FARMINGTON — A new taxi service is preparing to start serving local customers within a couple of weeks.

Kellon Alexis is starting Farmington Taxi with one of two smaller, nontraditional vehicles. They are silver Nissan Maximas. Jayson Lee will also drive for the new service, he said.

The Board of Selectmen approved his application for a taxicab business license on April 26. 

When Alexis moved to Farmington, he soon realized there was a need for this type of service, he said.

A man with a lot of ideas, Alexis said he likes developing them and has enjoyed putting them into a real business. This is his first attempt at running a taxi business.

But, there are other qualities he has developed that he feels will help him with the new endeavor.

Working in the mental health field as a direct caregiver under two providers, Alexis feels the experience has provided tools that may be useful in dealing with people. He likes working with people, engaging them in conversation and maybe making someone’s day, he said.

“Farmington Taxi will be a friendly, professional and reliable taxi service,” he said.

Alexis has found Farmington to be a nice community.

“The people are very kind and friendly and I like that,” he said. “It also feels safe and people are hospitable and I like that feeling.”

Alexis grew up in the Caribbean on the island of Grenada. He met his wife, Susanne, while she was serving there as a Peace Corps volunteer. She is from Maine and works as a nurse practitioner at Franklin Memorial Hospital. They moved back to Maine in 2008, have a 6-year-old daughter and a home on North Street, he said. 

For now, he plans to operate the taxi service from his home. Eventually, he may find a more visible base. The hours of business are still being worked out. 

He plans to provide service in the local area but will consider trips outside the Farmington area for special medical appointments, he said. Rates will be standard but reasonable, he said.

For Alexis, it is not just about making money or developing a successful business, he said. He hopes to provide a service that will also help people. 

“It is not all about me but also about being part of the community,” he said. “I believe in giving back. You give to receive and not just take. Everything is give and take.”

abryant@sunmediagroup.net