🔒From ‘warm buns’ to salty business: Notable quotables from 2022 ‘On the Record’ interviews

Every two weeks, Mainebiz publishes an interview with a business newsmaker in the question-and-answer format we call “On the Record.” Below are some highlights from 2022 interviews.

Leslie Hyman, co-founder and CEO of rent-payment provider, Circa, on relocating her fintech startup to Maine:

“We feel welcomed and at home.” (Jan. 10)

Fitness entrepreneur Anthony Oglesby of All Out Fitness in Augusta, on the city’s appeal:

“Augusta is extremely underserved, and people don’t look at it like Portland. The first time I visited downtown Augusta and started walking around, I thought, ‘This is beautiful, and this is going to be next Portsmouth [N.H.].’ It’s a city that’s trending upwards with a lot of culture and it’s a great fit for All Out Fitness. With Portland, everybody goes there but nobody lives there because it’s too expensive. I’m originally from New York, so I know all about that.” (March 7)

Mark Ferguson, president and co-founder of Brant & Cochran LLC, on what’s next for the South Portland-based axe maker:

“We are at the ‘go big or go home’ point with our business.” (April 4)

Hüga Heat’s Jocelyn Olsen, on what niche the heated-seat cushion business she founded with husband Colin Greig aims to fill:

“With warm buns, it’s a lot more pleasant to sit outside and enjoy the late sunsets.” (April 18)

Cyndi Prince, the Camden-based entrepreneur behind LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls, on what prompted her path from science and photography to entrepreneurship:

“I really wanted to create something of my own, be my own boss and have freedom in my schedule. I think being an entrepreneur requires a combination of a science mind and a creative mind and is the ideal challenge that I need from work.” (May 16)

Susan Faunce, Maine Trial Lawyers Association president and partner at Lewiston-based law firm Berman & Simmons, on what sparked her interest in law:

“My parents divorced when I was seven years old. At the time, my mom barely spoke English and had to navigate a foreign legal system. She was represented by a female attorney, Fredda Wolf. Watching Fredda advocate for my mom made me realize that lawyers could provide a voice to people who felt lost, unheard or overwhelmed in a complicated legal system. I am truly honored to be able to help people at some of the most difficult times of their lives.” (June 13)

Chris Cary, a partner in Maine Salt Farm, on shaking up an old industry:

“Salt has been highly valued in every major civilization throughout the history of humankind — the word salary, in fact, originated because people were paid in salt — but today it has been overly commoditized and lost its magnificent story. Much of the salt eaten presently yields a huge carbon footprint, is thrown into plastic packaging, and no one seems to care. This needs to change, and we think making the story of salt exciting again is a step in the right direction.” (June 27)

Lindsay Kamon, owner of the Local Bottega in Kennebunk, on the inspiration for starting the store, which features handcrafted goods made by local artisans and hosts craft workshops:

“I love supporting local crafters and makers, my local community and caring for the environment.” (Sept. 5)

Angelynne Amores, Lewiston’s first-ever director of marketing and communications, on her main goal for 2023:

“My top priority is translating Lewiston’s values, assets and vibe into a narrative that resonates with residents, businesses, investors, innovators and visitors.” (Nov. 8)

Lars Perkins, managing director of the Roux Techstars Accelerator in Portland, on Maine’s startup ecosystem:

“It’s more robust than I realized. I think the Roux is a big part of that, and I hope Techstars is a big part of that as well. A lot of our companies also say they cannot believe how supportive everyone is — just the friendliness and support from the local community. I think that’s a hallmark of Maine’s culture.” (Nov. 28)