Business Spotlight; Waltz & Sons Propane

Relying on hard work, high-quality service, a safe and clean energy product, and supporting the communities it serves, Waltz & Sons is the standard by which other propane companies in Maine are measured.

Waltz & Sons has been in business since 1996
and is a full-service propane company which
focuses on residential propane and offers
free site surveys, installation, service, remote 
tank monitoring, prompt deliveries, and 
Pre-Buy and Budget plans.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Located at 29 Park Place in Buxton, Waltz & Sons is a full-service propane company which focuses on residential propane and offers free site surveys, installation, service, remote tank monitoring, prompt deliveries, and Pre-Buy and Budget plans. Its service area spans a 50-mile radius surrounding Buxton and including the Lakes Region of Maine.

Waltz & Sons specializes in the Hearth Products and services all brands. They are a distributor of the Regency Brand and a Rinnai ACE Dealer which is the highest service level Rinnai recognizes in their partners.

“We started the company from our home in 1996. We built and moved to our current location in December of 2018,” said Sue Waltz. “We currently have 16 full-time and one part-time employee. We are proud to have 11 of those employees who are 35 years old and younger and two of which hold management positions.”

Her husband, Skip, launched the business after doing subcontracting work for propane companies in the Portland Area.

“That grew into us buying tanks and having another company deliver the propane to our tanks. That grew into us buying our first delivery truck,” Waltz said. “It was about the time our son Mike joined us after serving in the U.S. Air Force. From there, we have consistently grown to who we are today. Of course, there were many bumps in the road as with any business, but we are proud to be the company we are today.”

The most significant aspect of Waltz & Sons is that the business only serves residential customers.

“We do have a few Mum and Pop shops like the Buxton Mini mart or home based businesses but no larger commercial,” Waltz said. “By doing this and focusing on the home products we stand out in our field as we are training specially on the hearth and home products. We do not work on furnaces or boilers though, as we work with plumbers to whom we refer that business. Therefore, we’re not competing against them but rather are working with them to offer homeowners the best possible service for their products.”

The company differs from its competitors through its fully staffed service department with all employees fully licensed for inside and outside service and maintenance. During the winter months many companies do not set up propane tanks or service equipment as their service staff are busy with deliveries, but Waltz & Sons takes the time to do so.

“The main goal of our company is single call resolution and there is always a family member available to take a call,” Waltz said. “We also staff our 24/7 on call service with our management so that again, all calls are a single resolution whenever possible.”

She said the key elements leading to the success of Waltz & Sons are investing in their employees, investing in equipment, and investing in the communities it serves.

“We’re a small family-owned business that puts trust in our employees and we’re proud of our employee training program,” Waltz said. “We sponsor many activities within our service area and support local services as well. We feel we are very competitive for our services and are generally under the state average for our propane pricing.”

Educating homeowners about the propane business also is an essential task for Waltz & Sons.

“Planning ahead is helpful as you can’t get a tank tomorrow and you can’t put propane in someone’s else’s tank as it’s against the law to deliver to someone else’s tanks,” Waltz said. “New regulations about fossil fuels make it necessary to educate residents about the benefits of propane.”

Their focus on exceptional customer service has paid off. It received the Institute for Family-Owned Business Chalmers Customer Service Award in October and took “Gold” in the Portland Media Groups “Best of 207” in 2023. The company was third in the Small Business Category of the Best Places to Work in Maine Awards this year, the first time it was part of that competition and Waltz & Sons is on the National Top Retailers list as published by LP Gas Magazine in the category of Single State Retailers. In 2024, Waltz & Sons received a load of Renewable Propane and were the second in the state to receive such a load, and the first in Maine to receive a load used in the residential market.

For further information about Waltz & Sons or to learn how they can serve you, call 207-929-8898 or visit https://www.waltzandsons.com/ or find them on Facebook or Instagram under Waltz and Sons. <

Business Spotlight: Northeast AutoWorks

No matter if you’re looking for reliable auto repair, a set of new tires or the finest in aftermarket accessories, Northeast AutoWorks promises to significantly improve your driving experience.

Northeast AutoWorks is a certified NAPA AutoCare Center
and is an excellent alternative to dealerships for many
makes and models of automobiles, trucks and SUVs.
COURTESY PHOTO

Located at 650 Bridgton Road in Westbrook, Northeast AutoWorks is an excellent alternative to high dealership prices for many makes and models. As a certified NAPA AutoCare Center, Northeast AutoWorks backs qualifying work through a nationwide warranty and the shop only uses high-quality parts and provides exceptional automotive service and courteous customer service that you value from a service provider.

Its dedicated team of ASE-certified technicians always strive to deliver the best workmanship and customer experience possible for your vehicle whether it’s a passenger car, medium sized truck, mini-van, or an SUV.

“Great customer service means treating everyone who walks through our door with respect, we are fully transparent about repairs and costs, and ensure that our customers are heard and valued,” said Vaughn DiBiase, NorthEast AutoWorks owner. “We go the extra mile to make their experience outstanding. We feel that it’s about empathy. Car repairs are never convenient and great customer service means understanding the customer’s situation and doing whatever is within our means to build their trust in us and to help them.”

DiBiase said that Northeast AutoWorks offers a range of services featuring new tires from leading national brands; effective automotive repairs to keep your vehicle running like it should, including A/C repair, battery replacement, belt and hose replacements, brakes, cooling system services, engine diagnostics, steering and suspension work, wheel alignments and more. Preventative maintenance services such as lube and oil changes, oil and air filter changes and spring/winter checkups are also available.

Parts and repairs are backed by NAPA’s Peace of Mind Warranty and Northeast AutoWorks convenient local shuttle service or loaner vehicles can be requested while your vehicle is being serviced. The waiting room is clean and comfortable if you prefer to wait for work to be done, with free coffee and Wi-Fi.

