Business Spotlight: O’Shea Builders LLC

The mission of O’Shea Builders remains as basic as it did when the company was founded 20 years ago and that is to foster lasting relationships with clients through transparency, quality craftsmanship, and community focused values.

O'Shea Builders is a residential remodeling-only company
that provides quality kitchen, bathroom and whole home
remodeling services. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Warren O’Shea created O’Shea Builders as a residential remodeling-only company, and it offers comprehensive design and whole-house remodeling. The company is known for personalized solutions, integrity, and consumer advocacy.

“Very few companies are remodeling only,” O’Shea said. “I come from the hospitality industry which is built upon customer service, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction. At one time, I was the youngest member of the New England Innkeepers Association. Our most-sought qualities are trust and communication. Almost all our vacation home remodels have owners who are out of state. Keeping them informed and engaged is of the utmost importance.”

With decades of experience in remodeling, O’Shea says the company’s expertise lies in transforming and revitalizing his clients’ living spaces efficiently and effectively, with a primary focus on providing quality kitchen, bathroom, and whole home renovations.

“Over the last 20 years we have developed not only procedures, but systems to ensure unparalleled customer service,” O’Shea said. “We are like a personal chef, and we don't offer a drive-up window service. We strive to make the client feel exclusive. We do not put signs in their yards, we have no truck lettering, and we don't post their project on social media without their expressed permission. I do not want the client to feel that we are using their project as a springboard for prospecting new projects in the neighborhood. Their project is their business, and their privacy is mine. When we perform as designed, the work inquiries will come organically. We have a pre-existing NDA within our company for all O’Shea Builders employees and have performed under NDA's as well.”

Without reservation, O’Shea credits his employees for the company’s longevity and business success.

“O’Shea Builders is nothing without them and they are our biggest fans,” he said. “If you have the good fortune to meet any one of them, they will tell you that they feel valued, supported, engaged, challenged and well-compensated. Our benefits package is as robust as a company four times as large. My goal is to have each and every one of them be so stable and confident in their position that they do not consider working anywhere else.”

The company has more 5-star reviews than any contractor in Maine and is the top-rated remodeling services provider in the state. O’Shea attributes this to an emphasis on not only pleasing customers but a sincere desire to seek more.

“Our goal is not merely just customer satisfaction but exceeding expectations,” O’Shea said. “The basis of the positive feedback we receive is flatly, customer service,” he said. “The individual parts of customer service are knowledge, transparency, flexibility, and communication.”

That focus has resulted in long-lasting relationships with clients who continue to praise O’Shea Builders on social media.

“Responded quickly to inquiries and changes made during process. His team completely renovated two rooms in an ancient house without a single level board in the place, and they did an outstanding job. They also built a great set of stairs leaving the building. Highly recommend Warren for whatever your needs.” Angeline M.

“O’Shea Builders were instrumental in helping us sell our house. On multiple occasions, they came in with very little notice and fixed various problems that came up when our house was on the market. Once under contract, we needed to replace a large section of the wood floors in our kitchen. For a very affordable price and without notice, they did a beautiful job on the repair which included matching new flooring to an old/worn wooden floor. We can’t wait to get started with them in our new house!” John W.

“Wish we could give Warren and O’Shea Builders 10 stars. They were very responsive and professional. They not only did the repairs in a timely fashion, but they also made great suggestions for future repairs.” Karen B.

Serving most of Southern Maine and the Coastal and Lakes Region, O’Shea Builders has earned a stellar reputation through the years for quality, exceptional craftsmanship, thinking differently and responsiveness but O’Shea says its underlying core value is simple.

“It’s about creating relationships with our clients and being intuitive to their needs,” O’Shea said. “We get to know them to help them find their dream.”

For more details about O’Shea Builders LLC, visit https://buildwithoshea.com/ Find them on Facebook under O'Shea Builders LLC. <

Business Spotlight: Tim Graham Modern Woodmen of America

As a Modern Woodmen representative, Tim Graham uses his extensive knowledge of financial products to help his members in Windham plan for a secure financial future.

Tim Graham of Modern Woodmen
of America can help Windham residents
plan for a secure financial future.
COURTESY PHOTO

Modern Woodmen is a fraternal benefit society that offers a unique blend of financial services, member benefits and community impact designed to improve quality of life for its members and the towns where they reside.

With an office conveniently located at 909 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, Tim Graham of Modern Woodmen of America helps individuals, families, and small businesses meet their financial needs with products such as Life, Long Term Care and Disability insurance and assists members to save through investments and fixed products.

“It’s rewarding to help people plan for their retirement and seeing it happen,” Graham said. “I personally work with members in multiple states as well as right here in Windham and surrounding areas.”

