Business Spotlight: Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps

When power is needed during an emergency or if you’re looking to reduce your heating and cooling costs, Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps are standing by and ready to assist.

Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps has been in business
since 2018 and specializes in complete standby generator
systems and heat pumps providing everything from 
excavation, installation, service, repairs, fuel and
emergency response when needed.
COURTESY PHOTO    

In business since 2018 and offering a combined total of almost 40 years of generator and heat pump experience, the team at Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps believes that installing a standby generator or heat pump for your home or business is one of the smartest investments you can make. The company specializes in complete standby generator systems and heat pumps, providing everything from excavation, installation, service, fuel and emergency response when needed and it sells, services, and repairs standby generators and heat pump systems.

Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps Manager Jake Gardner says the company’s goal is to provide customers with the best service available anywhere and to offer peace of mind to customers when storms strike in Maine and utility costs climb.

“Our company is known for its exceptional aftercare experience,” Gardner said. “We are here for the life of the equipment, and we pride ourselves on not just installing and leaving. We want to make sure that people know they can count on us to come running if they ever need anything. As one of New England’s first Kohler “Titan of Service” recognized dealers, I am very proud of our service team and the level of care that our customers can expect. We hold ourselves to a very high standard of customer care.”

As one of the highest-ranked generator and heat pump dealers in the region, Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps is proud of the awards it has received from Kohler, Generac, and Mitsubishi manufacturers and its stellar rating as a Titanium Level Kohler® licensed and insured generator dealer.

“We are a company of our word and what we quote is what you can expect,” Gardner said. “Companies that attempt to change things after the project has begun and have a never-ending list of changes and add-ons is not how we do business. Anyone can install a system, but we will answer the call at all hours if something ever goes wrong.”

He said that Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps provides all Kohler® and Generac warranties and maintenance services.

“These are the industry’s best products for backup protection at your home or office,” Gardner said. “We are also proud to work with Efficiency Maine, offering discounts, rebates, loans, and other initiatives to promote high-efficiency equipment that helps Maine’s homes and businesses reduce their energy costs and lower their greenhouse gas emissions.”

Because a standby generator or heat pump system is a significant investment, Gardner says Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps does everything possible to keep costs below the local average.

“By employing all our own excavation, electrical, HVAC, and fuel technicians, it allows us to control as much of the projects as possible and not require us to use third-party vendors and keeps all of our costs controllable,” he said.

Reviews posted online for Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps are outstanding.

“Casco Bay Generators are terrific. We had a complex install – location, power source, large property with electric heat, many details to get right, and they did a terrific job. All their personnel from the estimator to the installer were competent, kind and intelligent people. I highly recommend them!” Liz C.

“The Casco Bay Generators team was on time, very professional, and knew their jobs. They did an excellent job installing the new standby generator and minimized the amount of drywall patch work that would be needed following the installation. They did a nice job of cleaning up after they completed the work as well. Thanks very much!” Tom L.

“We are pleased with our choice of a Kohler 14 kw home generator and greatly enjoyed working with Casco Bay Generators to get one installed at a right price. We found them to be extremely technically competent, and friendly and easy to work with - a combination that's hard to find. If you are thinking of buying a home generator, Casco Bay Generators should be your first call.” Steve H.

“Would recommend to anyone. We had a new motor pump and cleaned 4 units- tech did an awesome job giving us insights on how to make our LG systems more energy efficient, will call for annual cleanings, they did not install our unit, and it was hard to find someone to repair ours, but they had no problem working with us.” Linda G.

To schedule a free estimate with Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps, call 207-317-3683 or visit them online at cascobaygenerators.com. Find them on Facebook and Instagram under Casco Bay Generators and Heat Pumps. <

Business Spotlight: Goodhue Boat Company

This boating season is going to be an exciting one for Goodhue Boat Company. Goodhue acquired Panther Run Marina on Sebago Lake in Raymond, Maine in March of this year, while also working diligently on the recent launch of Lake Life Experience: A Goodhue Boat Company, which is the company’s new lifestyle brand that will focus on retail and lessons.

Panther Run Marina in Raymond is now part of the
Goodhue Boat Company. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Goodhue Boat Company is also gearing up for the launch of their brand-new Goodhue Boat Club at all five locations. With these expansions come added team members, coordination for these new projects, and most importantly: more experience opportunities for customers.

