Talking business & community with
Maine influencer
Jim Godbout’ 80
While this interview was taking place at Starbucks, an elderly gentleman sitting nearby suddenly started gasping for air and panicking. Without hesitating, Jim Godbout’ 80 ran over to comfort the frightened man and to see how he may be able to help until the paramedics arrived. Once the gentleman was in good hands, Jim walked back over to complete the interview without skipping a beat.
Named one of the Top Fifty Influential People in Maine, Rotarian of the Year, recipient of the Rotary Humanitarian award, as well as Saco’ s Outstanding Community Service award, and several accolades for the success of Jim Godbout’ s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, one might think Jim has accomplished everything he’ s set out to do. Not so.“ My goal is to work as long as I can to make as much of an impact on as many people as I can. It’ s not what you have, but what you are remembered for.”
Forced to grow up quickly, Jim Godbout learned responsibility, hard work, and perseverance at a young age. At five years old, Jim’ s twin brother, John, died of leukemia. His father left the family shortly afterward and Jim was in charge of helping to raise his younger brothers. Aside from having to help with the cooking and cleaning, Jim went to work at age 12.“ All the money I made went to family and paying the bills. That was not common back in my generation. I learned early on that my work ethic and drive could help the people I cared about most.”
During his high school years, Jim had ongoing health issues that made academics a challenge. He was disinterested in class work and needed a better option. With the suggestion of his guidance counselor, Richard Beaumont, and Headmaster Jim Jortberg, he was introduced to
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Jim Godbout Plumbing and Heating, Inc. has been named one of the top 100 Plumbing & HVAC companies in the U. S. numerous times.