Business Spotlight: Play Warriors, Inc.

Coping with grief, stress, hospitalizations and serious illnesses can be overwhelming for adults but even more complex for children trying to cope with obstacles in life. Play Warriors, Inc. in Windham helps transform those experiences into supportive, calming and nurturing situations by providing age-appropriate preparation, therapeutic play interventions, and coping strategies with opportunities for self-expression and connection.

Located at 840 Roosevelt Trail, second floor in Windham, Play Warriors was launched in Bridgton in 2019 and relocated to Windham in July. Owned and operated by Kimberly Leighton, MS, CCLS, Play Warriors offers child life therapy, therapeutic play groups and outings, peer support groups, no-cost integrative therapies, legacy items, and monthly CPR/first aid classes.

Kimberly Leighton, left, owns and operates Play Warriors in
Windham, which helps children cope with grief, stress,
hospitalizations and serious illnesses by providing therapeutic
play interventions, coping strategies and many other services. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Child life specialists assess a child’s level of understanding and address any misconceptions, with regard to what they are going through or are about to experience. Leighton states that play is a non-threatening and universal language for children and serves as a tool for building and forging relationships with them, sharing information, and providing opportunities for learning. “When children can begin to understand what is happening to them, it’s less scary.” She works with kids as young as two and into their tween years.

Leighton says she may be the only child life specialist in private practice in Maine. “I opened this business to bring child life therapy to rural Maine to help at-risk families and educate the public about the role of child life in community settings. “I really want to expand child life services in Maine. This summer I had the privilege to supervise four college students from outside the state. In the coming years, I hope to help Maine college students find this rewarding career as I did at the University of Maine Farmington (UMF) 20 years ago.”

"I hold a master’s degree in child life therapy, and an undergraduate degree in early childhood education. Over the past 20 years, my professional journey has been dedicated to serving Maine families,” Leighton said. “I have gained diverse experience, including owning and operating two large childcare centers in Gorham and Portland, teaching pre-K through Grade 3, and working for non-profit organizations supporting vulnerable families. Five years ago, I ventured into private practice to support a determined mom help her daughter's home infusions. McKenzie Barker became the very first play warrior and is now the mascot for the company, appearing in ads and on t-shirts in her Play Warriors superhero costume and pink glasses. Kimberly worked with McKenzie to publish her very own book, “I Am a Pompe Warrior” about her life with Infantile Pompe Disease, soon to be available on Amazon.

Leighton said the best thing about her job are the families that she works with. “I’m passionate about what I do and believe in helping people and taking the time to listen. Watching them get back on their feet brings tremendous joy to my life as well.” Leighton said.

She said that her late husband, Dr. Peter Leighton, a local addiction medicine physician, encouraged her to open Play Warriors. “He was my biggest supporter. A year after opening the business and right at the onset of the Covid pandemic, his brain cancer returned and he passed away only one year later,” Leighton said. “During this time, our community supported our children in so many ways. It is my hope to give back to others what we have received.

Now, three years later, Kimberly is inspired to help widows with widow coaching, and she is a newly certified grief yoga teacher. When Kim isn’t at Play Warriors, she works part-time as a child life specialist at the MaineHealth Bleeding Disorders clinic and owns and operates a short-term rental company, Boho Ridge, Inc. “I like to stay busy. That is a coping skill that I’m working on!”

Pricing for Play Warriors is similar to that of counselors and other practitioners with a master’s degree. Some services are reimbursable for children in foster care placement, and free for children in treatment for cancer and their siblings with help from a partnering non-profit, Lucy’s Love Bus, Kimberly hopes to transition Play Warriors into a non-profit organization within the next few years. “I would love all of the services to be free for all families.” Play Warriors is hoping that as the word gets out about the new location, other practitioners and volunteers join them in providing more pediatric therapeutic services, integrative offerings, classes, workshops, meal trains and more.