Modern Woodmen is a national company and was established back in 1883 and is turning 140 years old this year.

AM Best, an independent rating agency, has affirmed Modern Woodmen’s A (Excellent) financial strength rating, with a stable outlook. This is the third highest of 13 ratings, assigned to companies that have an excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations.

Graham said that Modern Woodmen of America is a Fraternal Financial Services Company and not-for-profit.

“As we grow, we are able to give back more and help individuals in need and other not-for-profits in our area,” he said. “We are wholistic in our approach to planning. “It means we take risk management seriously with insurances and investments through our Broker Dealer, MWA Financial Services.”

Pricing for Modern Woodmen of America insurance products, fixed interest rates and investments offered through MWA Financial Services is highly competitive, Graham said.

“We don’t put our members in products that are not in their best interest and that don’t meet their financial goals,” he said. “We have a very high retention rate of our products issued with our members. We care about our members and the communities in which we live.”

The Modern Woodmen philosophy is that life insurance is the foundation of planning and offers affordable options for member families including plans specifically designed for children and young adults, and permanent life insurance plans that provide permanent solutions for permanent needs without permanent premiums. Available options from Modern Woodmen of America include Whole Life, Universal Life and Term Life insurance plans.

Graham has been in business for 24 years and for the past 15 years with Modern Woodmen of America.

“We currently have about 20 representatives in the state of Maine, and I manage about 10 of those people,” he said. “Each representative must complete many tasks in order to do business in the state. The Life and Health License is first and then Securities License, which consists of multiple tests in order to be ready to do business.”

According to Graham, the reasons he’s been successful with Modern Woodmen of America in Windham through the years are basic.

“Honesty, integrity, and good morals,” he said. “We believe if you do good things, good things will come around. When it comes to financial planning, we can help you meet your current needs, achieve your future dreams and plan for all stages of life.”

Graham said it’s a daunting challenge to keep up with all the new regulations while staying current with clients and all services available for Modern Woodmen of America members, but it’s something that gives a competitive edge to Modern Woodmen of America.

“We try to stay up to date on current trends and products, however each person is different,” he said. “Some people want guarantees and others want to be in the market. We ask a lot of questions so that we can understand each individual’s situation. Guarantees are popular right now, but again, everybody is different.”

For more details about how Tim Graham of Modern Woodmen of America can help you plan for a comfortable retirement, visit https://reps.modernwoodmen.org/tgraham/ or call 207-892-0302. Find them on Facebook under Tim Graham Modern Woodmen of America. <

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.  <

Business Spotlight: Fabulous! Cleaning Services

When you get right down to it, the purpose of cleaning is not just to make a room spotless, but also to experience the happiness that comes from being in that environment. Fabulous! Cleaning Services knows how much that feeling means with every job they take on and delivers exceptional results that exceed expectations.

Based in Casco, Fabulous! Cleaning Services provides commercial, rental/Airbnb and residential cleaning for its customers and offers customizable services to best match the client’s needs.

“Our company works with local businesses and homeowners to provide customized solutions to their cleaning requirements, and it all starts with relationships,” said Melissa Teer, Fabulous! Cleaning Services owner. “We look forward to meeting with our clients in person, to walk through their properties, ask questions and provide consultation on how we can best meet their cleaning needs. The time we spend meeting one on one with our clients demonstrates we’re more than just a contractor, we’re a trusted partner.”

Teer said that two of their most popular services for rental clients are their Linen Service and Stock & Shop Service.

“Having our in-house Laundromat allows us to offer our rental and Airbnb clients fast and affordable turnover of their unit’s linens,” she said. “This is a huge convenience and cost savings for our clients. Additionally, our Stock & Shop service goes one step further and eliminates rental clients from having to keep their units stocked with basic goods. We provide everything from toilet paper, trash bags to dish soap.” 

According to Teer, the core of business for Fabulous! Cleaning Services lies in the Lakes Region, but their actual service area covers a lot of ground, extending from Augusta to Old Orchard Beach.

“We understand clients have a choice when it comes to hiring a cleaning contractor – and it’s about more than just professional cleaning. Trusting the individuals to deliver on their promises and having comfort with them in your home or business is critical,” Teer said. “We know it’s important for clients to know who we are, so our company is founded on the following core values: Passion, Integrity, Accountability and Responsibility.”

Fabulous! Cleaning Services defines those values as follows:

Passion – we are passionate about our work. Cleaning just isn’t our job; it’s our passion and exceeding expectations is our goal. We created this business not just to bust dirt but to create smiles.

Integrity – We understand our clients’ homes are their sanctuary. We treat our clients’ homes and businesses with dignity and respect. Our employees are professional, friendly, and of course we think they’re fabulous.

