Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I I N O. X V I I A U G U S T 1 0 , 2 0 2 6 14 Mainebiz: What has remaining independently owned enabled Chalmers to achieve that might have been more difficult as part of a larger organization? Dottie Chalmers Cutter: Remaining independent allows us to focus on what matters most: people. Whether it's our co-workers, the clients we serve or the com- munities where we live and work, we have the freedom to prioritize what's best for them, rather than a quarterly earnings report. Chalmers has been family-owned since 1857. Jim and I are the fourth generation, and we see ourselves as stewards of that legacy, with the responsibil- ity of carrying it successfully to the fifth generation and beyond. at long-term perspective shapes every decision we make, and I believe our co-workers feel the difference. We've been named a "Best Place to Work in Insurance" three times, and I don't think that happens unless people are truly the priority. Independence has given us the freedom to stay true to our values while continuing to evolve, and I believe that's one of our greatest strengths. MB: Early in your career, a 360-degree feedback program challenged you to rethink your leadership style. What did you learn from that experience? DCC: Early in my career, I thought being a strong leader meant being decisive and having all the answers. e feedback I received taught me that people do their best work when they feel heard, valued and appreci- ated, not when someone solves every problem for them. It was a hum- bling experience that fundamentally changed how I lead and mentor oth- ers. Today, I lead with greater curios- ity, listen more than I speak, recognize co-workers frequently and meaning- fully and strive to create an environ- ment where others feel empowered to contribute, grow and become leaders themselves. MB: What does it take to build a culture where emerging talent can grow and thrive? DCC: People grow when they are trusted, challenged and supported. at's why our Emerging Leaders program and coaching culture matter so much to me. Forty-one of our co-workers — nearly half our workforce — have completed the program, and 16 have already stepped into leadership roles. One of my proudest moments came at our 2025 graduation, when every participant shared a personal chal- lenge they had overcome. at's when you realize leadership isn't a title — it's confidence, self-aware- ness, resilience and the courage to keep growing. When people know they're seen, valued, believed in, they gain confidence, take owner- ship and accomplish far more than they ever thought possible. MB: What excites you most about Chalmers' next chapter? DCC: What excites me most is watch- ing the next generation of leaders emerge. Seeing people grow and develop is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. We have incredibly talented co-workers bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives and tremen- dous energy to the organization. MB: What do you hope the next generation of Chalmers leaders carries forward? DCC: Putting people first. at has guided Chalmers for nearly 170 years, and I hope it always will. I hope future leaders continue to challenge convention and embrace innovation while leading with integ- rity, humility and genuine care for others. My father taught me that our co-workers should be treated like extended family, and that we have a responsibility to leave both our company and our communities stronger than we found them. I hope that spirit of stewardship continues to define Chalmers for generations to come. I also hope they remain deeply committed to giving back — not because it's a corporate initia- tive, but because it's simply part of who we are. Renee Cordes, Mainebiz deputy editor, can be reached at rcordes @ mainebiz.biz Chalmers Insurance Group 100 Main St., Bridgton Founded: 1857 What the company does: Family-owned provider of personal, business and private client insurance as well as employee benefits to more than 20,000 clients across Maine and New Hampshire Employees: 95 chalmersinsurancegroup.com What excites me most is watching the next generation of leaders emerge. Seeing people grow and develop is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. We have incredibly talented co-workers bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives and tremendous energy to the organization. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M PA G E 1 2 P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY The Governor's Race: Through the Lens of Maine's Commercial & Residential Real Estate Industry Hannah Pingree Bobby Charles Rick Bennett S AV E T H E DAT E : September 16, 2026 Hannaford Hall — Abromson Community Education Center Maine's next chapter is on the ballot. Join MEREDA to hear how the candidates' visions could shape housing, development and economic growth statewide. Register at MEREDA.org/events MEREDA's Fall Conference

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