Testimonials posted on the Play Warriors website are exceptional. For more details, call 207-387-7366 or visit www.playwarriorsinc.com. Find them on Facebook and Instagram. <

Business Spotlight: Cumberland Title Services, Inc.

The leading provider of title services throughout Maine is under new ownership and remains committed to developing strong and trustworthy relationships with everyone they serve while also continuing to be a great place to work for its employees. 

Ownership of the company recently transitioned from Matthew J. McDonald, Esq., to Thomas E. Schoening III, Esq., who brings a wealth of experience working for other title companies in Maine and the Portland-based Law firm of Drummond & Drummond, LLP. Former owner McDonald will continue to be involved with Cumberland Title, performing closings and continuing education classes for real estate professionals.

With six convenient locations in Maine, including its main office at 585 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, Cumberland Title acts as an intermediary between mortgage loan officers and real estate agents to do everything necessary to facilitate real estate closings.

Its customers rely on Cumberland Title to go above and beyond to make sure the actual parties buying and selling real estate enjoy a smooth closing process. The company also assists investors and private parties with cash closings and other commercial real estate transactions. 

 

Thomas E. Schoening III, Esq., is the new owner
of Cumberland Title Services.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

According to Schoening, modern residential real estate closings have over the years become a fairly complicated process. The stack of documents to be signed at the closing table just keeps getting bigger. It’s our job to make sure the all the documents and steps related to the transaction, including the purchase and sale agreements, title insurance, home insurance, and mortgage financing, come together in a seamless way.

“We help Mainers and people from all over the world realize their dream of owning property in Maine,” Schoening said. “We want people to know that this company has been around since 1986, and the ownership change signals growth and a renewed commitment to being the gold standard title company of Maine.”

Schoening said that there is no better feeling than doing a closing for first-time homebuyers and new families and helping them realize their dream of purchasing their first home.

“Homebuyers rely on their mortgage loan officers and real estate agent to help them with the most complicated, expensive and stressful financial transaction of their lives,” he said. “Mortgage loan officers and real estate agents in turn rely on Cumberland Title to make sure the closing process is completed accurately, smoothly and on time. We take this responsibility very seriously and have earned the trust of our customer relationships. The most valuable assets of Cumberland Title are the personal relationships between our employees and the mortgage loan officers and real estate agents that we serve.”

Because there is significant competition in the industry, the company’s commitment to customer relationships and providing the highest quality services is what sets Cumberland Title apart,” Schoening said. 

“We are also very proud to be 100 percent owned and operated by Mainers. We are a true Maine owned small business serving the entire state,” he said. “Working with Cumberland Title is just more personal than working with a large national title company.”

The greatest misconception people often have about our service relates to title insurance, Schoening said. “People think title insurance is really expensive and that they don’t really need it,” he said. “That’s not the case. Title Insurance truly protects a person’s title (ownership) in their home, often the greatest financial investment a person will make in their lifetime.”

Offering competitive fees and superior quality service to its customers, Cumberland Title Services strives to ensure a home buying process that is as worry free and smooth as possible.

“As a title company we have a front row seat to the real estate market. We’ve seen the housing market boom in the past few years, with historically low interest rates. We have enjoyed seeing the high number of young families and first-time home buyers establish roots in Windham, Raymond and the greater Lakes Region. With the influx of new families, we see the local area continuing to flourish as a vibrant community for families and businesses for many years to come,” Schoening said. There is still plenty of opportunity for homeowners in the Lakes Region to take advantage of this market. Summer 2022 is gearing up to be a very exciting, albeit competitive, season for people buying and selling homes.”

FMI about Cumberland Title, call 207-893-9000 or visit www.cumberlandtitle.com. Find them on Instagram at cumberlandtitle and on Facebook at facebook.com/Cumberland Title. <

Business Spotlight: Sebago Dock & Lift, Inc.

