SACO, Maine — For decades, Maine Woodworks in Saco has crafted furniture in the classic cottage style.
But what sets this woodworking company apart is its mission: to build better lives for people with disabilities.
All of Maine Woodworks' profits go to support programs impacting hundreds of Mainers with special needs.
Amid the whirring of saws and swirls of sawdust, Scott Bogdan is busy operating the pocket hole machine. He, along with a dozen employees at Maine Woodworks, builds cottage-style furniture one piece at a time.
The company sells iconic pieces in over 40 colors to retailers and customers nationwide. But there is an important mission—nearly half of the employees are impacted by disabilities.
"We believe everybody has worthwhile capabilities, and we want to give them an opportunity," Dave Gallati, the shop manager, explained.
The woodshop began in 1988. Employees first packaged small parts and then began building unfinished pine furniture before launching the Maine Woodworks cottage line in 2001.
Scott said he likes the independence a weekly paycheck gives him and looks forward to coming to work.
"I like everybody here, how do you like working here? For me, it feels good," Scott said with a smile.
Tina Johnson started working there 20 years ago after high school. She sands knobs, bed rails, and fronts for dresser drawers, making sure they are smooth and ready to be painted.
"It feels like a team here, like a family," Tina said with a grin.
Harrison Lambert also sands furniture before they go through the finishing process, from bed frames to mirrors. He used to work in retail and loves the atmosphere the shop provides.
"Here it is a lot more relaxed, you just take your time, it's slow, and you focus on the product and not everything else," Harrison explained.
Scott and other employees hone their skills under the watchful eyes of Mike Lamirande, the company's floor manager and parts department manager.
"They don't want to be treated any differently, and that's how I approach them, I train them like I would just anybody," Mike enthused, adding that the employees are family to him as well.
The company made about 1.5 million dollars in sales last year as demand for cottage-style furniture has increased. A big selling point is the company's mission to provide opportunities for people with special needs.
"Any profits that we make from the sale of the furniture go back to our parent organization Creative Works, to further the social mission," Gallati added.
Creative Works serves over 500 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injury every year. The nonprofit provides housing, jobs, personal skills development, and day programs. That includes art and pottery classes next door to the workshop. Harrison takes classes as a budding artist and is grateful for the opportunities, often very limited for people with disabilities.
"I wouldn't be where I am without it," Harrison said earnestly.