Business Spotlight: Allagash Waste Services

Through ingenuity, attention to detail, and exceptional customer care, Allagash Waste Services is rapidly becoming a leader in offering sustainable waste solutions for businesses, institutions and communities across Southern Maine.

Alec, Andrew and Dan Emerson of Allagash Waste Services.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Located at 7 Heathwood Drive in Windham, Allagash Waste Services is owned by Dan Emerson, a third-generation waste industry professional who’s been serving the industry in various leadership roles throughout New England for the past 30 years. Allagash provides and services dumpsters that range from 2 to 30 yards for small and large businesses, institutions, municipalities transfer stations and many more for trash, cardboard, single stream recycling, construction and demolition, remodels, roofing, municipal transfer stations, and cleanouts.

“Allagash Waste Services is a Maine brand, a Maine company focused on providing a level of service in the industry that exceeds our customers’ expectations as well as maintaining our commitment to the Maine people by preserving Maine’s environment, communities and economy,” Emerson said. “Our expectation of service starts when the customer calls our office or meets any of our staff for the first time to the service we provide and pride ourselves on. When they call, they get someone who cares and is prepared to help them from the start without waiting or getting an automated system or remaining on hold. Our goal is to make sure everyone has an awesome experience when working with Allagash and we leave them with a lasting positive impression.”

Emerson says that Allagash is a Maine company operated by a Maine family with deep roots in Southern Maine, and Windham specifically. As a small company, it’s able to manage costs effectively and offer outstanding care and value to customers.

“We care about Maine and want to preserve its environment, communities, and its economy by supporting businesses in Maine,” he said. “Our team works diligently to ensure a safe, clean, and healthy work environment and employ innovative technology to maintain our ability to offer state-of-the art waste and recycling services. Allagash will also be entering the Municipal Curbside space as well in the coming years giving municipalities a choice vs only having one bidder.”

According to Emerson, Allagash is very competitive in the marketplace.

“Something we don’t do that many other competitors do is charge fees,” he said. “We believe in full transparency at Allagash and therefore don’t charge additional fees on top of your base rate. Our prices have our costs included.”

Launched on June 3, Allagash Waste Services has seven employees currently. Dan is joined by his sons Alec and Andrew Emerson, Andrew’s girlfriend Leah Girouard, Dan’s cousin Rusty Poland, a friend of the family, Kim Burnham, and Joe Richard. Combined, they have more than 60 years of waste industry experience.

The company is built on the fundamentals and foundation of Dan’s experience and the desire to build a company that serves our local communities while caring about building a better Maine and economy. Dan’s family has been in the waste industry since the mid-1950’s. George and Pat Emerson founded George Emerson & Sons in Windham, Maine and were joined by their sons, George Emerson Jr., Dan’s late father, and Vern Emerson. In the 1980s, the company was branded as Enviropac and continued the legacy of providing the highest level of service excellence, quality and safety. In 1996, George Emerson & Sons was sold, and Dan continued in the waste industry in various leadership roles including his last role as Regional Vice President of Operations before starting Allagash Waste Services.

Online customer reviews are spectacular.

“Five-Star rating. I needed a dumpster right away for a home demolition project and he delivered it on a Sunday! Also, it looks like a brand-new dumpster not the old rusty ones that you see. If you need a dumpster, give Allagash a call.”

“Switching to Allagash Waste Services has been one of the best decisions we've made! They truly stand out as the best in the industry, not just for their exceptional service but for their genuine care for their clients. Allagash Waste Services meets every need with the attention to detail you'd expect from a small business while achieving big things. Their team is incredibly friendly, always ready to help, and their services are not only top-notch but also more affordable than other providers.”

"If you're considering switching your dumpster and roll off services, I highly encourage you to make the change to Allagash Waste. Experience the difference of working with a local business that puts customers first. Their commitment to excellence and personalized service makes them a standout choice. Support local, save money, and enjoy unparalleled service with Allagash Waste Services!”

For more details about Allagash Waster Services, call 207-892-4036, visit their website at www.allagashwaste.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram under Allagash Waste Services. <

Business Spotlight: Sebago Signworks

With more than two decades of experience and expertise second to none, Sebago Signworks is now in Windham and stands ready to assist everyone with products that stand out from the competition.

Located at 91 Tandberg Trail in Windham near the Route 302/State Road 115 intersection, Sebago Signworks is owned by The Fahie Family, including Devin, Renee and three kids, Meghan, Zachary and Jax Fahie, and has been serving customers in the Greater Portland area, while recently expanding into Windham to better serve the Lakes Region.

Sebago Signworks is owned by The Fahie Family, including
Devin, Renee and their three kids, Meghan, Zachary and 
Jax Fahie. Also shown is foreign exchange student Peter.

Sebago Signworks offers high quality, versatile, professional graphics and signage for customers and small businesses and contractors to meet their sign and vehicle advertising needs and large corporations with their fleet branding requirements. Services include custom signs; custom vehicle advertising; nationwide branding of fleet vehicles; business signage and graphics; specialty signage, banners, and promotional displays; trade show displays; interior signage; yard signs and flags; storefront signs; and other unique advertising applications.

“We design brand packages for small businesses like ours,” Fahie said. “We help business owners from 1 to 1,000 employees give themselves a competitive edge by having a brand that stands out from the competition. Design, then lettering and then signage and more. We are also one of the few shops that carve and sandblast signs that are often hand painted.”

Fahie says that what distinguishes Sebago Signworks from similar businesses is its family-oriented approach to customer service and plenty of expertise developed over the years.