Living in the Sebago Lakes Region is a lifestyle second to none and for many that means boating and access to lake recreation is forefront to them. Fitting comfortably into that equation is Sebago Dock & Lift, Inc, a company with a sterling reputation for quality, craftsmanship, value, and customer service.

Headquartered at 96 Roosevelt Trail in Naples, Sebago Dock & Lift, Inc. has been a trusted partner of lake residents for years and offers expertise in the installation and management of docks and other waterfront requirements. 

“We’re a one-stop for all your waterfront needs,” said Sebago Dock & Lift owner and founder Jim Wynn.

As waterfront experts, Sebago Dock & Lift provides exceptional customer service along with the ability to resolve any dock issues that may arise.

“People may not realize that we are also the manufacturer for many of the products that we offer,” Wynn said. “We work year-round and when not out on the water in the winter, we’re manufacturing items and doing custom work.”

Wynn has been working in the dock service field since 1986 and founded Sebago Dock & Lift, Inc. in 1994.  

The company offers Alummikon dock systems, which are known for durability and versatility during even the harshest of Maine winter seasons. Their cedar, aluminum, and vinyl decking panels are removable and Wynn said the Alummikon design features corner pockets built into the frame, so that the dock’s leg pipe isn't held off to the side with external dock brackets. This allows for easy assembly, and the flexibility to reconfigure the dock as desired and to help make adjustments as needed.

Sebago Dock & Lift also features Alummilite products, a lightweight low-cost option for those living on small to mid-sized lakes and ponds which are a highly affordable addition to existing dock systems.

Wynn said that these dock sections are not only the most affordable in all of New England, but they are one of the lightest dock systems around.

“Their price, weight and simplicity make them a perfect alternative for the do-it-yourselfer with both the economy and functionality in mind,” he said. “The Alummilite Dock System dock was built to be not only tough, but to beat out our competition while maintaining the lowest price points on the market as well as making it one of the lightest docks on the market weighing in at only 65 pounds for the frame. They’re way easier than the heavy wooden docks we’re all used too.”

Wynn said Sebago Dock & Lift products can also be used for oceanfront gangways, stairs, ramps, and all types of decks and platforms. 

“We provide products for everyone from lakefront owners to land-locked customers as well as oceanfront property owners,” he said. “The ease of accessibility and durability help us to offer a great alternative to permanent wooden structures.”

Above all else, Wynn said Sebago Dock & Lift is known for its attention to detail and the outstanding way the company treats its customers.

“We strive to ensure our customers satisfaction is met every time. We’ve been working hard for over 20 years to have a well-rounded, hardworking, and dependable service team available to help you with all your waterfront needs,” Wynn said. “There is no other dock company fit to take care of your dock installation or removal needs like Sebago Dock & Lift. With our years of experience and expertise in taking care of our customers, Sebago Dock & Lift takes great pride in being the best that we can be.”

He said the company’s core philosophy is that it takes a strong team, a commitment to detail and a focus on customer service to run a successful dock sales and service business.

“We offer free consultations, free estimates and free dock designs,” Wynn said. “It’s never too late to start thinking about your dock configuration and asking yourself if you are happy with the current design and the company that installs and removes your docks.”

For more information about Sebago Dock & Lift, Inc. and products and services they offer, visit sebagodock.com or call 207-693-1307. < 

Business Spotlight: Chase Custom Homes and Finance, Inc.

Ask John Chase and he’ll tell you that the homes he works on are more than bricks and beams, they are a refuge for those who hope and dream for a better tomorrow.

Chase is the owner of Chase Custom Homes and Finance, Inc., a 35-year company that specializes in new home construction, creating new communities, renovations, additions and modular structures. He originally launched the business in 1986, when he was working as a police detective, and at first only worked four days on and four days off.

“We pride ourselves on the workmanship and commitment we provide our customers,” he said. “The sale does not end on move-in date, and we continue to work with clients for years to follow if they ever need us for anything.”

