David Jean of Albin, Randall & Bennett—a full-service accounting and tax advisory firm based in Portland—says he didn’t need too much convincing to join the Associated Builders and Contractors of Maine back in December of 2001.
Prior to joining, Jean says he heard nothing but praise for ABC Maine from several of his clients throughout New England who encouraged him to get involved. Once he signed up, Jean thought so highly of ABC Maine that he later became the treasurer of its board of directors—and is now celebrating the anniversary of his membership with 15 other companies in the state who joined the organization in December.
That was 20 years ago, and Jean says it’s easily been one of the best business decisions he’s ever made. By connecting with ABC Maine, Jean was able to gain a better understanding of the construction industry—and how legislative, political and economic factors can impact the construction businesses of his clients.
Thanks to the resources and opportunities provided by ABC Maine, Jean says his accounting firm is now more in tune with its customers, giving them the kind of industry insights—from employment policies to safety practices—that can positively affect their businesses. And their bottom lines.
Over the past two decades, ABC Maine has provided Jean with access to timely information affecting the industry—particularly in the area of health insurance. For example, through ABC Maine’s insurance trust program builders, contractors and other businesses that sign up for healthcare coverage through Aetna can get their ABC Maine membership covered in addition to receiving a credit for each enrolled employee. Learning about this—and a variety of other ABC Maine perks for his clients—only opened the doors to more personal and professional relationships with other members across the state.
“We’ve established a close-knit network that helps each other,” Jean says. “ABC Maine has helped us grow our construction client base, allowing us to better serve our clients across the state through our connections.”
Season to Celebrate
It’s not just Jean singing the praises of ABC Maine membership. Paul White Company—a specialty tile and flooring company in Portland—has been part of the ABC Maine family for two decades.
“We are so proud of our 20-year relationship with ABC Maine,” says CEO Paul White. “They have been great partners in providing advice for merit shop contractors, as well as offering continuing education and best safety practices.”
His brother President Jonathan White agrees, noting the company has turned to ABC Maine to navigate the regulatory landscape of the construction industry throughout New England, for information regarding business law, to the latest COVID-19 regulations.
“It is very reassuring to know that reaching out to an organization like ABC Maine will get you the answers we all need in these times of ever-changing rules,” Jon White says. “ABC Maine has also helped to protect our employees and customers with their efforts at the state capitol, fighting to make sure our opinions are heard. We appreciate their work and look forward to continuing our relationship of growth with ABC Maine.”
ABC Maine President and CEO Hope Pollard says hearing positive feedback like this—and seeing the longstanding commitment made by companies like Albin, Randall & Bennett and the Paul White Company is both rewarding and heartwarming.
“Serving ABC members like Albin, Randall & Bennett for 15 years is an honor. I’ve learned so much from David Jean’s leadership on the ABC board of directors. The connections and relationships made with all our members will last a lifetime,” Pollard says.
To date, ABC Maine is 182 members strong, encompassing professionals from plumbing and heating contractors to stonemasons and businesses both large and small. Pollard and her team—which includes Membership Director Tami Staples and Workforce Development Coordinator Shari Johnson—are more motivated than ever to bring the latest construction industry information and programming to Maine’s builders and contractors. Popular perks this year included ABC Maine’s workforce development apprenticeship programs, the Young Professionals Program for 2021-2022 and a series of social networking events—including the upcoming Annual Holiday Meeting and dinner party on December 3!
ABC Maine looks forward to ringing in 2022 by welcoming new members into the fold and is honored to recognize the loyalty of the 16 companies celebrating membership anniversaries this month:
- Androscoggin Bank – 21
- Albin, Randall & Bennett – 20
- Maine Masonry Company Inc. – 20
- Paul White Company Inc. – 20
- Bowman Constructors – 18
- Northeastern Environmental Services – 17
- American Aerial Services Inc. – 17
- Blane Casey Building Contractor Inc. – 17
- Travelers – 16
- ACE Corporation – 13
- Richard P. Waltz Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc. -13
- Sargent Corporation – 6
- Camden National Bank – 5
- Hardy Construction Inc. – 3
- Connectivity Point Design Installation – 2
- Resource Options Inc. – 1
See What We Can Do for You!
To learn more about ABC Maine membership, contact ABC Maine’s Membership Director Tami Staples at (207) 620-6561, or email her at tami@abcmaine.org.
From all of us at ABC Maine, we wish you a joyous holiday season!