Accountability – Our business has high standards, but we know our clients’ standards are higher. We employ customized checklists for each client to ensure those standards are realized prior to leaving each appointment.

Responsibility – Cleaning is a tough business but that doesn’t mean it has to be hard on your health or the environment. We only use 100 percent safe and eco-friendly cleaning solutions for our residential clients.

The company offers highly competitive rates and regularly canvasses their competition to ensure their pricing remains between 5 to 10 percent below competitors.

Family owned and operated and fully insured, Fabulous! Cleaning Services uses state-of-the-art technology and best practices to deliver on their promises and never loses sight that business done the “old fashioned way” of being genuine, honest, and reliable are the keys to success.

“We believe our clients are the best voice to speak about our services. Almost every day, we receive a note, a text or a voicemail thanking us for making their space feel Fabulous! Just this weekend we received a thank you note from a client who was in town for the week,” Teer said. “We had cleaned her property prior to her arrival, and she was thrilled to arrive to a sparkling home. We dedicate an enormous amount of time to the detail work of a clean home. We thoroughly wash down appliances and give them a full-face lift, often making them look brand new. Although most clients immediately notice the shiny countertops, polished sinks and faucets, it’s the work we do in nooks and crannies and hard to reach areas that sets us apart. We ensure the whole home receives the same attention as the kitchens and bathrooms.”

For more information about Fabulous Cleaning Services, visit them online at www.fabulouscleaningme.com, find them on Facebook @FabulousCleaningMe or call them at 207-240-7451. <

Business Spotlight: Chase-In-T's Septic Service

To John Chase, the owner of Chase-In-T’s Septic Service, the keys to operating a successful business are integrity, dependability, and expertise, and he believes that his company offers those essential factors every time they assist a customer in resolving a septic problem.

Based in Westbrook, Chase-In-T’s offers residential and commercial septic pumping, cleaning and emergency services to customers in Windham, Raymond, Westbrook, Gorham, Cumberland, Buxton, Freeport, North Yarmouth, Sebago, Standish, Casco, Gray, and Scarborough.

Chase said Chase-In-T’s is a small and affordable company with the resources of a much larger one.

“It gives me great gratitude to be a person who can help people when they need it the most,” he said. “If you come to me and you need help and a septic system pumped, it’s an emergency and we can respond quickly.

Chase-In-T’s is a division of Chase Custom Homes and Finance, Inc. which has been in business for 35 years, and offers highly competitive pricing for septic services below the market rate while giving substantial discounts to returning clients and first-time customers alike.

“We're honest and moral, once you call on Chase-In-Ts, the job will be done right the first time,” Chase said. “Being a new company, our emergency service calls have been overwhelming, but we have been able to keep up with the demand. We have a Five-Star rating on Google and always do what is right by the customer.”

 The Chase-In-T's company has been in business for a year and employs a staff of four highly proficient and highly responsive workers who specialize in outstanding customer service and strive to save their customers money. Chase-In-T’s uses state-of-the-art camera technology to determine the best course of action to take to resolve a septic problem. 

“Whenever we see a septic issue or a system blockage, we’re able to use a high-tech camera for an exact diagnosis underground,” Chase said. “That can save a client a lot of money. With the technology we have at Chase-In-T’s we’re able to assess if a new system is needed and so far, we’ve only found one that needed replacing. That helps save our customers valuable money.”

He said that the company stands out from the competition because not every septic company offers camera inspection services.

“Inspecting your tank can be used for both preventative maintenance, which can save you money in the end, as well as for emergency situations,” Chase said.

No job is too large or too small for Chase-In-T’s as they also have a 3,000-gallon truck for pumping waste and a 5,000-gallon truck too. They offer year-round services and work closely with area realtors for septic inspections and other septic-related issues. 

“We must follow all state and local guidelines for the discharge of the septic waste to approved state of Maine disposal sites,” Chase said.

According to Chase, how often a septic system needs to be pumped depends upon the type of septic tank and the size of the tank itself.

“Experts typically recommend servicing your septic tank every three to five years, however this can vary for each individual case,” he said. “I’ve spent my life helping and protecting people and honesty is huge to me. I stress for all of our workers to be honest and if they make a mistake to own the mistake and rectify it. We look for a good solid day’s work for a fair and reasonable price.”

He said he takes great pride in Chase-In-T’s’ ability to provide courteous and rapid customer service to those in need of help with a septic problem and to interact with all of their customers with integrity and reliability.

“We’re here to help in any way we can,” Chase said. Our top priority is assisting customers and responding quickly.”

Chase-In-T’s is located at 290 Bridgton Road in Westbrook. To schedule service, call 207-835-7750 or visit them online at www.chaseints.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chaseints. <