🔒‘Thinking positively and working hard’: Notable quotables from 10 On the Record interviews in 2024

In every print edition of Mainebiz, we publish an “On the Record” interview in question-and-answer format with a business or nonprofit leader in Maine. Here are some memorable quotes from 10 movers and shakers we featured in 2024.

Adam Goldberg, president of the Maine Mariners hockey team, on what he likes most about his job: “I enjoy the challenges and trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together — and the people I get to work with are the best part of it.”

Anna Ford, the Camden-based co-founder and CEO of Bookclubs, on what the platform offers: “We take the hassle out of starting and managing a book club so you can focus on reading, discussing and being together.”

Kelly Enberg, founder of LunaPro Nonprofit Consulting in Casco, on why she named her business after her daughter, Luna: “I am in awe of her bravery, strength and resilience — qualities that gave me the courage to set out on my own.”

Maryna Shuliakouskaya, the Belarus-born owner of multiple Aroma Joe’s franchise locations and chief operating officer of Acadia Management Group, on what’s stayed with her from her early days in this country: “Thinking positively and working hard got me from arriving in the United States with just one piece of luggage 17 years ago to where I am today.”

Grace Mo-Phillips, seafood entrepreneur, program director of the CEI Women’s Business Center in Portland and a 2024 Mainebiz Woman to Watch honoree: “I believe many entrepreneurs share a common experience when launching a new business — they grapple with moments of self-doubt. While it’s often said that you don’t know what you don’t know, entrepreneurs often possess more knowledge than they give themselves credit for.”

Jason Judd, executive director of Educate Maine, on similarities between running a nonprofit and running a business: “Leading a nonprofit is much like running a business. It takes strong financial acumen, a great team of employees, a focus on the customer — in our case students and educators — and constant innovation.” And how they are different: “Nonprofits are highly collaborative, rather than competitive. With limited resources, nonprofits come together to increase impact. Developing partnerships is foundational for any nonprofit.”

Geoff Iacuessa, president and general manager of the Portland Sea Dogs baseball team, on his game-day responsibilities: “Anything and everything. Things always pop up, and that’s what keeps it challenging, that’s what I enjoy.”

Ebenezer Akakpo, an artist and entrepreneur from Ghana who incorporates “Adinkra” symbols from his West African homeland into designs for jewelry, apparel and other objects, on why the symbol for endurance is his favorite: “To leave a culture that you’re used to and move to a different culture, and to be able to survive, takes endurance.”

Brian Whitney, president of Maine Technology Institute, on what he sees as the fastest-growing sectors of Maine’s economy: “We are witnessing exciting growth in information technology, life sciences and bioproducts, specifically forest bioproducts and their conversion into new types of fuel, packaging and building products that are reducing our reliance on petroleum-based products.” And the weak spots: “Access to workforce talent and capital continue to be challenges that restrain business growth.”

Abbe Chabot, a retired Maine State Police detective who now provides safety training as a manager at Dirigo Risk Management Solutions in Auburn, on lessons learned from Lewiston’s deadly mass shooting in October 2023: “Communities become stronger when all facets of that community pre-plan, know and support each other, and coordinate a response to threats of violence. To me, Oct. 25 was a reminder of how strong Mainers are. There were many heroes in those buildings that night who saved lives because of the decisions they made.”