Business Spotlight: Carolina’s Specialty Shop

In a world where so many feel rushed and impersonal, Carolina’s Specialty Shop in Windham reminds people of the experience of shopping local, supporting community, and finding meaningful treasures with a story behind them.

Carolina's Specialty Shop is located at 999 Roosevelt Trail
in Windham. COURTESY PHOTO 

Located at 999 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, Carolina’s Specialty Shop is a Maine specialty shop filled with thoughtfully chosen handmade gifts, artisanal creations, and unique products by local makers. More than just a store, it is a place built on kindness, community spirit, and a passion for helping small businesses grow together.

Every item carries a personal touch and reflects the heart of Maine – from handcrafted goods to one-of-a-kind finds that customers cannot find just anywhere. Carolina’s Specialty Shop is creating more than a shopping experience; it is creating connections and bringing the community closer, one local product at a time.

Visitors will find a thoughtfully curated selection of organic tea blends, handmade gourmet chocolates and truffles, tea sets, cocktail mixers, preserves, pickles, dips, sauces, personalized signs and glasses, shirts and sweatshirts, handmade tote bags, and beautiful Maine-inspired products, and coffee.

The shop also features unique soy candles crafted by local makers, each candle with a personalized scent designed to create comfort, memories, and connection. Carolina’s Specialty Shop is a certified Maine retailer and supports local authors who introduce autographed Maine children’s books at the shop.

The Windham store has been around for three years and is the second location for owner Carolina Tanguay, who has operated Carolina’s Specialty Shop at the Maine Mall in South Portland for the past eight years.

She founded Carolina’s Specialty Shop with a vision of showcasing unique, handcrafted Maine products after years of attending local craft fairs and community events. What began with quilting and sewing classes evolved into organizing events that helped small businesses connect, grow, and support one another.

As a small business owner herself, Tanguay remains passionate about showcasing local makers. She hopes to grow through connection, collaboration and community support and continue sharing the incredible talent Maine has to offer.

Managing two store locations has been both a challenge and a rewarding experience. Tanguay credits her success to the support of her family, her faith, great friends, hard work, and resilience. She believes challenges and failures are not defeats but opportunities to learn from them and continue moving forward with purpose and determination.

Carolina’s Specialty Shop is excited to introduce their new tea room. "We’ve added a tea room to our shop to offer our customers an even more delightful and immersive experience, Tanguay said. "Featuring wonderful teas, organic blends, elixirs, brew lollipops, and unique tea-inspired treats, our tea room was created from a true passion for tea and the calm, soothing comfort it brings — one sip at a time."

Organic wellness teas offer a simple, natural way to support both body and mind. Made from herbs, flowers, roots, and leaves grown without synthetic pesticides or chemicals, these teas provide a wholesome experience in every cup. Many blends are crafted to promote relaxation, improve digestion, boost immunity, support better sleep, or provide gentle natural energy.

They invite tea lovers to explore their delightful collection of teas, accessories, and gifts while enjoying a warm and relaxing atmosphere designed for discovery, comfort, and connection.

Customers continue to praise the shop for its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional customer service, and carefully curated Maine-made products.

Her keys to operating a successful business are simple, yet effective.

“Stay focused on your goals,” Tanguay said. “Educate yourself, develop a plan, be ready to pivot and be realistic and not afraid to ask for help from professionals.

Carolina’s will be open through the end of June on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and in July and August on Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more details about Carolina’s Specialty Shop, find them on Facebook and Instagram. <

Business Spotlight: White Rock Outboard Marine & Recreation

The Long Haul: How a Gorham Boat Shop grew into something bigger without losing what mattered

In 1969, George Gherardi returned home from Vietnam with a skill few veterans possessed: he knew how to keep outboard motors running under pressure. During the war, the Army recognized his mechanical aptitude early and assigned him to maintain the engines powering river patrol boats navigating Vietnam’s inland waterways. These were critical missions in difficult and dangerous conditions. When motors failed, missions failed, and the experience sharpened Gherardi’s abilities in ways no classroom could.

Top, White Rock Outboard in 1969, and bottom,
as it looks today. SUBMITTED PHOTOS 

His wife Brenda played a role as well. Rather than sending traditional care packages, she mailed engine components – carburetors, gaskets, and other parts he needed to do his work overseas. It was a practical act of partnership that helped keep him effective and safe.

When Gherardi returned to Maine, he brought that experience with him and opened White Rock Outboard in Gorham. Over the next five decades, the shop became a fixture in the Sebago Lake region. Focused on outboard repair and maintenance, White Rock built its reputation through hands-on expertise and strong personal relationships. Fishermen, lake families, and recreational boaters returned year after year because they trusted the people behind the work.

In a region defined by lakes, rivers, and outdoor recreation, that trust mattered. White Rock Outboard grew steadily through word of mouth and loyal customers. By the time the business celebrated its 50th anniversary, it had become exactly what many small Maine businesses strive to be: a dependable part of the community.

