This week, we talk with Bill Benson, the executive director of Boots2Roots - a non-profit organization helping veterans find jobs and set down roots when relocating to Maine. We chatted about how his experience transitioning from military service helps him with his current role, how Boots2Roots helps veterans, how people can get involved, and much more.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Bill Benson joined Boots2Roots in 2019 after a successful stint as the owner/operator of a small manufacturing business in Maine. Prior to owning his business and before moving to Maine in 2014, Bill spent 24 years on active duty with the United States Army. Bill is a combat veteran who served over 42 months deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. When it came time to transition, Bill, his wife Tara, and their three children chose to settle in Maine because, out of all the places they lived, Maine felt most like home. Bill joined Boots2Roots because of the opportunity to use his own experiences as a veteran and business owner to assist other transitioning service members in finding meaningful work and put down roots in Maine.

To learn more about Boots2Roots, visit www.boots2roots.org where you can contact them, find out about events, learn how to get involved, or even donate. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR:

Headquartered in Gorham, Maine since its founding in 1868, Gorham Savings Bank is a depositor-owned community bank delivering a full suite of financial services tailored to the needs of Southern Maine's businesses and consumers. As the only bank headquartered in Cumberland County, GSB serves and supports businesses that value local management, know-how and accountability. The bank offers consumer savings accounts, personal loans, mortgages, HELOCs, CDs, IRAs and financial planning services through its 12 branches and growing network of ATMs, video teller machines, and mobile services. Gorham Savings Bank is a tireless advocate for the wellbeing of the communities it serves, donating thousands of volunteer hours to dozens of community-based initiatives annually. Learn more at gorhamsavings.bank. Member FDIC.

ABOUT KEEP IT LOCAL MAINE:

We are a way for local businesses to promote themselves to thousands of people in and around their communities - letting them know what great services and products they offer right here in Maine! We currently publish four issues in areas around Southern Maine in addition to our podcast. To learn more about us, visit keepitlocalmaine.com or follow us on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.