Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1538229
Maryna Shuliakouskaya Franchisee 12 Aroma Joe's locations across Maine, from Kittery to Orono Founder Aspire ME Group, Portland COO Acadia Management Group, Portland W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 A U G U S T 1 1 , 2 0 2 5 Companies: Aroma Joe's: Specialty drive-thru coffee shops focused on customer service and energy-infused beverages. www.aromajoes.com Aspire ME Group: A franchising and business consulting firm helping U.S. and international brands scale through systems, strategy and operational excellence. Acadia Management Group: A management company that oversees a portfolio of QSR brands — including Aroma Joe's and Subway — as well as real estate and development projects across Maine and Connecticut. Total employees: 350-plus P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Learn More | As a business leader, you know that the hardest climb isn't Denali or even Everest. It's the life-long leadership journey. But you don't have to go it alone. You can travel with an experienced guide who knows the lay of the land, and an elite team of peers who has your back. At Vistage, we call this living a "Life of Climb," and it's about showing up every day ready to be better and go further in your life. Vistage peer advisory groups represent a diverse community of industry leaders who are humble yet driven. Within each group, leaders have an opportunity to share expertise, challenge one another to think critically, and ultimately arrive at better decisions. Find out how some CEOs go further and higher. Contact Vistage Chair, George Casey 207-869-5491 | george.casey@vistagechair.com | vistage.com/chairs/george.casey MS: On a personal level, my parents and grandmother were my great- est mentors. ey drilled into me the values of resilience, hard work and education. I actually promised my dad that I would earn my doctorate before he did — he got his by 40, and I reached mine by 35. Professionally, [former Aroma Joe's CEO] Loren Goodridge has been a pivotal men- tor — always challenging me to think bigger, push my limits, and transition from goal setting to impact-making. I believe that to grow truly, you need someone in your life who not only teaches you new skills but also believes in you more than you believe in yourself. at kind of support can change your life trajectory. MB: Why is mentoring others important to you? MS: Mentoring is one of the most meaningful ways to create lasting impact. We're all here to pass on what we've learned and help others grow. True success is when those you mentor surpass you. Alexis Wells, Mainebiz Digital Editor, can be reached at awells @ mainebiz.biz