After spending several years working for other general contractors, George Cleary established The Cleary Company in April 1994. His wife, Cathy, encouraged George to create his own business in an industry he was obviously passionate about. His vision was to execute quality property enhancement that improved people’s lives.
He began by promoting himself and his new business to not only his family and friends but to the families of his friends. It wasn’t long before he secured his first clients and sold his first contract for The Cleary Company. Luke & Gail, the parents of a classmate from Bishop Watterson High School, hired George and his crew to build an addition on the back of their home in Upper Arlington.
The Contract & The Details
The 15′ x 19′ screened porch included two skylights and a ceiling fan. A 28′ paver patio surrounded the new addition along with a concrete pad, cedar steps and landscaping for their new hot tub. Total contract price? $25, 575.00! Our estimators ran the numbers and came up with ballpark budget amount of $130-145k if The Cleary Company were to build this same project in 2024.
The Plans & The Build
The Results
Photography for finished projects was a little different in 1994! Digital camera technology wasn’t widely used by George until about 2004.
An Interview with Luke & Gail – George’s First Clients
In 2019, Luke & Gail were gracious and did an interview to celebrate The Cleary Company’s 25th anniversary. Read more about their history with George and all their remodeling projects.
Why did you first choose to hire George to build your remodel? And why did you continue to choose The Cleary Company for all your future renovations?
George and Rob were classmates of our daughter and her husband so we knew them and liked them. We had a problem and they were able to solve it. After the project was completed we could not have been more pleased. Everything came out just the way we wanted and more importantly just as he said it would. Later when we purchased another home we had George and his crew back to remodel that home as well. When we eventually sold that home the new owners were so impressed with the craftsmanship they hired The Cleary Company for several remodel projects.
Who is your favorite Team member and how did they exceed your expectations?
Rob has unique skills of craftsmanship. He fabricated a beautiful mantel for us and every time we had a fire in that fireplace we remarked at his artistry.
What advice would you offer to someone who is looking to remodel their home?
Hire George and his team. They can build dreams into reality!
If you could use one word to describe why you choose to do business with The Cleary Company, what would that be?
There isn’t one word! Dependable, caring, careful, creative, problem solvers. They are a great company to do business with.
2008 Exterior project in WestervilleGeorge & Luke in 2012 on Kenny RdGail, George & Luke at 25th party
“It’s been a great ride George, Congratulations! We have always been proud that we were your very first client. We will always hold dear the wonderful memories of you and your crew working on our two beloved homes.” – Gail & Luke, Clients 30 years, Upper Arlington OH & Westerville OH
Save the Date!
“30 years ago I took a leap of faith and created The Cleary Company. For many years we were small and humble but I had a simple vision for how I wanted to run my business ~ build relationships & improve peoples’ lives. Thank you to everyone who has been part our journey. I look forward to celebrating with you all at our anniversary party on Friday September 27,2024. Cheers and stay tuned for details!”, George.
Did you know that April is not only the month of George Cleary’s birthday but also the month back in 1994 when he established The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio. Happy Birthday George! After he had spent several years working for other general contractors, and with encouragement and support from his wife, Cathy, George created a company with the vision of improving people’s lives thru quality property enhancement. She believed he should create his own business in an industry he was obviously passionate about. How did he start?
With $10,000 cash, a computer, a truck and his years of experience working in the home remodeling services business, George hired a few of his buddies to complete construction jobs with a mission of providing “quality property enhancement”. Using his connections and respect in the central Ohio communities where he lived and grew up, George was able to not only build projects but build lasting relationships.
Read on for George’s reflections on 30 years of residential and light commercial remodeling in central Ohio and learn how he and his Remodel-Design-Build Team are celebrating this great milestone.
Q & A with George Cleary, CR, Founder & CEO of The Cleary Company
What inspired you to start the business 30 years ago. How has that inspiration evolved over time?
I was ready to do my own thing that was not only rewarding but fun. I felt called to create a business that employs people helping other people. We’re blessed to be as big as we are, giving us the opportunity to help more people. My passion for building relationships has only grown and continues to reward me and my family so many blessings.
What were the most successful products, services or strategies that contributed to TCC’s growth?
Flexibility, adaptability and the mindset of being open to change. I truly believe any business not willing to think outside the box or be open to what’s going on around them is going to get run over and close their doors.
How has technology played a role in shaping the company or remodeling industry over the last 30 years?
In 1994 we were working with carbon copy paper, pagers and fax machines to communicate with clients. Now we use electronic documents, Zoom, iPads and apps! Working in “the cloud”, enables the Team to be more responsive and better communicators with our clients, vendors and trades. Not to mention how it has also transformed the behind the scenes administration on the business from budgets to scheduling to HR.