Northeast AutoWorks also specializes in customization work, and it’s never been easier for aftermarket add-ons like lift kits, custom wheels and Magnum Truck Racks, rails and bed accessories installed right in the shop there.

Online reviews posted about Northeast AutoWorks are outstanding.

“Been going here for a while now and this place rocks I will not bring any of my vehicles anywhere else. I tell everyone about this place. It’s so good to find a legit and honest place to bring your vehicle. I know I can trust NAW to make sure all my vehicles are safe and dependable after they work on them.” Gary Pike

“Highly recommend this business. We needed major frame repair on our truck. After days of skillful welding, the truck is as good as new. Equally impressive was the communication. We got phone calls during the week, updating us on the progress of the job. Fabulous quality and communication. Thanks, Guys!” Jim and Elaine Dow

“I would recommend this place to everyone. Amazing service and excellent customer service. Thank you, Northeast Auto. You were a true blessing to me today.” Dennis Gignac

“Northeast installed a leveling kit for me, I had dropped my truck off after work and it was ready the next day around noon. Kit came out great and now taking it back to them for more work on the truck.” Alexander Bateman

“Vaughn and his team have been servicing and upgrading my personal and business vehicles since 2016. I have always got a straight answer, timely service and a fair price. Vaughn is reliable and loyal as they come. His shop also looks amazing. I highly recommend.” Stephen Bell

Hours for Northeast AutoWorks are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A 10 percent military discount is offered for work for veterans over $500 and mechanics are standing by to give you a reliable estimate of any automotive repair issue that you might be facing.

“We appreciate your patronage and believe in integrity and honesty,” DiBiase said. “Our staff is available to answer any questions and ensure your experience is a positive one. Our goal is to keep you moving through the years with a reliable vehicle. We try to make sure everybody leaves here happy.”

To make an appointment, call Northeast AutoWorks at 207-899-1355, visit them online at https://www.northeastautoworks.com/ or find them on Facebook under Northeast AutoWorks. <

Business Spotlight: The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery

Two stay-at-home moms have turned their passion for eating healthy and a love for baking into little slices of heaven right here in the Lakes Region.

Lizzie Smith, left, and Brittany Baizley are the stay-at-home
moms who own and operate The Daily Loaf Sourdough
Bakery serving the Lakes Region of Maine.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

Brittany Baizley and Lizzie Smith are the entrepreneurs behind The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery, a popular home-based bakery that specializes in sourdough bagels and bread, cookies, and muffins, and featuring products that are dye-free, chemical-free and 100 percent organic. From locations at 21 Smith Ave. in Bridgton and 7 Gore Road in Raymond, The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery owners started their business by baking for family and friends, and now offer free delivery to customers throughout the area.

“For me it all boils down to the ingredients we use,” said Lizzie. “We connect with local organic farmers and use fresh herbs and clean ingredients, what we call ‘good for you’ food. We want to show everyone that eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard.”

The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery stands out from the competition because its products are made at home and feature locally grown ingredients, Brittany said.

“We are different because our products are locally made and use locally grown ingredients,” she said. “Everything we use comes from local farm stands including Southpaw Meat Market and from Morrell’s Farm Stand.”

The idea behind launching The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery business started when Lizzie became pregnant with her son, and while she was sick from Hyperemesis gravidarum throughout her entire pregnancy, she sought answers about her health.

“I took a long look at what we were eating and found it was filled with additives and pesticides,” Lizzie said. “I knew we had to cut that out and we had to bake our own bread.”

The longtime friends tinkered for a few months to find exactly the right recipes before deciding to offer their quality home-baked goods for sale to the public.

“What we make is quite simple,” Lizzie said. “The base is about three or four ingredients in all.”

With affordable pricing and convenient ordering available through text messaging, phone calls and Facebook messaging, The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery has built a loyal following and continues to grow.

“We have customers all the way from California that rave about our breads and bagels,” Brittany said. “People love it and it’s healthy form of carbs.”

They also now offer a “Monthly Sourdough Subscription” for one low set monthly price that provides a loaf of sourdough bread or a half dozen bagels every week delivered to your door and a bonus loaf or half-dozen bagels for free each month.

Reviews posted online for products offered by The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery are nothing less than exceptional.

“Not only were the maple bagels out of this world but the owners went out of their way to help me with my order. Wonderful service! It was hard to only eat one bagel! Can’t wait to try more.” Wendy M.

“The Daily Loaf is incredible! The owners are knowledgeable and passionate about making healthy, sourdough baked goods and helping customers find their favorite flavors!” Kathleen M.

“The best bagels I have had in a long time! I am used to NY style bagels – crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. And these bagels were all that and more! I cannot wait to order more. Delicious!” Charles G.

“We are addicted to The Daily Loaf! The bagels are outstanding. Soft on the inside and a nice crust on the outside. The sour dough artisan loaf is awesome too – we use it for everything- sandwiches, French toast, garlic bread, and homemade croutons. We’re able to freeze and use as needed - it thaws well and is still soft and delicious. There’s nothing better than bread with fresh ingredients and none of the bad stuff!” Barbara B.

Lizzie and Brittany recommend visiting their menu online for products and prices and because the holiday season is so busy to make sure they have what you want, they ask that you pre-order in advance. The Daily Loaf Sourdough Bakery products are also available throughout the Lakes Region including at Southpaw Meat Market in Raymond, at Windy Hill Farm Market in Windham and at the Milk & Honey Cafe´ inside the Refuge Church in Windham.

Visit them on Facebook at The Daily Loaf and send a message to place an order or you can call/text orders to 207-899-7594. <