North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for J.Martin Landscaping ownership change

North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation approves financing for J.Martin Landscaping ownership change

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The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC), the economic development arm of The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce announces financing of $150,000 to Mark Lafrennie of Gardner, MA for the purchase of the lawn care business portion of J. Martin Landscaping of Westminster, MA.

J. Martin Landscaping, in business for over 30 years, offers lawncare and landscape construction services, and operates a retail garden center—The Brook Bound Nursery and Garden Center at 170 State Road East.

Under the terms of the sale agreement, Mark Lafrennie, a 20-year employee and Manager of J. Martin Landscaping, is purchasing the lawn care portion of the business, which includes lawn care, plantings, seeding, clean-up, mulch application, show plowing, sanding and salting. The new business will be known as M. Lafrennie Landscaping and be located at 530 Pearl Street in Gardner, MA.

Jay Martin will continue to own and operate the landscape construction and retail garden center in Westminster.

“We are thrilled that the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation could support Mark with the funds needed to keep this well-established business moving forward,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “With a strong client base and excellent reputation, it is wonderful to see respected local businesses change hands successfully, keeping the spirit of small business ownership alive and thriving in North Central Massachusetts.”

As a microloan lender, NCMDC can provide loans to small businesses up to $250,000 for working capital, real estate, equipment, inventory, expansion and working with our banking partners to provide gap financing for the final piece of a project.

“I am very grateful to the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation for helping me achieve this milestone of business ownership,” remarked Lafrennie. “For the last 20 years, Jay Martin has been a great friend and mentor, and I am proud to carry on his legacy of great service to our loyal customers.”

For more information about the NCMDC loan programs, please call 978.353.7607 or visit NorthCentralMass.com or ChooseNorthCentral.com.