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AWARD B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 27 M A R C H 2 4 , 2 0 2 5 fostering collaboration, and building businesses that make a lasting impact. MB: Did the OpBox idea grow out of the storage business you started? BD: Yes, starting in portable storage gave us a strong foundation in modu- lar buildings. at experience and infrastructure allowed us to refine how we design, build and deploy high- value modular solutions for a broader customer base. With OpBox, we took those core principles — efficiency, adaptability and sustainability — and expanded them into more sophisticated applications, from retail and hospitality to housing and workspaces. is evolution didn't just expand our offerings — it also grew our team. We brought in experts in design, real estate and construction, strengthening our ability to innovate and deliver even greater impact. It's a perfect example of our hub-and-spoke approach, where one idea builds on another to create something even more valuable. MB: Could the OpBox be outfitted as temporary housing for places affected by wildfires or natural disasters? BD: Absolutely. OpBox was designed to be highly adaptable, and disaster relief is one of the most impactful applications. e same qualities that make it ideal for retail and commercial use — modular construction, rapid deployment and durability — also make it a great solu- tion for emergency housing. In disaster-affected areas, speed and efficiency are critical. OpBox units can be quickly transported, set up and configured to provide safe, comfortable shelter for those displaced by wildfires, hurricanes or other natural disasters. Beyond temporary housing, they can also serve as medical stations, command centers or community hubs, helping recovery efforts in multiple ways. We're actively exploring opportuni- ties to expand into this space because it aligns with our mission: creating smart, sustainable structures that solve real- world problems and bring value where it's needed most. MB: With Edura Marine, what are its possible uses outside of the construction of the OpBox? BD: Edura Marine has incredible potential beyond just modular building systems. While it's primarily used for the construction of OpBox, its strength, durability and environmental resil- ience make it ideal for a variety of other industries. For example, it's now being used by boat builders and manufactur- ers from Maine to Virginia, where its properties provide a superior alternative to traditional materials. is year, we're expanding our sales presence and distribution to the south- eastern United States, bringing Edura to even more markets. Additionally, Edura is being used in aquaculture applications, where its durability and resistance to harsh marine environments make it an ideal choice for structures like offshore infrastructure and docks. We're also excited to see Edura being used in surfboard building by Grain Surfboards, a [York-based] company that shares our passion for sustainability and innovation. MB: How do you go about finding workers amid Maine's labor shortages? BD: Finding skilled workers amid Maine's labor shortages is a challenge, but our company culture has been the primary driver of our hiring success. We focus on creating a positive, innovative work environment that attracts individ- uals passionate about our mission. We also partner with local schools and vocational programs to offer internships and apprenticeships, pro- viding pathways for future employees. Additionally, we offer a growing list of benefits that support work-life balance and professional development, help- ing us attract talent both locally and beyond. By prioritizing culture and opportunity, we've been able to build a dedicated, growing team despite the labor challenges. MB: What's the best leadership advice you've ever gotten? BD: I've been the very fortunate recipi- ent of a lot of great leadership advice from many excellent leaders, but one of my favorite quotes comes from Richard Branson, whose style of entre- preneurship I truly admire: "Screw it, let's just do it." I love this because most people get stuck in overthinking and never take action, preventing them from discovering whether their idea is truly good or bad. e "paralysis of analysis" is often the biggest killer of great ideas. Taking the leap, learning as you go and adapting quickly — that's how real innovation happens. MB:What's your own secret to leading a team into the unknown? BD: Leading with patience and posi- tivity — staying focused on the vision, building trust and empowering the team to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Peter Van Allen, Mainebiz editor, can be reached at pvanallen @ mainebiz.biz Find a credit union near you at mainecreditunions.org A financial partner invested in you. Every financial decision you make impacts your business' success. Working with a credit union gives you more than just banking services; you gain a financial partner investing in your growth. With competitive loan rates, personalized service, and commitment to your long- term success, we're here to help your business thrive. Discover the credit union difference and build a stronger future for your business and community.

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