Tag: careers in remodeling columbus ohio

Remodeling Workforce Development

Recruitment and Retention of the Remodeling Workforce

Many well-intended companies view training as a key solution to obvious learning opportunities. The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus, Ohio takes this to a higher level. Our goal is to empower our Team to make decisions on their own. A training program can be a powerful medium for that process. The most successful programs include customized content, relevant case material, skill-building practices, and a final measurement of skill.

Learning is a consequence of thinking, not teaching. It happens when people reflect on and choose a training program. If the work environment does not support that behavior, a well-trained employee will not make a difference.

George Cleary and his management Team take a bold approach to provide a robust training program for their Team. By implementing training solutions through various sources, we create a better work environment, a higher skilled workforce, and most importantly a great company culture that offers a superior client experience.

Below are four key programs plus a general overview of the successes of The Cleary Company training programs. These programs have been initiated with collaboration between our internal teams, management, as well as external support.

Leadership Development

Since 2014, George has utilized the services of Peg Buehrle, Certified Business Coach and her associates with ActionCOACH Columbus for executive leadership and business development. They specialize in helping business owners craft strategies that create a better work-life balance with a unique niche serving the remodeling industry. George, his company and his employees have benefited from their coaching as evident in The Cleary Company’s tremendous growth and acquisition of exceptional talent.

While most of their programs center around our management team, helping them to look towards the positive advantages of change, we’ve also been able to collaborate on some very beneficial training for the entire Team as well as some of our Trade Partners. Some of these key training sessions include Laws of Attraction, Emotional Intelligence, and key communication education.

Chief Architect (CA)

This is the software program our Design Team uses to inspire clients. CA can also create the construction documents our Production Team uses on their jobsites. Just like a carpenter with their hammer or a painter with their brush, we must consistently practice with our tool to improve our skill set. We utilized targeted training videos, as well as a community learning approach, in our weekly meetings focused on improving our skills with this platform. One of our Team goals is to design and build amazing award-winning projects and Chief Architect is one of the tools that help us achieve this.

NARI Certifications & CEUs

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is a leader in the certification of remodeling professionals. These certifications were developed to recognize highly experienced remodeling professionals, capable of planning and managing complex remodeling projects to client satisfaction and are to be renewed annually. Additionally, they offer continuing education to all industry professionals looking to gain knowledge and advance in their career.

These educational opportunities are offered throughout the year through in-person events and webinars addressing specific topics for the remodeling professional. NARI provides the environment for collaboration and connection in the remodeling industry with contractors, vendors, and skilled trade professionals. NARI’s national presence provides confidence to the consumer through its Code of Ethics which each member promises to uphold.

Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio

The WDBCO helps local businesses acquire, develop, motivate and deploy talent. As an industry leader in Columbus, Ohio, The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build takes pride in these opportunities to enhance the skill levels of our Team. Their Employer Advantage funded program enabled George and his management Team to provide an even more robust training program across all levels of our organization in 2021. On July 22, 2022 WDBCO presented its annual awards at Columbus State Community College. George Cleary, CR and Aaron Enfinger, CR were in attendance to receive an award for Company of the Year! An annual award presented at the WDBCO annual meeting.

Utilize Training Programs to Achieve a Highly Talented Organization

Any thorough organizational assessment will not only define the skills employees need to develop but will also reveal the conditions required to reinforce and sustain those skills once a training solution is implemented. With the training programs and other similar programs above, we have initiated our company’s ability to thrive in today’s challenging employment environment.

We know that creating raving fans starts with raving employees. We focus on both the personal well-being and the professional development of each of our team members to create an amazing family culture that creates awesome projects for our clients. That is our commitment to the Central Ohio community we love to serve!

Are you ready to work for The Cleary Company? Visit our Careers page to see all our available job openings, submit a resume, ask questions, or request more information. We look forward to connecting with you!

February 21, 2023
NARI Certification for Lead Carpenter | CLC

Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) accreditation from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Are the most knowledgeable members of our Production Team!

Certified Lead Carpenters (CLC) are recognized as expert hands-on field professionals who oversee every on-site aspect of the project, such as personnel management, subcontractor management, scheduling, safety, administration, customer satisfaction, etc. while also working on the site.

A Lead Carpenter’s motto is “Be prepared and do your best, always”. They study all of the materials available thru NARI’s website and attend local chapter study sessions to prepare themselves for the comprehensive 180-question examination.

What is NARI Certification?

