Mercedes Lamphere has emerged as a dynamic and influential leader in the beverage industry, known for her strategic vision and entrepreneurial drive. As owner and chief executive officer of Maine Coast Line Up, LLC, she guides a rapidly expanding enterprise that continues to strengthen its presence across Maine through innovation, customer engagement, and commitment to quality. Her ability to grow brands, build loyal customer relationships, and oversee complex operations has positioned her as a prominent figure in a competitive and rapidly evolving market.
Ms. Lamphere’s academic foundation has played an essential role in shaping her approach to business leadership. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Johnson State College, now part of Vermont State University. Her dedication to safety and operational excellence is reflected in additional credentials, including hazmat certification and first responder certification, which support her work across multiple industries and underscore her commitment to preparedness and responsibility.
In her leadership of Maine Coast Line Up, LLC, Ms. Lamphere oversees daily operations while managing accounting and bookkeeping functions for both Maine Coast Line Up and Coast to Coast Supplements. Her oversight extends to a large medical marijuana cultivation facility in Farmington, Maine, where she remains actively involved in ensuring that employees have the support and resources needed to succeed. The company’s accelerated growth began when she launched Maine Coast and Long Coast Beverage, followed by the start of self-distribution a short time later. A key milestone occurred when she secured a significant agreement with Anheuser-Busch, a partnership that fueled broader expansion and increased brand visibility.
Ms. Lamphere’s commitment to quality is deeply connected to her personal involvement with customers. She regularly participates in sampling events, expos and community gatherings, where she engages directly with consumers to gather feedback and build trust. These interactions have contributed to the strong reputation of her beverage line, which is known for its unique flavor profiles and widespread popularity. She credits her direct relationships with customers as one of her most meaningful accomplishments, valuing the personal connections that drive brand loyalty.
Before establishing herself in the beverage sector, Ms. Lamphere built a foundation rooted in agriculture and hospitality. She spent several years as a dairy farmer after stepping in to help a local farm in need, an experience that instilled a strong work ethic and an appreciation for hands-on labor. She later worked part-time as a bartender, where she observed a growing demand for non-alcoholic beverages that could mimic the taste and experience of traditional cocktails. This insight eventually sparked the creation of her signature product line.
Ms. Lamphere’s entry into the cannabis-infused beverage market was shaped by changes in federal policy that opened new opportunities in hemp production. Through extensive research, she learned how to extract Delta-9 THC from hemp, producing a beverage that provides relaxation without drowsiness. Her long-standing interest in cannabis advocacy dates back to her college years, when she wrote academic papers supporting legalization due to its potential health benefits. This advocacy became personal when her daughter was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, leading them to explore CBD and THCA under medical supervision when traditional medications proved ineffective.
Ms. Lamphere collaborated with a partner at Parkside Beverage in Pennsylvania to create small-batch samples, which received strong positive feedback. Demand quickly grew, expanding her retail presence from a limited number of stores to more than a thousand locations throughout Maine. She remains engaged in statewide industry support through the Maine Cannabis Coalition, where she collaborates with peers to promote responsible standards and advocate for the needs of business owners and consumers.
Community involvement holds a central place in Ms. Lamphere’s values. She sponsors a Little League team in Farmington and supports local sporting events, including mixed martial arts matches and competitions featuring bare-knuckle fight champions. These efforts reflect her dedication to giving back and building community connections.
Looking ahead, Ms. Lamphere envisions Long Coast Beverage becoming widely accessible across Interstate 95, extending southward toward Florida, while maintaining its deep community roots. She also embraces the possibility of future collaboration or acquisition by major beverage companies, including the brand that influenced her early career interests.