroughly clean. We were starting to question whether our expectations were too high. Kel-Sea assured us that they were not and has shown us that every time! The house is spotless from top to bottom, she is easy to communicate with and it smells fresh and clean when she is done (not chemically like it has with others). We would highly recommend Kelp's Cleaning!” – Anne D.

“Hey everybody so if you’re tired of cleaning your home call Kelp’s cleaning and she will come in and do an amazing job like she always does. Home or commercial Kelp’s Cleaning does it all.” – John G.

“Highly recommend this wonderful lady!! I was completely happy with the deep clean.” – Beverly G.

Appointments for Kelp’s Cleaning are available for deep cleans and regularly scheduled cleanings on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis whether during daytime hours or in the evening. Just want tedious tasks accomplished like window cleaning or wall washing? Her affordable hourly rate can help with that too.

And right now, Kelp’s Cleaning is offering $100 off deep cleanings for new clients for a limited time.

For a personal, friendly cleaning experience that will make your home or business shine, don't wait to contact Kelp's Cleaning. Her experience and all-natural approach is sure to impress even the toughest critics.

To make an appointment or to obtain more information about Kelp’s Cleaning, call 207-595-8157, send an email to Kelpscleaning@gmail.com or visit Kelp’s Cleaning on Facebook. <

Business Spotlight: 1st Sweep Chimney

Helping people, preventing fires through a full range of chimney services, and forging new relationships with customers is the mission of 1st Sweep Chimney.

Before and after photos show how 1st Sweep Chimney can
help safeguard chimney tops and masonry from foreign
objects and squirrels and protect your investment.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

Based in Windham, 1st Sweep Chimney is a full-service residential chimney company. It provides all masonry needs such as repointing, flashing and rebuilding tops, sweeps all types of flues, relines them with stainless steel liners while installing waterproofing and caps to prevent leaking.

1st Sweep Chimney services homes in all of Southern Maine, including right here in the Lakes Region, and is owned and operated by Dan Johnson.

“We take time to make sure our customers understand fully their chimney needs,” Johnson said. “The work is never rushed and is performed to the highest quality with before and after pictures. We will gladly offer references and proof of insurance.”

Fires and carbon monoxide leaks often start in chimneys that have not been cleaned or are neglected. Depending upon the buildup and use, Johnson recommends that chimneys should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year.

Johnson started his career more than 25 years ago as a mason tender and worked his way up to overseeing multiple crews and eventually starting his own business. He can expertly sweep your chimney, addressing any issues that are found in your fireplace, wood stove or heating system.

The removal of creosote is one of the most important aspects of chimney sweeping. Creosote is an extremely flammable material and a byproduct of wood-burning fires. Creosote can accumulate in the flue, and that’s why it’s important to have your chimney inspected regularly.

A chimney inspection performed by 1st Sweep Chimney is the best way to get a complete picture of the overall condition of your chimney. Because many parts of the chimney are inaccessible and invisible to the naked eye, an examination by an experienced chimney professional can be used to inspect hardest to reach portions of a chimney’s interior and allows hidden problems to be uncovered and repaired before they create safety hazards for you or your family.

Sometimes even the most well-maintained chimneys can become damaged, Johnson said. A strong storm or another type of natural disaster can cause chimney damage, as can long-term exposure to the elements, but 1st Sweep Chimney can repair your chimney promptly, properly and affordably.

Because 1st Sweep Chimney is a small local business, Johnson offers personalized and convenient service and strives to build long-term relationships with each customer.

“We are typically below our competitors on sweeping and chimney work and offer free annual inspections and estimates,” Johnson said. “We are trying to build a relationship with our customers. We try to encourage our customers to make sure their chimney is working safely ever year.”

According to Johnson, his business is customer-driven, and they call upon his experience and expertise to deliver a great experience. He says that 1st Sweep Chimney, leave each work site clean and spotless.

“We are told daily that our communication is outstanding. Every phone call, text or email typically is returned the same day,” he said. “We do not rush estimates or jobs making sure our customers have clear expectations of the work being done. The best thing about what I do is I enjoy interacting with my customers, meeting new people and helping people,” he said. “I do each one like it’s my own home. I want my customers to feel when I leave that I’ve done the best job possible.”

Reviews posted online for 1st Sweep Chimney are exceptional.

