Staff Writer
FORT FAIRFIELD – Having been a trucker for more than 20 years, James V. Campbell was ready for a career change; so when the opportunity to open Campbell’s Redemption came along, he seized it.
Campbell’s Redemption opened in late July at 110 Presque Isle St. in Fort Fairfield. James V. Campbell, who owns the business with his wife, Peggy, had been a truck driver for 22 years and was looking for a way to get off the road. He said he’s excited about running a family business. Attending a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony were, front row, from left: Janet Kelle, executive director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce; James V. Campbell, the Campbell’s daughter, Aleesha; Peggy Campbell, her parents, June and Clayton Rand; and the Campbell’s son, Vincent. Back row: Craig Cormier, chamber member; Carl Young, chamber member; Donna Chamberlain, family friend; and Dave McCrea, town councilor.
Located at 110 Presque Isle St. in Fort Fairfield, Campbell’s Redemption opened in late July.
“I’ve been a truck driver for 22 years and I was looking for a way to get off the road,” said Campbell, who owns the business with his wife, Peggy. “Our local redemption center had closed and never reopened, and I had a chance to get the facility I’m in with another person. He backed me in getting it and I see some growth in it, so I decided it was time for me to step up to the plate and start my own business.
“The business will keep me home and allow me to run a family business,” he said, “and teach my kids the responsibility of working instead of having everything handed to them.”
Campbell said his 15-year-old daughter, Aleesha, and 12-year-old son, Vincent, will help at the redemption center after school.
Sorting through bottles and cans at Campbell’s Redemption, in Fort Fairfield are Peggy Campbell and son Vincent.
“My wife has another job … she works at Burrelle’s in Presque Isle and has been there for over 25 years,” he said. “On her days off and after work, she comes in and helps us get caught up.”
Campbell is clear on what he will and will not accept.
“I’m not a recycling facility,” he said. “All that I take back are bottles and cans for redemption. A lot of people have wondered if I’m taking cardboard and whatnot, but I’m not getting into that.
“I will do local pickups for disabled, elderly people and businesses,” said Campbell, “otherwise than that, I’m not doing routes.”
Campbell offers the standard 5-cent refund for cans and bottles.
Offering customers a nice, clean facility in a great location is part of why Campbell has already seen business from Caswell, Caribou and Presque Isle.
“I have a nice, new, clean building with easy access into and out of,” he said. “I’m also in a really visible part of town, and I pay as quickly as I can on big loads. I also accept donations of bottles and cans for school groups and functions, the local food pantry and the Boy Scouts.
“We clean up every night, but do a major cleanup twice a week,” said Campbell. “That makes a big difference. People are very happy with the service and they’re telling others about us.”
Campbell’s Redemption is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon. The business is closed Sundays, and during the week, Campbell closes for lunch from noon-1 p.m.