NARI certified professionals are those people who possess extensive technical and management skills. This adds to their skillsets in their fields and adds a higher level of competence. Clients want the professionals they hire to perform the needed work at the highest levels. These certifications assure clients that our Team members have met strict standards and are committed to their craft.

With over 1400 certified professionals holding nearly 1800 individual designations nationwide, NARI is a leader in certification of remodeling professionals. What does the certification mean to Dan? “The certification really shows a commitment to quality both in the production and management of the project. That commitment will take me far in this field.”

A Desire to Grow and Learn

At The Cleary Company, we feel strongly that learning and growth are important. Not just for the benefit of our Team members, but as a responsibility to provide our clients with the best Remodel-Design-Build projects in Columbus Ohio. Our clients expect the best remodeling experience, with the best people working on their project. We challenge our Team to study for and receive certifications as a way to become more knowledgeable, grow within their career, and be the best in their remodeling craft. Not only do we value our employees continuing education, but also 80% of consumers would choose a remodeling professional who is certified over one who is not.

Click here for a full list of NARI certified professionals at The Cleary Company!

November 3, 2022
What is the Role of a Project Manager?
In residential remodeling the Project Manager (PM) is a critically important position. Once construction begins at a client’s home, the Project Manager serves as the main contact on the jobsite.

Behind the scenes the PM also supervises the financial aspects of the project. They must orchestrate the on-site personnel, Trade Partners and product deliveries needed to complete the build. A successful PM has strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills as well a good understanding of construction.

No project ever goes off without a hitch. There is an enormous amount of complexity and difficulty in most remodeling projects. It takes a person with the ability to remain flexible and a mind for strategic planning to keep up with the demands of a large-scale remodeling project. It has been said that a PM needs to be able to see the future! Someone knowing the potential problems that a project may encounter is enormously helpful as one plans out the schedule of any given project.

During the construction phase, the PM also communicates regularly with a job’s assigned Project Developer and Design Consultant who has collaborated with the client to create the design plan and scope of work for their project. In fact, our PMs are involved in the development of their projects too. They will meet and consult with the Development team during a project’s design and estimation phase. This allows the person in charge of building the project to have input on important details in regard to the scope of work and the budget.

What Does it Take to be a Project Manager?

The ideal candidate for a Project Manager position at The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus, Ohio has honed their interpersonal skills and is naturally inclined to share information with the team around them.

Extensive construction knowledge is not necessarily the linchpin of success in this position. Organization, communication, and scheduling are what make a successful PM. Knowledge of the construction process is essential, but many of our Lead Carpenters hold much of the technical knowledge needed on a residential remodeling job site. That allows the Project Manager to focus on the bigger picture of moving the project through the phases of construction, keeping the project on time and on budget.

Are You Looking for a Career in Remodeling?
- Team Culture at The Cleary Company. A positive work environment with a supportive team of industry experts. Owner George Cleary creates an environment where employees are valued and their work experience is fun!
- Benefits available at The Cleary Company. Starting with a generous allotment of vacation time and a competitive compensation package.
  - Project performance bonus
  - 401K
  - Profit sharing and annual bonus
- Develop your career at The Cleary Company. A job classification structure that helps you understand how to make advancements in your career on our Team. Opportunities for internal and external continuing education through NARI and other industry affiliations.
Interested in learning more about the job opportunities in residential remodeling at The Cleary Company? Visit the Careers page on our website!
August 30, 2022
Why Work for The Cleary Company?
3 Reasons a Career in Remodeling at The Cleary Company is a Top Choice for Industry Professionals

There are many jobs and careers available within the remodeling, construction and building industries in central Ohio. The Cleary Company is hiring year-round to meet the demand for our services by homeowners in the Columbus Ohio metro area! Opportunities abound for those with the ambition, skills and initiative to grow in the fun and fast-paced residential remodeling industry. It’s truly wonderful to work for The Cleary Company!

What sets us apart? Everyone wants to be part of the best and work for a reputable company. We work hard to be the best remodeling company in central Ohio for both our clients and our employees. Our Team enjoys fostering relationships, having fun, being the best at what we do, and doing it with passion. Those are some of the reasons our employees stay with us for many years.

Our three goals for being a great employer are simple, and yet, profound in that simplicity. What are these goals? And, what do some of our Team members and clients say about our goals and our work?

Ensure a superior, respectful company culture:

This is our touchpoint, the value that consistently reveals itself through our work, our reviews, and our commitment to our clients’ and Team members’ well-being. We respect everyone we meet, listen to everyone’s needs and wants, and ensure we not only work hard, but play hard as well. Read on to see what our Team says about our culture.

