Episode 016: Shains of Maine

On this episode of York County Conversations, we sit down with the leadership team behind one of southern Maine’s most beloved local businesses, Shain's of Maine. CEO Jeff Shain, his son Ethan Shain, and General Manager Stacie Croteau share the story behind the iconic Sanford destination known for its homemade ice cream and community roots. What began as a small farm stand has grown into a thriving multi-million-dollar family business, serving York County for more than 40 years. Stacie reflects on her remarkable journey from 14-year-old ice cream scooper to General Manager, while Ethan explains how lessons learned on the playing field help him navigate the challenges of running and growing a family business. Jeff looks back on the evolution of Shain’s—from hometown farmer to successful entrepreneur—and discusses the importance of reinvesting in local employees and staying deeply connected to the community. Plus, the team reveals just how much ice cream Shain’s sells every year, the challenges of scaling production, and what the future of Shain’s of Maine looks like.