May 4, 2026Edition

🔒From the Editor: For some business owners, parting is such sweet sorrow

Our cover story looks at top execs who have “retired,” only to reemerge after a short break.

🔒Made in Maine: Portland distillery uses ‘grain to glass’ approach

Hardshore Distilling in Portland sources wheat from the founder’s family farm in upstate New York and processes it in-house.

Ask ACE: Should I focus on website upgrades or a customer relationship-management system?

Alexis Crawford, founder of On Point Digital Strategy, shares if small businesses should focus on on website upgrades or a customer relationship-management system.

🔒Building Business: South Portland builder incorporates salvaged wood with a history

Ryan Deane, of South Portland-based Deane Design & Build, creates homes and other structures that incorporate salvaged wood he’s rescued from barns and buildings destined for demolition.
ADVERTISEMENT

🔒Cultivating farmers: Succession planning a challenge for exiting farmers, incoming owners

Farm succession planning can take years as older farmers aim to secure their retirement while keeping land in agriculture, and younger farmers search for opportunities.

🔒Business transition roundup: Recent expansions, acquisitions and promotions

Despite unpredictable economic conditions, a number of Maine companies — of all sizes and across industries — are driving growth through mergers and strategic leadership changes. Here's a digest of recent news.

How to find the right buyer for your business

A well-run competitive process sends an immediate signal to the market that you are a serious seller with options, our guest columnist writes.

🔒On the Record: Charting next chapter for Startup Maine

Ahead of Startup Maine Week this month, Mainebiz caught up Sarah Smith to find out more about her plans for the Portland-based organization and assessment of the state’s startup scene.
ADVERTISEMENT

🔒Newsworthy people and performances for May 4, 2026

A roundup of new hires, promotions and achievements at businesses, nonprofits, professional services firms and health care institutions in Maine.

🔒CEI launches Business Legacy Lab to assist with transitions

The project is designed to address a gap in Maine’s small business ecosystem, according to Sarah Guerette, senior program director for business development services.

How to navigate a leadership transition

Whether you followed a step-by-step plan to climb the career ladder or you took a long, circuitous path to reach the leadership seat, our guest contributors recommend designing a strategic exit plan for yourself.
Already a subscriber? Log in.