Cleary Company: Design Build Remodel

Category: Events & News

  • Team Cleary Wins CotY Remodeling Awards

    Team Cleary Wins CotY Remodeling Awards

    Kudos to our Team for receiving 4 Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards from NARI of Central Ohio!

    Each December at their Evening of Excellence gala, the local chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry announces the year’s winners. On Friday December 2, 2022, at the spacious Makoy Center in Hilliard OH over 200 members from the local remodeling industry chapter gathered for fellowship, food, fun and awards. This year’s nominations included 74 entries, submitted by 17 companies in 28 categories.

    And the Winners are…..

    New Albany Kitchen Remodel
    Upper Arlington Entire House Remodel
    Bexley Entire House Remodel
    Bexley Exterior Addition

    Residential Kitchen $60-100k (New Albany, OH)

    • Designer Katie Florjancic, UDCP
    • Project Manager Jon Fichtner
    • Lead Carpenter Ed Bangert

    Entire House $500-750k (Upper Arlington, OH)

    Entire House over $1m (Bexley, OH)

    Residential Exterior $100-200k (Bexley, OH)

    • Designer Laura Watson, UDCP, ASID
    • Project Manager Rob Lindeboom, CLC
    • Lead Carpenters Joey Davis & Ben Ludlow

    What is a CotY Award?

    The prestigious Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards are presented each year by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry(NARI) to it’s members who have demonstrated outstanding design and craftsmanship through their remodeling projects. Members can nominate their projects thru an online portal for judging by peers selected by NARI Executives outside their local chapter or region.

    CotY award-winning remodeling projects demonstrate exceptional design and craftsmanship in renovation. A diverse and impartial panel rates each project based on 5 criteria.

    • To what degree were the expressed needs of the client met?
    • To what degree does the project enhance the existing structure functionally?
    • Is there evidence of superior craftsmanship?
    • To what degree does the project enhance the existing structure aesthetically?
    • Were innovative used of materials and/or methods of construction used in the project?

    Projects entered into the National CotY competition are eligible to win a Regional award among 48 categories in 7 regions nationwide. The National CotY awards are selected from those Regional winners in each category.

    Team Cleary’s commitment to NARI

    The Cleary Company is proud to have several active members in NARI’s Central Ohio chapter, which is located in its East Central Region. Aaron Enfinger, CR is also currently serving on the National Board in the role of Secretary. There are currently 13 team members who’ve earned NARI professional certifications. 

    • George Cleary CR
    • Aaron Enfinger CR
    • Jen Sommers CR
    • Laura Watson UDCP
    • Katie Florjancic UDCP
    • Coury Sicker UDCP
    • John Hamlett UDCP
    • Shannon Tannehill UDCP
    • Margot Sheehan UDCP
    • Justin Juenger CRPM
    • Rob Lindeboom CLC
    • Dan Irwin CLC
    • Dave Elliott CLC

    Click here to learn why we believe our commitment to continuing education should matter to you.

    Stay tuned for announcements of NARI’s Regional CotY award winners coming February 2023!

  • Financing Your Remodel

    Financing Your Remodel

    Instead of finding your dream home, Build It, by remodeling your current home to fit your family’s lifestyle.

    Whether you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, redesign your kitchen, add a new mudroom or reimagine an underutilized space, The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build Team is here to help. We enjoy offering the community the opportunity to connect with the answers to the questions you have about financing your renovation project.

    Light refreshments will be served during this casual discussion presented by Natalie Moore, Loan Officer NMLS ID:728210.

    >Learn how to navigate the construction loan financing process.
    >Top 10 things to avoid before applying for a mortgage.

    Join us for this free construction seminar!

    Thursday, October 13, 2022 4:30-6:30pm in the Animal House at The Cleary Company 989 Old Henderson Rd Columbus OH 43220.

    Thank you gifts include a voucher for $500 off your closing costs PLUS a chance to win a gift basket filled with goodies from local businesses, valued at $200!

    Reserve your spot today!

  • FUNdraiser Supports 2 Local Dog Rescues

    FUNdraiser Supports 2 Local Dog Rescues

    Bring your well behaved furry friends to our office and join us for an afternoon gathering for dog lovers to connect, shop, gain awareness, and FUNdraise!

