Mainebiz

V O L . X X I X N O. X X V O C T O B E R 3 0 , 2 0 2 3 32 FA M I LY - OW N E D B U S I N E S S F O C U S proactive, writing out job descriptions and saying, "is is how the money flows, this is your salary, this is for retire- ment.' Planning can alleviate stress. But for folks who haven't done it yet, they see the process being more stressful." e extension team spends time on multi-family farms encouraging and facilitating those conversations. Willingness to commit Harry Ricker's biggest requirement is a willingness to commit. Leading the operation, he collects information about what needs doing and hands out respon- sibilities by 6:30 a.m. "I told my kids I would be happy to have them work on the farm if they were passionate about growing apples," he says. "If they wanted to find some- thing else to do, I'd be their business partner. is is hard work, long hours and not always a lot of money." In good crop years, apples provide a great income. When growing conditions are bad — ill-timed freezes, hailstorms, too much rain — the family finds ways to supplement revenue. at's long included cutting lumber and firewood from family woodlands. Diversification is key, such as agri- tourism and fresh cider, vinegar and maple syrup production. One son, a college graduate, approached Ricker in 2014. "He said, 'I want to get into hard cider and you said you'd be my business partner,'" Ricker recalls. "I said, 'All right.'" About a decade ago, the family devel- oped several event venues and a wedding barn with lodgings and a campground, all generating good revenue. "Diversification is needed if you want to be around a long time," Ricker says. "Apples were a good busi- ness for 150 years. But if it weren't for the other stuff…" Given the uncertainties, he says, it's unclear whether younger generations will come into the business — or whether it will remain large enough to employ them. Entrepreneurship and Innovation are Deeply Rooted in the Maine Economy When starting a business, you have a lot to keep your eye on. Sometimes it's hard to see the opportunities and the risks clearly. That's where Drummond Woodsum attorneys Michael High, Alan MacEwan, Gary Vogel and Lisa Whitt can help. We provide expertise in all phases of your business, from formation and financing to strategic relationships and business combinations. It's important for start-ups and young companies to get the legal insight they need, so that they can focus on growing their business. We offer practical, business-focused advice and have shepherded many companies from formation through ultimate sale and liquidity for founders. We practice law differently. Since 1965. dwmlaw.com dwmlaw.com | 800.727.1941 800.727.1941 VIEW OUR DIGITAL EDITION OR PURCHASE A PRINT COPY! For companies in Maine or who are looking to relocate or expand into Maine, the Fact Book is a great resource on Maine market statistics and facts. The 2023 Mainebiz Fact Book includes: A list of municipal, state, and federal financing and incentive programs for businesses Data on Maine's workforce An overview of Maine's infrastructure on how businesses can get their products to market Stories of innovation and R&D Info about the factors that make the quality of life here in Maine so desirable Lists of business resources Interviews with Maine CEOs about why they choose to do business in Maine Listings of facilities to help guide companies who host business meetings and events Your Resource and Guide For Doing Business in Maine Book Fact Doing business in Maine $19.95 August 28, 2023 VO L . X X I X N O. X I X www.mainebiz.biz Book Fact S P O N S O R E D B Y P H O T O S / F R E D F I E L D Doing business in Maine $19.95 August 28, 2023 VO L . X X I X N O. X I X www.mainebiz.biz MAINEBIZ.BIZ/FACTBOOK2023 SP ONSORED BY » C O N T I N U E D F RO M PA G E 3 0 We want to push them away after high school and say, 'Do you really want to come back here or are you coming back because it's comfortable? — Becky Crane Crane Brothers Farm, Dragonfly Farm & Winery

• Cover