By: Carol Madsen, Editor, District 7780 Newsletter, PP Rotary Club Bridgton-Lake Region
When I saw Maryna’s Name associated with the new eat-in/drive-through Aroma Joe’s in Naples, Maine, I wondered if it was the same woman I’d had an opportunity to meet on the District Public Image Committee. Well, lo and behold, it was. How I’d missed hearing more about her over her four-year career as a Rotarian I don’t know. When I asked if she would be able to work with me on a piece for the newsletter, she was happy to participate.
Carol – I’d love to hear a little about your background, Maryna.
Maryna - I arrived in the United States from Belarus in 2007, speaking no English. I was only planning to stay long enough to make $5,000 before returning home. Then I met Adam and those plans changed. We married three months later and have been together ever since. We have two daughters, Nellie 12, and Nadia 4, and live in Eliot, Maine.
It wasn’t long before I learned English while pursuing my education and involving myself in the community. Raising my girls gave me a good way to be involved. Working with local parent-teacher organizations, or awarding student achievements through social media, I was constantly heading up fundraisers; working, studying, doing community work, and family. Those things filled my life. The structure kept me focused.
Carol -Tell me a little about your history with Rotary.
Maryna - I became a member of the Kittery Rotary Club four years ago and served as club president in 2020-2021. With the District Public Image Committee, I took on responsibility for Instagram oversight. And in 2021 I began a three-year tenure as Assistant Governor serving Area 3 for the Kittery, Kittery-After-Hours, Ogunquit, Wells, and York Clubs. I love it all!
Carol – It seems whatever you do, you get involved 100%.
Maryna - You’re right, Carol. I give inspirational talks to students at many different schools around the state of Maine and teach business and marketing courses at Great Bay Community College and Southern New Hampshire University. I tell my students that working hard means giving your best effort in everything you do. I just completed my Ph.D. in International Business with a specialization in International Marketing. I’ve very proud of that achievement. It was a lot of hard work but I believe it was worth it. I consult with small business owners in areas of local and digital marketing, strategic growth, and employee motivation. I’m also very active with local chambers of commerce.
Carol – So tell me how you got involved with Aroma Joe’s.
Maryna - In 2013, the CEO of Aroma Joe’s was planning to franchise and asked me if I’d like to open the first franchise. At the time I was the Marketing Director for Subway of Maine. Well, the rest is history. Today I own seven Aroma Joe’s in Maine, including Saco, Gorham, Kittery, Winslow, Oxford, Naples, and South Sanford. Currently, I’m also Chief Operations Officer at Acadia Management Group overseeing multiple QSR (quick service restaurant) concepts.
Carol – I’m impressed that you have been able to accomplish so much in 15 years. From learning English to obtaining your Ph.D., raising a family, and managing seven franchise locations. Not to mention the roles you have taken on in Rotary. Is there anything you’d like to add?
Maryna – As I said, working, studying, community work, family. Those are the important things in my life. I couldn’t have done any of it without the help of my husband, neighbors, work colleagues, and my whole community. Everyone was a huge support. My friends back home say, oh, you must have married a rich man. And, I reply that we just work really hard. Frankly, I’m living the American dream; the dream of every newcomer to the US.
Carol – Thank you, Maryna. You are an inspiration. I’m so pleased you are a Rotarian.