According to Chase, the company also offers services such as no construction loans needed, and they are able to purchase land for clients even if they choose not to live in one of their communities.

“In 35 years and counting, I've seen everything from basic homes to million-dollar custom homes. There's nothing that Chase can't do in the building industry, from commercial to residential, from building neighborhoods to building sheds,” he said. “One call does it all when you call Chase Custom Homes & Finance Inc. for any and all construction needs."

John Chase

He said that what distinguishes Chase Custom Homes and Finance, Inc. from other companies offering similar services comes down to quality and experience.

“We have been doing what we love, building homes, for the last 35 years. A marketing department was only implemented in the last few years. Before then all our business came in by word of mouth and referrals. We are successful because of the quality work we do for our customers, and we won’t stop until the job is done correctly.” 

Above all else, Chase said that he’s guided by the simple fact that Chase Custom Homes and Finance, Inc. is in the business of helping people.

“When we build a home, we are building it for a lifetime of memories. It needs to stand the test of time and retain its quality for years to come,” he said. “We build each house with the same attentiveness and care as we would building it for our own family. We have years and years of great feedback, and we even have some video testimonials on our website from previous clients.”

The best tip Chase said he can offer to prospective clients is to do extensive research on the company they plan to deal with.

“Especially in the modern age, you can find any information about a builder or general contractor at the tips of your fingers,” Chase said. “Check credit references, check with local code enforcement departments and ask for a list of references from the contractors. Be especially cognizant of how long a builder has been in business."

Chase said that at Chase Custom Homes & Finance Inc., the philosophy is that they don't just build your home but go above and beyond to exceed all expectations a client may have.

“We have a team of dedicated individuals that are here to answer any and all questions you might have. I am available at any time to discuss concerns or questions,” he said. “Building a home can be stressful, we want to do what we can to make the process as enjoyable as possible.

This includes warranties that extend long past move-in day, so that you can have peace of mind knowing that Chase Custom Homes & Finance Inc. is here if you ever need us."

The responsibility of creating a home for families that will last for generations is significant for Chase.

"It gives me great pleasure and gratitude helping new homeowners have their own little piece of this great country, and a home that will last them for many years to come proudly built by Chase Custom Homes & Finance,” he said. “It makes me especially happy to help young homeowners build their first home and guide them through the process as smoothly as we can."

For more information about Chase Custom Homes, call 207-892-2700, visit their website at https://cchfi.com/ or on Facebook at Chase Custom Homes and Finance.  <

Business spotlight All Seasons Power Equipment by Michelle Libby

All Seasons Power Equipment is gearing up for the spring season and rolling out the new equipment to help homeowners with projects and help professionals take their businesses to the next level. The company opened its doors at 633 Roosevelt Trail five years ago as an off shoot of Reid’s Service Center in Oxford, which opened in 1945. Andy Paine bought the company in the nineties.  
 

“We’re a local business. We do everything the big guys do and then some,” said store manager Joe Payton. 

All Seasons Power Equipment carries a full line of Husqvarna power tools and lawn mowers, the entire LS Tractor line, Grasshopper commercial line, DR bush hogs, Little Wonder leaf blowers and Generac power washers and portable generators.  People are encouraged to come in to try out the machines. 

“You get to try cars at the car dealership, why not here,” said Mike Harrington, who does service in the shop. 

From chainsaws with battery packs to zero turn lawnmowers, All Seasons has what Mainers need to keep lawns, gardens, hedges and more in line all seasons of the year. The Husqvarna 100 Series homeowner kit can provide a battery-operated trimmer with charger for $229.95. 

“We’re here for the basic homeowner who mows the lawn once a month to a professional that does it eight hours a day, seven days a week,” Payton said. “We have tractors that are full-sized up to 50 horsepower in stock.” 

The blue LS tractors take prime real estate in front of the store. The popular XJ Series has 1,300 pounds lifting capacity, which is the most for a 25-horsepower engine, Payton said. 

