Employee-Owner Spotlight: Stefanie Nichols, Permitting Specialist/Project Coordinator

Stefanie NicholsWhat is your role at Sebago Technics?

Permitting Specialist/Project Coordinator. This is my second tour at STI. I was tolerated for about a year – 1987. I know, I look much younger, hahaha.

What is your favorite part about your job?

The people – working with good, kind, and intelligent people.

How did you choose this career path?

My dad was a general contractor. I love the smell of fresh concrete! I decided that I needed to be close to GC work without being in the field. My degree is in drafting – I’ve morphed into permitting over the past 30 years.

What places have you lived in throughout your life?

Rumford, ME (18), Presque Isle, ME (2), Fairfield, ME (1.5), Gray, ME (31.5). My future home (retirement) will be on Cape Cod. My husband’s family has roots that date to the pilgrims and property deeded 100 years later that they still own.

Before working at Sebago, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I worked at the now defunct Rumford Zoo in Rumford Point. I was a snack bar and ticket attendant for all of my high school summers. R. Zoo home of the smoking chimpanzee “Herbie.”

What three traits define you?

Honest, hard-working, funny (my sons disagree – what do they know?)

What are your hobbies outside the office?

Read, swim, boating & cooking. I love to cook unless I’m tired, then it’s “get your own” night.

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Grilled teriyaki chicken, asparagus, and plain NY style cheesecake (think Izzys).

Top three life highlights?

  • My wedding day (30 years ago in June). My parents allowed me to invite a huge crowd and we partied like rock stars.
  • My children – they are my joy (most days!)
  • Being with my grandmother when she passed. She was scared and being there to comfort her was amazing. I have great memories of her.

What has been your favorite project at Sebago and why?

Too early! It’s all good. I generally enjoy work. It takes a lot for me to admit to a really bad day.

If you were an animal what would you be?

A corgi puppy – universally adored!! Loving, speedy, and smart.

Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?

I always thought about the Galapagos Islands until my son honey-mooned in Ireland. He toured, hiked, and biked most of the west coast – incredible scenery. I’m going there one day.

What is the best concert you attended?

Billy Joel – although I’ve seen Jimmy Buffet 20+ times.

What are you excited about at Sebago?

Working on a large variety of projects. Being part of a team. I worked alone, often, for the past five years.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.  

Well, I’m obviously not a marathon runner… I love trivia games and play smartphone trivia at Pat’s Pizza in North Windham, with my youngest son each week. We are pretty good – (4) top finishes and “usually” in the top 5. He knows pop culture and music, and I am good at general knowledge (old fart stuff).

What do you like most about working at Sebago Technics?

Orderly work with great/helpful coworkers.

Favorite place(s) to go to in Maine?

Any seafood joint with a view, Western mountains – Oxford County where I grew up, and Acadia National Park.