"The strength and growth of Goodhue Boat Company over the last five years really comes from three sources. We have the best team in the business that focuses on the customer and our core values. We have the best waterfront locations on beautiful lakes. And finally, we partner with only industry-leading manufacturers and vendors that share our interest in premium products and exceptional customer experiences.” said Cody Gray, Vice President of Operations. “These three ingredients have guided us to also look to the future of outdoor recreation and consider how people enjoy the water with their family and friends. The reality is that some of the traditional ways we access and use water don’t work for everyone. For example, some people want to see the water solo from a personal mobility perspective on an efoil. Some may be interested in renting a boat for a day or even just taking a guided tour of part of the lake. And for others, they want a more traditional boating experience without all the costs and work of boat ownership. Our new Boat Club might be a good fit for them. Ultimately our marina locations offer the products, services and access that allow us to truly experience the lake lifestyle.”

The new boat club Goodhue has built with Carefree Boat Club truly gives members the opportunity to enjoy the water without the cost of ownership.

With on-the-water training for all new members regardless of experience, the goal is to get people on the water with safety as a top priority. Members will have unlimited access to multiple boats at all Goodhue Boat Company locations, as well as reciprocity with over 100 other Carefree Boat Club locations across the globe. For more information about the boat club, visit www.goodhueboat.com/boatclub.

The acquisition of Panther Run Marina on Sebago Lake has been an exciting time for the company. The new location is managed by the great Captain Bob Adams. With a colorful background in the boating industry, his pledge is to deliver a premium customer experience to every client and customer.

Adams was previously a USCG Master Boat Captain with experience as a coastal cruise boat captain, resort marina manager, and as a leader with large outdoor retailers. You can find him enjoying the lifestyle one finds on the water fishing, scuba diving and boating. If you get the chance to visit Maine this summer, make sure to swing by and say hello to the Panther Run crew!

Peter Curless is the General Sales Manager at the new Panther Run location and wrote this on looking forward into the 2023 boating season: “When you think about Goodhue Boat Company at Panther Run a key phrase is commonly heard and emphasized within our team of professionals. That phrase and focus is delivering a life enhancing experience for our customers.

We want you to enjoy your journey with our team every step of the way. We can support you with our customer-first focus on Sales, F&I, Service, Parts, Pro-Shop, Rentals and Boat Club. Located in the heart of Sebago Lake allows us to partner with our community on a local level as well as supporting you at the state level as the only Cobalt Dealer in Maine. Stop by, say hello, and let us earn your business the right way.” <

Business Spotlight: Automill LLC

For Mark and Sarah Day, the owners of Automill in Windham, their business is the realization of a dream come true, and that’s evident in everything they do for their customers

Just six years ago, the couple were both working full-time jobs when the opportunity arose to launch Automill, a resale auto dealership also offering maintenance and parts. Located at 971 River Road in Windham, Automill has grown to become a preferred destination for high quality customer service, hard-to-find auto parts and exceptional vehicles and maintenance.

“Opening the business we tried to work our full-time jobs and get the business up and running but we were not meeting the needs of our customers. Then we finally decided that it was time to leave our full-time jobs and make the business our full-time jobs,” said Sarah. “We have five children so the first year was super tough and going into our second year we were thrown into Covid and had five children that had to be remote learners. But that didn’t stop us, we worked long hard hours to build our business to best meet the needs of our customers.”

Mark said the most significant aspect of the Automill business is Subarus.

“We specialize in Subarus, we know Subarus from front to back, not only for resale but parts and any maintenance,” he said. “We have about 300 Subaru parts vehicles, as well as tons of Subaru parts already removed and on the shelf. We also have tons of other vehicles for arts too.”

He said that Automill has customers from all of New England drive to Windham for specific parts for their vehicles, but the business also ships parts nationwide.

“We know Subarus very well so typically Subarus always have the same issues,” Mark said. Anyone that knows Subarus knows that a leaking head gasket is very common, So we get that out of the way by doing the head gaskets, timing belt and water pump and we still keep our prices at an affordable rate. We also offer financing, and everyone gets approved. We offer bad credit, no credit with easy terms and extended warranties.”

Sarah said Automill’s parts inventory is vast.

“We sell used auto parts from the smallest piece of plastic on the vehicle to major components, for example, engines of vehicles,” she said. “Back in the day it was very common for families and children to go to a junk yard and check out all the other vehicles while bonding with your family to pull your own parts. Yes, we offer pick and pull. Also ,we have multiple tools to look up parts so if we don’t have it, we can find it.”

