Provided photo
Beth Greenlaw, CEO of Sea Bags
Updated: June 13, 2025
'Trust your gut': Sea Bags CEO reflects on lessons learned
Less than a year after a management shakeup at Sea Bags, a Portland-based manufacturer and retailer, co-founder Beth Greenlaw is back at the helm as CEO.
At this week's SCORE Awards luncheon in Freeport, Greenlaw reflected on lessons she's learned in 19 years at the company, which manufactures and sells bags made from recycled sail cloth and has 40 stores.
The luncheon, held at Freeport's Hilton Garden Inn, recognized eight small business leaders and was attended by more than 100 people.
Greenlaw did not go into details about the departure in October 2024 of then-CEO Don Oakes and her own brief exit from the firm, where she had been president.
Instead, Greenlaw offered some guiding principles learned as a top leader.
Stay true to the mission
Greenlaw said it's easy to get away from the core of a business.
"I’ve learned to stay true to our mission and our values. At Sea Bags we make totes from recycled sails. We create jobs. We support our community. it’s easy to look for all the shiny squirrels and become distracted — but this North Star guidance continues to drive us and more importantly fulfill us."
Move forward
Changing times require a business to adapt to new realities — including the need to invest in systems and technology to manage the business.
"We are long overdue for a new point of sale system, a new web platform, a payroll system. We cannot afford to do these things nor can we afford not to do them," she said.
Relationships matter
After nearly two decades leading Sea Bags, Greenlaw has recognized the importance of listening and accepting honest advice. She cited external relationships with her banker, Jen Sirois at Maine Community Bank, as well as her SCORE mentor, Nancy Strojny, but also her team members and shareholders.
"Whether it’s with my employees, my vendors or our bank or our shareholders, they matter when times are good and when times are tough," she said. "My people give me straight talk and not always what I want to hear. They don’t judge, they listen. And they make me listen. And believe me, that’s not an easy task. Gratefully, they are cheaper than therapy."
Tap into your superpower
Stepping into the CEO role at Sea Bags, she recognized that the company might have to reverse some decisions of past years, including closing underperforming stores.
"I am psyched to share I’ve discovered my super power: that I’m wired to make the hard decisions — or any decision. Some of the above decisions would’ve been cheaper and easier long ago. I’ve made some hard ones. We’ve closed stores to make the remaining stores stronger. We’ve broken down silos and changed how we do things — and are stronger for it. All the while staying true to our mission. It’s a luxury and a privilege to make decisions that affect so many people — and I don’t take [decisions] lightly. But I make them."
Trust your gut
Greenlaw mentioned the need to look at things with a "fresh lens," but she said it's also important to listen to your intuition.
"At this age I trust my gut. And if that doesn’t work I get a second opinion. That’s where mentors can help," she said.
At the same time, "a fresh lens brings a new perspective. I have brought in people to look at our finances, our website and our marketing and have learned so much in the process," she said.
Foster teamwork
While good organizations need a strong decision maker at the top, Greenlaw stressed the need for feedback around the table.
"My biggest awareness at this point in my career though is that collective minds are always stronger than mine alone. I’ve long understood I’m not the smartest person in the room," she said.
"Our leadership team meets every Tuesday. The first thing we discuss are the numbers. Then we tackle one initiative at a time to make sure we are moving forward. It’s not always a group decision — but everyone is in the know, even if I’m in the lead. This kind of transparency will serve our team, our board and our shareholders well."
Trust and transparency
Communication and honesty go a long way in business.
"I can’t command trust or respect. It comes with time and actions that match my words. I work every day to go to bed and feel good about the person I am, The mom I am, the sister I am, the friend I am and the leader I want to be. And when I wake up I am grateful for it all. I laugh easily and often and I think every day, 'I get to go to work today.'"
Mainebiz web partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments