Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 27 O C T O B E R 6 , 2 0 2 5 AWA R D 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 Dinner party guests: My Nana, my Nanny, and my Papa because they were such important influences in my life, and I would cherish the chance to see them again. Sharing a meal would give me the opportunity to hear their stories, feel their love, and thank them for the guidance and values they passed on to me. A food-focused entrepreneur who blends chemistry and creativity Gina Mannarino, 34 CEO, Green Gean's LLC Greatest achievement: I am actively build- ing Green Gean's, a Maine-based freeze- drying service busi- ness suppor ting farmers and small food businesses. As a co-packer, I help develop projects and value-added products, turning fresh local pro- duce into shelf-stable, nutrient-dense items. After four years of work, I've now added milling as a post-processing step in the production line, fur- ther expanding what we can offer. My work blends chemistry and creativity to preserve the best of what farmers grow. Passion project: This fall, I'll be hosting interns from the University of Southern Maine. It's mutually energiz- ing; I get support with tasks like applying for grants and organizing the manufactur- ing floor, while the students gain workplace experience and explore food entrepreneur- ship as a potential path for their futures. Lightbulb moment: My lightbulb moment came from a personal experience: a loved one undergoing cancer treatment struggled with altered taste buds, making food hard to enjoy. Freeze-drying offered a solution, changing textures in a way that made familiar foods simple to eat and approachable again while being nutrient dense. Everyone is healthy now, yay! I realized I could use this knowledge to help others and support small food businesses struggling with excess or unsold produce. Green Gean's was born: a business that helps local farmers and small food businesses thrive while mak- ing food more enjoyable. Influential book: "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle," by Barbara Kingsolver Fa v o r i t e m o v i e s : "Mulan," "Harry Potter" films, "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets" Personal hero: José Andrés, because he lives his activ- ism through food. Favorite quote: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to jus- tice ever ywhere." — Martin Luther King Jr. Best way to recharge: I v o l u n t e e r o n t h e Conservation Committee in Old Orchard Beach. I love getting outside, ski- ing, walking the beach or the woods, usually using iNatural- ist to ID plants and animals. And I really love good food — going out to dinner is one of my favorite things! Maine's biggest challenge: Many small towns in Maine have aging infrastructure — not just the roads, but water, bridges and broadband. This affects so much: access to education and opportuni- ties, business growth, health care and communities' ability to plan for the future. The next one to 10 years are really essential! This is the window to build Maine into the place we all imagine: a state that works for everyone, where people want to stay, invest and contribute to their communities. Dinner party guests: Robin Williams, Anthony Bourdain and President Barack Obama C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » "If you have a vision, go for it!" ceimaine.org Dorienne Lewin SALUD Portland Flexible funding + mentorship to fuel your success Business Property and Liability Insurance Products Cyber and Data Breach Liability Insurance Employment Practices Liability Insurance, EPLI & Equipment and Mechanical Breakdown INSURING MAINE BUSINESS — INSURING MAINE PEOPLE We've been in business more than 145 years, and continue to innovate by providing you a portfolio that offers the kind of protection your business needs — today. Visit Patrons.com to find an independent agent near you. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY'S BUSINESS CHALLENGES. My lightbulb moment came from a personal experience. — Gina Mannarino Green Gean's LLC

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