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V O L . X X X I N O. X I M AY 1 9 , 2 0 2 5 28 S M A L L B U S I N E S S F O C U S be adjusted based on demand, effec- tiveness and seasonality. Between the pandemic and the law- suit, the partners decided they didn't have the energy or cash to continue operation. But they were "half-hearted sellers," says Friedland. "We wanted to sell, but we didn't want to sell. If some- one came along with a great offer who would do amazing things with what we started, we would even be happy to work for them." ey kept the store open. But loyal customers commented on the "sad" vibe. "Lots of stores have managers or owners who drive the energy," he says. "We weren't doing that." Ultimately, they just needed time to rebalance. at January meeting was a pivotal moment. "We had deep talks about a restructuring of who do we want to be, what do we want to sell, how do we want to look," he says. Protecting the spark e realization? "We like the process of creation. We like selling people wood for building things. We don't like selling mousetraps and light bulbs. e hard- ware items were distracting us." ey cleared the hardware section, keeping essentials like tape measures and fasteners, and returned their focus to lumber and the wooden products they made in-house, and to customer service and messaging. ey expanded the outdoor displays and added lumber racks out front. "In the past, we didn't have lum- ber racks out front," he says. "It was almost like lumber was an after- thought. We wanted to show that we are a lumberyard." Displays include cedar shakes, hemlock boards, Coast of Maine soil in various colors, native plants and hanging baskets and a tent for the discount cedar area, which people use for making garden beds. "e whole front is alive," he says. Now they're looking to expand, offer classes in the cleared section and reboot their guest-speaker program. "It's like, your hands are around that little spark of flame," he says. "Jen and Ryan and I were protecting this spark and it's taking off." Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz Federally Insured by NCUA EMPOWERING MEMBERS STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES BEST OF THE 207 2024 SILVER CREDIT UNION HELPING MEMBERS UNLOCK THEIR FINANCIAL POTENTIAL SINCE 1921. FIND A BRANCH NEAR YOU AT EMPEOPLE.COM/LOCATIONS MORE INFO: MDF.ORG/ PROGRAM-PARTNERSHIPS/MAINE-DOWNTOWN-CENTER We connect small businesses to resources, grants, training, and each other in order to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Maine. THAT'S MDF'S MAINE DOWNTOWN CENTER! Sharyn Peavey Photography At the Lumbery, Ryan Holland, left, and Michael Friedland offer lumber from independent mills and cater to local contractors and DIY builders. P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY ยป C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E