Spurling Fitness

A Journey of Growth and Community Impact Meet Josh Williams, the dedicated owner of Spurling Fitness, who has transformed his lifelong passion for fitness into a thriving business in Kennebunk, Maine. Starting his career at Spurling Fitness right out of college as an intern, Josh has climbed the ranks to become a coach and has served as general manager for the past seven years. In April 2024, he took the bold step to purchase the company, solidifying his commitment to fostering health and wellness in his community. Spurling Fitness has a unique approach, breaking away from the constraints of traditional…

Ruben Zavaleta’s Journey and the Growth of Guerrero Maya Restaurant

Ruben Zavaleta's journey from a small town between Mexico City and Acapulco to becoming a successful restaurateur in Maine is a testament to his dedication, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit. After attending high school in Atlanta, Ruben moved through North Carolina and Connecticut, gaining valuable experience in the restaurant industry. In 2015, he settled in Maine and opened Guerrero Maya in South Portland, bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to the community. From the beginning, Ruben has always been passionate about working in restaurants. While in Connecticut, he was part of a partnership and owned a restaurant which he eventually sold to move…

All Smiles Dental

In Biddeford, Maine, a young dentist's determination to own his practice has become a reality, demonstrating the significant impact of local support and dedicated learning. Dr. Dan Burke, originally from Freeport and educated at the University of New England, embodies how ambition paired with the proper support can lead to outstanding achievements. His progression from an aspiring dentist to the owner of All Smiles Dental, a practice with over 30 years of service to the community, is a personal success and an inspiration for professionals in all fields. Dr. Burke's academic foundation is strong. He earned a Bachelor of Science…

White Sails Inn

The White Sails Inn is what many would describe as the “quintessential Maine inn”. Located in Kennebunk, the bed and breakfast was previously known as the Elizabeth Rose House. Susanne Lillis purchased the inn in May of 2023. Susanne, who was born and raised in Sonderborg, Denmark, lived in Rangeley, Maine for 19 years. Having spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, she decided to fulfill her lifelong dream of owning her own establishment and purchased this picturesque inn. She was working with Franklin Savings Bank to secure funding for the purchase, and as things seemed to become complicated, was…

Northeast Coating Technologies

In 1994, Shawn Spencer was struggling to make his ground-breaking industrial coatings machine design into a viable business. All he lacked was the capital to purchase the necessary materials to build his equipment. “SMFA and Will were instrumental in getting the company off the ground. I don’t know if we would exist without them to be honest. We had exhausted other avenues,” says Shawn. He goes on to explain that what they do is very difficult to explain or understand for the lay person. “I would present my business plan to banks, and they would look at me with total…

New Harbor Cottages

It was Stacey Cote’s dream to own and operate a hospitality business in Southern Maine. When she found the property New Harbor Cottages for sale in Wells, she knew it was what she was looking for. She came to a Purchase Agreement with the owner, had some working capital, but needed financial help to purchase the property. Because the property needed some improvements, she was a new hospitality business, and Maine was just coming out of the pandemic, banks were very cautious. After being denied a loan from other banks, her Realtor connected her to SMFA. SMFA in turn brought…

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