John Bernard , A Marine Turned Businessman

His father took on ‘side jobs’ to supplement his income as a Vocational School Teacher in the Everett school system, teaching cabinetmaking.

Throughout his school years Mr. Bernards worked as both a cabinetmaker's and carpenter’s helper. He learned everything from Architectural design, draftsmanship, framing and furniture making. It was still customary in the 1960’s and early 1970’s for a carpenter to know the whole of the trade. Specialization had not taken root yet.

After an initial 4 year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, John returned home to pursue a degree in Management Information Systems and to re-engage in the trade. By 1979 he had established a construction business in Wilmington Massachusetts and worked to build a customer base and portfolio of work that included custom home design and construction as well as custom cabinetmaking and casework working throughout the north shore area with occasional jobs out of state.

In 1987, John and family moved to Maine where they currently live and work. John still works alternately in the residential construction market designing and building individual homes as well as the commercial millwork industry.

Throughout these years John remained in the United States Marine Corps reserve and served in the Gulf War, retiring in 2003. The Bernard family is active in the local church and works with the youth group there throughout the year. The whole family has worked to make the business work as they enjoy the peace and quiet of life in the rural setting of the Western Mountain Region of Maine.