Meet the Team
George Cleary, CRRob Lindeboom, CLC Laura Watson, ASID, UDCPrApril Howe, Allied ASIDAaron Enfinger, CRJennifer Wood
What role has your Team played in the success and longevity of the business?
A HUGE one! The company has growth and success is directly related to the Team of wonderful and talented souls that I have been blessed to have been connected with over the years. Especially the ones that have stuck it out the longest! Rob Lindeboom, Senior Project Manager, has been with me since the very beginning. His brain was created for problem solving which is a huge asset in remodeling.
Laura Watson, Development & Design Manager, helped launch the company into a new chapter in 2009. Taking us from general contracting project to a full service design-build firm. Her creativity, drive and competitiveness elevated us to create multiple projects that been recognized with many local, regional and national awards.
April Howe, Marketing Coordinator, started part-time as a project coordinator but over the last 12+ years has evolved into our storyteller, brand ambassador, cheerleader and event planner. When you see our photos, videos, or articles of our projects and our Team, she’s the reason!
Aaron Enfinger, Chief Operations Officer, brought carpentry skills, business management and analytics to the Team. Continuing to create standards and systems that have driven the growth over the last 10 years.
Jennifer Wood, Director of Finance & Administration, responded to employment ad on Craiglist for an Admin Coordinator position in 2015. She’s our queen of spreadsheets! Her love of numbers and generous attitude has lifted the financial success of the company to new heights.
How has the company contributed to the industry it represents?
We’re not just dues paying members of industry organizations like NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association), ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), and RA (Remodeler’s Advantage), we’re active participants. Our Team serves on local and national boards and committees, teaches workshops, mentors youth and young adults interested in remodeling by speaking in classes, offering job shadowing and occasionally hiring interns.
Three Decades of Remodeling & Building Community
GEORGE & THE CLEARY COMPANY THRU THE YEARS ~
1994 (April) – With encouragement from his wife, Cathy, George takes a leap of faith and establishes his own general contracting company, names it The Cleary Company and coordinates subcontractors (namely Bishop Watterson classmate, Rob Lindeboom & buddy Dave “Animal” Edmonds)
1994 – On May 20th, George sell his first job for an addition and outdoor living space in Upper Arlington. You can read all about it on our Blog!
2004 – George purchases a building and moves his office out of his basement to 4766 Kenny Rd.
2007 – The Cleary Company (TCC) is awarded its 1st Contractor of the Year (CotY) recognition from the Central Ohio Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for a basement project in Lewis Center.
2009 – George hires his first full-time Residential Designer, Laura Watson, and rebrands the company to Remodel-Design-Build and offers turn-key project services.
2011 – Remodeling Magazine recognizes George and TCC as a Remodeler’s Advantage Big 50 award winner in the Fine Design category with a full page profile in their May issue. TCC volume exceeds $1,000,000 for the first time!
2012 – George reinvests into his Kenny Rd location by remodeling and expanding the building to include more offices, larger conference spaces and a design studio. The project wins 2 CotY awards from NARI of Central Ohio!
2014 – With a growing crew of Lead Carpenters, George hires his first Production Manager, Aaron Enfinger. He’ll prove himself quickly as valuable asset to the company, and be promoted to General Manager in 2017 and Chief Operations Officer in 2020.
2018 – George expands his business once again by creating a bathroom division of TCC and names it bath2BATH and purchases a new building to expand and meet the needs of the growing team.
2019 – In May, TCC relocates to the newly remodeled spaces at 989 Old Henderson Rd and in October celebrates 25 years of remodeling with a huge block party. Check out the photo album on our blog!
2020 & 2022 – TCC is recognized at the North American Biz X Awards conference for Best Company Culture.
2020-2024 – George, an avid cycler and riding in Pelotonia organizes his first peloton Team Cleary Cyclers in honor of his brother-in-law, Chip Greenlee, who had fought a courageous battle with glioblastoma. In just four years they’ve raised $350,427 for cancer research!
Celebrate 30 Years of Remodeling with George & Team Cleary!
“30 years ago I took a leap of faith and created The Cleary Company. For many years we were small and humble but I had a simple vision for how I wanted to run my business ~ build relationships & improve peoples’ lives. Thank you to everyone who has been part our journey. I look forward to celebrating with you all at our anniversary party on Friday September 27,2024. Cheers!”, George.
Join George Cleary and his Remodel-Design-Build Team on Friday, September 27, 2024. We’re celebrating 30 years of Home Remodeling Excellence in true Cleary fashion with food, friends, & fun for the whole family!