    The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build located at 989 Old Henderson Road in Columbus Ohio is hosting a mini dog expo featuring a market with 8 local small businesses who service dogs and their owners.

    Join us on Saturday June 18th from 1-4pm for Dog Daze

    • Free gift for your dog ~ while supplies last!
    • Silent Auction ~ bid on unique custom dog houses, designed & built by Team Cleary.
    • Meet & cuddle with puppies & dogs ready for adoption!
    • Learn more about fostering and volunteering.
    • Pooch portrait booth by Lady Grace Photography benefiting Haley’s Comet of Change spay & neuter programs.
    • Let us know you’re coming with an RSVP via Evite!

    Shop for Dog Food, Treats, Clothing, Accessories & Services

    Presenting Sponsor
    • Puptown Lounge provides a fun, stress free environment for daycare, boarding, grooming and coming soon – training. Serving Upper Arlington and Northwest Columbus.
    • Nutrition you can trust from Pet Wants with fresh pet food & pet products. Providing a complete balanced diet in every bowl.
    • Pop-up photo booth by Lady Grace Photography $25 donation gets you 2 digital portrait images for downloading plus additional candid shots available for purchase.
    • doggish makes styling your dog easy with apparel and accessories that fit you and your best friends. From chihuahuas to Great Danes, they have sizes for every dog!
    • Benesafe protects pets and people from fleas, ticks & mosquitoes with plant-based sprays without toxic chemicals.
    • Mary Ashley Designs creates bowties, bandanas & more for pups of all sizes.
    • 4 Dog Loves fresh bakes treats and cakes with human grade, dog safe ingredients with grain and grain free options.
    • Crafty Mom & Ari handcrafts adorable pet accessories, facemasks and more.

    All funds raised will benefit two local non-profit rescues!

  • George Cleary & His Team Win 2 National Awards

    George Cleary & His Team Win 2 National Awards

    The month of April not only brings showers but also many accolades for George Cleary! His birthday is on April 26th and it was April 16, 1994, when he created The Cleary Company. In addition to celebrating 28 years of remodeling in Columbus, Ohio George and his Team are also celebrating a couple of new national awards.

    Biz X Awards Presented by ActionCOACH

    On April 3rd at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, George, along with over 150 finalists from businesses across the country received awards in 30 categories at the ActionCOACH Biz X Awards. The Cleary Company was the finalist in two categories – Best Overall Company and Best Community Impact/Corporate Responsibility. Winning the latter!

    Brad Sugars, CEO & Founder of ActionCOACH says, “The Biz Awards recognize excellence and growth our coaches and their clients have achieved. As the lifeblood of any local community, we recognize the power and contributions small businesses make every day.”

    ActionCOACH was established in Brisbane, Australia by Brad Sugars in 1993 when the concept of business coaching was still in its infancy. Since franchising the company in 1997, ActionCOACH has helped business coaching become more mainstream. Worldwide the company has nearly 1,000 coaches in more than 70 countries. ActionCOACH specializes in coaching small to medium-sized businesses as well as executives, and their teams. Visit actioncoach.com for more information.

    George (back row 2nd from left) along with other business owners and their coaches from ActionCOACH Columbus.

    Guildmaster Award Presented by GuildQuality

    Four days later on April 7th, George received notification of another award! The Cleary Company received its 5th Guildmaster award from GuildQuality. Guildmaster winners demonstrate exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry. Out of nearly 2,000 eligible applicants from across the country, The Cleary Company is one of 400+ businesses recognized for consistently delivering superior customer care. Qualification is achieved by receiving a recommendation rate of 90% or above as rated by their customers surveyed by GuildQuality.

    Since 2005, GuildQuality, a third-party customer satisfaction surveying company, has powered the Guildmaster Award to recognize and celebrate home building, remodeling, and contracting professionals demonstrating the highest level of customer service within the U.S. and Canada. For more on the 2022 Guildmaster Award and qualifications, click here.

