Culture
Committed to fostering an
empowering culture.
As a family business, we are invested in the success and growth of Maine—and in the people of our state, community, and company. We work diligently to ensure everyone feels valued, trusted, and appreciated for their contributions to fulfilling our brand promise. We make a commitment to each of our team members that when working with us they have the right to:
- Feel safe to be their authentic self
- Feel respected and valued
- Feel that they have a voice in the company
- Feel a sense of belonging to an incredible profession
- Feel excited about the importance of their role in the company
- Feel inspired to grow both personally and professionally
- Feel proud of where they work
- Feel supported by their team, managers, and leadership
- Feel appreciated for their hard work
- Feel empowered to live their values
Building and maintaining this positive, energizing culture is a shared obligation—something that takes conscious daily effort, and sustained commitment, from all of us.
Our Values
Take
good care
We treat our guests, our team, our community, and our stakeholders with great care, because each plays a vital role in the Uncommon Hospitality experience.
Be
Intentional
We put thought and consideration into every decision, and pay attention to every detail— ensuring everything we do is in alignment with our mission to deliver exceptional hospitality.
Embrace
The Journey
We find joy in our work and in the relationships we build, creating a culture where guests and team members alike feel energized about each day and what’s ahead.
Community Involvement
To play our part as good neighbors and help strengthen our communities, each of our properties gives back to a variety of local partners.
The Longfellow will support organizations trying to solve the homelessness crisis, including Preble Street and Spurwink. Astraea Spa is focused on ending child hunger and is a community partner of Full Plates Full Potential.
The Francis Hotel gives to organizations focused on the arts and their contributions to community healing—including Indigo Arts Alliance, Mayo Street Arts, and Maine Inside Out. The hotel also participates in the monthly First Friday Arts Walk with Creative Portland.
The Colonial Inn supports organizations that are introducing the hospitality profession to students, such as SMCC and Husson University.
Community Projects
The Hay & Peabody Clock
Portland, Maine
A key element of one of Portland’s historic streetscapes, this rusting and decaying clock was named one of Greater Portland Landmarks’ “Places in Peril” in 2017. Two years later, a partnership including Uncommon Hospitality, the city’s Historic Preservation staff, the owners of The Francis, and a group of business leaders and residents relocated the structure for a complete renovation by renowned restoration expert Taggart Objects Conservation and horologists from the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. In October 2020, the clock—18 feet tall and weighing approximately 1 ton—was welcomed back to its place in front of The Francis.
Historic clock reinstalled in downtown Portland after restoration (WMTW News 8 Portland)
Historic West End clock restored just in time (Portland Press Herald)
Community Art Project
Portland, Maine
In July 2020, the Uncommon Hospitality team partnered with several local businesses and Portland nonprofit Indigo Arts Alliance to create a temporary art installation on the site of the future Longfellow Hotel. The project created a “place of contemplation, reflection and outrage over the centuries of violence against Black bodies,” said Daniel Minter, co-founder of Indigo Arts Alliance. Minter, along with two other Portland-based artists, Ryan Adams and Titi de Baccarat, all contributed to the project with different pieces. The project raised funds for Indigo Arts Alliance, a nonprofit in Portland committed to amplifying the creative voices, vision, and practice of artists of African descent.
Former gas station becomes a canvas for artwork fueled by racial reckoning (Portland Press Herald)
Portland art installation puts 13th Amendment in new perspective (Portland Phoenix)
’You Can't Look Away’: Public Art Works That Commemorate Black Lives Lost Spring Up In Portland (Maine Public)