Eric Isler, Project Manager, sums up his support and growth with the company this way. “The Cleary Company has put me in situations where I can both succeed and be challenged, by surrounding me with very talented people. Everything we do in remodeling is unique and different, but we have great resources to get us through those challenges.“ Eric goes on to say the culture of the company is a true benefit to working here. “George Cleary does a great job instilling a great atmosphere to work in. He hires great people and it’s a great Team to work with.”

Leonor Carrasco, Production Manager, reiterates our core belief. “The Cleary Company has shown me how to improve the lives of others. This is our core belief and we do it every day by designing, building, managing projects and trade partners, and getting homes remodeled and upgraded. It improves my life every day by what we do.” She adds, “There is support here at The Cleary Company and we are a Team. There is a path for each one of us.”

Luis Martinez, Project Consultant, faced some challenges working at other companies, but has found more support here. “At some other companies where I’ve worked, it can be hard to find someone to talk to about an issue with a certain part of a project, or just something personal, and get a solution without feeling like I’m alone. I found I had to schedule a meeting just to talk about what I needed. Here at The Cleary Company, I’ve found many members on my Team that I can talk to and collaborate with.”

Maintain an industry leading client experience:

We wouldn’t be who we are without positive client experiences. From the first phone call, to conversations during the project, and the follow up call a year after a project is completed, we are here for our clients. We believe our Team is the reason our clients are not only thrilled with their remodeled spaces, but their interactions with our Team during the entire remodeling process.

Luis sums it up this way. “I love going to clients’ houses and putting myself in their situations, then collaborating with our Team, to come up with a good plan to help them. I also really love meeting the clients’ dogs!” And that is true, Luis is always the first one to greet our clients’ dogs.

Leonor reflects on what she thought after reading and watching our clients’ reviews online. “I loved hearing how clients talk about us after their remodel and I thought it’s a reflection of the people working for The Cleary Company.” This was one of the reasons she chose to work with us.

Client reviews

Client reviews are important. The following Guild Quality survey responses validate our client experiences and their interaction with our Team. Do you see yourself working with our Team?
- Pretty much in every area, they were top notch from start to finish. I can see why they have such a strong reputation. I think it’s a reflection of George’s involvement in the company and his expectations for his employees. He has good people working for him. It was a wonderful experience, and we have a great final product.
- The remodeling, skill sets, and the pleasantness of the crews were just as great as the outcome in all 4 of the projects that The Cleary Company completed for me. They took my suggestions and worked very well with me. I’ve been a client for over 20 years!
- This company is nothing but professional and honest. It was a pleasure working with the entire team. We never had any reservations about the quality or satisfactory completion of our project from beginning to end. Our strongest recommendation goes out to anyone interested in a top-notch job.
- The design team took in all our ideas and created a great plan for meeting our needs. The Cleary Company was recommended to me by a friend and I would also recommend them to a friend.
We love what Pete Mossman, bath2BATH Project Manager, has to say about our raving fans. “The hidden gem for The Cleary Company is our pride in the whole field of remodeling. Other remodelers can make beautiful projects, but The Cleary Company really wants to make home remodeling a great experience, giving the client all they’ve really wanted and even more! A relationship that is more than a “nice” project. This is what sets us apart.”

Design and Build beautiful, functional projects that meet the needs of our clients:

This third point is at the crux of what we do every day – remodel homes and build the dreams of our clients. In order to complete these projects, we need people that share that drive and vision. Our projects speak for themselves but we are nothing without our amazing Team. We rely on our Team’s ability to work together to create inspiring designs and build beautiful remodels.

“The Cleary Company doesn’t aspire to be huge, just the best. They value creating a relationship with their employees that makes everyone happy. As the saying goes, You don’t work a day of your life if you love what you do.,” says Luis.
- Are you someone who is willing to learn?
- Do you have skills that need a new place grow?
- Are you ready to work?
- Are you ready to be a part of a Team that feels like family?
If your answers are all yes, then we are ready to talk with you about beginning your career here at The Cleary Company. Give us a call at 614.459.4000 or visit the careers page our website for more information!
March 23, 2021
What Does it Take to Work in the Building Industry?
Have you always been interested in building and creating? As a kid, did you like using scraps of wood to build birdhouses, ramps, or a playhouse? And perhaps now you enjoy fixing things in your home, either plumbing or electrical. Is painting a room your happy place? Maybe it’s time for a career change to work in the building industry. Especially if, you like to work with your hands, utilize your brain in new and different ways, and work hard.

