It is with heavy hearts and tremendous sadness that we share the sudden passing of our beloved founder, Michael Hewes, whose vision and hard work shaped not only our company but the very landscape of this region of coastal Maine for half a century.

Fifty years ago, he began with nothing but his hands, his tools, and an unwavering belief in the beauty of honest craftsmanship. What started as a young carpenter's dream in a small shop has grown into a legacy that graces the Maine coast—each home a testament to his commitment to quality, beauty, and the enduring value of work done right.

Mike never stopped working. The day before he died, he was working on his boat in the back of our shop. Always a man of working hands, he wasn’t happy unless he was building or renovating something. Even as our company grew and our homes became bigger, he remained the same man who could be found on job sites, running his hands along a piece of trim, ensuring it met the standards he set himself decades ago. His soul remained that of a craftsman until the very end.

Those who knew him understood that he didn't just build houses—he built homes where families would gather, where children would grow up, where memories would be made against the backdrop of Maine's singular beauty. Every beam placed and every detail perfected carried with it his deep respect for the families who would call these places home.

Mike was a self-taught man, and he never stopped learning. He was a teacher, too, and he taught us that true finery isn't about excess- it’s about excellence. It's about using the finest materials, honoring tradition and innovation, and never cutting corners. Most importantly, he showed us that success isn't measured only in profits, but in the pride of honest work and the relationships built along the way. 

Mike’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his legacy lives on in every home we build, in every skilled craftsperson we employ, and in the unwavering standards we maintain. The company he built with his own hands, together with the structures he built or saved, will continue to honor his memory by upholding the values he instilled in us: integrity, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the Maine coast he loved so dearly.

To his family, friends, and all who knew him, we share in your grief and celebrate the remarkable life of a man who truly built something that will last.

The work continues. The legacy endures.

Out of respect for Mike’s family, friends, and all of the Hewes & Company team, the fiftieth anniversary celebration on Sunday, July 13th, is cancelled.

A Life Well Built