Newsworthy
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Big jobs or small jobs Bowdler does them all
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My Business Section, Portland Press Herald
Published on May 5, 2005 Page: G2
© 2005- Blethen Maine Newspapers, Inc.
Q: What does your business do, and how did it start?
A: We do residential and commercial wiring, with the majority of our work being residential, including remodels, new construction, and service work. I spent many years working as an electrician for a large company out of state. Ten years ago, I decided it was time to go on my own. Originally my mother, June, handled the books and her husband, Cliff, worked with me in the field. The company has since incorporated and grown to include six excellent employees, including the recent addition of our full-time office manager, Jane Parrish.
Q: Why did you choose to locate your business in this area?
A: I grew up in Cape Elizabeth. After graduating I moved to the West Coast, where I attended college and did an electrician's apprenticeship. But my ambition developed to return to Maine. I found the quality of life here to be the best. The locals have been faithfully supportive of Bowdler Electric, and people here have known me personally nearly all my life. My friends from school are also in the building trades here, and we all support each other.
Q: How do you plan to grow your business?
A: It's grown steadily thus far, and I maintain focus on my original formula for success: We return all calls promptly and offer quality service at comptetitve prices. Our electricians are well-trained in quality workmanship, and they also provide excellent customer service. We have a loyal customer base and appreciate their referrals and return business.
Q: Why did you choose this line of business?
A: I grew up around building and construction. My father Michael, and his brother, Derek, were big influences. My father had his own business as an architect and built his own home, among other projects. My uncle was a draftsman and a jack-of-all-trades. They grew up in England during the Depression, so their influence was instrumental to me in running a business efficiently. My construction background has helped me with estimating and job scheduling.
Q: How does your business get involved in the community?
A: We support local youth sporting events and venues. Past and presently we've donated to the Little League, football, soccer, cross country, and ice skating.
Q: Is there anything unique or significantly different about your business?
A: Our work is primarily in Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, Portland, and Scarborough. We provide a wide range of services, anything from short trouble calls to complete home rewiring and commercial, including phone, cable, internet lines. We do it all!
Q: How does your business fluctuate with the seasons?
A: With the spring thaw and home improvements beginning, we get a good deal of service calls and new projects starting. There's also a last minute rush before the holidays. There are less predictable occasions, like downed power lines from high winds and ice storms, and flooded basements from heavy rain. During these seasonal problems we install significantly more generator backup systems.
Q: What are the challenges/advantages to running a small business?
A: The basic challenges are keeping up with the most recent technology and being competitive. An advantage to a small business is that you maintain personal contact with your customers and employees.
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