Tiny Homes of Maine Hosts NMCC Building Construction Students

We were thrilled to welcome Instructor Matthew Cole and his building construction students from Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) to Tiny Homes of Maine for a behind-the-scenes tour of our manufacturing facility in Dyer Brook.

During their visit, General Manager, Corinne Watson, introduced the students to how we use LEAN manufacturing principles to streamline our production. LEAN is all about maximizing value while minimizing waste—whether that’s time, materials, or labor. For us, it means every step in our process is intentional. We aim to reduce clutter, cut down on delays, and continuously improve how we work so that we can deliver homes that are beautiful, efficient, and built to last.

A big part of this system is our Kanban two-bin inventory system, which really caught the attention of the NMCC students. With this method, we use two bins for each stocked item. When the first bin is emptied, it acts as a signal—it’s time to reorder. This prevents overstocking, reduces waste, and ensures we always have what we need on hand to keep projects moving. It’s a simple but powerful tool that supports smooth production flow and avoids delays.

Thomas Small, our Design and Production Manager, led the students through the shop, emphasizing the critical role of the design process in building our Tiny Homes. He explained how thoughtful planning shapes every aspect of construction, from framing techniques that ensure strength and durability to insulation methods that maintain comfort year-round—keeping homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Tom also discussed the importance of ventilation systems, designed to optimize fresh air flow while maintaining energy efficiency. He shared how our design process integrates sustainable solutions, such as solar-ready features and energy-efficient appliances. These intentional design choices make our Tiny Homes not only functional but also comfortable, energy-efficient, and perfect for year-round living.

Heidi Bartley, a second-career business major from the University of Maine in Orono and current NMCC student, shared her thoughts on the visit:

“One of the best parts of the tour was seeing the Kanban inventory system, and seeing the organization of the entire shop for efficiency. It was also amazing to see how compact yet large living a Tiny Home can be.”

A homeowner and DIY enthusiast, Heidi said she loves the growing job opportunities and “really cool things being done in this part of the state.” She’s drawn to the idea of downsizing and believes a smaller footprint can offer more freedom and flexibility.

The timing of the visit aligned perfectly with a project the NMCC students are already working on—building their own Tiny Home, which will be auctioned later this year. Seeing our process firsthand gave them a deeper understanding of how thoughtful design and quality construction come together in the tiny home industry.

We’re always excited to connect with the next generation of builders, designers, and innovators—and to share the possibilities that come with living tiny. Thanks again to NMCC for visiting!