In January 2023, Portland Yacht Services – southern Maine’s largest full-service boatyard – acquired White Rock Outboard. Founded in 1981, Portland Yacht Services had spent decades building a strong reputation for coastal and saltwater marine services. But the freshwater boating community around Sebago Lake represented an area the company had not yet fully reached.

For Jason Curtis, Vice President of Operations at Portland Yacht Services, the acquisition was personal. Curtis had started his own career in the marine trades at White Rock Outboard in 1984. He learned the business there and understood what the shop meant to the region.

“We know what it is to be a family business and are excited to welcome White Rock Outboard to the family,” Curtis said.

The partnership made sense for both companies. Portland Yacht Services gained an established presence in one of Maine’s busiest freshwater boating regions, while White Rock Outboard gained access to greater resources, staffing depth, and expanded service capabilities.

The most visible change is the shop’s new name: White Rock Outboard Marine & Recreation, a division of Portland Yacht Services. The updated identity reflects continuity while signaling broader capabilities behind the business.

The product lineup has expanded significantly as well. In addition to Mercury Marine, customers can now choose from Suzuki Marine, Honda Marine, and Yamaha Marine. Bentley Pontoons has been added for customers interested in the growing pontoon market, while Arctic Cat continues to serve outdoor enthusiasts with snow and off-road vehicles.

Services have expanded beyond sales and repairs. White Rock customers now have access to the wider Portland Yacht Services network, including storage, winterization, restoration, major refits, and comprehensive vessel maintenance. Many services that once required customers to travel to Portland can now be coordinated locally through the Gorham shop.

Just as important, the people remained. Portland Yacht Services retained all White Rock Outboard employees and added expanded benefits, including full health insurance coverage, dental insurance, educational opportunities, and competitive wages. Company leadership says maintaining continuity among staff was essential to preserving the shop’s culture and customer relationships.

At the center of that transition is Steve Nichols, who spent more than 20 years at White Rock Outboard before joining Portland Yacht Services. Nichols now runs the outboard shop and serves as a bridge between the longtime local business and its expanded future.

“This place has always been about the people – the customers who’ve been coming in for years, who know us by name and trust us with their boats,” Nichols said. “That doesn’t change. What changes is what we can now do for them.” 

That balance – expanded capability paired with familiar relationships – defines what Portland Yacht Services has built in Gorham. Customers will find more brands, more services, and greater resources, while still working with the same people at the same location they have trusted for decades.

George Gherardi built something worth preserving. More than 50 years after opening his shop, White Rock Outboard remains rooted in the same values that made it successful from the beginning: skilled work, personal relationships and a commitment to the community it serves.

White Rock Outboard Marine & Recreation is at 351 Sebago Lake Road in Gorham. Call 207-892-9606 or visit whiterockoutboard.com/. Find them on Facebook and Instagram under whiterockoutboard. <

Business Spotlight: Performance Motorsports

Finding a well-priced, long-lasting used vehicle these days requires more shopping savvy and patience than ever, but the public has an ally in Performance Motorsports.

Isaac, left, and Matt own and operate Performance
Motorsports in Raymond. They sell quality used 
vehicles and also specialize in tire packages and
accessories. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Located at 1215 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond, formally Tire Warehouse, Performance Motorsports specializes in late-model trucks, SUVs, and cars, with a focus on customization such as lifts and tire/wheel packages. To welcome the public to their new location, the business is having an open house/summer kickoff party at the dealership at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30. There will be a food truck serving lunch and a chance to win some of their business giveaways.

Co-owned by mechanical engineering graduates Isaac and Matt, the business opened in 2022 and offers a variety of vehicles, including popular brands like GMC, Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, along with accessories and financing options. 

They feature a no-pressure sales environment and are active on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Known for their honesty, quality work, and fair pricing, Performance Motorsports focuses on affordable, late-model used vehicles. “You guys come highly recommended” is a phrase that is often said.

“We aim to have the best service, product knowledge, and prices in the area,” said Isaac and Matt. “Our accessories and vehicles are fair priced. Customers say the buying process has been seamless and low pressure.”

The business started in Raymond in 2022. It then briefly moved to a larger building and facility in Naples for a year before returning to Raymond for good in their newly renovated facility.

“We like that our customers no longer have to drive to Naples to find us,” the co-owners said. “We take pride in everything we do, and we have shipped wheel and tire packages throughout the United States. We can also ship accessories. Our customers come from all over New England. We can locate and ship a vehicle throughout the United States.”

Co-owners Isaac and Matt met while attending the University of Maine and both had strong backgrounds in the automotive industry. They each graduated with bachelor’s degrees in engineering and worked in the engineering field for several years. Yet their strong passion for the automotive industry never died and in 2022, they teamed up to open Performance Motorsports. Both say that they now love going to work every day and look forward to serving current and future customers.

