In the News

Springworks Farm Wins People's United Bank Innovation & Technology Award from Institute For Family-0wned Business
October 8, 2021

Springworks Farm receives a prestigious award from the Institute for Family-Owned Business recognizing our innovation and technology achievements.

Expansion Illustration
Expansion Illustration

Here in Maine, 80% of all businesses are just like Springworks Farm, family-owned and operated.

Since 1994, the Institute for Family-Owned Businesses (IFOB) has been a source of ideas, advice, and support to family-owned businesses throughout the state. It's a fantastic organization that's membership includes some of the most recognized companies in Maine (family-owned or otherwise), including Gifford's Ice Cream, Hancock Lumber, and Cross Insurance to name just a few.

Each year, IFOB holds an awards gala to "celebrate the accomplishments of small and large businesses." Thanks to a nomination from Hannaford Supermarkets, IFOB reached out to us last summer to let us know we were one of the 21 semi-finalists from over 160 nominees. This honor included an invitation to the awards dinner at Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland on Wednesday, October 6.

After a stirring tribute to Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Harry Fraser and an entertaining keynote conversation between emcee and founder of Maine Life Media Erin Ovalle and Shipyard Brewing Company Owner and Founder Fred Forsley, it was time for the awards.

Months of suspense ended in an instant when we learned we received the People's United Bank Innovation & Technology award. This award recognizes a company that demonstrates:

  • excellence in the development or creation of a new idea, method, or product to solve a problem
  • original, compelling ideas, innovation or technology
  • significant benefits to others
  • fulfillment of a market need or creation of a new market through a service or product
  • OR
  • use of applied science or innovative methods in product development or enhancement

Trevor started Springworks Farm because he believed in his heart that aquaponics had the power to make the world a better place by reducing farming's impact on our natural environment. Earning the recognition of a panel of judges is more than a tremendous honor, it's proof that we're making real progress on our mission to change the way lettuce is grown.

Even more remarkable than this exciting honor is the sight of Trevor wearing a suit which we've captured for all time below in this photograph with his mom Stephanie and sister (and our Vice President) Sierra.

Stephanie, Sierra & Trevor Kenkel at the Maine Family Business Awards

And here is the entire team posing on-stage with Hannaford Produce Category Manager Mark Jewell who took time off from his richly-deserved vacation to join us at our table.

Springworks Farm Founder and President Trevor Kenkel holds our Innovation & Technology Award with Hannaford Produce Category Manager Mark Jewell and our team in the background
From left to right: Hannaford Produce Category Manager Mark Jewell, Springworks Farm Director of Business Development Emily Donaldson, Founder and President Trevor Kenkel, Vice President Sierra Kenkel and Proud Mom Stephanie Kenkel

We can't say enough about how much we appreciate Mark and his entire team. In the four years since we made our first direct delivery to five Hannaford stores, our Green Leaf sleeves are now in all 184 stores and we have another exciting announcement coming up VERY soon.

In the meantime, here are the other winners from the 2021 Maine Family Business Awards. Congratulations, one and all!