  • 28 Years of Building Relationships & Remodeling

    28 Years of Building Relationships & Remodeling

    George Cleary, a native of Columbus, Ohio and 1984 graduate of Bishop Watterson High School, founded The Cleary Company in April 1994. With $10,000, a computer, a truck, some tools along with his buddies as labor, he used his experience in remodeling sales and his reputation in the community to secure jobs as a general contractor.

    “The thing I love most is being part of the emotion of a remodeling project. Translating a customer’s vision into a design and then building their dream is the best part of what we do. This coupled with working with great friends makes what I do so rewarding.”

    George’s Top 4 Favorite Client & Projects

    “When I was asked to list my favorite projects, I found it was very hard. They are weaved in relationships more so than projects. I cherish that I have lifelong friendships with so many of the clients who hire our Team!”

    Number 1, of course, is his first client! “Luke and Gail were confident enough to trust me with not only The Cleary Company’s very first job but a project that in today’s dollars would cost $150K+ to build.” They eventually sold that home in Upper Arlington, Ohio but guess who they called to remodel their next home and most recently again for their retirement home in Westerville, Ohio? George! Read more about their projects and George’s relationship with them on our blog.

    Second, of his favorites is another longtime client, whose home we’re currently working on, is Georgeann in Bexley, Ohio. “She reminds me of my mom, always smiling and doing whatever she can to make you comfortable.” Starting with new windows in 2006, The Cleary Company has completed over 6 remodeling projects in her home and currently are designing another! Click here to see the 3 bathrooms we remodeled for her in 2014. To view her 2011 kitchen remodel click here.

    “Another favorite is the custom home we built for Kate, a dear friend of my wife Cathy and my family.” After months of design, development and estimating for an extensive addition and whole remodel to a modest ranch in Upper Arlington, OH, we all came to the same conclusion. The better value for her project was to tear down the entire house and rebuild the foundation. Building a new foundation allowed us to better position the home on the lot as well as create a new dry basement with taller ceilings. Fun Fact ~ Project Manager Rob Lindeboom was the previous owner and sold this home to Kate years before she hired The Cleary Company. Read more about this project on our blog!

    Although he could go on to list many more George’s final favorite clients are Julie & Garth. The Cleary Company has completed 7 projects for them over the last 10 years! In 2011 they started with updating the millwork and doors, then came the kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a basement and a new sunroom. Tour their 1st-floor addition in this video. The addition included enlarging the sunroom plus building a new master suite, laundry room and mudroom. This project will allow them to age-in-place in their beloved home. “I see them several days a week at the gym and they remind me how they love their home. You can’t get better than that!” Fun Fact ~ George was the altar boy at their wedding when he was in middle school!

    George attributes his success to his honesty, integrity and his ability to build such a wonderful team. He’s happy to be part of enhancing properties in the neighborhoods where he lives and works. To learn more about George read our blog!

  • Winners of 10 CotY Remodeling Awards

    Winners of 10 CotY Remodeling Awards

    We won! Kudos to our Team for receiving 5 Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards from NARI of Central OH. George Cleary, CR, Owner & CEO of The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus, OH believes, “Winning a CotY is not only great for company moral but it also gives us multiple chances to show off our amazing projects to more people. We love what we do and it’s a great feeling to be recognized by our industry peers!”

    NARI of Central Ohio announces CotY winners annually at their Evening of Excellence gala. On December 3, 2021, at the spacious Wigwam Event Center in Pickerington, 177 remodeling industry members gathered for fellowship, food, fun and awards. 50 entries were submitted by 11 companies in 22 categories.

    Watch this video to see all 5 winning projects!

    Project categories & Team Cleary recognition

    Addition under $100k

    • Project Developer – Jayde Boyd
    • Designer – Matt Zimmer

    Bathroom $75-100k

    • Project Developer – Jayde Boyd

    Commercial Interior

    Entire House $750k-$1m

    Residential Exterior

    • Designer – Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP

    Stay tuned for more announcements! Regional CotY winners will be announced next month and National awards will be presented in April at NARI’s annual conference.

