Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 O C T O B E R 1 9 , 2 0 1 5 By his own admission, patience doesn't come easily to Sheehan, who says by nature he's driven to solve problems. It's been a hallmark of the wholesale seafood business he and his wife created three years ago, when they realized the scientifi c specimen busi- ness they incorporated in 2002 — whose sales had plummeted with the recession — wasn't coming back fast enough to keep them in Washington County. eir new business plan is tied to the overarching goal of creating jobs in Maine's poorest county, where 19.4% of its 32,190 residents live in poverty and the median household income, according to the Center for Workforce Research and Information, was $37,236 during 2009-13 (compared to $48,453 for Maine and $53,046 for the United States for the same period). at, inevitably, has spurred them to become creative problem-solvers on behalf of local clammers, as well as strong advocates for the state's second-most valu- able fi shery, which grew in value by more than $1.1 million in 2014 to $19.23 million statewide. "It's to our advantage to build up the local clam- ming industry," Tim says. "I really think there's an opportunity here to make Washington County the 'Clam Capital of Maine.' Let's see how many people we can put to work in our clam fl ats up here." Survival 101 A native of Aroostook County and a University of Maine graduate who focused on marine studies in earn- ing his degree, Sheehan came to Washington County initially to teach biology in Baileyville. He and Amy, who's from Michigan, have four children ranging in age from 13 to 20. In the 25 years they've lived Downeast, the Sheehans have become, like many others, entrepre- neurs — with Tim becoming a state-certifi ed Master Guide and U.S. Coast Guard-certifi ed captain so that he could off er seasonal eco-tours, lighthouse tours and charter fi shing to supplement their family income. Hoping to parlay Tim's marine science background and their proximity to Cobscook Bay — a unique and productive marine environment that owes its bounty to the eff ects of a daily 20-foot tide — they started Gulf of Maine Inc. as a "sea life" specimen business in 2002. By their own eff orts and with the help of local fi sher- men and clammers, the Sheehans collected, packed and shipped more than 300 species of seaweed, inver- tebrates and fi sh as scientifi c specimens to aquariums, colleges and universities and teaching laboratories across North America. en came the recession. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Augusta 626-0822 Bangor 947-6250 Bangor 947-6250 Bangor Portland 774-1531 Presque Isle 554-1212 Whatever your service needs, we'll save your business or institution energy and money. For more than 60 years, we've done just that for educational, industrial, manufacturing, medical and government facilities throughout Maine—and we can do it for you. Call us. You'll like what you hear. energy sAvIngs In every sector Heating cooling refrigeration energy ManageMent mechanicalservices.com Gulf of Maine Inc. 81 U.S. Route 1, Pembroke Owners: Tim and Amy Sheehan Services: Buy and sell softshell clams, periwinkles, whelks, scallops, eels/elvers and crabs. Also provides scientific marine specimens (e.g., live invertebrates, plankton and various seaweeds and fish) to aquariums, colleges and universities and teaching laboratories. Revenues: Expects 2015 sales to exceed $2 million Contact: 726-4620 www.gulfofme.com

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