Staff Writer

In August, three members of GHS class of 2007, Craig Belhumeur, Adam MacDonald, and Brett Connolly, officially launched CJB Consulting Group, LLC. The three Gorham natives seek to collaborate with small and medium sized businesses to improve and implement smarter online strategies. Said founder and CEO, Belhumeur, “Our goal is to help businesses succeed online. Whether that means creating a website for the first time, executing a Facebook Custom Audience campaign or any other online initiative, we want to help drive real value in a cost effective way for anyone we partner with.” MacDonald will serve as Chief Operations Officer handling operations/finances, and Connolly as Chief Customer Officer, working closely with Belhumeur on actual client projects.

CRAIG BELHUMEUR
BRETT CONNOLLY
ADAM MACDONALD

Their friendship, which began many years ago, has strengthened as they’ve grown in their professional careers. MacDonald said, “Growing up, the three of us have developed a history of teamwork, dependability and cohesiveness. This business represents an opportunity to build and grow something that is completely our own.” Connolly agreed, adding, “We will be able to communicate and understand each other in a way normal business partners wouldn’t be able to.”

As the driving force behind the new company, Belhumeur brings years of experience as well as a genuine passion for the industry. He earned a marketing degree from Providence College in 2011 and is currently the Vice President of Business Development for 4Cite, a marketing technology company in Albany, NY. He said, “I am proud that I come from a small town in Maine. While we work with companies from anywhere in the United States, we aim to focus on Maine businesses. It’s where we are all from, it’s what we know and we’re confident we can help.”

During college, Belhumeur landed several internships, including one in which he created the Portland Sea Dogs season ticket holder brochure and the ticket design for the 2011 season. After graduation, he began his professional career at a paid search agency called iProspect in Boston that helped brands with their ads on Google and Bing. Following that position he worked with AOL, DataXu, Ebay Enterprise and LiveIntent. Outside of work, he created a website to cover Providence College’s men’s basketball team where he interviewed players and coaches and hosted guests likes ESPN’s Dick Vitale, Jalen Rose and Joe Lunardi on his podcast.

Connolly, a 2011 University of Connecticut graduate, majored in Natural Resources and works at UNUM as a Customer Specialist. He is excited about this new endeavor. He said, “CJB Consulting Group will be a great way to make a significant impact on our community. What better way for us to contribute, than to help drive evolution and growth to our local businesses, friends and neighbors.”

MacDonald graduated from University of New England and has worked in the Pharmacy field since his graduation in 2013. He is currently the Pharmacy Manager for Ludlow Pharmacy in Ludlow, VT. MacDonald noted, “Digital marketing and web design has piqued my interest over the past few years through my conversations with Craig. His passion for the industry is contagious and I’m excited to see what the three of us can build together.”

The client list of CJB Consulting Group is growing and includes Twisted Sista, maker of women’s hair and beauty products, Normanside Country Club, a semi-private golf course in Delmar, NY; NW Media Partners, a digital marketing agency in Seattle, WA; and Cathcart Manufacturing Technologies, a San Francisco based consulting firm specializing in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing solutions. As a good son, Belhumeur has also has created a website for his mother’s customer service business, Be Nice.

All three men speak highly of their experiences in Gorham schools. Connolly believes that Gorham schools helped instill core values about what it means to be a contributing member of a community. He said, “Teachers like Mr. Paradis and Mr. Jenkins helped introduce me to these traits, now it’s my turn to do that for the next generation.”

Belhumeur fondly remembers Mrs. Sedenka, who had students creating trifolds and presenting to classmates and parents, in second grade. He credits her for challenging him at a young age to speak in front of a group, learning presentation skills that would eventually help him professionally. He also learned important lessons in Ms. Smith’s freshman English class. Said Belhumeur, “She taught about writing with voice, an invaluable skill in my chosen field. Whenever I write an email or an article, I can still hear her saying ‘Where’s your voice, Craig?’”

For MacDonald, freshman history was one of his favorites. He said, “I will always remember to ‘check myself before I wreck myself’ and to stay humble, put in the effort and truly commit to being the best version of yourself.”

All three friends enjoy playing fantasy sports and also share a love for the game of golf. Belhumeur currently lives in Rensselaer, NY. Connolly resides in Windham. MacDonald and his wife, Jenna (Wing), live in Rutland, VT. Belhumeur is the son of Marc and Michelle Belhumeur, and his sister Nicole is a GHS grad (’09). Connolly is the son of Jack and Wendy Connolly. MacDonald is the son of Joe and Patti MacDonald (GHS ’81), and his sister Nicole is also a GHS grad (’09).

To learn more about CJB Consulting Group, call (518) 992-5737 or visit their website here.