Mainebiz

V O L . X X X N O. X X I I I O C T O B E R 7 , 2 0 2 4 14 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 AWA R D Growing a property services business from teenage mowing gig Stephen Carr, 27 Owner, Stephen Carr Property Services Significant professional accomplishment: Overcoming the labor market issues by over- coming my age. At age 14, when I started mowing lawns in my parents' neighborhood, I had no license and had to drive the mower to every client's home. Then things grew more to where I couldn't continue to drive the mower, so I bought a truck and a trailer. But I was missing one key thing — a driver's license. To overcome that obstacle, my mother and brother would drive me. Then eventually I hired a few older friends to drive me. Passion project: Besides being passionate about landscaping and running my company, my second passion is firefighting and helping others. I am a lieutenant on the York Fire Department. 'Lightbulb' moment: There was never just a 'Lightbulb' moment. I began at age 14 mowing lawns in my parents' neighborhood and then it slowing started to grow down the next adjacent road outside of the neighborhood. Then the growth would slowly continue over the past 13 years to what it is today. Favorite quote: "Take the best that exists and make it better" and "The quality will remain long after the price is forgotten" — Sir Henry Royce Influential book: "Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School?" by Cary Siegel Favorite TV show: "60 Minutes" Best way to recharge: Traveling near and far to differ- ent restaurants. At age 60: Hopefully continuing to run my business, providing distinctive landscaping by beautifying homes around New England and providing jobs for great people. A nonprofit worker committed to community service Justin Chenette, 33 Senior director of public relations and advancement, Sweetser Significant professional accomplishment: I helped establish a weekly live TV segment with a news station to educate and reduce the stigma around seeking mental health care, with over 50 segments produced. Politically, I was elected state representative at 21, state senator at 25 and county commissioner at 31. Each time, I made history by becoming the youngest or the only openly LGBTQ+ individual elected. I also passed comprehensive eth- ics and campaign finance reform legislation. Current state of mind: Hopeful. Passion project: I founded a nonprofit scholarship foundation to empower Maine's next generation of leaders and amplify a commitment to community service. Since 2015, nearly 30 students have received a com- bined total of over $12,000 in scholarship support. 'Lightbulb' moment: In high school, I hosted a state- wide public affairs TV show called "Youth in Politics" and a local public access TV show called "The Issue" interview leaders and ask meet-the-press- style questions. Before my 17th birthday, Gov. John Baldacci appointed me the first Maine State Board of Education student board mem- ber. This combination led me to pursue communications as a pro- fession and serve in public office. Audacious goal: Donate copies of my children's book, "The Great Whoopie Pie Debate: A Kids' Guide to the Maine Legislature," to every library and elementary classroom throughout the state to strengthen civics education. Favorite quote: "Great spirits have always encountered vio- lent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly." — Albert Einstein. Influential book: "Leadership on the Line," by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky, one of my professors during my national fellowship at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Favorite movie: Anything "Lord of the Rings." It's a true cinematic classic. Nothing like Sir Ian McKellen's Gandalf. I quote the mov- ies all the time. Best way to recharge: There is something so simple yet special about coming home to a loving husband and two furballs. I'm a proud cat dad. Precious and Mr. Biscuits live up to their names. They are the most spoiled feline companions and ground us to live more in the moment with every lap purr and laser chase. At age 60: I hope to be giving back in a way that's impactful, purpose-driven, and meaningfully improves the lives of others. Service is in my blood. It's a part of who I am. A librarian on a mission Michelle Conners, 39 Executive director, Kennebunk Free Library Significant professional accomplishment: Earning the respect and trust of the people I've worked with and creating a space where they enjoy coming to work. I've done this through policy changes, community and orga- nizational relationship-building, and, of course, a fun culture. This is reflected in how highly Kennebunk Free Library is regarded by our community. Current state of mind: Highly energetic, motivated and eager to address what's next. Passion project: My two amazing kids are neurodivergent. I've dedicated a lot of time to learning about develop- mental and behavioral health and the resources, people and organizations that support my family. Now, I'd like to get involved in a way that allows me to give back to those who have helped my family and others who are navigating this experience. 'Lightbulb' moment: None, I'm the kind of person who's always stepped up when opportunity has presented itself. Audacious goal: As a librarian, I care deeply about creating space for people to engage in conversations across the aisle. As an individual, I would like to become a facilitator who can guide these discussions and make them more commonplace. Favorite quote: "Well- behaved women seldom make history," by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich Influential book: Every year, I try to read as many books as possible from the American Library Association's list of the "Top 10 Most Challenged Books." Generally, if a book is on this list, it is going to be a good read with a lot of power. Favorite podcast: Lately I've been enjoy- ing "Housecalls," with Dr. Vivek Murthy. It's inspiring and brings me back to center. Best way to recharge: I love being on or near the water. I also enjoy exercise in almost every form but I particu- larly enjoy hiking Maine trails with my husband. At age 60: If I'm not working in a library, I'll be at a nonprofit organi- zation in Maine. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY

• Cover