Dean Rheaume, Maurice Rheaume & Sopns, Middlebury, Vt.

Dean Rheaume has a “passion for maple sugaring,” and the energy, focus and support to turn that passion into a successful business.

“Sugarmakers find a lot of personal reward from their work,” Dean says. “ I am proud to be able to take sap from a tree and produce a pure food product while also earning a decent dollar.”

Equally important to Dean is the origin of the equipment he uses. “We use Vermont made equipment and promote Vermont maple syrup. We sell our product to local Vermont stores and farmers’ markets, and also sell in bulk and ship through the mail.”

Energized by his passion, Dean doesn’t mind the long hours and hard work associated with running a 1,500-tap family maple sugar operation and sugarhouse — even after working at least 40 hours a week for the Middlebury Department of Public Works.

In keeping with the theory that the faster you produce syrup, the better the quality, Dean is adding new equipment and a new sugarhouse to the family business in order to improve efficiency, reduce labor and update processing systems.

Dean appreciates the support and knowledge he picked up from his father, Maurice. “My dad has taught me so much of what I know about sugarmaking and about business.” Dean also appreciates the help his brother, Toby, gives, especially during the very hectic three-to-six week spring season.

Dean is equally enthusiastic about his relationship with Yankee Farm Credit. To finance his improvements to Rheaume & Sons, Dean works with Ken Button from Yankee’s Middlebury office. “Ken understood my proposals right up front because he is so familiar with sugaring. He offered great points about my plan and really made me think about where every dollar would go. I appreciated his support and felt that he was looking out for my best interests.”

By staying focused on his dream, Dean’s maple syrup is becoming increasingly known as a superior product at a good price. You could say that Dean has a “sweet” future as a sugarmaker in Vermont.

Click on the name of each of the entrepreneurs or graduates below to find out more about the road they traveled:

Entrepreneurs:

• Ben and Andrew Saenger, Saenger cattle, Shoreham, Vt.
• Dean Rheaume, Maurice Rheaume & Sons, Middlebury, Vt.
• Keith Sprague, Sprague's Ranch, East Brookfield, Vt.
• Mike Garrow, Rocklan Farm, Berkshire, Vt.
• Pete Norris, Jr. Greenhaven Gardens & Nursery, New Haven, Vt.

"Graduates":

• Ronald Patenaude, Patenaude Farm, Holland Center, Vt.
• Bruce Bascom, Bascom Maple Farms, Inc., Alstead, N.H.
• Chris and John Laggis, Laggis brothers Farm, Hardwick, Vt.

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