This week, we had the unique opportunity to talk with the CEO and founder of Maine's rocket company, Sascha Deri of bluShift Aerospace. They are the first company to commercially launch a rocket using bio-derived fuel and did it right here in Maine! We talked about what makes Maine a great place for a rocket company, nanosatellites, challenges he's faced, how previous experiences have helped him, and much more!

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

In 1999 Sascha co-founded the altE Store, a national renewable energy product distribution and light manufacturing company, where as CEO he is responsible for setting the company’s market and product development strategy for the $29M/year organization. In 2014 Mr. Deri founded bluShift Aerospace. The company made history on January 31, 2021 with the first commercial rocket launch powered by bio-derived fuel in the world, using a proprietary modular hybrid rocket engine that is also unique to the aerospace industry. Mr. Deri grew up in Maine,  earning a degree in physics from Earlham College and a second degree in electrical engineering from University of Southern Maine. He lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife and two daughters.

To learn more about bluShift Aerospace, visit www.blushiftaerospace.com or check out investment opportunities in their company. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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.