“I was having a problem with a leak around my chimney and Dan came by in no time to address the problem. And guess what? After all this rain we've had not one drop of water! I would highly recommend 1st Sweep Chimney services.” Megan Brown

“I highly recommend 1st Sweep Chimney services. I’ve used and recommend them on multiple occasions for centrotherm liners for high efficient gas boilers and furnaces, stainless steel liners for boilers and fireplaces. Best pricing around and always on time.” Jimmy Mack

“Dan is the ultimate professional! He is very trustworthy and honest while going the extra mile for his customers! Being in this business for years has made him extremely knowledgeable! We can’t recommend him enough!” Lori Latham

To book an appointment or for more details about 1st Sweep Chimney, call 207- 572-7449 or find them on Facebook under 1st Sweep Chimney Services. <

Nonprofit Spotlight: Age-Friendly Windham

Age Friendly Windham supports Maine’s age-in-place legislation by offering an informational session.

As Maine’s population ages, more seniors are looking for ways to remain independent in their own homes. But with mobility and safety concerns increasing as we grow older, staying put isn’t always easy. In Windham, an innovative solution is on the horizon.

Age-Friendly Windham, a town-supported volunteer group that focuses on a multi-generational healthy community, will offer an informational session on Nesterly, a nationwide home-share program that the Maine State Legislature passed last spring.

This information session and Afternoon Tea will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Town Hall Gym, 8 School Road in Windham. Senior Director of Government Relations & Communications Erik Jorgensen will lead the session.

Jorgensen explained that the Legislature passed a resolution, authored by Saco Rep. Maggie O’Neil, to provide a web-based home-share pilot program that would help to match older residents with compatible adults in need of affordable housing.

“Though this is not a government program, MaineHousing was asked to conduct a request for proposals and that led us to Nesterly, which is a social enterprise based on the West Coast. We are currently part way through this one-year pilot program,” he said.

Every potential host and guest goes through a comprehensive background check.

“The background check report includes a National Criminal Search, a Sex Offender Registry, and a Global Watch list Search. It also includes an Address History Search and Social Security Verification,” Jorgensen said.

In addition, hosts and guests must be interviewed by a member of Nesterly’s social worker-led team to better understand their particular goals for the home share before making any placements.

The Nesterly staff look at issues of compatibility, they confirm that potential guests have a job or another source of regular income, and they spend some time getting to know the guest and the guest’s needs.

“The host has absolute discretion over whom to rent to,” Jorgensen said. “The host sets the rent amount and house rules. In many cases, the host and the guest can agree to a certain amount of work around the household (shoveling snow, lawn mowing, cleaning, etc.) in exchange for a reduction in the rent. The hosts can then meet potential guests over the Nesterly platform – they don’t have to reveal any personal information or the location of their home until they are ready to do so. If a host does not feel like a potential guest is a good fit, the conversation ends there.”

The leasing process is handled through the Nesterly platform using standard documents based on the length of the anticipated stay. Nesterly home shares must last for a minimum of 30 days, so they are not considered “short-term rentals.”

The benefits of using the Nesterly program are many.

“If you put an ad in Uncle Henry’s or Facebook, you may get potential renters and you may find the perfect renter,” Jorgensen said. “However, Nesterly is free to use, though a $95 to $195 booking fee is deducted from the first month’s rent and 2.5 percent of the rent is deducted each month to help pay for the services.”

Jorgensen also said that hosts never have to ask for rent, as payments are deducted automatically from the guest’s bank account at the end of the month and transferred to the host, less a 2.5 percent service fee. Nesterly also provides extensive support.

“Every month during a home share, Nesterly staff reach out separately to both the host and the guest to check in and see how the home share is going,” Jorgensen said.

Nesterly puts a great deal of emphasis on compatibility and security before a home share begins. Nesterly’s rental agreements can be canceled for any reason by either the host or the guest with 30 days’ notice.

Nesterly has been successful in greater Boston and several metros outside of New England.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Nesterly could help you or someone you know to age in place, don’t miss the informational session hosted by Age-Friendly Windham on Sept. 17. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, enjoy tea, and explore the benefits of home sharing.

Window Dressers, a nonprofit organization that creates and installs insulating window inserts to help Maine residents save money on heating bills and Sebago Lakes Fuller Center for Housing, a local nonprofit that focuses on home repairs for aging adults and veterans in need so that people can stay in their homes safely, will also be at the event.

To register for the event, RSVP at WindhamRecreation.com, or contact Erica Bell-Watkins, Age-Friendly Windham Coordinator at eabellwatkins@windhammaine.us or call 207-892-4649. <