Mainebiz

V O L . X X V I I I N O. I I I F E B R UA R Y 7 , 2 0 2 2 26 C O M M E R C I A L D E V E L O P M E N T many years, Currier says he was origi- nally drawn to the Aroma Joe's brand as a consumer and felt an immediate connection with Goodridge as a fellow veteran. Business is booming so far, and the couple hope to open a second location later on. "I feel like this is the beginning of Aroma Joe's becoming much larger, and it's nice to have gotten in early on to be a part of the growth," says Currier, who says he relishes serving customers as much as running the business and blending coffee flavors to order. "I tell anyone, 'If you can dream it, we can make it,'" he says. Fitness clubs and hair salons Franchises are also more diverse than most people realize, representing industries from child care and home improvement to fitness services, tutor- ing centers and hair salons. With more than 15 million mem- bers and 2,200-plus stores in total, Hampton, N.H.-based Planet Fitness is set to become even bigger through the acquisition of private equity- backed, Winter Park, Fla.-based Sunshine Fitness Growth Holdings LLC, in an $800 million cash-and- stock deal agreed in January. In Maine where Planet Fitness has 11 locations, Mike Cleary is a commercial airline pilot-turned franchisee with clubs in Augusta, South Portland, Portland, Falmouth and Rockland. Cleary owns the franchises through Granite Coast Properties LLC in Portsmouth, N.H., starting with the 2012 purchase of a Portland club that recently underwent an interior make- over. He added 4,000 square feet in Rockland last summer in a former JC Penney store for a total of 16,000 square feet and is preparing a move to a bigger space in Augusta in March. Cleary got into franchising after 26 years of flying, going back to school for an MBA. His search for a business opportunity led him to Planet Fitness, which offers $10 monthly memberships in a welcoming environment. "I'm very fortunate to have found a brand that has not only the economics, but also a purpose," says Clearly. "I think that's the key — finding a brand that has a mission." Looking back, he recalls a steep learning curve when he started, » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E Ready to pivot whenever your job does. Hammond Lumber Company has your back. We know that even the best planned projects can run into problems. We're problem-solvers. We've got what you need and we'll bring it to you, wherever you need it in the great state of Maine. Think of us as your partner, a member of your team. No matter what stage your project is in, we're here when you need us. Auburn • Bangor • Bar Harbor • Belfast • Belgrade Blue Hill • Boothbay Harbor • Brunswick • Bucksport Calais • Camden • Cherryfield • Damariscotta Ellsworth • Fairfield • Farmington • Greenville Machias • Portland • Rockland • Skowhegan HammondLumber.com P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F P L A N E T F I T N E S S F O C U S Planet Fitness, which is based in Hampton, N.H., has 2,200 fitness centers, including 11 in Maine.

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