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V O L . X X X I N O. X I M AY 1 9 , 2 0 2 5 26 S M A L L B U S I N E S S F O C U S becoming an instructor there. His fas- cination with metalwork began while training with a local knife maker, before starting a two-year apprentice- ship at Wick's Forge, a third-genera- tion production blacksmith shop, then based in Pownal. In 2022, Chapman started Soma Metalwork at Skyline Farm, a North Yarmouth museum of antique car- riages and sleighs that had a small blacksmithing shop. In addition to running his own studio, Chapman now manages the sharpening depart- ment at Strata Portland, where daily exposure to a wide range of blades pushes him to keep diving deeper into metallurgy and knife geometry. Chapman's process of forging knives and kitchenware requires heating metal to over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit before hammering it into shape while it is hot and malleable. Any object that needs to hold a sharp edge, such as chef 's knives, requires heat treating, a process that changes the structural composition of the steel, resulting in a much harder material that can be sharpened and resist wear, he says. Vintage anvils Now, Chapman is building his own workshop at 1 Industrial Way in Portland to use as a blacksmith stu- dio, hold beginner knifemaking and blacksmithing classes and provide a small storefront. "I've spent the last few months col- lecting the highest-quality anvils I can find," he says. "With tariffs coming on, I felt inclined to nail down the equip- ment I need quickly. I now have six great anvils. Most are over 100 years old. I'm having custom stands made for each one, because they're all different." Finding an appropriate location wasn't easy. "ere are some really good deals on industrial spaces, but they're typically over 10,000 square feet," he says. At 1 Industrial Way, he found a 1,500-square-foot former brewery space with concrete floors, existing utility hookups and industrial zoning. Mike Anderson of Malone Commercial Brokers represented the landlord, Aim One Industrial Way LLC, in the lease. Chapman is maintaining the industrial feel while building areas for forging, grinding, welding and a small showroom. "It's going to feel like a working shop, but also a public-facing creative studio — raw, functional and inten- tional," he says. 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 or the risks clearly, whether the issues relate to choice of entity, governance, contract review, or otherwise. That's where Drummond Woodsum can help. We provide expertise in all phases of your business development, from formation and financing to strategic relationships and exit strategies. It's important for start-ups and early-stage companies to get the legal guidance they need so that they can focus on growing their business. We offer practical, business-focused advice and have shepherded many companies in a broad range of industries from formation through ultimate sale and liquidity for founders. dwmlaw.com dwmlaw.com | 800.727.1941 800.727.1941 MAKE CHANGE YOUR CHOICE. Wondering if it's time to change banks? Choose a bank that puts people first through service, teamwork, and community. Switch to Kennebec Savings Bank, and let us help you take your business to the next level. https://www.kennebecsavings.bank/business/borrowing/local-business Come into one of our branches or check us out online to choose how you'd like to switch to Kennebec Savings Bank. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E

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