I’m impressed with three Houlton businesses where young men are taking the helm of either their own new business or a successful one being passed down by their parents. After decades of blood, sweat and tears developing their businesses, they, then, were challenged with how to incorporate those skills into their children, and probably the hardest one of all, having enough trust to let go. Eek!
It required these young men having the ability to listen, learn and apply the skills that were passed down to them and integrate their own business acumen. That’s a lot for anyone, let alone someone who has yet to celebrate his 30th birthday.
It’s not often you witness the one in charge, performing manual labor. Egomaniac managers would dictate that you pay others to do the work, and if someone can’t show up for work, it doesn’t get done in a proficient time and manner, (we’ve all been on the receiving end of that business decision).
“Smart business sense,” is when there is an unmet need, you fill it, even if it means you do it yourself. Recently, I saw Josh McLaughlin of J. McLaughlin Construction Co., running a hand pushed compactor. I did a double take on that one.
Zack Chase, vice president of Buildings Etc., when necessary, will leave his office, operate heavy duty equipment and do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Jon Harbison, of Harbison Plumbing and Heating, personally responded to my Saturday, 6:30 a.m. SOS furnace emergency. Seriously? What business owner/manager shows up on a Saturday morning and does the actual maintenance and repairs himself?
On top of all of this, these guys are cordial, great communicators, somewhat funny (some things can’t be taught, lol), and professional. I’m also rather partial to their pickup trucks; one jacked up one in particular (it makes me happy just to see it), great advertising scheme.
You can project the sustainability of their businesses by the implementation of their business model. They understand the operation side of a business, the necessary skill set of their workers and they aren’t so filled with themselves that manual labor is below them.
They do us proud, Houlton.
When we identify goodness, we ought to be slathering it on like its Houlton Farm’s Dairy butter on some of Sadie’s hot homemade rolls. Ha! Take that! Two more great businesses.
Thank you guys for such an excellent demonstration of business ethics. Best of luck to all of you. May your practices create an abundance of wealth for you and all who help you succeed.
Rosa McNally
Houlton
