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April 1, 2025

Maine Crisp founder resigns to explore new ventures

Karen and Steve Getz of Maine Crisp File PHOTO / Tim Greenway Maine Crisp owners and founders Karen and Steve Getz
By Alexis Wells

Karen Getz, the founder of Maine Crisp Co., has resigned from her position to pursue new personal and professional ventures.

Maine Crisp was founded in 2014 by Getz, who launched the business in the basement of her home in Waterville. 

"It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to build Maine Crisp/Buckwheat and to share my passion for buckwheat with the world," said Getz. "I am immensely proud of the company's achievements and the team's dedication. I am eager to embark on a new chapter and explore exciting opportunities."

Getz will retain an equity stake in the business, the company said. 

About the company

The company started small, selling at farmers' markets and food co-ops, with the Belfast Food Co-op being an early and loyal supporter. In 2017, the operations were moved to a 2,500-square-foot leased space at 10 Railroad Square in Waterville.

In 2018, Michael Ross, a former business partner of Getz's husband Steve Getz, invested $500,000 and came on as CEO. The couple and Ross worked to raise capital for the company, allowed Maine Crisp to hire more staff. 

In December 2021, Ross invested $475,000 in a 17,000-square-foot industrial building in Winslow. After renovations, the company moved in this past September. The $1.3 million build-out was completed by local contractor, Sheridan Construction Corp. of Fairfield.

Karen, Steve Getz and Michael Ross were named Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year in 2021.

In 2022, the company hired Lewis Goldstein as CEO. 

2025 plans

Goldstein told Mainebiz in a phone interview that in the past two years the company has doubled its revenue and expects to see the same this year. 

"We have a lot of opportunities to grow our products nationally," said Goldstein. "We also plan to create new flavors this year."

Maine Crisp currently has 30 employees, but Goldstein said the company plans to add a second shift, which will allow it to add five to 10 new employees. 

Maine Crisp is sold at Hannaford, Whole Foods and specialty retailers across Maine, as well as more than 500 locations across the country.

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