Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 25 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 2 2 F O C U S FA M I LY OW N E D B U S I N E S S At Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center, the plan was always that Roper would handle massage and yoga session while Sprague maintains the entire property and handles administration. From the get-go, they determined that they would take the time needed to make most decisions together. "We do a lot of our best problem-solving outside in nature going for walks or hikes," Roper says. "Sometimes the idea needs spreadsheets and calcu- lators, so those are done inside. But when possible, we brainstorm and dream outside. It helps get the creative juices flowing when we are breathing fresh air and moving our bodies." eir first year, they couldn't agree on what type of flooring to use inside the yurts. Sprague wanted polished concrete and Roper hardwood. Unable to find a compromise, they asked their site contractor, whom they also considered a mentor. He advised concrete to better handle wear-and-tear. Surrounding themselves with experienced professionals has been key ever since in helping to resolve disagreements or simply when the couple doesn't know what to do. "We still use this technique today when deci- sions are difficult or have high-stakes conse- quences," says Roper. Sprague says the most valuable lesson he learned was how to write a business plan. "Everything you see today at Acadia Yurts was in our very first business plan, nine years ago," he says. "It was an opportunity to get very clear with our vision, decide what was realistic and what was not, and gave us a direction or road map to success." Passing muster at the mustard factory In Eastport, Kevin and Karen Raye bought Raye's Mustard Mill and Museum from Kevin's cousin in 2005. e business started with Kevin's great-great uncle J. Wesley Raye in 1900, making stone-ground mustard. Today, it is one of the last vestiges of Maine's once-thriving sardine industry. In the beginning, Karen took on day-to-day business management while Kevin served in the Maine Senate. "But we are a team when it comes to strategic decisions and the overall direction and expansion of the business," says Karen. at includes a mission to build Raye's Mustard Mill Museum, now in the fundraising stage. Overall, Karen handles day-to-day operations, overseeing production, sales and administrative functions. "Kevin is the strategic thinker and his experience in human resources and input on marketing are integral to our success," Karen says. e role assignments flowed naturally in that Karen had time to focus on operations day-to-day while Kevin served in the Legislature and involved himself in the business at the strategic level and hands-on when he had time off-session. Making business decisions together comes easily. e two have similar goals, visions and styles, while also helping each other see things from different perspectives at times. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Learn more at MaineCF.org Create a better future. It's easier than you think.

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