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October 3, 2016

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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 27 O C T O B E R 3 , 2 0 1 6 at Lyman-Morse Technologies. Credit for new ini- tiatives, Drew Lyman is quick to point out, goes to the family as a whole. "We do a lot of this together, especially the big- decision stuff," he says. "It's a team effort." But innovation is always in his sights — and part of what makes the job exciting. "It's the energy," he says. "It's never one item that we're building or servicing. We deal with the custom side of things, so you never know what's coming around the corner [in terms of new technologies and materials]. at's what makes it fun." Raised in boatyards Lyman started at the yard as a kid. He and his brothers were drafted to sweep floors during summer vacation. "Dad's perspective was that, to learn the business, you start from the bottom and work your way up," he says. After college, Lyman worked for Driscoll Boat Works in San Diego. "I wanted to get out from under the 'owner's son' thing," he says. "I learned a lot out there." Afterward, he worked for the owner of a Lyman- Morse yacht as caretaker and skipper. In his late 20s he returned to omaston, working with the yard crew. With his wife Mackenzie, who now runs advertising and marketing for the company, he started the company's yacht brokerage. at morphed into service management. Four years ago, he was named president. roughout, he's been instrumental in growing Lyman-Morse's technical and metal fabrication portfolio, leveraging expertise beyond the marine environment to a wide range of products and prototypes for diverse customers. On the technical side, projects range from renewable energy systems for the U.S. Army to innovative sanitation systems in Kenya. Fabrication ranges from metal hulls and marine components to architectural design. He's involved in the company's signature cold- molded and composite yacht construction. Now under contract are two Bertram 35 powerboats and a 65-foot Stephens Waring-designed modern classic sailboat. All are for first-time customers. "Our concentration on technology and our approach to building is superb," he says. "We're always striving to stay on the cutting edge and oper- ate efficiently. Our manufacturing operations are built around that concept. We're not building boats like we did 15 years ago. Our CNC machines and other technologies make us far more efficient." Getting and giving new energy in Camden Now Lyman has amped up Lyman-Morse at Wayfarer, with new infrastructure, services and jobs. e Wayfayer boatyard has leveraged Camden's bustling summer vibe with the new Camden Classics Cup. e Rhumb Line, led by Chef Scott Yakovenko, has given the site a nighttime energy. "e access we have through Wayfarer is amaz- ing," Lyman says. "e Camden Classic was great. It brought a serious group of sailors to the area, some from as far as London. And it's been won- derful to get to know the town of Camden. ere's a lot of activity there. omaston is a quiet town. Camden has lots of action." Diversification like this is key to keeping pace in an industry vulnerable to economic ups and downs, says Lyman. e idea isn't so much about expansion as about maintaining stability for the workforce and gaining exposure. When it comes to building yachts — non-essential goods — it's hard to predict the future, he says. "It's a big reason why boatyards need to diversify, at least why we need to," he says. "You do your core competencies. But to predict when the next custom one-off boat is coming is difficult. We know for the next two years we'll be really busy. But trying to predict the next five years is tricky. It depends on the economy, and on how people are feeling." Lyman sees much of his job as a builder of rela- tionships. It's an outlook that started in childhood. "Dad and Mom always invited customers to dinner. We'd be sitting around the table, talking and having fun," he recalls. "It wasn't so much about business as about relationships. And that's where we've always hung our hat — creating relationships. I love that." Laurie Schreiber, a writer based in Bass Harbor, is the author of "Boatbuilding on Mount Desert Island." She can be reached at l aur ie @ maineprofil es.com Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding Inc. 84 Knox St., Thomaston President: Drew Lyman Employees: 130 overall Revenue: Undisclosed Contact: 354-6904 / www.lymanmorse.com

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