Freeporter’s passion for cycling spawns a custom-fit business

With a sunny warm weekend behind us, everyone is starting to break out their gear for spring and summer. This includes dusting off that road bicycle, or maybe for the cycling enthusiast investing in a new one.

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Environments at Work now occupies an expanded office and furniture showroom in Portland. Courtesy Photo

“The Olympia” was the first custom-fitted bicycle produced by Valkyrie Cycles, started by Jim Barry of Freeport. Courtesy photo

Paul Federico, who has 20 years experience in the pizza business, will manage Farm House Pizza and Deli. Courtesy photo

Valkyrie Cycles is a home grown effort by Jim Barry, of Freeport. By day, he works as a business analyst at Unum Insurance, but in his free time, he has taken to designing bicycles for racing and performance cyclist.

“I work one-on-one with the customer so that ultimately it’s their bike,” Barry said. “There’s a style, we’ll start from there and move toward that ‘just for you’ type of fit and component choices.”

The final product is a made-to-order carbon fiber racing bicycle. He has worked with customers from Maine to Seattle, with varied abilities and designs in mind.

The 25-year veteran cyclist decided to take his business skills, creativity and passion for cycling and create Valkyrie Cycles as a side business last spring. This season, with a solid base of vendors and confidence in his product, he’s hoping to get his name out into Maine’s vibrant cycling community.

“I really like working with the athlete within my customer. I get their goals and dreams aligned with their purchase. I’m as excited about that side of customer service as I am about getting on the bike,” Barry said.

For more information on Valkyrie Cycles, visit www.valkyrie-cycles.com.
 

Harvest Hill diversifies

Harvest Hill Farms recently opened Farm House Pizza and Deli at its Route 26 location in Mechanic Falls. It also moved its Country Farm Market to the same location.

Paul Federico, with 20 years experience in the pizza business, will manage the pizza and deli section, featuring pizza dough made fresh daily and farm fresh ingredients based on seasonal availability.

The market offers a selection of range fed beef, pork, chicken and turkey, along with an extensive wine selection, beer and soft drinks and other products. For more information, visit www.harvesthillfarms.com.

Former first lady opens consulting business

Mary J. Herman has launched a new consulting firm, Mary J. Herman Consulting, offering businesses and nonprofits help with marketing, business planning, fundraising, political strategy, research and analysis and network facilitation.
The firm is located at 114 Maine St. in Brunswick.

As a former lobbyist, public policy consultant and wife of former Gov. Angus King, Herman has experience working and volunteering for nonprofits, health care, social services, education and in the governmental/public policy sectors. 
For more information about the firm, visit www.maryjherman.com.

 Matawi Inc. launches effort in support of refugees

Matawi Inc., a Maine-based nonprofit organization co-founded by Patrick Buck, Ismail Ahmed and Rachel Silver, had its formal opening at the beginning of February. Matawi supports education, civic engagement and leadership development in the global refugee community.

The organization is currently focusing on the primarily Somali refugee communities of Maine and Dadaab, Kenya. For more information, visit www.matawi.org.

Bill & Bob’s offers more at new Fox Run Mall store

Bill & Bob’s, a jewelry store in the heart of York Beach, has expanded its business to the Fox Run Mall. Bill & Bob’s Bridal, Prom, and Jewelry Salon features private dressing rooms with one-on-one customer service, a range of attire from traditional bridal dresses to high fashion prom dresses, as well as a wide selection of necklaces, earrings, watches, and rings. For more information, visit www.billandbobsbridal.com.

Portland investment firm opens Damariscotta branch

H.M. Payson & Co., a Maine trust company and investment advisory firm based in Portland, has opened its first branch office since starting business in 1854. The new office is in downtown Damariscotta at 10 Bristol Road. Kent Whitaker, portfolio manager, and Margaret Wilder will staff the office. The company is one of the oldest independent investment firms in the country, managing approximately $1.7 billion in client assets.

Endicott Home Furnishings opens at new Route 1 site

Endicott Home Furnishings has moved to a new location next to Classic Flooring and Len Libby’s Chocolates on Route 1, not far from its previous space. The new location has ample parking and remains close to Portland and Interstate 295. The store launched its exclusive line of furniture, Condo Sofa, in 2007, designed in Maine and manufactured in North Carolina. For more information, visit www.condofurniture.com.

New Portland space for Haworth office furniture dealer

Environments at Work, New England’s premier Haworth office furniture dealer, has expanded into a larger space in Portland.
The new 2,500 square foot office and showroom is at 30 Danforth St. and is led by Amy Lalezari, territory manager. The new space displays a variety of furniture products and industry trends featuring fully integrated furniture solutions. For more information, visit www.environmentsatwork.com.

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