Mary Allen Lindemann, 45, and Alan Spear, 43, who own two Portland-based Coffee

Taylor Smith

Source

Mainebiz

Date

3-21-2005

Pages

1, 16-20

Abstract

Mary Allen Lindemann, 45, and Alan Spear, 43, who own two Portland-based Coffee by Design shops and a roastery and wholesale facility, are the Mainebiz pick for Business Leader of the Year. Against advice, they started their first coffeeshop a decade ago in a rundown section of Congress St.,--now part of a vital arts district. Their long hours, strong presence in the stores, and attention to detail have driven their success, but now they want to hand over more responsibility to management staff. Last year, they sold one of their three coffee shops and started the roastery to support their expanding wholesale business, in line with their policy of controlled growth policy and belief in owning their properties. (They do, however, rent their store on Congress Street). They have gained recognition over the years for their community involvement with issues like homelessness, and their support for the arts, the environment, and employee development. They have stayed consistently profitable in an increasingly competitive marketplace; and their financial books are open to employees, whom they encourage to start their own small businesses. Details.

Subjects

Entrepreneurs, Coffeehouses, Lindemann, Mary Allen, Spear, Alan G

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