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Ride Maine, Michelle Blew and David Cravedi
If the mother of invention is a necessity, then Michelle Blew and David Cravedi got it right when they invented RideMaine, a transportation company offering ride services in both street-legal electric golf carts and regular vehicles in the Kennebunk, Maine area. Thousands of visitors each year take a train, a car, or a bus to visit Kennebunk - known for unique gift shops, lobster rolls, and its beautiful beaches. “We were aware of a lack of transportation in the area, but we underestimated how significant the need was. The trolley service is now only doing tours and specials and it is very difficult to reliably find an Uber", says Michelle, “We started tossing the idea around and jumped in with both feet." After a highly successful 2022 summer season, RideMaine continues on its winter schedule and plans for expansion in summer 2023.
Now, at www.ridemekpt.com or by text, you can reserve a ride anywhere in the Kennebunk area and get a little bit of history and recommendations to go along with it. The open-air and the beautiful scenery spark conversation between drivers and riders. “It’s a super fun way to get around, a great way to enjoy the summer and experience the Kennebunk area. We’ve met the most wonderful people!” comments Michelle.
While they are still navigating the hurdles of a new business, the couple has fallen into a niche that fits their lifestyle. David retired from a career in public safety and Michelle is a full-time optometrist; they have relocated to Kennebunk and are loving what they do. One of their most memorable moments includes giving a person with terminal cancer a ride with their family to see their favorite places in town. Another was a wedding party ride that turned into a parade on the golf carts; with people cheering in the streets for the couple. “The things we get to be a part of by having the service in town are very special,” said Michelle.
Of course, starting a business always comes with barriers to entry. “We started to panic because we were nearing opening day and the golf carts were still on a shipping container somewhere”, says Dave. The couple had to scramble to find a different supplier. Another challenge was obtaining cost-effective insurance. The couple found there are only two companies nationally that insure golf carts for livery service and it comes with steep premiums in order to comply with state and local guidelines for coverage.
“We knew we had this great idea, and we knew the basics about how to implement it, but we had many questions,” says David. The pair reached out to SCORE for help. “Mentors Mark Gowdy and Brenda Richards have been able to help us recognize what is working and what we need to work on. They helped us get organized – we consider Mark and Brenda part of our team” says David. Michelle added, “They asked thoughtful questions so that we could be better prepared and learn more about ourselves and our business. They really helped prioritize what’s most important to work on.” The couple says that SCORE has been a huge support net and encouraged them every step of the way.
RideMaine is expanding. They are forming partnerships with local businesses and have applied for grant funding with the Chamber of Commerce to provide workforce transportation. Michelle and David are true entrepreneurs who have worked hard and want to enjoy their successes. They believe anyone with a good idea should take a leap of faith. “Seek mentorship early. Have a business plan” says David. “If you think you have a good idea, go for it. So many good ideas go wasted.”
For 30 of the past 40 years, I was self employed and owned and managed several real estate...
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