    5 More Awards from NARI’s Regional Competition!

    On Tuesday February 1, 2022 NARI announced the winners of the Regional CotY competition. Team Cleary was honored with 5 additional awards for Region 4 East Central. 4 of the 5 projects are two time winners now! Watch this video to see which additional project took home an award.

    Residential Interior under $100k

    • Project Developer – John Coleman, CRPM
    • Designer – Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP
    • Project Manager – Rob Lindeboom, CLC

    What is a CotY Award?

    The prestigious CotY (Contractor of the Year) awards are presented each year by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) to it’s members who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling projects. Members submit projects for judging by their peers located outside their local chapter or region.

    CotY award winning remodeling projects demonstrate exceptional design and craftsmanship in renovation. A diverse and impartial panel rates each project based on 5 criteria.

    • To what degree were the expressed needs of the client met?
    • To what degree does the project enhance the existing structure functionally?
    • Is there evidence of superior craftsmanship?
    • To what degree does the project enhance the existing structure aesthetically?
    • Were innovative used of materials and/or methods of construction used in the project?

    Projects entered into the National CotY competition are eligible to win a Regional award among 48 categories in 7 regions nationwide. The National CotY awards are selected from those Regional winners in each category. The 2022 National project winners will be announced on Thursday April 7th in Savannah, GA.

    Team Cleary’s commitment to NARI

    The Cleary Company is proud to have several active members in NARI’s Central Ohio chapter, which is located in their East Central Region. Aaron Enfinger, CR, COO also serves on the National Board. There are currently 11 team members who’ve earned professional certifications from NARI. Click here to learn why we believe continuing education should matter to you!

    • George Cleary CR
    • Aaron Enfinger CR
    • Jen Sommers CR
    • Laura Watson UDCP
    • Katie Florjancic UDCP
    • Coury Sicker UDCP
    • John Coleman CRPM
    • Justin Juenger CRPM
    • Rob Lindeboom CLC
    • Pete Mossman CLC
    • Dan Irwin CLC

    Visit The Cleary Difference page on our website to learn more!

  • Remodel Design Build Q & A

    Remodel Design Build Q & A

    Coffee & Conversation with George is back!

    Are you thinking of remodeling but don’t know how or where to begin? Then Remodeling 101 is for you! This Q & A morning discussion serves the purpose of helping homeowners better understand the remodeling process. Address your project specific questions to George Cleary CR, Owner of The Cleary Company in Columbus OH. Led by George and members of his Team, Remodeling 101 is a casual conversation with professionals who have years of experience in remodeling homes in central Ohio.

    Get your questions about home remodeling answered!

    • What to expect during a major remodeling project?
    • Do I need a permit for my remodeling project?
    • Why does planning and design take so long?
    • Can I live in my home during a remodel?
    • How has the pandemic affected remodeling costs and timelines?
    • Do you have remodeling questions but are not sure how to get started with the process?

    If so, then this is the program for you! It will be a short 30-45 minutes of your morning, so join us and learn the basics of hiring a remodeler to work in your home. 

    Hope you can make it! – George Cleary

    2023 Remodeling 101 Calendar Coming Soon!

  • Company Culture: Annual Team Day

    Company Culture: Annual Team Day

    For over 27 years, George Cleary, owner of The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus Ohio, and his Team have both grown in number and experience. Sharing their successes, challenges, and changes over the years creates many memories and he appreciates the Team’s role in it all. George truly believes he’s built a team that is like a family, and this feeling is echoed by everyone that works at The Cleary Company. From the most tenured Team members to the newest, he works to make each one feel appreciated and valued.

    Each year George closes up the office and treats his Team to a day off work to bond together and create memories. In 2021 it was a day of competition dubbed “Team Cleary Olympics”!

    5 teams were assigned a color (1 for each ring in the Olympic logo) and encouraged to complete in more than 15 simple but fun tasks and games to earn points for their team. Games and tasks included ~

    • Vote on a team name & captain
    • Drive a remote toy car through a course
    • Build a log cabin with Lincoln Logs
    • Push a cup across a table with a water gun
    • Jenga
    • Hula hoop
    • Balloon launch
    • & others

    Cash prizes were awarded to the 2 top scoring teams — Blue Collar Kids & Red Hot Cleary Peppers! Several superstar awards were presented by George too.

