In the second half of my conversation with Margo Walsh—founder of MaineWorks and co-founder of United Recovery Fund—we explore how employment, structure, and community can change the course of someone’s life.

Margo shares powerful statistics: if individuals can stay employed for just two weeks through MaineWorks, relapse and re-incarceration rates drop dramatically. We also share deeply personal stories of individuals who, with a second chance and meaningful work, have rebuilt their lives, built families and become proud contributors to their communities.

We discuss:

• The transformative power of a paycheck
• Misconceptions around criminality and addiction
• The role of empathy, structure, and accountability in recovery
• How construction companies in Maine are increasingly welcoming second-chance employees
• The critical role of supportive partnerships—like that with Androscoggin Bank—in rebuilding financial independence
• A look ahead: MaineWorks' ambitious goal to expand into housing and social impact investing

Finally, Margo offers a heartfelt invitation to the public to attend their Friday morning fire circles—a grounding and moving weekly gathering that exemplifies the spirit of connection and accountability at MaineWorks.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• MaineWorks
• United Recovery Fund
• Email Elise to join a Friday fire circle or learn more: elise@elisekiely.com

📌 Quote of the Episode:

“Your past does not have to define your future. A dignified job makes all the difference.” — Margo Walsh

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

Host: Elise Kiely
Guest: Margo Walsh, Founder of MaineWorks and Co-Founder of United Recovery Fund

Episode Summary:
In this compelling episode of Elegant Maine Living, Elise Kiely sits down with Margo Walsh—founder of the groundbreaking employment company MaineWorks and co-founder of the nonprofit United Recovery Fund. Together, they explore the intersection of Maine’s workforce, real estate, and recovery communities.

Margo shares her inspiring personal journey—from Wall Street to rehabilitation, and ultimately, to her calling in Maine. Learn how she turned a volunteer role at the Cumberland County Jail into a bold business model that helps people transitioning from incarceration and addiction find dignified, paying work in Maine’s construction industry.

Elise and Margo also discuss:

• Why MaineWorks hires exclusively from the recovery and reentry population
• The logistics, risks, and rewards of employing people from pre-release programs
• The critical role of housing, transportation, and basic necessities in helping people rebuild their lives
• The genesis and growth of United Recovery Fund, which helps bridge the gap with direct financial support for essentials like rent, steel-toed boots, and bus fare
• How Maine’s values and tight-knit communities create fertile ground for meaningful reintegration and employment
• Why every community member deserves the chance to add value and reclaim their place in society

Featured Quote:

Resources Mentioned:

• MaineWorks
• United Recovery Fund
• Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

In this insightful solo episode, Elise Kiely provides a comprehensive spring 2025 market update, starting with the national landscape and zooming in to Maine's distinctive market dynamics. Elise breaks down data on the Northeast region’s strong performance, and Maine’s county-level insights—focusing particularly on Cumberland, York, and Lincoln counties.

She also explores what’s driving the luxury market, why it remains a seller’s market in Maine, and the growing impact of private, off-market transactions in the high-end segment. Elise shares two real-life stories from recent private sales to illustrate how discretion, privacy, and decisiveness define success in this niche market. She also shares thoughts for first time homebuyers hesitant to enter the market.

🔹 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• 📊 National Market Trends: What modest growth and increasing inventory mean for buyers and sellers
• 🌎 Northeast Regional Insights: How this region is outperforming national averages
• 🏡 Maine-Specific Data:
  • Statewide sales and pricing trends
  • Notable updates from Cumberland, York, and Lincoln counties
• 💎 Luxury Market Realities:
  • Why Maine's high-end market still strongly favors sellers
  • The significance of 393 listings vs. 500+ sold in 2024
  • What high-end buyers—from Boomers to Gen Z—are truly seeking
• 🤫 The Private Market Advantage:
  • Why elite sellers choose curated, off-market transactions
  • What buyers gain from exclusive, discreet opportunities
  • Two recent stories that bring this world to life
• 🧭 Thoughts for Buyers, Sellers, and Advisors:
  Strategic tips for navigating today’s crosscurrents with clarity and confidence

🔹 Quotable Moments:

🔹 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Episodes 5 & 6: Leading in Luxury with Chris Lynch
• Episodes 12 & 13: Naples market insights with Melinda Gunther
• Episode 9: May 2025 Market Snapshot

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.