04/17/2026
In the world of sales, you meet a lot of people. Client relationships come and go as businesses come and go. Sometimes, people whom you haven't heard from in years come back around. That's what happened to me in early 2020. Yep, the COVID year.
A well-known business man, whom I had sold advertising to years ago in Ellsworth, called me out of the blue and wanted to talk. I was hesitant, but agreed. He was making some changes at his furniture store and wanted me to help on the marketing side. That man was Forrest Grant and the store was 304 Stillwater Avenue Furniture.
I was introduced to his grandson, Jeremy Karam, who was taking over as store manager. I liked him. I always loved working with clients in the furniture business and did not have a furniture client since starting my agency. I absolutely love to decorate and furniture commercials are my favorites to produce. After talking with my team, I called Forrest and the rest is history! The timing could not have been better.
COVID hit soon and, with other clients pulling schedules, I was blessed when 304 continued to advertise. We had a lot of work to do as we navigated through the COVID months and beyond. Jeremy worked hard on bringing in better lines and building his staff. My job was to work on upgrading the store's image. Forrest put his trust in both of us and, at age 88, still had his finger on the pulse every day. He absolutely loved being in business and making money. He could tell you what he had paid for every business he'd ever owned - and there were many - and what he had sold each one for. His life stories were treasures...and many were hilarious. The kind where "you can't make this sh@ # up"! He was a true character of the finest kind.
Over the past 6 years, I have enjoyed my relationship with Forrest so much. He was one of few links left to my parents' generation. He even remembered my dad from legal dealings in Calais as owner of the Calais Motor Inn. (I may have been there once or twice🍹😉). His work ethic and passion for business...and love for life well into his nineties...were truly inspiring. I started helping with store decor and anything else that was needed. My hours there are not "work" at all. I will forever be grateful for that call back in January 2020, and the opportunity to get to know, and to love, both Forrest and Jeremy. I will continue to straighten the doormat every time I enter 304...just as Forrest did every day. And, I'll hear him hollering, "Bah-bra, thank you for all you do!" No...thank YOU, Forrest. ❤️