“Anything bought from us is put together, ready to go. We don’t like boxes,” he said. “You can go out and buy the most expensive equipment, but without service to go with it, it’s useless.” 

Every piece of equipment has a 40-point checklist. “We run it. When we hand it to you, you’ve seen it run and we can show you how it runs. Same with all of our tractors,” Payton said. On new equipment there is free delivery within a 50-mile radius. 

“Our motto is ‘save green, buy blue’,” Payton said. LS Tractors carry the same warranties and have the same lifting capacities for a lot less money than the other companies known for their tractors.

All Seasons carries parts for all of the lines they carry and special orders can be placed for items not in stock. They carry leaf blowers, push mowers and riding mowers, whatever a homeowner could need. 

All Seasons Power Equipment is also a “full-service shop, servicing all brands, not just the brands we sell,” said Payton. They also do warranty work on all the brands they sell, even if they weren’t purchased at their store. 

“All the work is done here,” said Payton. None of the equipment is sent to other shops. “The majority of parts can be here in two days, if I don’t have it,” Payton said. 

The service technicians hold certificates in all the major brands they work on.

All Seasons offers a fee-based pick up and delivery service. There’s no limit on distance. Call for prices, Payton suggested. 

The four employees work hard and are often “treated well with food.” The other two employees are Jeremy Perkins, sales and service, and Dave Beaupre, driver. “We all multi-task,” said Payton.

The company stands out because of its “personal service. We do everything in house,” Payton said. “I also get to play with large equipment and I really enjoy working with people.” 

All Seasons is open for sales and service Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items can be dropped off at any time. No appointments are needed. 

For more information, call 207-894-2298, email allseasonspe1@gmail.com or visit them online at www.allseasonspowerinc.com.

Business spotlight on Stryve, Inc. College Planning Services by Michelle Libby

Just knowing where to begin the college planning process can feel overwhelming or sometimes families begin and then realize that they have more questions than answers. Enlisting a College Planning Advisor can help families get answers to their questions and provide them with an objective 3rd party who can oversee and manage all aspects of the admissions process. 

Bill and Stephanie Whiting, College Planning Advisors and owners of Stryve, Inc. feel they offer a unique approach to college planning. “Through our own experiences we began to recognize a need that families had. It just made sense for us to combine our backgrounds, so that we could offer families support through every step of the college planning process,” said Stephanie Whiting.

Bill is a self employed CPA and Financial Planner. Working with hundreds of families over the last 20 years has given him a realistic perspective on the impact paying for college can have on a family. 

“Paying for a college education is a huge investment. There are many aspects to consider that have both short and long term implications,” Bill said.  He uses his expertise in the areas of tax and financial planning to assist families with developing a strategic plan to pay for college that won’t effect their long term financial goals. Bill also works with students to look at their projected total loan debt and helps them to consider how that will impact them once they graduate from college. 

Bill Whiting

Stephanie has her master’s degree in education and is a certified teacher. She has taught in a variety of educational settings for the past 15+ years. She is thrilled to be able to combine her background and skills to fulfill her passion for helping high school students discover who they are and determine what direction they want to take after they graduate. Stephanie believes that knowledge is power and begins the process with the “Getting to Know You” phase. Through one on one discussions, interest surveys and personality assessments, students begin to understand who they are and what’s important to them. Stephanie spends a lot of time helping her students interpret their results and shows them how using the information can help them make informed decisions about their future. 

“Given that we have gone through this process with two of our own children, we understand the stress that families undergo. One of the benefits of working with us is that we can take some of that stress out of the household,” said Stephanie.

In order to be sure that families are making an informed decision that they feel good about, Bill and Stephanie have developed a process that is called “Steps to realize your vision and excel” (Stryve). 