Much of the business at Performance Motorsports is return customers and referrals because they are happy with the quality of the work and the smooth sales process.

“People say this automotive shop offers a wide selection of tires and accessories and provides quality work on vehicles,” said Isaac and Matt. “They also highlight the fair pricing and the quick, easy sales process. Others mention the professional, friendly, and attentive staff. They mention our product knowledge and going the extra mile to treat our customers like they are family.”

Reviews are exceptional with 100 percent on Facebook being positive and a 4.9 rating out of 5 stars on Google.

“Performance Motorsports is top notch. Doing business with them was straightforward and easy on the front end. The car they sold me is amazing, drives like new and looks incredible. On the back end of the deal they had warranty packages to offer at competitive prices and are responsive in communication. It’s obvious they take pride in their work and the automobiles they sell. The value is there. I can’t say enough good things about them. Thank you.” Richard McGinty 

"This is the most amazing dealership that I have been to. Applying online made it so easy, and we didn’t have to sit at the dealership for hours. All we had to do was test drive and sign the paperwork. Brady was amazing and kind. He went above and beyond to get the truck my husband has always dreamed of. Thank you so much!" Tiffany Moody

“Isaac went above and beyond. Great communication from start to finish and his service was the best I’ve had in years. I purchased a wheel package from Issac. The tires were not in stock, but he had them delivered to his shop within 24 hours. I was going to the shop to grab them and get on the road, but he was able to get me in and install them on the truck right then and there. Highly impressed with the shop. Will be getting my tires from here moving forward. Thanks again to Performance Motorsports!” Nicklaus Berlew

To learn more about Performance Motorsports, visit www.performancemotorsportsme.com or call 207-212-7455 for sales or 207-615-7094 for accessories. Find them on Facebook under Performance Motorsports. <

Business Spotlight: New England ABC Paving

With more than three decades of experience in the paving business, Jason Moss of New England ABC Paving knows that paying attention to detail and using quality materials can deliver exceptional results when working on residential and commercial projects.

New England ABC Paving specializes in not only asphalt
and sealcoating services but also in stunning brick and 
stonework, all of which is built to last.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

New England ABC is a family owned and operated company founded by Moss eight years ago to provide superior workmanship and individualized service for customers’ asphalt and paving needs. Based in Lyman, it is a full-service paving and asphalt company that also specializes in hardscaping and concrete repair and is proficient in lawn installations and drainage.

“Quality is our top priority,” Moss said. “We don’t cut corners. We don’t skimp on materials, and we take pride in every job that we work on.”

Moss is on site for every project the company takes on and provides invaluable oversight so that each job is done right the first time.

Among the different projects that New England ABC Paving works on are driveways, parking lots, excavation, grading, lawn installation, and brick and stonework. The company is locally owned, fully insured, and emphasizes superb workmanship.

New England ABC Paving crews use quality asphalt and concrete materials and are experts in paver installation and repairs. Available in many different styles and built to last, driveways worked on by New England ABC Pavers for residential homes and commercial spaces can help enhance a property’s curb appeal.

“When your driveway shows its age, we will also perform careful repairs to extend its life and further your investment,” Moss said. “We’ll seal cracks, patch holes, re-sand pavers, and more.”

The experienced New England ABC crew can cleanly remove your existing driveway or paved area, or break fresh ground and prepare the area, removing concrete, pavers, and asphalt to preserve the area and minimize mess. Creating a solid base, the ground is then graded to ensure an even, smooth spread that will provide a long-term foundation for the asphalt, concrete, or paver install that will go on top. After grading, they will install drainage channels for water and can also prepare the area for grates and other structures to help speed up the installation process. 

“For lawns we provide various convenient services, from laying sod and reseeding to removing trees and stumps,” Moss said. “Our team will carefully and safely remove trees from your property and will dispose of all the debris, saving you time and frustration. If you have pesky stumps, we'll pull them out and grind them up.”

Masonry work performed by New England ABC Paving can also transform a property.

“We install paver pathways or patios and will also build rock walls, retaining walls, and fire pits of all kinds and styles for your home or business,” Moss said. “Count on us to deliver great-looking, long-lasting rock and retaining walls. Our experienced team will build custom brick or stonework for ledges, gardens, walkways, driveways, riprap stones, retaining walls and fire pits. There are many styles, materials, and functionalities we can provide with these creations. We can do everything from giving you a unique garden to helping you make a statement with your driveway.”

Reviews of work performed by the company are outstanding.

“Jason and his crew were amazing from start to finish. Professional, timely, clean and extremely detail oriented. They exceeded our expectations and got an entire driveway rebuild, landscaping, hard scape and tree removal done very quickly. Would recommend them to anyone.” John N.

