2016 Business Leaders of the Year

Mainebiz is proud to present three leaders who know how to build from the ground up. Each came up with a novel way to approach an existing product, be it potatoes, education or dessert. Each has a vision. Each knows how to bootstrap and find financing where seemingly none exists. Two of the leaders profiled here are Maine natives, the other a transplant from Ohio. One is from a demographic Maine is trying to attract. Two are seemingly defying the demographic stereotypes, charging hard into what others might consider the Social Security years. They’re all making Maine a better state. We think you’ll find inspiration in the stories of: Large company business leader: Rodney McCrum, President and COO, Pineland Farms Potato Co. Inc.; Small company business leader: Joshua Davis, CEO and co-founder, Gelato Fiasco; Nonprofit business leader: Danielle Ripich, President, University of New England.