Business Spotlight: Woodman Mansfield Company, PC

Making an informed decision when choosing a Medicare insurance plan can be difficult and perplexing process, but Woodman Mansfield Company stands ready to help bring clarity to a confusing subject and bring people to a point where they feel comfortable about their healthcare choices.

Hilary Mansfield, left, and her father, Robert
Woodman, are the team at Woodman Mansfield
Company and specialize in bringing clarity 
to the confusing subject of healthcare choices.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Robert Woodman and his daughter, Hilary Mansfield, make up Woodman Mansfield Company, and are independent insurance agents who specialize in Medicare plans. They educate people about how Medicare works and why it works as it does and guide them about the correct process for enrollment to prevent penalties or dissatisfaction with their chosen plan.

“We listen to their needs and goals and compare plans available in their county so that they can make an informed decision about which plan will work best for their needs,” Mansfield said.

From their office in the Old Richardson Place at 510 Main St., Suite 109, in Gorham, Woodman Mansfield Company offers complete Medicare solutions, and they are licensed to assist anyone whose primary residence is in the state of Maine. They typically focus on the southern Maine region, but if someone needs their assistance elsewhere, they are happy to travel further.

“Our business is unusual because we are a father and daughter team,” Woodman said. “We take our time with our clients. We like to get to know each potential client well, and we encourage people to make a decision only when they feel confident and ready. And we maintain relationships with our clients. If there is a problem, we are here to assist.”

The company is particularly proud to feature a team of highly qualified individuals who work with them to provide educational “Retirement Planning For All Ages” workshops. These cover topics relevant to anyone planning for retirement. They typically provide an overview of the Medicare insurance process, investment strategies for retirement planning, and estate planning topics, such as the best way to transfer property to relatives. Participants are encouraged to set up a free initial consultation with any of the presenters, and their Medicare insurance consultations are always at no cost.

There is no cost to attend the workshops, and no pressure; just good information and an opportunity to ask questions. The workshops are held in the conference room at the Old Richardson Place in Gorham, and the event list is readily available on the Woodman Mansfield website.

For those turning 65 or looking for answers to Medicare plan questions, Woodman Mansfield Company is a trusted resource and available without expense to clients.

“We try to have some fun. Medicare is confusing, and we are here to help,” Woodman said. “Our consultations are no-cost to our clients. We are paid by the carriers who represent the plans they choose. This is why we take the time to certify with as many different companies as possible; we want to ensure that we can find the best plan for each person.”

Mansfield said that in speaking with her clients, she’s found that the public’s perception is that everyone promoting Medicare plans on television or online are local and that most of the plans are similar, and that’s not the case.

“We understand that choosing the right plan is a very important decision, and we understand how confusing this process can be. There's a lot of misinformation out there,” she said. “I have a background in education, and my dad has been in the industry for many years. We both enjoy working in a profession that allows us to help people every day. There's no better feeling than knowing that the work you’re doing is making someone's life a little easier. It's great to know at the end of each day we've achieved that goal.”

Woodman said that because their company is small, it’s able to offer personalized service and individual attention to clients.

“We try to go the extra mile for people,” he said. “We do whatever we can to get people what they need based upon their individual circumstances, needs, and goals.”

According to Mansfield, their business has grown primarily through referrals.

“There is no better testimonial than a client who is satisfied with the experience they had with us; so much so that they want their friends and family to have the same experience,” she said. “My dad has been working in this business for many years. I'm grateful to be learning from him, and now that we have our own agency, we can take the time to advertise a little bit, such as in this great local publication.”

For more details about how the Woodman Mansfield Company can help you, visit https://www.woodmanmansfieldco.com/ or call Robert at 207-951-2485 or Hilary at 207-466-4929. Find them on Facebook at Woodman Mansfield Company. <

Business Spotlight: Astoirin/Pearls Within

If you're someone who enjoys unique shopping experiences and not having to travel far for a variety of things from clever cards and tasty toothpaste to hand-crafted jewelry and gifts, then you may want to visit a new shop in Raymond. 

A combination of two businesses, Astoirin owned by Betsy Kate Paradis, and Pearls Within owned by Wendy Martin, have opened at 1288 Roosevelt Trail Unit #4 in Raymond and offer something for just about everyone in search of the perfect gift.  

“We offer a unique shopping experience that blends artisan pearl jewelry with an eclectic mix of gifts, including organic skincare, clothing, stationery, and artwork,” Martin said. “We are happy to feature many products made in the United States and specifically Maine.”

Along with a selection of gifts to be cherished and treasured, the shop also is home to a variety of weekly clubs and Sunday classes open to all.

“Starting in February we will be hosting a crafting club and an entrepreneurs’ club offered at $5 per person,” Paradis said. “Sunday classes range from $35 to $50 and include things like needle-felting, skincare and beauty, self-care, and energy work. Pearls Within offers pearl oyster openings and custom jewelry, including designing just the right pieces for special occasions such as weddings. Wendy will be happy to book pearl parties where a host can invite friends to gather and experience the excitement of opening pearl oysters and setting the pearl into jewelry. Astoirin’s photography division includes custom stationery products that feature places and things of special interest to the client.”

Betsy Paradis of Astoirin and Wendy Martin of Pearls Within
invite you to their new shop in Raymond for unique products
and workshops. COURTESY PHOTO

Paradis said that the shop’s location on Route 302 in Raymond makes it a convenient location for people traveling through the Lake Region corridor and they are happy to ship orders anywhere in the continental United States.

“Our boutique carries products and gifts typically found in larger cities, like Portland and Boston, but in a more personable and relaxed atmosphere,” she said. “Many products, specifically skincare, cosmetics, and pearl oysters make us a little bit different from the other offerings in the community.”

Because of the wide variety of items they offer, customers will always find something to consider at Astoirin and Pearls Within whether they are looking for a gift for others or something special just for themselves.

Both Paradis and Martin say they enjoy their work and the interactions they have with customers makes this shop special.

“There’s a real connection here with people that you just can’t get shopping online,” Paradis said.

Martin said helping customers choose exactly the right gift is the best part of her work at Pearls Within.

“It’s gratifying to help somebody find a special gift for their loved ones,” she said. “We are proud of our personalized service and the level of connection we find with our customers.”   

Having only been open for a few weeks, Paradis said that response to their products and shop’s environment have been extremely favorable.

“Customers are surprised to see all the items artfully displayed in our cozy shop,” she said. “While our combined shop has only been open since the first of the year, Astoirin has been in business since 2019 and Pearls Within is well-known from fairs and local events since 2012.”

In Gaelic, Astoirin means “Little Treasures” and Paradis said she wants everyone to know that the shop has plenty of little gifts to please anyone for any occasion, and especially for Valentine’s Day.

With pricing on par with other independent shops in the Lakes Region, Paradis and Martin say they enjoy networking with local artisans and craftspeople and take pride in being an evolving boutique.

“New inventory continues to arrive, and our seasonal displays will feature Valentines, Easter, Bridal, and Christmas items as the time of year dictates, Paradis said. “Check in frequently to see what’s new. For the month of February, we have a special offer where purchases $50 and over, including gift certificates, come with a special gift, while supplies last.”

The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Visit Astoirin online at Astoirin.com and on Facebook at Astoirin,LLC.

Pearls Within can be found online at Pearlswithin.com and on Facebook at Pearls Within.

For more information, call 207-655-6154. <