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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 N OV E M B E R 4 , 2 0 2 4 F O C U S FA M I LY - OW N E D B U S I N E S S It's even useful for employee recruit- ment, particularly for prospects com- ing from larger companies who learn that their ideas carry more weight in a family-owned firm. "We want to hear opinions of our team and how things can be made bet- ter," says Capozza. "at's part of the family-owned culture." Wygant Fossett agrees that employees notice. "ey know they'll be taken care of in a family business," she says. "And I think customers realize that." Industry knowledge e family-owned brand carries a lot of weight at R.H. Reny Inc., a chain of department stores and one of Maine's largest family-owned businesses. "We hear it all the time, 'We want to support a local' and/or 'family' busi- ness," says owner Adam Reny. He continues, "A lot of our cus- tomers grew up with a Renys as a kid, and seeing my peers grow up, start their own families, and provide the same experience for their kids that they had is something we take pride in." At Graffam Bros. Seafood Market in Rockport, "It's a key part of our marketing, especially on our website and electronic correspondence," says Leni Gronros, a third-generation owner with his wife Kimberlee Graffam, who run the company with their fourth-generation nephew Brandon Graffam. Gronros continues, "It's been very big part of what we push to the customers as to why they should buy from us." Adds Kimberlee Graffam, "It pro- motes longevity and knowledge of the industry over the course of genera- tions. e fact that we're family owned — there's an investment there on the part of the family. It gives people a level of trust." e company started in 1946. E. Maynard Graffam Sr. and his partners formed Graffam Bros.' parent company, Penobscot Bay Ice Co. Inc.. to cut ice on a local pond and deliver it to the resi- dents of Rockport. Maynard expanded the operation to include a lobster shipping plant and buy lobsters from local fishermen. After his death in 1969, his sons Jimmy and Sandy took over and renamed the busi- ness Graffam Bros. "Its name reminds us daily of the tradition of quality and service Jimmy and Sandy learned from their dad," the company's website says. Discover why our litigation practice is consistently at the top: Unmatched expertise, unwavering dedication, and a track record of winning results. See what sets us apart . "Each person we interact with has a clear mastery of their area of expertise, which offers tremendous value to our company." – Litigation Client Learn more about what Drummond Woodsum's team of professionals can do for you at : dwmlaw.com | 800.727.1941 More experience, more know-how, more possibilities. We've been helping Mainers reach their financial goals for more than 135 years. We help preserve the wealth they've accumulated, prudently manage it for life, and efficiently pass it on to their heirs and family. Our approach has helped us become a trusted financial partner for generations of Maine families. Join us in welcoming Suzanne Moffatt, SVP, Senior Wealth Manager to our southern Maine team. Suzanne Moffatt SVP, Senior Wealth Manager • Accredited Fiduciary Investment Manager (AFIM) • Certified Retirement Services Professional (CRSP) • 40+ years of experience • Serving clients throughout southern Maine 888-675-5244 • www.barharborwealth.com Bar Harbor Wealth Management is a subsidiary of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Investment products are not deposits or obligations of the Bank, are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the Bank and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of value or principal amount invested. Contact us today to see how we can help you. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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