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VO L . X X V I N O. V I § 2 M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 8 2005 Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear Co-founders / Coffee By Design What they are doing today: Mary Allen Lindemann, Coffee By Design co-founder and community builder. Alan Spear, Coffee By Design co-founder and "chief bean." 70 employees Key lessons learned as a manager: Over the years there have been so many learning moments. • Don't be afraid to try — and fail — and share those stories and experiences with others. It's the fact that you get back up and don't give up on the dream that makes a difference. • Don't make assumptions and judge others. Being better neigh- bors requires that we understand one another's customs and beliefs. • Don't expect others to meet your expectations if you aren't clear about what they are and provide the tools to do it. • Acknowledge those on your team who are better at certain things than you are. at is the best succession plan. Advice to Maine's next generation of business leaders: Do your homework. Be Authentic. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision but are not afraid to respectfully disagree and challenge you to do better. What's next: We ended our 25th anniversary year with the news that we were selected by Roast magazine as the 2020 Macro Roaster of the Year. is honor enables us to showcase what we do to a larger audience. We will continue our travels to coffee farms, building on existing relationships and developing new and meaningful ones. e variety of limited edition coffees we offer will grow as we explore other opportunities to deepen our collaborations with others in the Maine beverage industry. We will continue our work to ensure that everyone here in Maine, no matter where their country of origin may be, is welcome at our table and has a voice, and those who work hard to produce the beautiful coffees we enjoy are able to sustain a quality standard of living. We have the opportunity to make change happen every day and will not lose sight of that gift. Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear started Coffee By Design in 1994, a time when downtown Portland was not everyone's first choice for a location. PHOTO / TIM GREENWAY Acknowledge those on your team who are better at certain things than you are. That is the best succession plan. – Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear