Cleary Company: Design Build Remodel

Category: Team Cleary

  • Home Remodeling Experience Matters

    Home Remodeling Experience Matters

    A look into the best certifications for remodeling industry professionals (it’s why we’re so good!). Our Production Team combined has over 300 years of construction and remodeling work experience.

    Back Row – Thomas King, Kuba Bursey, Dan McCallister, Rob Lindeboom, Gavin Majikas, Gary Dilley, Don Holmes, Mike Seyfang, Luis Gomez, Matt Ames, Jamie Herbst, Tristan Ballinger, Aharon Woodruff, Zach Minniear, Dan Irwin, Ethan Howe, Tyler Mitchell
    Front Row – Jon Fichtner, Chuck Osborn, Joey Davis, Joe Hamlett, Justin Juenger, Ed Bangert, Dave Elliott, Ben Ludlow

    Since creating The Cleary Company in 1994, George has always surrounded himself with talented craftsman. He believes that education and safety are of the utmost importance in the remodeling industry. Hiring people who share those values and take pride in working for a company that offers continuing education is key during the recruitment process.

    From formal CEU classes administered by our industry partners to informal lunch-n-learns hosted by our vendors, our Remodel-Design-Build Team regularly participates in webinars and live presentations to improve their skillset. Knowledge of new products and trends, personal growth and continuing education keep us at the top of our game.

    Wouldn’t you want the doctor performing your operation to be the best of the best? Your house is no different! You can feel comfortable knowing that when you work with The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus, Ohio, you are working alongside professionals that take pride in their work.

    Why NARI?

    The National Association of the Remodeling Industry is an organization of high-quality remodeling professionals. Its members are committed to integrity, high standards, professional education, ethics and market recognition. NARI is the medium for business development, a platform for advocacy and the principal source for remodeling industry intelligence. 

    Only full-time, professional remodeling industry professionals are eligible for certification by NARI. You can be assured that any time you hire a NARI-certified remodeling contractor, you are hiring an individual who has made a strong commitment to the professionalism of the remodeling industry. And because remodelers are not eligible for certification until they have been actively involved in the remodeling industry for at least five years, you know that NARI certified remodeling professionals have developed the experience and skills that can only be gained through extensive hands-on practice. NARI means remodeling done right!

    It’s good to know that your remodeling contractor has a long-term commitment to his or her career. Click here for the full list of our Team’s certifications.

    Do you value experience and continuing education? If so, contact us today to get started on your next home remodeling project. We also invite you to visit our Meet the Team page to learn more!

  • George Cleary II | Project Developer

    George Cleary II | Project Developer

    Welcome George’s son George (aka G2) to the Team Cleary family. We’re so excited to have another Cleary generation join our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company!💚🍀

    Lil’ George is a graduate of the University of Dayton with a degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Business Analytics. (He’s much smarter than his dad, just don’t let him know that, lol!). After working several years for big corporations, mainly GE Aviation & Aldi, G2 is excited to join his dad in the industry that has brought so much joy and success to his family.

    The next chapter of The Cleary Company brings George Cleary, founder & CEO, much excitement. He says, “As our business continues to grow, we are constantly looking to hire great people who are willing to work hard and are a good culture fit. Thankfully G2 inherited a lot of his mother’s traits, but maybe one or two from me too. I think he’ll bring a ton of value to the company right away by working on standardizing our procurement processes.”

    On the weekends G2 enjoys hanging out with friends and family, eating pizza and cheering for the Buckeyes. His hobbies include exercising and playing golf. The personal mantra he strives to achieve is “Dream Big, Work Hard”.

    G2 & George at our June Team Cleary Family Fun Night 💚
  • Team Cleary Celebrates Like Family

    Team Cleary Celebrates Like Family

    9th Annual Halloween Costume Contest

    If you know George Cleary, owner of The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus Ohio, then you know he loves to have fun at work, especially at Halloween. He’s famous around the office for his hilarious pranks. Even when he’s not physically in the office there’s usually something in a drawer or on a shelf that will make you jump, laugh and sometimes shriek, LOL.

    Last Friday, even with George away on vacation, Team Cleary gathered for their annual Costume Contest. This event typically coincides with the monthly breakfast potlucks to celebrate their birthdays and Team-versaries.

    Congrats to our winners!

    Photos of each Team member who dressed up were posted to our Facebook page. Winners were determined on social media by our followers who voted by engaging with their favorite costume with likes, laughs, shares and comments.

    2021 Costume Contest Winners!
    • 1st Place – Elliot w/ET aka Leonor Carrasco, Production Manager
    • 2nd Place – Cruella DeVille aka Coury Sicker, Project Developer/Designer (bath2BATH)
    • 3rd Place – Neon Jellyfish aka Jenn McNeil, Admin Coordinator

    Are you looking for a company where you can have fun and create amazing projects that improve clients’ lives? Do you like to dress up for Halloween? 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.

  • 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!

  • Jamie Herbst | Craftsman

    Jamie Herbst | Craftsman

    Meet Jamie, who joined our Team in the spring of 2021, answering an ad for production crew help. We continue to hire skilled, qualified folks searching for a new job or career in remodeling. Welcome Jamie Herbst, a skilled craftsman and all-around fun guy!

    Remodeling Industry Experience

    Jamie has a great demeanor and thrives in a collaborative environment. Working together as a team is important for a remodeling project to come together seamlessly! Before joining our Team, Jamie worked as an independent contractor in the residential remodeling field. His quality skillset has already been apparent within our remodeling projects. He works very hard on each job and embraces challenges and opportunities to grow. Jamie is taking full advantage of our training and education courses to increase his knowledge. His client interactions are always positive and engaging.

    Jamie’s responsibilities are all about performing the physical work of construction. Jamie is involved in all aspects of the bathroom remodel from the beginning with demolition and all the way through to the final brush of paint on the walls. His ability to problem solve is something we admire.

    Keeping it Fun

    We appreciate a good laugh and a fun working atmosphere. In this, Jamie excels. He loves to tell jokes, try out different haircuts, beards, and sunglasses just to change up the way he looks. We never know what he is going to do next and we all think it’s great! His positivity and wanting others to be happy and successful are at the core of his personality. And our clients love him!

    Interesting Facts About Jamie Herbst

    • Jamie is very attached to his Pit Viper sunglasses and he looks pretty cool in them, we’ve all decided.
    • Jamie scuba dives, with his deepest dive reaching 85’ below the surface.
    • When not working, Jamie spends time with his friends and wife.
    • Other hobbies include disc golf, playing sports, hiking and being outdoors.
    • His Favorite room in his house: Living room
    • Other favorites – music: Eric Church – teams: Green Bay Packers & Milwaukee Brewers – food: Burgers, steak and Taco Bell – restaurant: Harvest Pizzeria (he says they have amazing pizza!)

    To learn more about our current openings, please visit our careers page.

  • Designer Katie Florjancic | NARI UDCP

    Designer Katie Florjancic | NARI UDCP

    Kudos to Designer Katie! Committed to excellence in her field, she earned a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) accreditation from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Katie joined our Design Team in 2020 with over 10 years of experience in the home design and residential remodeling industries. Originally from Cleveland, she’s a graduate of Ohio University, where she studied Interior Design and Business Management and was also an active member of the OU Design Group.

    Katie prepared for the UDCP test by attending an 8-hour online course. Also helpful to her preparation was reviewing the study guide materials provided by NARI and the many notecards she created. She hopes to add additional certifications and actively participate in offerings from NARI of Central Ohio. “My certification has broadened my knowledge, provided me with more tools as I’ve learned to design with everyone in mind.”

    Because more of our clients are wanting to live in their homes longer, our Design Team, at The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus Ohio, recognizes that all of our projects should include principles of Universal Design. This not only applies to our clients looking to “age in place” but also to their extended family, caregivers and guests living or visiting with them.

    Read more about Age-in-Place Design and future-proofing your home on our blog!

    What is NARI Certification?

    Certified professionals represent an elite group of industry experts who possess extensive technical and management skills. These skills set them apart as capable remodeling professionals. Standards and exam questions are developed by leading remodeling experts who are well versed in technical and management best practices for the remodeling industry.

    Why our Team values industry certifications?

    As a trusted Remodel-Design-Build firm in Columbus, Ohio, we believe continuing education is important and the development of Our Team is a responsibility we have to our clients. From formal CEU classes administered by our industry partners to informal Lunch-n-Learns hosted by our vendors, throughout each year, our Team regularly participates in webinars and live presentations to improve our knowledge of home remodeling.

    Not to mention, data suggests 80% of consumers would choose a remodeling professional who is certified over one who is not.

    Want to know more about what Universal Design is? Click here to read our blog post on the subject!

  • NARI National Board Member | Aaron Enfinger, CR

    NARI National Board Member | Aaron Enfinger, CR

    Did you know? National Volunteer Week takes place April 18-24, 2021. During this special week, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is highlighting and thanking members who have donated their time and expertise to the advancement of the organization and the remodeling industry as a whole.

    NARI is celebrating with the first in a series of profiles of their member volunteers who help advance the organization’s mission every day! At The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus Ohio we couldn’t be prouder of our own Aaron Enfinger, CR. Who’s one of five member volunteer members across the country who shared their remodeling stories. Aaron has helped develop certification study guides, put together workforce development initiatives and more!

    Pam Patter, Executive Director of NARI’s local chapter, describes Aaron as, “Someone who’s always willing to pitch in and help. He was instrumental in organizing a local Certified Lead Carpenter class. Education and certifications help our members advance their careers with advanced industry knowledge and skills. NARI of Central Ohio is proud to have Aaron as an active member of our chapter.”

    Aaron has advice for members thinking of joining a committee or volunteering for NARI. At both the local and national level, there’s a lot of opportunity for getting involved. Areas like membership, PR and marketing, bylaws and ethics, all the way to government affairs. If you’re someone with diverse interests there’s all kinds of conversations you can be a part of. You’ll easily be able to find something that you’re interested in and feel inspired to be engaged with”. Read the full Q&A interview with Aaron now!

    To learn more about NARI membership and certifications visit trustNARI.org.

  • George Cleary’s Golden Rule?

    George Cleary’s Golden Rule?

    Treating Home Remodeling Clients Like Family

    The truth about home remodeling is that it can be a hard, messy process. Treating clients like family helps ensure the final product and the client experience is exceptional. “Once clients hire us, they become like part of our family,” says George Cleary, CR, Owner of The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus Ohio.

    The ability to stay connected, coupled with an incredible team of skilled professionals helps create client satisfaction. In most cases, they become clients for life! In fact, almost 60% of the projects we built in 2020 were for repeat clients and referrals from clients. “Because we treat every client’s home like our own, we understand today’s decisions will impact tomorrow’s dreams. We approach our design proposals holistically, thinking about client’s budgets and future needs,” George adds.

    Watch George discuss his clients in this throwback video from 2016.

    George greeting clients at a multi-project open house tour which included his home. Food, drinks & fun was enjoyed by all!

    Beyond treating our clients like family, read on for five more reasons you will enjoy working with George and our Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus Ohio. Team Cleary and Your One-Stop Shop – Working with The Cleary Company means you have a team of professionals working on your home. We coordinate and manage every detail of your project from technical drawings and permits to trade contractors and first-rate suppliers. Our clients have one point of contact with a team behind them that takes care of everything.

    5 Advantages of Hiring a Design-Build Firm for Your Home Remodel:

    The Tiny Touch for Every Project – No matter the scope of the remodeling project, The Cleary Company Team creates a space that is personal to our clients with tiny touches. Whether it’s customized storage solutions with pull-out drawers, extra outlets and lighting, or custom cabinets for a beloved family pet. Whatever our clients can dream up, our Team considers how each space is going to be used and creates a plan to guarantee it will function properly for our clients’ needs.

    Our Trade Partners Matter – There are quite a few reasons a good design-build remodeler is able to complete many high-quality, unique projects. Collaboration and developing long-term relationships with like-minded industry professionals is very important. George feels a huge part of the company’s success has been finding the right type of people and companies to work with and that’s the key to maintaining the fun, family-like character of our team. The value of continuing education through industry organizations like NARI, NKBA & ASID is two-fold. First, it’s the opportunity to gain knowledge and improve skills. Second, the affiliations provide opportunities to network and seek out new trade relationships.

    Our App – When clients download The Cleary Company’s app, they have the ability to connect with the work in progress on their project through photos, daily logs and project schedules. Other conveniences include the ability to approve selections and make payments online even if they’re out of town!

    Paying It Forward – George and our Team believe giving back to the communities where we live and work is just as important to us as it is to our clients. From sponsoring local school sports and art programs to hosting fundraisers and volunteering for local non-profits, Team Cleary’s commitment runs deep in central Ohio. Some recent examples include: collecting food for Mid-Ohio Foodbank, installing a bedroom for Special Spaces benefiting a teen in cancer treatment, collecting school supplies for Operation Backpack, raising funds & volunteering, donating time & resources to our churches, schools and remodeling industry organizations.

    Ready to discuss your next home remodeling project?

    Contact us today!

  • Family Traditions & St Patrick’s Day

    Family Traditions & St Patrick’s Day

    Although all of our celebrations have looked very different this past year, I think we can all agree family, friends and connections with others is very important to our mental and physical sense of well-being.

    St. Patrick’s Day observes of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.

    Did you know the first St Patrick’s day parade was held in America? According to history.com, the first parade was held on March 17, 1601 in a Spanish colony in what is now St Augustine, Florida! To me and my family it is a national holiday and always will be.

    Family, Food and Fun!

    Coming from a large Irish Catholic family my dad was always into celebrating our heritage. Growing up, St Patrick’s day with the downtown parade and festivities was always a way I could connect with him. Participating and watching folks celebrating all the good stuff – being alive, being Irish – instilled in me the importance of family, tradition and a sense of community. When I became a father, I knew that I wanted to continue to pass along those feelings and memories to my kids.

    My fondest memory with my dad on St Patrick’s day is from about seven years ago. My dad was suffering from Parkinson’s and his dementia was pretty far along. I was driving The Cleary Company van. Me and my dad in the front seat. My girls were passing out candy to children along the parade route.

    It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining. As we made the turn onto W Broad St, I looked over at my dad, wearing his St Aquinas jacket and Irish cap and he had the biggest smile on his face. He looked to me to be having the time of his life waving to all the folks along the street. Then he asked me, “Who are all these people and why are they waving at me?”. With a sad smile on my face I said, “Dad you’re a celebrity, they want to wave to the guy in the letter jacket!” and he responded, “Really, huh, feels good.”

    Whether I was watching or participating in the parade with my dad and my kids, those are memories I will cherish forever. Slainte! George

    May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more. – Traditional Irish Blessing

    Click here to check out these 7 surprising facts about St Patrick’s Day!

    Flasback Friday – George celebrating with family & friends!
  • Don Holmes | Lead Carpenter

    Don Holmes | Lead Carpenter

    As we step into a new year, the bathroom remodeling team continues to grow! Demand for bathroom remodeling remains at record highs. This demand means excellence in skilled craftsmanship remains stronger than ever in Central Ohio. To meet our clients’ growing bathroom renovation needs, we have hired Don Holmes!  

    Don Holmes Project Manager
    Don Holmes

    Don joins the team from SemBro Design & Supply in Columbus and brings 15 years of remodeling industry experience. One of his most recent projects involved remodeling three extremely personalized, large bathrooms within one home in Powell, Ohio. The discerning family was thrilled with Don’s workmanship and wrote him a card and gleaming online review for the company. “I put 110% into my work. And, I appreciate when I know the families have loved the work that I have done,” shared Don. 

    In addition to his remodeling experience, Don also spent eight years serving in the United States Marine Corps, during which he was able to travel and see the world. Don has a strong commitment to quality workmanship and client satisfaction, and he believes, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” 

    Originally from Chicago, Don resides in Central Ohio with his wife of 23 years, three children and two pets. He enjoys watching Buckeyes football, scoring a kids-free date night at Roosters with his wife, and spending time with his family. We know Don is going to be a fantastic addition to our growing, talented bathroom remodeling team! 

    To learn more about our current openings, please visit our careers page.