Meet Robert
I am not a career politician or a household name, so probably the best place to start is...who am I? I am a guy that loves business, leadership, and finances who sees the need for my skills and passions in Augusta. I am willing to step in to make a difference in my world. Let me tell you a little about my life so far:My wife Christie and I got married in South Paris in June of 2001. These days we have three amazing teenagers: Joshua (20), Davey (18), and Lana (16). Joshua has spent the last few years working at a local restaurant and graduated high school in 2023. Davey just got his first job doing what he loves, being active and teaching/helping others at a gym. Lana just got her drivers license and was very excited to start her first real job at a local restaurant this summer. It always amazes me how each of them can be so different and yet they each overwhelm us with joy and make me proud to call myself their dad. I am 100% a family man; I believe a strong and loving family is the single greatest advantage a child can have to help prepare them for life. I also know firsthand that there is nothing easy about doing this. If you are a parent, I am in your corner! There is no more important role in this life!
My Career? I got a job at Walmart stocking shelves on overnights in 2004 because I needed health insurance (we were expecting Josh), and while working the overnight shift I fell in love with retail. For the first 1.5 years I also had a daytime job as a substitute carrier for the US Postal Service to make ends meet. After 1.5 years I grew in responsibility and learned leadership skills at Walmart and became an assistant manager at the Walmart in Auburn. Later I became the co-manager in Waterville before finishing my Walmart career as the shift manager in the Walmart in Oxford, ME.
In 2011 I pivoted and began working as a store manager for UScellular, managing 2 stores, where I continue today. The amount of leadership training and real-world experience that I have from training teams and working with people for the last two decades has been invaluable. I truly believe that working retail is a hidden gem for life-training. The last two decades have dramatically changed who I am. I would not be as organized, self-disciplined, determined and others-focused if it weren't for my life experiences since college.
Outside of work, I consistently enjoy challenging myself. In 2012 I embarked on one of those challenges by getting elected to the Town of Paris' selectboard. My years of leadership and HR experience gave me the confidence and ability to successfully navigate the challenges of being a selectman. In my four years as selectman I learned a tremendous amount and enjoyed the opportunity to give back to my town, but I did not seek re-election because my pre-teenage kids wanted me home to be with them and I knew that would not always be the case (I was right, now they're never home!).
I also set a goal to run a sub-4-hour marathon and accomplished it in Philadelphia…five marathons later. Clearly I am more determined than I am fast! A few years ago I combined my passion for running with my administrative bent to organize a community glow walk/run 5k in South Paris. It was such a good time. As a family, we opened an ice cream shop to allow our children to have a place to work during the pandemic. I also went back to college to get my MBA during the pandemic. I believe the human spirit thrives when it accomplishes hard tasks.
Whether at work or at home, I absolutely love to come alongside those that I am close to and help them; to challenge them to be the best version of themselves. I will do whatever I can to help them achieve their goals and encourage them.
Why am I running for Governor?
The bottom line is that I see the need, and I am willing to meet it. When I look at my three young adult children, and think about the potential for us to have grandchildren soon. Maine needs a governor who is humble enough to listen, but strong enough to do what is needed to make this state one where our grandchildren and their children can not just live, but thrive. We need a governor that is determined enough to do what is right. We need a governor that will stand up for the family, supporting parents as they raise their children in this complex world. We need a governor that will control spending, so we can live on more of our own money. We need a governor that will challenge the status quo in Augusta, while working with the legislature to turn the state around. We need a governor that will focus on growing businesses and the economy, not increase taxes to gain revenue. If we keep doing things the way we have done them, we will keep getting the same results. I will bring a fresh, selfless approach to the Blaine House.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about who I am. The "Platform" tab is a great place to learn more on some of the specific issues out there. There is also a link below that you can sign up to receive email updates about the campaign, our needs and what we're doing. We are building a movement and we are looking for anybody who our message resonates with to help in any little (or big!) way they can. If you have more questions, feel free to email us at Wesselsforgovernor@gmail.com
Thanks again for visiting!
-Robert