Customers who purchase cars from Automill discover that the business performs any and all upcoming work or maintenance to Automill vehicles at a discounted rate. Oil changes for vehicles purchased through them are just $30.

“We try to maintain a high quality of services and keep our customers happy. We have had numerous families that purchase not one vehicle but multiple and we keep up with the maintenance,” Mark said. “Also because we have so many parts vehicles on hand if something breaks like a bumper or headlight, we almost can do an exact match up for parts right down to the color.”

Customer reviews have been outstanding.

“Very nice people to work with. They do what it takes to provide 100 percent customer satisfaction. We have gotten three vehicles through them and were very happy with all three.” Tammie Donner

“Great folks to buy a car from. Reasonably priced and reliable. Their knowledge of Subarus is extremely impressive. I am so glad I purchased my son’s first car from them. I feel safe sending my child out in a car they have run through because of their knowledge and trustworthiness. I highly recommend purchasing a car from them and I will continue bringing this car to them for regular maintenance and repairs.” Rebecca Poole

“Excellent. Great people to deal with. Honest and fair.” Chris Whitney

Both Mark and Sarah say what makes Automill stand out from the competition is that everyone is treated as a family member.

“We are a family run business so you can bring your children and pets, it does not matter and pull parts or find parts that are very inexpensive,” Mark said. “With prices on everything skyrocketing, we have managed to still keep our prices affordable and reasonable.”

To find out more about Automill, call them at 207-890-9270 or visit them at automillllc.com or on Facebook under Automill LLC. <

Business Spotlight: Eagle Auto Sales

The owner of Eagle Auto Sales, Chris McDonald, believes that customers care about the vehicles they
purchase, how and where they buy them and what happens after the sale. For the past eight years, McDonald has earned an outstanding reputation through his other business, Windham Powersports, developing great relationships with customers and standing behind the products he offers.

Located at 646 Roosevelt Trail Suite A in Windham, the goal of Eagle Auto Sales is to become a valued and trusted partner with the community for reliable used vehicles and service.

“I own Windham Powersports and have spent the last eight years building a reputation of quality customer service and affordability in our field and I plan to carry that over to our auto department as well,” McDonald said. “We do not believe in a band-aid fix to 'get you to buy’ we want to find the solution that will keep you and your family safe in your vehicles.”

As such, McDonald said that Eagle Auto Sales will offer affordable vehicles that will fit just about every need and budget out there, including options for some ‘Buy Here Pay Here Deals’ for those who may not qualify or be able to secure traditional methods of financing. 

“Our primary goal is to be one of Southern Maine's premier used car dealers,” McDonald said. “We are also a full-service garage and soon-to-be inspection station working with all brands of cars and any issues present. We employ some of the area’s top-notch mechanics and inspection technicians.”

According to McDonald, auto repair rates offered by Eagle Auto Sales are highly competitive and reasonable.

“Our garage charges $75 per hour which I believe in our market is very competitive,” he said. “We are open to working with anyone able to get to our garage in Windham.”

McDonald said that the launch of Eagle Auto Sales will add another option in the area for those looking for reliable transportation and an opportunity to purchase from someone local and knowledgeable in the business that they know and trust.  

“I want everyone to know we are here and available for their auto needs from buying their next car to servicing their current car,” he said. “I love our community and work very hard to be a part of it in every way possible and am excited to be able to offer another automotive option locally.”

Eagle Auto Sales is officially open in Windham
and is located next door to Windham Powersports
at 646 Roosevelt Trail Suite A in Windham. From
left are mechanics  Ryan Hamlin and Dan
Boissonneault and owner Chris McDonald.
PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

Employing a staff of eight between Eagle Auto Sales and Windham Powersports, McDonald said he is keenly aware that the community is looking for honesty, value, cost and dependability when searching for a new vehicle and he will strive to offer customers those benchmarks in a local setting.

“We are very new in the car game, but the reputation we have built working with small engines and ATVs in our sister shop, Windham Powersports, shows what we hope to happen and accomplish at Eagle Auto Sales,” he said. “Automobiles, Fair and Affordable and Customer Oriented. We look forward to working with all our new clients at the new shop. And keep an eye out for the Eagle Auto Sales name branded on the backs of our kids if these sports ever get restarted.”

