MaineBusiness.com

Doing Business in Maine

I know this blog isn't the place to be too self-promotional, but I'm too stoked not to mention it: flyte is celebrating it's 10th anniversary today!

It took a lot of hard work and a lot of good people to get to this milestone. Although there's no orchestra to rush me off stage, I'll try and keep this brief.

I'd like to thank my current crew (in order of appearance) of Ryan Goan, Gloria Maher, Robin Lowell, Jonathan Braden, Carolyn Phillips, and the beautiful, charming Cybele Brooks. I'd also like to extend a special thanks to ex-crew members Beth Deutsche and Réal Deprez.

I'd like to thank all of our clients, some of whom are listed here. I'd also like to thank the independent contractors--designers, developers, and programmers--who have allowed us to grow without having to grab more real estate in the Old Port.

I'd especially like to thank my parents, Bob and Marilyn Brooks. Their support, emotional and financial, as I got this company going was invaluable. I know it's just because they didn't want me moving back home, but still it was nice.

To coincide with this little celebration, flyte recently launched our new Web site, which features never-before-seen photos of Portland, taken by local photographer Stacey Cramp. Because of a tight deadline we didn't get all of her photos up there, but we'll be adding more over the next few weeks. To get a full rundown of what went into building our Web site, check out my other blog's post on the subject.

According to statistics, 90% of businesses fail in their first five years, and 90% of the survivors don't make it through the following five years. That makes me especially proud of what our team has accomplished.

I sometimes feel like there's a lot of negativity about the business climate here in Maine, but yet our clients, my friends who run businesses and just about everyone I talk to is extremely busy. Let me say this loud and clear: Maine is a great place to do business; I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I especially love working in the Old Port. I love running into friends and clients as I walk to Market Street Eats, or Granny's, or Anthony's or any of my other favorite lunch haunts. I love the view of Casco Bay, the brick buildings and the cobblestone streets. Friends and clients who come to visit us always rave about the city. (Makes me wonder what their preconceptions of Portland and Maine were, but that's another story.)

Just yesterday I ran into Patty Smith from Planet Dog at a MEBSR conference who told me they just celebrated their 10th anniversary on Wednesday. Congrats to them, and every business who has reached their 10 year anniversary.

Whether you're "native" or Maine is your adopted home--like it is for me--I hope you love doing business here as much as I do. Now, cut out of work and head over to Gritty's, or J's, or Coffee by Design or whatever your favorite haunt is, and raise a glass and celebrate the fact that you live in one of the coolest places on earth.

Have a great weekend.

Rich Brooks

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