Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 M AY 1 5 , 2 0 2 3 F O C U S S M A L L B U S I N E S S on hoodies. Fishermen wear them as a badge of honor. e Strouts realized the heavy- duty, waterproof polyester that's used to make hauling pants — better known as "bibs" — could be recycled, to create bags and totes. A Lewiston company, Maine Line Leather, sews the products. e Strouts established drop sites for used bibs, hired a dry-cleaner to wash the gear and also buys left- over fabrics from Guy Cotton, a New Bedford, Mass., bib maker. e company has recycled nearly 20,000 pounds of bibs. e Rugged Seas product line now includes bags, headwear and clutches. e couple fulfills orders from home. Marketing is largely word-of-mouth. e startup was largely self- financed from the start. In 2022, Rugged Seas sold a minority stake to Portland-based investment and advisory firm Sawyer Island Consulting LLC, a move that helps expand sales. Today, the company has 50 whole- sale accounts, and Rugged Seas products are sold in stores as far south as North Carolina and as far west as Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Rugged Seas also runs a summer pop-up shop at Union Wharf in Portland. For the founders, there's a sense of mission. Rugged Seas commits 1% of pre-tax profit to protecting fishermen and women and working waterfronts. Further plans include broadening the concept by estab- lishing a nonprofit. Nikki and a part-time employee still fulfill orders out of the couple's home and the pop-up shop gets pretty busy. "A lot of tourists come by in the summer," says Nikki. "It's cool explaining the materials to them and what it's used for. People love to learn about the working waterfront." Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz Portland, ME | 207.773.7100 | dunhamgroup.com Client Success Delivered by Generations of Knowledge For 50 years, The Dunham Group has been known for its in- depth market knowledge and trustworthy representation. With a strong culture of collaboration, knowledge is shared from one generation of brokers to the next. This not only helps carry the firm forward, but it sets our clients up for continued success. Put Our Decades of Experience to Work for You. Additional terms/fees may apply for some services. All applications subject to approval. Lobster fisherman, Eric Beal, has been working with Bar Harbor Bank & Trust since he purchased Marsh Cove Lobster Co. in 1992. As his business has grown and evolved, we've always been there for him. Eric has peace of mind knowing his banker is knowledgeable, local, and able to find a solution. To see this and other success stories, go to www.barharbor.bank/success-stories. Call 207-669-6811 today to connect with our Commercial Banking team. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender www.barharbor.bank • 888-853-7100 Over 50 locations across northern New England The bank has helped me be a better businessman. '' '' — Eric Beal, Owner, Marsh Cove Lobster Co. Looking to grow your business? We can make it happen. Together. People love to learn about the working waterfront. — Nikki Strout Rugged Seas

• Cover