HAY RUNNER EXPANDS TO THE MIDCOAST, ACQUIRING PHI BUILDERS + ARCHITECTS!
For immediate release: 8/10/23
Portland, ME: Hay Runner Announces the Acquisition of Rockport, Maine-based Construction Company, Phi Builders + Architects
Hay Runner, a Portland, Maine-based design, construction and real estate company centered around simplifying the property ownership experience, is thrilled to announce its expansion in size, service and geographic reach through the acquisition of Phi Builders + Architects. Phi is an excellent, established, locally and regionally respected design and build firm based in Rockport, Maine, known for their fine home building and cabinetry. Now under Hay Runner ownership, their dedicated and talented team looks forward to growing with Hay Runner’s industry mold-breaking model to serve all homeowners with responsive, high-quality home building and expansion, as well as improvements, beautification, upgrades and small projects.
Hay Runner plans to continue to operate the Rockport location from its current West Street headquarters, hand in hand with the current field staff, shop team, architects and administration. Hay Runner looks forward to continuing to work with Phi’s dedicated mid-coast-based clients, vendors, subcontractors and suppliers, carrying on Phi’s track record of trust and excellence in the field.
Hay Runner makes its mark at the intersections of real estate, design, craft, and construction and celebrated its five-year anniversary in May 2023. In the last 12 months, Hay Runner doubled the staff, purchased a fleet of vehicles, designed, built and established a permanent headquarters in downtown Portland, Maine, added an interior plant design division and invested in an expanded team of professionals poised to support expansion to Rockport - and beyond! Shannon Richards has envisioned the expansion of Hay Runner to new locations since its inception and welcomes the opportunity to begin this growth in Rockport with the acquisition of a company she has long admired, owned by a trusted friend and respected mentor, Bettina Doulton.
When asked about how this significant acquisition aligns with her vision, Hay Runner’s owner, Shannon Richards said:
“It’s an honor and a privilege to grow Hay Runner, a company centered around simplifying the property ownership experience, in the rich soils of Phi Builders + Architects. A well known, midcoast Maine business with 20 years of respected history.
The staff, I’ve been working with, is both professional and talented - and a true indication of the breadth overall of the enterprise.
Bettina Doulton has been a long time friend and mentor, and I look forward to nurturing that relationship for years to come.”
Bettina Doulton assumed ownership of Phi Builders + Architects a decade ago, strategically growing the company’s staff, project portfolio, reach and reputation as one of midcoast Maine’s respected architectural and construction firms.
In announcing the acquisition news to her beloved staff, Bettina shared:
"I never intended to steward a construction company, but when presented with the challenge I have given it my best effort. We often speak of the team culture, the individual contributions to designing, building, and managing are greatly appreciated on each project. Reflecting on learnings from respected mentors, we strove to treat our team as "the most important asset that walks out the door every night and has the choice to walk back in the door the next day", to respect the very personal investment clients are making in their homes, and to appreciate our vendors as truly partners in our projects.
I trust Hay Runner is motivated similarly and am pleased to have found a steward to carry on our good work, strong relationships and opportunities for our team."
Phi Builders + Architects: History
Phi Builders + Architects was established in 2003 as Phi Home Designs, a custom furniture shop. The company continues to build heirloom furniture to this day and expanded to offer custom cabinetry, millwork and historical window renovation. As Phi grew and the capabilities of the team and facility expanded, they realized the void in the market place for a truly client driven construction company. The expansion to construction was followed by in-house design and architectural services which enhanced the client experience and expanded Phi’s ability to provide a more diverse, all inclusive menu of services to potential clients.
Phi will now be known as Hay Runner, but the principle embodied by Phi, where all parts of building, construction, interior finishing, and furniture making come together to create a harmonious whole, will be carried on by the new ownership!
About Hay Runner
Hay Runner was founded in 2019 by Shannon Richards. It is an extension of her interest, expertise and experience in the concept, craftsmanship and business of shelter. It first offered handyman services and grew to include real estate services, architectural design, and the skill and talent for larger renovations and building projects. The foundation supports development projects, interior plant design, property management, event management, concierge services and business consultation.
Hay Runner is dedicated to simplifying the lifecycle of home ownership through buying, fixing up, designing, building, maintaining, and selling while working with people every step of the way. No project is too small for this industry mold-breaking, woman-led company.
Hay Runner’s Portland headquarters is located at 99 Federal Street. The open concept office invites creativity and collaboration between staff and clients to bloom. The office is positioned in a street level space allowing for accessible client interfacing and inviting passersby into our process.
Instagram: @hayrunner_maine
https://www.hayrunner.com/
Please contact Greg Clarke directly for press inquiries.