These 7 steps are:

• Getting to Know You

• Career Exploration

• Paying for College

• Best Fit College Selection

• College Admission Process

• Evaluation of Offers

• Transition Planning 

Stephanie Whiting

“Statistics show that it takes the average college student 5 1/2 years to graduate and that they  change their major 3 times. We are confident that we have developed a process that lends itself to thoughtful research and planning and by working with us, families save time and money. A lot of time is spent on making sure that the colleges that a student is considering are a good fit for them socially, academically, and financially,” states Bill Whiting. 

Stryve offers a 30 hour comprehensive package which includes all of the services above or a 10 hour package, so families can choose which services they would most benefit from. We can also customize our services to meet individual needs. We begin the process by meeting with families for a no cost consultation to listen to their concerns and questions. From there, we can recommend the services/package that we feel best meets their needs.

To learn more visit their website: www. stryvetoday.com or to set up a no cost consultation call (207)253-9261 or email Stephanie@stryvetoday.com. <

Business Spotlight: WildWood Properties, Inc. By Michelle Libby

With 22 years of experience, WildWood Properties offers a host of home services inside and outside to make life easier, protect property, and even provide a great getaway vacation in Maine. Rick Drapeau and his wife Anne have recently expanded WildWood Properties to include property management services as well as vacation rental management. 

“Property management was a natural progression,” said Rick. “Landscaping took us in so many directions. We were asked to do it, saw a need for it, so we did.”

WildWood Properties takes care of year round management for properties from camps and seasonals to associations and neighborhoods. They watch over the inside to make sure that there are no issues, like leaking water or a light left on. If there is an issue, they will fix it or call in someone within their network of subcontractors to fix a plumbing issue or an electrical issue. 

“We don’t pretend to know that stuff,” Rick said. 

On the outside of the property, WildWood maintains the lawn, shrubs, waters flowers, whatever might need to be done to keep the yard ready for the next impromptu or planned gathering. They go above and beyond with extra details to make sure your property stands out and is one that neighbors will envy.

New this year, WildWood is helping clients rent their properties and find renters to enjoy time in the Sebago Lake region. They handle all of the interviews, any issues that might pop up and clean the rental at the end of the week. 

“We do all the leg work and the property owner gets a statement,” said Rick.

Rick is also a licensed Realtor® and associate broker through Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, The Masiello Group; and he can help people buy and sell their dream homes, be it a primary residence or a condo on the lake, investment properties or a small camp. 

With a new logo, sign and an office just off Tandberg Trail behind Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, right near the corner of Route 302 and Route 115, WildWood Properties encourages potential and existing clients to visit them to see what WildWood Properties has to offer. 

They are still masters at landscaping and gardening. The company employs eight people including landscapers, arborists and horticulturalists for all the clients’ growing needs. They also provide hardscaping – creating masterpiece rock walls, fire pits, retaining walls, planter beds and pool patios. 

WildWood Properties is now scheduling for spring clean ups and is currently working around the snowbanks to do what can be done now. Rick predicts the snow will be gone in two weeks and he knows that his clients will want the job done the day the snow is gone. He will try to meet that expectation. When the snow lasts as long as it has this year, tasks like mulching, mowing and clean up all blur together for the team. “We have 45 days to do all of it,” Rick added. 

For the do-it-yourself, they will also deliver bulk materials such as mulch, compost, super soil and stone from their supply yard.

They concentrate their business in Windham, Raymond, Cumberland Foreside, Portland, Gorham, and Naples - up to the causeway and Frye Island. 

“We’re in the growth mode,” Rick said. “I don’t pump the brakes too often.” 

In addition to their expertise in hardscaping and landscaping,  their real estate expertise is great for sellers. There’s very little inventory, and properties go under contract days after being listed in many cases, Rick said. “It’s a fun time to be in this industry.” 

For more information on WildWood Properties, to schedule a spring clean-up or to rent a lakeside cabin for a week, call: 207-894-4254 or visit: www.WildWoodPropertiesInc.com, or email Rick@WildWood PropertiesInc.com. They are also on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.