By Clare Milton 
 • 
 November 3, 2025 
 
 “A Man on a Mission”                                                                                          That’s how you’d describe Spenser Ouellette — a hands-on entrepreneur determined to shape the future and deliver first-class service to his customers and the communities he serves.                                                                                                                      A Small-Town Start                                                                                                                      Spenser grew up in Van Buren, Maine, where he learned early on that if something needed doing, you figured it out yourself. That small-town upbringing built a foundation of independence, hard work, and problem-solving that continues to define his career today.                                                                                                                      After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Maine at Fort Kent in 2009, Spenser began his career as an auditor, gaining valuable experience in finance, management, and operations. Ambitious and goal-driven, he simultaneously pursued his Master’s in Business Administration at Thomas College, attending night classes while working full time. It was a demanding balance, but one that prepared him for a life of entrepreneurship.                                                                                                                      The Entrepreneurial Leap                                                                                                                      In 2012, Spenser took his first major step into business ownership by purchasing Burger Boy, a beloved seasonal restaurant in Caribou, Maine. Under his leadership, the local favorite thrived for seven successful seasons before he sold it in 2020, ready to take on new challenges.                                                                                                                      Never one to stand still, Spenser launched Pizza Degree in 2015, a fast-style pizza concept with locations in Augusta and Waterville. The innovative idea quickly earned a loyal following with its fresh ingredients and quick-serve approach. In 2019, after four successful years, Spenser decided to move on from the restaurant industry to focus on new ventures and real estate development.                                                                                                                      That same entrepreneurial drive led him to explore franchising. In 2020, he purchased a five-unit hair salon franchise, successfully operating and growing the business before being bought out by a larger franchisee owner — another successful chapter in his diverse career.                                                                                                                      Building a Real Estate Portfolio                                                                                                                      From 2012 through 2024, Spenser focused his energy on real estate acquisitions, purchasing over 100 multi-family units throughout Northern & Central Maine. What began as a single four-unit apartment building in Augusta had grown into an impressive portfolio over 100+ rental units, providing quality housing while strengthening the local economy.                                                                                                                      Spenser lives in Oakland with his wife, their 11-year-old son Mason, and their beloved Goldendoodle, Tilly. Known affectionately as “the good girl,” Tilly is part of the family business too — she often steals the spotlight during photo ops for the Doggy Wash at the Gardiner location.                                                                                                                      Whether in real estate, restaurants, or car washes, Spenser’s mission remains the same: to create opportunity, invest locally, and build businesses that serve people well.                                                                                                                      Mechanically inclined and unafraid of hard work, Spenser takes pride in being hands-on. “I’ve got a great crew,” he says. “They’re willing to do whatevers needed every day — it makes every day an adventure.”                                                                                                                      A New Kind of Clean                                                                                                                      In 2021, Spenser expanded his entrepreneurial reach by purchasing the Purple Cow Car Wash & Laundromat at 10 Skowhegan Road, right next to the Purple Cow Restaurant. Determined to modernize and elevate the experience, he installed new washers and dryers, repaved the parking lot, and upgraded the car wash equipment.                                                                                                                      Then came a defining move — keeping both the car wash and laundromat open 24/7, the only facilities of their kind in Central Maine. This customer-first approach gave people the freedom to clean on their schedule.                                                                                                                      Always innovating, Spenser introduced Touchless Car Wash technology, providing a superior, paint-safe cleaning experience. The upgrade was an instant hit, and North Country Car Wash soon expanded to Winthrop, Gardiner, and Waterville, each location featuring its own touchless bay.                                                                                                                      “Customers don’t mind paying a little extra,” Spenser says. “They know their cars are being protected.”                                                                                                                      Looking Ahead                                                                                                                      When asked what’s next, Spenser grins knowingly. “2026 will bring some surprises!”                                                                                                                      North Country Car Wash also believes in giving back. The company partners with What About Maineto sponsor two deluxe car washes per location every month. Winners often rave about their experience — and many hope to hear those magic words when the phone rings: “You’ve won a North Country Car Wash code!”                                                                                                                      It’s easy to enter — just visit WhatAboutMaine.com, answer a few simple questions, and keep your phone handy. You could soon “Enjoy a car wash on Spenser!”