Breathing New Life Into the Lakes Region: The Story of The Village at Paugus Bay
The Paugus Bay is known for its serene shores, but at The Village at Paugus Bay, things are undeniably energetic. More than a commercial plaza, it’s a thriving community hub where business, creativity, and local spirit intersect. Owned and operated by Joshua and Kellee Mazer, The Village has quickly become a place where tenants and visitors alike feel supported, connected, and inspired.
A Vision Beyond Square Footage
When Joshua and Kellee first stepped on the property, they didn’t just measure square footage — they saw the potential to create something meaningful. We weren’t looking to just ‘take over’ a commercial site. We wanted to create a place where people feel connected, supported, and proud to show up,” they share. Through The Village, they’ve done just that, and built an ecosystem where businesses can thrive and community members can make memories.
A Hub of Small Businesses and Services
The Village is home to a diverse mix of businesses, from salons and therapy offices to restaurants, alongside Paugus Bay Self-Storage, a convenient and secure storage solution. But when they’re working with new tenants to lease their spaces, the Mazers don’t just think about signing papers — they think about how these new organizations can contribute to the neighborly, community-rooted environment where collaboration and growth are encouraged.
Hands-On Ownership and Community Focus
What sets The Village apart is Joshua and Kellee’s personal involvement and genuine passion for the project. They’re not distant landlords or off-site directors — they respond to emails, engage with tenants, and actively seek ways to enhance the experience for everyone on-site. Thanks to their investment in both tenants and their customer bases, The Village has gone beyond business operations. It hosts fundraisers and community events, and fosters a commitment to local engagement.
Growing with the Community
Since opening, The Village has evolved through both triumphs and challenges. Social media lessons, communication hiccups, and the natural learning curve of any entrepreneurial venture have shaped its journey — but they haven’t stood in the way of its success.
And to continue that success and further explore their vision, the Mazers have ambitious plans for the future. i Within the next year, they aim to expand their events calendar and launch “Storage with a Purpose,” a program donating a portion of storage proceeds to local charities. In the years to follow, , they envision indoor markets and seasonal pop-ups that draw the community together year-round. Ultimately, their five year plan sees them becoming a recognized hub for entrepreneurship and collaboration across the region.
Giving Back Locally
Community engagement and participation powers The Village’s success — and in return, giving back is at the heart of its mission. From the upcoming Backpack Giveaway that provides school supplies to local families to the monthly charitable contributions from their storage facility, Joshua and Kellee are committed to making a tangible difference in the Lakes Region. That ethos also extends to the business owners and tenants at The Village, who have found a sense of community, support, and collaboration in the space.
“The relationships between tenants themselves have also become a strength,” Joshua and Kellee note.
A Love for the Lakes Region
Ultimately, the Mazers’ appreciation for the Lakes Region shines through in everything they do. “There’s a rhythm to life here that’s hard to explain—it’s creative, grounded, and full of possibility,” Kellee says. From the scenic backroads to the small-town energy, the region offers a unique blend of beauty and opportunity that has inspired their work at The Village.
An Invitation to Explore
Joshua and Kellee invite locals and visitors alike to stop by, explore the property, and meet the entrepreneurs who now call The Village home. For those seeking commercial space, current openings are available at www.thevillagepb.com. As the Mazers continue to nurture this community-focused vision, The Village at Paugus Bay is poised to become a cornerstone of Lakes Region life—where business, creativity, and neighborly connection come together under one roof.
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