PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – A new business on Industrial Street will soon be opening, offering ways for customers to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Owner Greg Cyr, of Portage, decided the time was right to go into business for himself when the owners of Williams Pool, of Houlton – John and Amanda Williams – decided it was time to retire after 31 years in business. Cyr, whose spent 25 years in the forest products industry, talked it over with his wife, Trish, and the couple decided to go into business for themselves.
“We took over Williams Pools recently and changed the name to Greg’s Home and Leisure Center,” said Cyr. “Our next step is to open a store on Industrial Street in Presque Isle within the next week or so.”
Cyr said opening a Presque Isle facility will better serve area customers’ needs.
“Many people were traveling from Caribou, Presque Isle and even Fort Kent to Houlton to buy pools and related accessories. This way, customers in the Presque Isle area won’t have to go so far to get what they need,” he said.
In addition to supplying the same merchandise and services the Houlton store carries – swimming pool services, spas, pool and spa chemicals – Cyr is adding a line of heating systems to the inventory for sale.
“We will be specializing in pellet stoves. We have parlor stoves, hot air furnaces and pellet boilers – a stove for every need, want and desire,” Cyr said.
“We’ll be expanding our product offerings in the near future,” he said.
Although this is Cyr’s first retail venture, he’s no stranger to the business world.
“I’ve been in the forest products industry for nearly three decades. While most of my experience has been in the logging or saw mill business, my background includes a number of business endeavors,” said Cyr.
And while this is his first retail venture, he’s no stranger to sales.
“I used to have Loon Country Spring Water. I’m looking to bring that back, with 5-gallon home and business deliveries,” Cyr said.
Cyr indicated his prior experience with water products will be an asset to the pool and spa business.
“I know a bit about water chemistry. That will be good for both businesses,” said Cyr.
Greg’s business hours will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Cyr said between the two facilities the company will employ a staff of 12.
For more information, call 532-7665.
