When Sea Maine Vacation Rentals became part of Sea Maine Hospitality Group, LLC in June, it joined other businesses owned and operated by CEO Wendy Caron's family, including Dragonfly Services, Red Claw Lobster Bakes and Reel Addiction Sport Fishing. 

Caron began her local business career working on the gardens at Newagen Seaside Inn and helped with weddings and events. As she explained, "One day, one of the homeowners asked me to help rent his house." Soon, she was handling rentals for a number of homes. Her rental business expanded from 20 properties in 2020 to more than 50 properties. "The past three years we have seen substantial growth," she told the Register in a recent interview.

In addition, Caron owns Dragonfly Services, which has a number of services for local or destination weddings. Caron's daughter Sarah helps her on weekends.   

Fifteen years ago, Caron's husband Tom founded Red Claw Lobster Bakes that provides authentic lobster bakes throughout New England. Recently, son Jordan started his business, Reel Addiction Sport Fishing, which offers two boats for inshore of offshore fishing.

With the creation of Sea Maine Hospitality Group, the Caron family businesses are all under one corporate umbrella.

Weddings are coordinated with "above and beyond" service according to "thank you" notes posted on the website. Homes are available for rent to wedding guests. Lobster bakes can be provided at weddings or at vacation rental homes and Reel Addiction will take visitors sport fishing. "I've been told that it is the only local or national vacation rental business that offers these services through businesses owned by members of the same family," Wendy Caron said. "It's a great hospitality package."    

In turn, they make certain that guests see what other local businesses have to offer. Those renting homes from her business receive welcoming gifts from Orne's Candy Store, Coastal Maine Popcorn and Downeast Candies. There are also personalized boards created by Frank Fassett. Sea Maine Vacation Rentals works with Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and Boothbay Harbor Ghost Walk so discount tickets are offered to renters. If needed, Caron's vacation rental team can provide concierge services like filling the fridge or getting tickets.

A Boothbay Harbor native, Caron supports local businesses. Her grandparents owned Jordan's restaurant and a motel and her parents owned Jordan's Construction. Making sure renters receive the personal touch, her mother, Judy Jordan, who is in her 80s, handles rental guest check-in."We greet every one of our renters at the door," Caron said. 

Asked if the rental business has changed, she said the economy and travel patterns have. Fewer people are staying for a whole week and the usual rental is four to five days. Caron said they adjust their prices to reflect the changes. "The travel industry is so market driven, we offer different rates depending on when the property is booked."

Caron credited her team and the community with helping make her rental business successful. She is grateful to husband Tom and her mother Judy, Kim Millican, Mia Shiveley, Zandy Long, Jill Reynolds, Crystal Bradstreet, Christine Briggs, Roy Tholl and Frank Fassett. She added, her business is "very supported" by Tindal and Callahan.

"We are here, local and supporting our local community," she said. "We all support each other."