It may come as no surprise that you will find “2023 Hall of Fame Inductee” as the caption under the photo of Craig Sargent from the Maine Central Institute (MCI), under the list of Distinguished Achievement Awards. MCI’s hall of Fame nominating committee must have found Sargent the perfect candidate as someone who achieved excellence in his achievements both during and after his time there.

All in one year, in 1973, he was the Humanities driven Manson Award Winner, the Scholar Athlete of the Year, and a member of the basketball team that won the New England Championships. Upon graduation he was honored as the Post Graduate Valedictorian.

At the young age of 19 he was licensed to sell Maine Real Estate, became a Licensed Broker at age 22, and served as co-owner of Century 21 Sargent Real Estate Agency (1979-1988).

In 1982 he distinguished himself by founding Sargent Insurance Agency where he served as president for over 20 years and oversaw 12 offices. In addition, he started Sargent Appraisal Services, also in 1982, which grew to 11 different locations. This led him to be the first accredited review appraiser in the State of Maine.

In 2009 he co-founded the North American Insurance Alliance, where he is still the president.

A quote from his Hall of Fame announcement reads, “Craig’s extensive knowledge of the insurance industry, coupled with his business management acumen, has helped agencies throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Florida increase their market share.”

However, all of this being said, he has been quoted more than once saying his proudest achievement is founding the Sargent Family Community Fund (SFCF).

Helping to remodel homes for senior citizens in the Rangeley area who are financially unable to maintain their properties by bringing together the people with both the means and the know how is no small feat.

While we all know it as “Just One Day”, the event that always takes place on the second Wednesday in July each year, it takes research, work, and a love of community all year long.

Thank you Craig!