Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 29 A U G U S T 1 1 , 2 0 2 5 200 million people in the U.S. could be drinking water with PFAS above those maximum contaminant levels. And this does not count people that get their drinking water from wells, which we know in Maine is about half the population. In addition to focusing on accreditation, we have been working to validate an in-lab method specifi- cally meant for well users. It takes less volume to test, and has a quicker turnaround time, so we were able to cut the price in half. We've launched the test on Amazon hoping to help fill the gap for people that hear about PFAS locally and want to know the data for their own drinking water. MB: What does hiring look like, especially given your rural location? KR: We hired last year in anticipa- tion of more testing volume. We predicted more volume because we knew we would be adding essen- tial accreditations this year. We have four full-time lab technicians and one lab technical director. Our onboarding plan is robust. I'm happy to hire recent graduates in fields like chemistry, biology and environmen- tal science and upskill them through on-the-job training. I think a couple things make us attractive for potential employees. Most people graduating in some type of environmental science, biology or chemistry have likely heard about PFAS in their studies. Working here gives them a chance to make a real difference in a real problem. Our location is an asset for people who want to live in central Maine. MB: What's your marketing strategy? KR: Going to conferences and talk- ing to people face-to-face has been really successful. For big companies to do business with us, they need to trust that we can get the job done. Our conference plan for 2025 has us in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Ohio and several in Maine. MB: What's the Greenland research? KR: ey're testing for PFAS in some of the most remote locations to identify the spread beyond spaces we live in. MB: Have you been affected by federal funding or policy changes? KR: A couple of our research part- ners had their grants frozen, but they've been reinstated. Overall, we haven't seen a negative impact so far. MB: What's your leadership approach? KR: I'll model out different scenarios. Best outcomes — what does that allow me to do differently in growing the business? Medium and not-great out- comes — what levers will I pull to sup- port us if we're in that position? at helps me consider risks and options before I make a decision. Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz Apply Now to LaunchPad GIVE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS A CHANCE AT $50,000 Application is now open for Maine's premier small business competition. Take your chance to win our $50,000 LaunchPad grant, the Emerging Business Award, and the support of Maine's entrepreneurial community. Start honing your pitch and enter by 8/14. APPLY BY 8/14 AT mcblaunchpad.com MEMBER FDIC Maine PFAS Laboratories P.O. Box 843, Norridgewock www.mainelaboratories.com Founded: 2022 What it does: Maine's first PFAS testing facility has a mission is to empower individuals, families and organizations with accurate, timely and accessible PFAS testing data. Employees: 8 I'm happy to hire recent graduates in fields like chemistry, biology and environmental science and upskill them through on-the-job training.

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