We’ve all heard the story: the hardworking employee who rises through the ranks to one day lead the company. It’s one variant of the American Dream, an aspiration many workers strive for as they punch in every day.

For East Boothbay resident Sheri Manzi, that dream has become a reality.

Ron Hutchins, former owner of the Boothbay Harbor gift shop the Hutch has decided to pursue his real estate career, and has sold the business to Manzi.

Manzi has worked for Hutchins for the last eight years.

“He would joke about it all the time,” Manzi said. “'When are you going to buy this place?' he'd say. He said it again at the beginning of this season, and the next thing I knew, we were signing papers.”

When Hutchins informed his staff that he had sold the business, longtime staff member of 30 years Donna Murray nearly burst into tears. Hutchins told her not to worry; and that she would really like the new owner.

“There's no stress or major change,” Murray said. “We love Sheri and we are staying a family.”

Manzi had always wanted a place of her own in Boothbay Harbor. Opportunities had come up before, but none this perfect, she said.

“It was so much easier to say yes to this,” Manzi said. “A new business carries a lot more risk. People know us here.

"They drive down the hill and see our sign saying 'Welcome to Boothbay Harbor,' and the red-and-white striped awning, and the glass in the windows …. It would be crazy to change the Hutch," Manzi said.

“It's a mixed feeling,” Hutchins said. “I'm sad to see it leave the family but glad it's going to someone who will continue it.”

Hutchins father, Ed Hutchins (who first started the business) came down to see Manzi a couple weeks ago. The elder Hutchins expressed his support and encouraged her to call upon him and his wife Ruby if she needed help.

“The whole family has been so supportive,” Manzi said.

Manzi plans to keep all the current staff members at the Hutch.

“We give Sheri our full support,” said Laurie Williams, who has worked at the Hutch since 2007. “She really cares about the business and wants to improve it. You couldn't find a better person to replace Ron.”

Manzi has expanded the hours the Hutch is open. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in July and August they are open later. She has plans to upgrade the displays in the store, and eventually have more of the embroidered products the store already carries.

However, right now Manzi is focusing on the time-consuming task of introducing herself to vendors and learning the ins and outs of owning a business.

“Ordering products and keeping an eye on how much we have and should we reorder and will they get here on time and a thousand other little details,” Manzi said. “There are about 36,000 items in the store, and that's a lot to keep track of.”

“I might be the CEO,” Manzi said with a grin, “but I'm the same person I've always been. I still fill the hangers (of shirts bought the previous day) every morning.

“I haven't changed, but I do feel renewed and rejuvenated.”

Katrina Clark can be reached at 207-633-4620 or katrinaclark@boothbayregister.com. Follow her on Twitter: @BBRegisterClark or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BBRegisterKatrinaClark.