Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1541920
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 D E C E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 2 5 NEXT UP: Watch for an interview with a new nonprofit leader in our Jan. 12 print edition. HANNAH RYDER, executive chef at Twelve restaurant, on what she'd advise someone thinking about entering the culinary industry today: "Getting your foot in the door is the biggest thing." Restaurateur KRISTA COLE, owner of Sur Lie in Portland and Gather in Yarmouth, on the biggest challenge facing her industry today: "The cost of everything and trying to pay people livable wages. The industry has always depended on cheap labor and needs to figure out how to survive in the new world." JASON HARKINS, executive dean of the Maine Business School and dean of Graduate School of Business at the University of Maine, on business conditions for startups: "The climate for starting a business in Maine has never been better, with so many supports for new ventures and more access to capital." ANNIE LEAHY, executive director of Mechanics' Hall, on the importance of the arts in Maine's largest city: "The arts are really the soul of Portland — and a powerful engine for its economy." KAVERI SUBBARAO NAUHAUS, CEO of Bernstein Shur, on the Portland- based law firm's expansion plans: "Our offices in Portland and Manchester, N.H., are launching pads — portals to bigger markets. We already bring world-class talent to solving regional and national challenges for our clients. Our goal is to broaden that impact and respond to our clients' needs in areas beyond northern New England where they are eager to continue working with our team." Defendify CEO RO B S I M O P O U L O S , when asked whether cybersecurity is a recession-proof business: "Cybersecurity is rarely something organizations can afford to cut. Unfor tunately, during periods of economic uncertainty, crime often increases, making security even more critical." CHRIS TORINA, director of entrepreneurship at Northeastern University's Roux Institute, on how he defines entrepreneurship: "For me, entrepreneurship is deeply personal — it's that flash of clarity, like a switch flipping when you know it's time to turn your side thing into your main thing."