Mainebiz

V O L . X X I I I N O. X I I I J U N E 1 2 , 2 0 1 7 36 To keep up, the Waxmans continue to recruit and train stitchers. So far 19 out of 125 applicants have been trained in three classes, the last of which was made possible by Southern Maine Community College's Maine Quality Center Program and Goodwill's Workforce Solutions. All of the orga- nizations that have helped American Roots have provided similar assistance to other Maine companies creating quality jobs and committed to build- ing a diverse workforce. "Maine's current economic climate and low unemployment rate is com- pelling companies to think innova- tively about their employment," says Liz Love, a program developer at CEI. " ere just aren't a lot of people looking for work, and those who are may face barriers. One example is Portland's new American population ... Many have recently arrived in the United States, are eager to work, often with professional backgrounds, but face employability challenges such as limited English skills." A fourth training is set to begin this month. Worker retention is high — in American Roots' fi rst 18 months, just one employee left, for personal reasons. 'American dream' Language is no barrier for those working at American Roots today as Ben and Whitney continue to pursue new clients, the offi ce wall resembling a political cam- paign war room with lists of names and a map of state-by-state marketing plans. ey also continue to get sound advice from Ben's mother Dory based on her experience, including to always be pre- pared for a mill to shut down, always be on the hunt for new suppliers just in case, and always treat employees well. " at's how my husband and I always ran Casco Bay Wool Works … You succeed when you treat people with dignity and respect." At American Roots, the plan is to expand into cotton this June with a hooded sweatshirt in four styles, and to open a small factory outlet store in September. Despite the hard work and long hours Ben and Whitney love what they do. "I wouldn't trade it for anything," he says of "building the American dream, with the love of my life, and my mom and my dad … and new Americans who happened to be the ones who walked through the door. If this isn't America I don't know what is." R C , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t @ . a n d @ F O C U S » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E Portland | Augusta | Concord | Boston | Washington D.C. preti.com At Preti Flaherty, we go beyond the traditional practice of law to pursue innovative strategies and create opportunities for our clients. We're committed to supporting Maine's entrepreneurial community. Through our partnerships with the Maine Technology Institute, Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development, and Maine Startup and Create Week as well as offering Preti Launch Pad—a complimentary legal assistance program for new small businesses—we help innovators fi nd viable paths to reaching their goals. We're ready to help you launch. about the future of Maine business WILLING TO THINK DIFFERENTLY P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R Hasen Buseyr from Ethiopia is among 12 new Mainers employed at American Roots, an apparel company in Portland.

• Cover