Eagle Auto Sales currently holds dealership licensing for off-road and automotive sales and service.

“As well we hold inspection licensing for A, C and E stickers and are certified by the state for motorcycle stickers and soon-to-be auto stickers too,” McDonald said. “We research all the time and try to know and find out what people are looking for and what their needs are. Our objective is to meet those needs and offer great products. Keep an eye out for our stickers on the backs of cars and you should start seeing them soon. I have owned my first shop, Windham Powersports, for the last eight years locally and hope to add Eagle Auto Sales to that long standing record for the next eight-plus years to come.” 

For more information about Eagle Auto Sales, call 207-893-8601 or visit their website at www.eagleautosales.me or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Eagle-Auto-Sales <

Business Spotlight: Dave's World

Summer may not usually be associated with thinking about winter heating costs, but there’s never been a better time for home and business owners to consider investing in a highly efficient dual-purpose heating and cooling pump from the experts at Dave’s World with great rebate opportunities available.

With Maine locations in Windham, Scarborough, Dover-Foxcroft, and Ellsworth, Dave’s World is committed to providing only the finest high-quality products and legendary customer service after the sale. Offering more than 40 years of experience and knowledge of the products they sell and maintain, Dave’s World has become the largest residential heat pump installer in the United States and remains a trusted leader in the field of heating technology.

“We’ve been in business since the 80’s and have 60 employees and growing,” said Matt Scott, Dave’s World vice-president. “The best thing we offer is peace of mind. We’re really good at electronics and can fix any issue that arises with a heat pump. Our reach is tremendous and extends from Jackman to Calais to Ellsworth to Kittery and we have a dedicated sales team at each store that truly cares about customer service.”

Scott said that Dave’s World specializes in ductless heat pump systems that are energy and environmentally efficient and supply long range heating and cooling solutions tailored to fit customer needs. The company sells state-of-the-art hyper-pump brands such as Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Daikin, LG and Haier and their own brand, Osem.

According to Scott, a heat pump is an electrical device that extracts heat from one place and transfers it to another, similar to the technology used in refrigerators and air conditioners. The heat pump cycle is fully reversible and can used to warm homes in the winter and cool them in summer.

Heat pump systems deliver quiet and reliable comfort throughout the year at substantial savings over wood, pellet, oil, and propane systems. They are a smart, energy-efficient alternative that take the place of both furnace and air conditioning units and offer unbeatable efficiency and an environmentally friendly upgrade to traditional heating and cooling systems.

The process begins with a simple and convenient consultation in your home with a Dave’s World sales team member. A written estimate is developed on the spot based upon the size of structure to be heated and your desired budget. All heat pump systems come with a full 12-year warranty and a one-year workmanship guarantee and financing for systems is also available.

“We offer the total package and the best value in the business,” Scott said. “We use top-notch installers and stay up to date on cutting-edge technology to better serve our customers.”

He said during the installation process, Dave’s World handles all mechanical and electrical permits needed to add a heat pump, so all customers have to do is sit back and enjoy the savings they will experience.

“They are most gentle on the environment because they are electrical,” Scott said. “From no other heating source can you get above 100 percent efficiency, yet heat pumps offer 300 percent efficiency. Every single BTU is used.”

By regulating the climate inside homes and businesses, heat pumps also promote health and improved quality of life by eliminating buildups of condensation, mites, mildew, and airborne spores through the circulation of clean and dry air to breathe.     

Because the company has been in business for four decades, customers can rely on Dave’s World for practical and honest guidance about heating solutions or repair costs.

“Our customers are not guinea pigs,” Scott said. “We’re very seasoned and we know the best products to use with every structure. And one of the most important things we’ve found through the years we’ve been doing this is that service after the sale really matters.”

Costs to operate a properly sized heat pump are about one third of those of a conventional heating and cooling system and lead to huge savings for home and business owners in the long run, Scott said. 

Because Dave’s World is a family business, Scott said that each and every employee can relate to concerns and questions customers may have.

“We’re small town people and treat everyone like family,” he said. “We keep the same pricing no matter who you are and care about everyone we work with. We believe in sharing our expertise and industry knowledge with all of our customers to help them make informed decisions that meet their unique needs.”

In Windham, Dave’s World is at 359 Roosevelt Trail and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment only on Saturdays. 

For more information, call 207-523-9414 or visit davesworld.com.   <