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Updated: 1 hour ago / 2025 40 Under 40 honorees

40 Under 40: Ashley Risbara is a leader in two family businesses who thrives on multitasking

Photo / Tim Greenway Ashley Risbara, 37: Director of marketing and communications, M&R Development Principal, Zebra Striping
Ashley Risbara, 37 Director of marketing and communications, M&R Development Principal, Zebra Striping Read all about the 40 Under 40 honorees
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Greatest achievement: It’s so cliché, but becoming a mom will always be my greatest achievement. It not only changed me personally but also the way I show up as a leader. I have gained patience and a level of multitasking I didn’t know I was capable of. It has given me a different perspective on the value of colleagues’ and employees’ time and a deeper compassion for them as humans.

Passion project: Part of my job that I really love is managing the donation budget for our company. It gives me the chance to help direct funds to causes I care about and my passion is supporting local kids. Whether it’s Make-A-Wish, Scarborough sports teams, Camp Sunshine or the Maine Blue Collar Scholarship.

Lightbulb moment: I’ll be honest — I’ve always had a hard time delegating. My biggest lightbulb moment came when I was dealing with some medical issues and really didn’t have a choice but to step back. During that time, my team completely stepped up. Since then, delegating has gotten a lot easier — I’ve learned that trusting people with responsibility isn’t just good for me, it helps them grow too.

Influential book: “The Thin Book of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work,” by Charles Feltman

Favorite movies or TV show: “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” “Now and Then,” “Southern Charm,” “Vanderpump Rules,” “Homestead Rescue” and “Building Off the Grid.”

Personal hero: My personal hero is my dad. He and his two brothers took over Risbara Bros. and Maine Properties back in 1992 from my grandparents. He’s always been the kind of leader who lets me fight my own battles but is there to back me up when I need it. The way he treats people, though, is what really makes him my hero. He cares for his employees like family — if someone needs something and he has it, there’s no hesitation.

Favorite quote: “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” — Steve Jobs

Best way to recharge: Spending time with my family. It doesn’t have to be anything big or extravagant — just being together and making memories is what I enjoy most.

Maine’s biggest challenge: The aging workforce. We’re seeing a decline across all sectors of the construction field and it’s creating real pressure. I think we need to do a better job showing young people that you don’t need a four-year degree to build a solid, successful career. The trades are here to stay — they’re basically AI-proof — and the opportunities are huge. I’d also love to see more women entering the construction industry.

Dream dinner guests: My grandmother, Marcia. She was incredible — smart, tough when she needed to be, but also compassionate. Daryl-Ann Denner, who leads with her faith, is such a present mom and has built a clothing company while documenting the highs and lows along the way. And Shea McGee: her designs are stunning; I’d love to pick her brain about her creative process.

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