From 20 Workers to 240, Central Maine Motors Taps Thomas College for Training

Thomas College in Waterville has signed Central Maine Motors as the first employer client of Corporate Campus, a new program in which the college brings job training to workplaces, the Bangor Daily News reported.

The work began in January 2026, when Nate Pelsma, who leads business innovation and Corporate Campus at the college, ran customer service sessions for 35 of the company's employees at its facility. Central Maine Motors now plans to extend the training to more of its staff over the next several months. The company's program also includes leadership development based on the CliftonStrengths assessment.

Owner Chris Gaunce said the business now has 240 employees and has grown from a single location with 20 workers into nine buildings on 20 acres. He said the college has helped the company figure out "how we scale without losing who we are."

Corporate Campus is open to private companies, nonprofits, municipalities, public agencies, and health care, education and service organizations. Course topics range from leadership and team effectiveness to digital marketing, cybersecurity management, human resources and nonprofit accounting, and some programs can lead to a Thomas College certificate. Instructors include Pelsma and members of the college's business faculty.

Pelsma said the college wants to be a resource for businesses and organizations around Maine.

This story was first reported by Bangor Daily News.