“Many smaller shops like us haven't been around as long. We're 25 years in, with the same ownership,” Fahie said. “We have at this point systems in place that help our business, therefore helping our customers. Like anyone, we’ve had to learn and made mistakes along the way. After 25 years, we still do, but we have learned a lot and we really have an exceptional understanding of what small businesses like us need to move forward in a competitive environment.”

Fahie said Sebago Signworks’ pricing reflects the quality and value for products that its customers receive.

“Everything we do is custom, and the value is what you get,” he said. “The more you put in, the more you get out. We don't strive to be competitive against our competition in dollars as much as we do in having a long-term relationship with our customers. And if we do as we have, our services are benefitting them, and we both are prosperous.”

Sebago Signworks first started in Raymond 25 years ago, moved to Limington to a larger facility, and has now grown to include eight employees. Fahie said he’s happy to be back near Sebago Lake once more with the expansion into Windham.

The business strives to stay up to date with current trends in the industry, Fahie said.

“Vehicle graphics have been huge in the last decade, it's a low investment with a big return if designed properly,” Fahie said. “Another unique trend we have been seeing is people are getting tired of a ‘sticker sign,’ a flat sign with a big sticker on it. Our higher end carved and dimensional signs in the last five years have made a big comeback and after 20 years of vinyl, people are wanting a much more presentable look for their business/brand than that.”

According to Fahie, Sebago Signworks is a small business just like many others in the area.

“We are family owned by the same family for 25 years,” he said. “Many shops may have been around for 10, 20, 25 and 30 years but that experience has not carried over, just the name. We still have many of our original customers from 25 years ago.”

Reviews for Sebago Signworks are outstanding.

“This team has helped PG Electric break ground. Nothing beats working with people that are highly invested in what they do. They were there a year ago to create the logo, now they are helping advertise it.” PG Electric

“Absolutely amazing service! Super Quality and their pricing is great. We will be using them from now on for all our sign and graphic needs. We were in a pinch and needed signs in a hurry and they happily accommodated our needs. A+++” Mark Call

"Very professional looking signs come from them. Looking to make the next step for your company a great one? Have Sebago Signworks lead you in the right direction!!” Dane Giallongo

For more information about Sebago Signworks, call 207-793-4440, or visit www.SebagoSignworks.com. They are also on Facebook and Instagram. <

Business Spotlight: Harry’s Heat Pumps

Warmer weather isn’t typically the time when you weigh the costs associated with winter heating costs, but savvy homeowners and businesses in the Lakes Region of Maine should know that summer is the perfect time to install a highly efficient heating and cooling pump from Harry’s Heat Pumps in Windham. 

Harry’s Heat Pumps is owned and operated by Harry Wood, who has lived in Windham his entire life and understands the importance of saving money during the cold winter months for area families.

“I have been in business for just over two years but have been working on heat pumps just shy of a decade,” Wood said. “We offer a year-round product and providing exceptional customer service because we live locally and are aware how costly it is to heat and cool a home.”

He sells heat and cooling pumps, installs them, performs service repairs, cleanings and preventative maintenance.

“We specialize in keeping you and your family comfortable year around whether it’s in one room or the whole house,” Wood said.

Because Harry’s Heat Pumps is based in Windham, his response time is faster than the larger companies and is an affordable option to help the community save money.       

“I’m the local guy you can call who will provide exceptional customer service and get it done right the first time,” Wood said. “We’re a family- oriented company.” 

Wood said that a heat pump uses electricity to pull heat out of the air. In the winter, it pulls warm air inside to heat your home while in the summer, it acts like an air conditioner, moving warm air out while circulating cool air inside. 

Harry's Heat Pumps is a locally
owned and operated company by
Windham native Harry Wood, shown
here with his son, Liam.
COURTESY PHOTO

According to Wood, heat pumps are quiet and help to improve air quality by filtering the air and dehumidifying the home. Air quality can be a key component for optimum health and prevention of illness.

Because a heating and cooling pump uses no fossil fuels, it is eco-friendly by reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere while saving a bundle on heating and cooling costs.

Heating and cooling pumps require little maintenance and that can add up to substantial savings which can be used for other projects by homeowners.

Wood said that the primary advantage of installing a heat pump is that it’s one of the lowest cost sources of heat and that when installed with multiple indoor units, heat pumps allow for room-by-room temperature control.

They are safe because heat pumps are electrically powered and there is no risk of combustion gas leaks, he said.

“Many people have the misconception that the electricity consumption cost with a heat pump is higher, but in reality, they’re very efficient and also help dehumidify and cool homes in the summer,” Wood said.

And compared to larger companies, Harry’s Heat Pumps is highly competitive when it comes to pricing.

“We have much lower overhead allowing us to offer significant savings,” he said. “And heat pumps also typically provide 250 to 300 percent efficiency when compared to oil prices.”

Wood’s business is growing as oil prices continue to skyrocket.

“Many families are just not able to afford to fill their tanks anymore,” he said. “We have the expertise, experience, availability, live locally and focus on personalized customer service. We do what we say we’re going to do from the start of a job to the finish and do it with integrity.”     

Harry’s Heat Pumps is insured, licensed, fully certified to work on heating and cooling pump systems and is a registered vendor with efficiency Maine.     

Outstanding social media reviews for Harry’s Heat Pumps are a testament to Wood’s integrity, resourcefulness and his ability to relate to his customers.

“I’m looking to plant the seed so when they think heat pumps, Harry’s pops into their minds - not just the big companies,” Harry said. “We provide exceptional service and work hard every day to earn your trust and business.”

Find Harry’s Heat Pumps on Facebook, Instagram and Google or call 207-310-3473 for Harry’s Heat Pumps.  <