    We combined this annual Team day of fun with a community event, A Battle of the Businesses, where we competed with other companies to win money for our chosen charity. Team Cleary voted to play for Special Spaces Ohio. Special Spaces Ohio creates dream bedroom makeovers for dependent children ages 2-19 with cancer who are within one year of treatment. Their goal is to provide them a safe place to recover, heal, sleep and even play. A very special space just to be a kid! What an amazing charity with such an important impact.

    Our own Jen Sommers has volunteered with them for many years and has also coordinated multiple bedroom projects for them here in Columbus since joining our Team.

    Team Cleary Competes in Dublin Chamber’s 5th Annual ‘Battle of the Businesses’

    The Dublin Chamber Corporate Challenge: A Battle of the Businesses, in partnership with the City of Dublin and Dublin City Schools, is all about fitness, team building and friendly competition, a perfect combination for our annual Team day of fun. Throughout this two-day event, employees from area businesses came together to compete in various challenges against other businesses as a way to promote employee wellness and community involvement. It also happens to provide a great way to earn bragging rights and support some great causes along the way!

    Dublin Comes Together for Corporate Challenge’s ‘Battle of the Businesses’ from Dublin, Ohio, USA.

    Team Cleary Event Winners in the Corporate Challenge:

    • Obstacle Course — 1st: Don, Ian, Shannon, Jayde
    • Bingo Team — 2nd (tie): Jenn3, Laura, Leo, Gary
    • Laser Tag —3rd: Ian, Katie, Pete, Jamie
    • Pumpkin Decorating – Best Overall: Coury

    After competitions concluded, we gathered back at the office for a fajita dinner, drinks, music and more games. As you can see from the photos below, there was plenty of good-natured competition, loads of laughs, and a good time had by all. Enjoy some of our favorite moments of the day below!

    Playground swinging
    Dizzy Bat
    Laser Tag @ Scene 75
    Bus ride to event site
    Pickleball
    Best Overall Pumpkin Design
    Dizzy Bat
    Talents
    Chillin’ after dinner
    Drinks @ Scene 75
    Red Hot Cleary Peppers
    Euchre

    Are you looking for a company where you can have fun and create amazing projects that improve clients’ lives? Do you like the idea of a day off for fun, food, and games? We are hiring for many positions and would love the chance to show you who we are! Check our Careers page on our website for details on open positions!

  • Remodeling Boom in Central Ohio Continues

    Remodeling Boom in Central Ohio Continues

    You’ve made the decision to remodel your home. Maybe you’re renovating the kitchen or main bathroom, or a whole house remodel. In your mind, your project should start as soon as you meet with a qualified remodeling company. And as much as we would love to begin your project right away, it’s just not possible. But we are here to guide you through the process, build a relationship and treat you like family.

    Why your home remodeling project start date is 9-12 months away.

    A major renovation is never easy. There are many details to plan and execute that it can seem like assembling a complicated puzzle, with the addition of each piece dependent on the one before it. Renovating during a pandemic is even trickier. For over a year, the global supply chain has been upended. Shortages of raw materials and manufacturers not being able to produce enough product has caused long delays of many products used in most remodeling projects – from lumber to plumbing to refrigerators.

    According to the NY Times, “the shortages have been exacerbated by a home renovation boom that defied the recession. In 2020, as the U.S. economy fell by 3.5 percent, spending on home repairs and improvements rose more than 3 percent. Since March 2020, monthly online spending for home improvement products and appliances was, on average, 74 percent higher than pre-Covid levels.”

    Labor & Material Shortages

    When you combine the supply chain issues with an already tight labor market and then multiply that by the surge in demand, the result is a situation where the months in work backlog at most, if not all, residential construction companies has soared to all-time highs. Companies consistently need to navigate the area between hiring to shorten backlog wait times, and growing too fast. And at the present time hiring is as difficult as it has ever been.

    The best we can do is to communicate clearly and often about the realities of the situation and set appropriate expectations with our clients. We will work as hard as we can to keep the process as pleasant as possible. While saws and measuring tapes are typically our most relied upon tools, education and communication are our most powerful tools during these unique times!

