40 Under 40: Clay Maker is a contractor with an entrepreneur's mindset
PHOTO / TIM GREENWAY
Clay Maker became co-owner of Penobscot General Contractors in 2021.
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Significant professional accomplishment: Taking the risk with my business partner to purchase a company in a highly competitive market space. The company’s success today is a culmination of a solid foundation we received when we purchased the company and a lot of teamwork, collaboration, hard work, and determination by many people.
Reflecting on the company’s journey over the last four years, and all that we have achieved and overcome, is an awesome thought. My most significant accomplishment is watching our team grow both individually and collectively on a day-to-day basis, which ultimately leads to the continued success for the company. Being a part of this process has been tremendously enjoyable and satisfying.
Current state of mind: Optimistic about the future
Passion project: My new passion project is becoming the best father I can be as my wife and I are expecting a baby girl this fall.
‘Lightbulb’ moment: When I was 15, I started a driveway sealing company called Sealed With a Kiss with a couple of my buddies. It ended up growing into a sizable operation for a high school business with wholesale product deals and a large book of business.
It was during this process that I learned to love the entrepreneurship lifestyle and the risk and reward and creative problem solving that comes along with it. I came out of this experience knowing that I wanted to own a business someday.
A few years ago, I found an index card with some notes on it from my college orientation. The prompt was, “What are you career goals?” I had written down, “Owning my own construction business by the time I am 30.” My partner and I closed on the purchase of our business 12 days after my 30th birthday.
Audacious goal: Elected public service in some form.
Favorite quote: “Never give in. Never, never, never, never — in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy” — Winston Churchill
Influential book: “Grant,” by Ron Chernow. A great biography of a man who started from nothing and ended up being one of the most influential people in U.S. history, who is now mostly forgotten.
What is a favorite movie, podcast or TV show: Movie: “The Departed.” Show: “The Office.” Podcast: “History That Doesn’t Suck”
Best way to recharge: Being social and playing golf
At age 60: Spending as much time with family and friends as possible and serving the community.
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