Max, Sam and Annie (above) are three reasons NEOC will always be a place for kids to have fun. Because of their leadership in the industry over the years, many people think of the Polsteins as being synonymous with Maine Whitewater Rafting.
Their three children, Max, Sam and Annie (right) are just three of the reasons the Polstein’s have made NEOC a true family-friendly resort. The kids have been brought up in the Maine outdoors and they have served as a three-person focus group on the resort’s many activities for kids.
Matt and his kids enjoy snowmobiling trips together.
Matt was born in Portland and lived in Iran for five years with his parents and brother while his father served in the Foreign Service. They moved back to Maine, living in North Bridgton and Augusta while his father taught at the University of Maine. He gained a strong love of outdoor adventure at Winona, a summer camp that creates a magical outdoor world for boys through canoeing and hiking trips into the Maine wilderness, as well as a Junior Maine Guide program.
Today, as a Millinocket resident, Registered Maine Guide and passionate supporter of natural and economic sustainability in the region, Matt’s commitment to promoting responsible shared use of the area’s natural resources goes well beyond his business. It is a personal mission for Matt. His focus remains soundly on using nature, adventure, and cultural and heritage-based tourism to create memorable experiences and educational opportunities for guests.
Matt has served on numerous boards and committees dedicated to the advancement of the causes which he is passionate about. The Governor’s Nature-based Tourism Initiative Task Force, Governor’s Task Force on Natural Resource-based Industries, America Outdoors and Millinocket Town Council are just a few such organizations. Today, Matt can often be found in the Northern Maine woods working on all aspects of the development of the “Ktaadn Resorts” project, including operating the excavator. Ktaadn Resorts will be a community where guests will be able to meet and see the work of local artisans, bakers, potters, weavers, farmers and other real people doing the real work that makes the region special.
Wendy takes great pride in the family run business and sharing time with the kids.
Wendy grew up in Yarmouth, Maine. She and Matt met in Portland where she worked as an art director in an advertising agency. He was having work done by a freelance designer whose office was next to Wendy’s and the ensuing introduction changed both of their lives.
Today, Wendy is a Registered Maine Whitewater Guide and has shared her own love of the Maine outdoors with countless guests at New England Outdoor Center, where the term “labor of love” has taken on new meaning. She works tirelessly at the resort to oversee the River Drivers Restaurant and all other aspects of guest services, marketing and hospitality including events such as family reunions, corporate retreats, weddings and other special occasions. This past summer, she coordinated the Harley Roundup which brought hundreds of “HOGS” to Millinocket where a great time was had by all.
Wendy earned a degree from Syracuse University in Environmental Design, Interior Architecture and Art History. She worked as an art director in several ad agencies and worked as a marketer at a ski resort prior to joining Matt at NEOC.