    We believe that remodeling your home is an honor and a privilege. We will do our utmost best to give you honest timelines and work with you to improve your home life. Contact our Team today to get started on your dream home!

    Need inspiration? Visit our website Portfolios.

  • BBQ, Bikes, Family & Pelotonia

    BBQ, Bikes, Family & Pelotonia

    2nd annual “Riding for Chipper” grows it’s participation and dollars raised!

    On Saturday, August 28, 2021, George and his family hosted a Ride-Run-Walk event to raise money and awareness for cancer research. A humid but beautiful day welcomed 125 participants to The Cleary Company’s headquarters located in northwest Columbus Ohio. Among them were many family members and friends of the Clearys and Greenlees who came together to volunteer, ride bikes, run, walk, eat and celebrate Chip’s spirit.

    After the isolation of the past two years, “Riding for Chipper” was a wonderful opportunity to rebuild a sense of community, reconnect with friends and family, get our bodies moving and have fun while supporting innovative cancer research. Participants and guests were also treated to a barbeque picnic. On the menu was smoked pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, chips and cookies.

    The BBQ masters responsible for the delicious food were also dear friends of Chip. Sincere gratitude and thanks to Rick Keeler, Ron Scott, Dan Fronk & Mike Kreider. Also lending behind-the-scenes support was Bill Greenlee, Andy Shaffer, & Jim Schrim. They all agreed, “It was an honor & privilege to use Chipper’s smoker & serve those who helped raise money for cancer research. Chipper was there with us in spirit & proud for what it was we achieved.”

    Thanks to everyone’s efforts over $3,500 was raised that day! Winners for the Trek E-bike raffle were also announced:

    • EBike – Alex S.
    • Helmet – Marshall S.
    • Jersey – Peg B.
    8-28-2021 “Riding for Chipper”

    Jeremy Holmes, George’s nephew, said, “For those of us with youngsters, this event was great for the variety of activities so that all ages could feel fully engaged. My nine-year-old and I rode 12.5 miles. He couldn’t stop telling people that it was his personal record. My five-year-old was so proud that he was in charge of the water bottles.”

    Kudos to Team Cleary Cyclers

    The Team Cleary Cyclers peloton, a riding group George created in 2020 to honor his brother-in-law Chip, was 19 members strong this year. Their combined Pelotonia fundraising goal of $28,350 was nearly tripled to $85,328. Thanks to a generous donor who anonymously gave $25,000 with an additional matching commitment of up to $25,000! The camaraderie of training, riding and fellowship that come from the Pelotonia community is such an uplifting experience for all who participate. Meet our peloton!

    • Riders: George Cleary Sr, Betty Cleary, George Cleary Jr, Sara Greenlee, Chase Greenlee, Mary Greenlee, Jeremy Holmes, Walt Betly, Aaron Enfinger, Margot Sheehan, Andi Simpson, John Hamlett, Jen Sommers, Ron Sima, Markus Sachtler, Stephen Sauer, Mark Mason
    • Challengers: Susie Wroble
    • Volunteers: Jenn McNeil

    Who is “Riding for Chipper” named after?

    Chip Greenlee was George’s brother-in-law & friend of nearly 30 years. He fought Gioblastoma – an aggressive type of cancer that begins in the brain. Sadly he lost his battle on August 22, 2020. To know Chip was to love the guy. He lived a full, energetic, joyous life, cut short after a valiant battle with brain cancer. It was only fitting that we would gather to honor his memory by celebrating some of his favorite things: Barbeque, Bikes and Family.

    For some of us, “Riding for Chipper” was an emotional memorial to a dearly missed husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. For others, it was an opportunity to have fun and do a little bit of good on a Saturday. No matter our motivations, we’d like to think Chip was with us that day and would have approved!

    Pelotonia: One Goal – End Cancer!

    Team Cleary Cyclers continues to raise funds through October 31, 2021 to achieve the ONE GOAL – END CANCER! Donate today to Team Cleary Cyclers OR Visit pelotonia.org for more information and to find out how you can help support Pelotonia’s mission.