The ReUse People opened its Ohio regional office in April 2012. As Regional Manager, I  have been involved in four major efforts during this, our startup year.

The first is an effort to identify and recruit builders and contractors willing and able to become TRP Certified Deconstruction Contractors. As of this writing we have four CDCs actively working to grow the TRP footprint in the Greater Cleveland and Akron markets. That’s a good start, but we need more.

Second, we have coordinated deconstruction projects in Bay Village, Hunting Valley and Cleveland Heights. These include a 2 1/2 story, 3,000 square-foot home and a 1,500 square-foot farm house over 100 years old.

Third, we are looking for a suitable location for a retail-warehouse. TRP needs space to accommodate the materials that are already being generated by the above projects, as well as materials donated by local residents and contractors. 

Fourth, we have partnered with a prominent Ohio real estate company, Howard Hanna, which recognizes the potential tax advantages buyers realize when they choose deconstruction as a prelude to renovation or remodeling. We have also met with local and state politicians in Cleveland and Columbus, to introduce them to the value of deconstruction. 

It’s been a busy year and the future of TRP in Ohio looks very promising. If you live in the area, please contact me directly with any questions or thoughts regarding deconstruction, building-materials reuse, CDC certification, or building/remodeling projects you face in the coming year.

Joe Rettman is TRP Ohio Regional Manager. You can reach him at 216-325-3019.