1967: United States Marine Corps
Don Rivers has spent over five decades building and transforming businesses, from high-tech consulting to real estate, hospitality, and community development.
1972 to 1977: Don owned and operated a consulting service for the emerging computer industry, helping clients navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape.
1977 to 1986: Purchased the Ocean House Hotel in York, Maine, a 90-room establishment with a 200-seat restaurant. Over nearly a decade, Don revitalized the property and grew its reputation as a beloved destination.
1982 to 1989: Launched a visionary redevelopment of the Ocean House, culminating in the conversion of the hotel into 66 residential condominiums. The project required 22 planning board meetings and was an unprecedented success – all 66 units sold in a single night in 1989.
1985 to Present Don and his wife, Mary, founded Rivers-by-the-Sea Sales and Rentals, which quickly became a cornerstone of the York County real estate market. At its peak, the rental division managed over 1,000 vacation rental weeks per summer and grossed more than $2 million. The sales division consistently ranked as the top-performing real estate agency in the region.
1990 to Present Don and Mary established Rivers-by-the-Sea Properties; a real estate portfolio valued at over $19 million. A year later, Rivers-by-the-Sea Property Management Company was launched, offering a full range of services to clients and properties under management – including cleaning, landscaping, snow removal, repairs, and major renovations.
1994: Don and Mary expanded into real estate development with the creation of Rivers-by-the-Sea Development Company, which undertook numerous successful projects in York, Ogunquit, and Wells. Notable developments include:
- Woodside Meadows Condominium, York
- Lancaster Commercial Condominiums, York
- The Atlantic Hotel and Condominiums, York Beach
- Renovation and restoration of more than 30 properties in York and Ogunquit
1983 to 2012: While continuing his core operations, Don also owned and operated various small businesses.
- Rivers Limousine Service,
specializes in Rolls Royce weddings.
- Ollie’s Restaurant and Function Rooms, Portsmouth
- Rivers Furniture Store, York
- Rivers Mortgage Company, York
2008 to 2010: Don spearheaded the Renaissance Committee in York Beach, leading a community-driven effort to beautify the town. His work helped result in the installation of brick sidewalks and lampposts, enhancing the area’s charm and walkability.
2004 to 2012: After four years of planning board work, Don and Mary developed, owned and operated the Atlantic House Hotel and Blue Sky Restaurant in York, further cementing his legacy in the region’s hospitality landscape.