“It’s rare these days to find a company that genuinely cares about its customers the way they do. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable, trustworthy, and skilled professionals. Definitely a 5-star service that I will use again in the future.” Olivia S.

“Jason and his team did an outstanding job removing and replacing a driveway that long needed replacement. Entire crew was very accommodating and professional. Highly recommend them.” Scott G.

According to Moss, pricing for projects offered by New England ABC Paving is competitive but the results always exceed expectations. “We go above and beyond and that’s truly the key to our success,” he said.

Call New England ABC Paving for a free estimate or consultation at 207-590-4100 or visit them online at newenglandabc.com/. Find them on Facebook under New England ABC. <

Business Spotlight: Jordan Bay Animal Hospital

The ownership has changed but the level of care, commitment, expertise and compassion found at Jordan Bay Animal Hospital in Raymond remains as reliable as ever.

Dr. Sarah Doucette now leads Jordan Bay Animal Hospital
in Raymond and succeeds retiring veterinarian 
Dr. Eric Riddell. Dr. Doucette says her emphasis is to
offer the best care possible personalized care and
and treatment for pets. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Dr. Sarah Doucette, DVM, now leads Jordan Bay Animal Hospital at 1242 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond, and her emphasis is to offer the best possible personalized care and treatment for pets.

Jordan Bay Animal Hospital provides comprehensive veterinary care focused on both prevention and treatment. Services available include routine wellness exams, preventive care, and surgical procedures, along with integrative therapies such as laser therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.

“We strive to support each patient’s overall health and well-being through a combination of traditional and alternative approaches,” Doucette said.

She says Jordan Bay Animal Hospital has long been known for its compassionate, personalized care and the strong relationships it has built for over two decades with their clients and their pets.

“We take great pride in providing high-quality, compassionate veterinary care with a strong focus on individualized attention,” Doucette said. “Our goal is always to offer thorough, thoughtful care while making clients feel informed and supported. Much of the feedback we receive reflects appreciation for our knowledgeable team, personalized approach, and the time we take with both pets and their owners.”

According to Doucette, the most important thing she wants the community to know is that the entire staff at Jordan Bay Animal Hospital genuinely cares.

“Every patient is treated like our own, and every client is treated like part of our family,” she said. “We’re committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care and supporting our clients every step of the way in their pet’s health journey.” 

Dr. Doucette assumed leadership of Jordan Bay Animal Hospital in January, succeeding Dr. Eric Riddell, who is retiring. 

“What sets our practice apart is our commitment to truly individualized care,” Doucette said. “We combine high-quality traditional veterinary medicine with integrative therapies such as cold laser therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care, allowing us to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. Just as important, we focus on building lasting relationships with our clients, taking the time to educate and support them so they feel confident in their pet’s care. Our pricing is competitive for the level of care and range of services we provide. We strive to offer fair, transparent pricing while maintaining high-quality veterinary care and incorporating both traditional and integrative treatment options.”

Doucette’s path into veterinary medicine began with a lifelong love of animals, especially horses, and a passion for helping them live healthy lives and foster the human-animal bond. That passion led her to pursue veterinary medicine, and to ultimately own a practice where she can provide compassionate, high-quality care for her patients. She said that her own dogs have since influenced the areas of interest in evaluating the canine athlete and improving performance in all canine events, using integrative medicine to further those goals.

Open communication regarding patient care and responding quickly to client concerns will be the standard at Jordan Bay Animal Hospital, Doucette says.

“We take great pride in providing high-quality, compassionate veterinary care with a personalized approach for every patient,” she said. “We focus on thorough medicine, client education, and offering both traditional and integrative treatment options to support each pet’s overall well-being. Feedback we consistently receive highlights our knowledgeable and caring team, the time we take with clients, and the trust people place in us to care for their pets like family.”

Online reviews are exceptional.

“True compassion in your animal’s care is not something you can pay for. True compassion is a rare thing nowadays. You can't pay for or demand it. You can hope for it, but often we are let down by the lack there of. At Jordan Bay, Dr. Sarah and Meghan are two of the staff members there, and if you're anything like us, you'll likely quickly see them as two angels or perhaps saints. They truly embody the word compassion and show that compassion in the care of your animal.” Don Gregor

“I am so impressed. This is by far the best vet experience I have ever had. The whole experience was top notch. Meg the Vet tech was so kind, amazing with my Frenchie, knowledgeable and quite honestly the best I have ever seen. Dr. Sarah was by far the best veterinarian I have ever used. She took time and worked through every issue he has been having. She cares and it shows. She also did acupuncture on him, and I can already see a positive improvement. I highly recommend!! 5 stars.” Kelly Pond

To learn more about Jordan Bay Animal Hospital or to request an appointment, visit jordanbayvet.com/ or call 207-655-3900. Find them on Facebook under Jordan Bay Animal Hospital. <