What is your name and occupation?

My name is Sarah Lescault, Construction business owner of Custom Interiors, Inc, tradeswoman, artist and CPDT-KA certified dog trainer.

What are you known for (or would like to be known for)?

I’ve been known for many different things over the years, from being the daughter of Fat Andy’s, to dog trainer, to flooring specialist. I’d like to be known for bringing more equality into the trades and for running Custom Interiors, Inc, our current business.

What is the first word that comes to mind to describe Maine and/or Portland?

Resilient. Maine is not only beautiful, it's also resilient.. We have a wide variety of artists, tradespeople, farmers, and so much more who all work incredibly hard to make a living in a challenging climate. Along with the hardworking people, Maine boasts the most stunning natural scenery that has managed to stay intact despite the expanding population.

Who is the Mainer who most inspires you (past or present)?

I am inspired on a regular basis by the amazing people that live and work in Maine. One person in particular who has been a big influence to me is my former boss, mentor, and friend, Diana Logan. I worked with her for 8 years learning to train dogs at PupStart, her puppy day school in North Yarmouth. We worked together to bring the business from a one day a week program to a full puppy day school and develop a phenomenal curriculum that helped to bring out the best in our students and set them up for success in life.

Diana is an amazing woman with numerous talents and has generously shared many of them with me over the years. She is generous, patient, and is a wealth of knowledge about dogs and behavior. Her methods of how to analyze a problem and work out a solution, her attention to detail, and enthusiasm for her work is something I strive to achieve in my own business.

What do you see as Portland and/or Maine’s biggest challenge?

Climate change is playing a huge role in how Maine will go into the future and our economy. It affects all aspects of our lives, and all types of business, from farmers to flooring installers. Addressing these changes and committing to preserving as much as we can will help make it possible for the next generation of Mainers to achieve success. We are already seeing climate change impact many different industries from agriculture to fishing. In our business, we have seen the cost of materials skyrocket, the availability of certain wood species plummet, and the quality of the lumber being harvested decrease.

What do you think Portland and/or Maine’s greatest asset?

Maine’s greatest asset is its people. The people of Maine are sturdy and able to take on life’s challenges with a seemingly endless supply of humor and resolve. Everyone from the lobstermen to the doctors know how to work hard and put their all into a problem.

How would you like to see Portland and/or Maine changed 5 years from now?

I’d like to see Maine change in 5 years with improvements to how we manage our environment to ensure that the beauty of the state is still intact for the next generation. With the large influx of new residents and new construction in the state, it’s important to preserve our natural landscape and resources so we can continue to thrive as a society.

What is your favorite local restaurant / brewery / store?

My favorite local spot has become Brickyard Hollow in Yarmouth. My family and I often grab take out or enjoy a pint in their pub.

Favorite outdoor spot?

One of my favorite outdoor spots is at Skyline Farms. They have beautiful walking trails and I often take my daughter and our dogs for a walk in the morning or afternoon. In the summer the meadows are filled with nesting birds and it’s so peaceful to wander through the fields and trails! My daughter loves to look at the carriages in the museum as well. It’s a lovely spot.

What are your thoughts on what makes women’s leadership unique and how Maine women can work together to create impact?

Women have the ability to examine not only the small details, but also take in the larger picture which gives us the ability to problem solve and plan ahead. Maine women can help create an impact by working together to lift each other up. We will get much farther working together than apart!

How/why did you decide to make Maine home?

I grew up in Maine and have always loved it. During my younger days I spent a lot of time traveling the world and while there is beauty to be found everywhere, Maine is unique. When you drive across the border from NH to Maine, there is a palpable feeling in the air of being home, and a quiet that eases the soul. I am so excited to raise my daughter, Adeline, here and for her to grow up in such a special place!