At The Cleary Company, we love what we do! From designing a remodeled home, to constructing the plan for our client’s dream living space. We revel in solving problems, working with our hands and brains, and being a part of a dynamic Team.

Aaron Enfinger

General Manager at The Cleary Company Remodel – Design – Build, Aaron Enfinger, CR, shares important information to help guide you in your journey to join the construction and remodeling industries.

Education and experience
- For the construction field, nothing replaces experience. Building knowledge is important but being able to perform on the crew is your foot in the door.
- Find ways to be on a jobsite as an apprentice or laborer. This is the quickest way to learn the knowledge you will need.
- A trade school or community college may be important to you in order to learn more terminology and concepts and advance your career in a specialized field. One thing to consider is attending a trade school while working on the job.
- Gaining employment in interior design and architecture usually does require specific education in design. However, The Cleary Company has hired people not formally educated in interior design or architecture. These employees had committed themselves to learning the industry and excelling regardless of the course of study they had pursued as a student. (Though this is an exception, as most have received a college education.)
Getting started with school and/or a job
- Find a company you respect and approach them. Ask what it would take to work in the building industry for them. Can you shadow someone to get a sense of the job you want to do? Show a true desire and initiative to work in the industry and at their company specifically.
- Network! Find industry associations where you can attend meetings and get to know who the great companies are in the area. NARI of Central Ohio is the local industry association in Columbus OH and provides a great way to meet some of the successful companies and people in the industry.
- Jobs are landed through connections. Be proactive in making many connections. Ask family and friends as well as people working in local tool, woodworking and construction stores around town to find someone who knows who is hiring.
- Start to build your collection of tools to show how motivated you are to those that are willing to give you a chance.
- Read publications to learn the jargon and search out opportunities on social media for learning the basics.
- If school is going to be your route, talk with graduates and track their career path. Make sure a program combines theory with practical application. Someone understanding that studs are on 16” centers is different than being able to read prints and then layout and build wall sections.
Financial opportunities
- If you are motivated and possess an entrepreneurial spirit, there are many opportunities to build your own business in the construction, building and remodeling industry. Your goal may be to have your own company one day and we can tell you it is possible and financially rewarding if you’re willing to put in the hard work.
- Working directly for a company is what most people choose to do. You can still earn a comfortable wage and enjoy a fulfilling career working for a great company. According to Indeed, this list gives you an idea of salaries, though this depends greatly on the geographical area of the country.
Finding work
- Being a hard worker is the key to landing and keeping a great job. Show up to work on time, be present and be willing to learn. Offer to help out in all areas of the company and prove yourself indispensable.
- We are in a skilled labor shortage in the Columbus, Ohio, area and you will find work here in the construction and building industry. At The Cleary Company, we look for motivated individuals who are willing to learn and have a positive work ethic.
At The Cleary Company our Team enjoys teaching those that choose to join us! Our culture is one of collaboration, a strong work ethic, and a desire to create the very best remodeling projects for our clients. If you want it and are willing to put in the work, the rewards are many.

Check out this online resource for more information as you consider matching your interests with a career in the construction industry. Or visit our Careers page for current open positions!
February 9, 2021
Are You Ready For a New Career in Construction and Remodeling?
Skilled trade jobs in the burgeoning construction and remodeling industry are in high demand in the Columbus, Ohio, area and throughout the country. Many of us have been told a college education is the only way to a successful career. However, we know firsthand a career in construction and the skilled trades can be fulfilling, satisfying and lucrative!

We challenge you to find out more about a trade you find interesting, get the schooling or on-the-job training you need, and pursue it with passion. You will be able to build a stable career in construction and remodeling if you’re willing to work hard, stay motivated, and enjoy solving problems. For example, a great start is to check out Columbus State Community College‘s program offerings.

What jobs are available in the construction and remodeling industries?
- All skilled trades are currently in high demand! Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, tile setters, HVAC technicians, welders, and masons.
- The current labor shortage is bound to continue. As the current talented workforce ages out, the need continues to grow.
Benefits of pursuing a career in the remodeling and construction industries:
- It’s rewarding! Specifically, at The Cleary Company, we are primarily residential remodelers and find creating, building, and fixing intrinsically rewarding. At the end of the day, we see a real and tangible result. Walls are framed, floors are laid, rooms are painted, and plumbing is installed; it’s satisfying to see what you and your team have created.
- You directly impact the quality of life for your clients. This is because you get to work in their homes, build rapport, and get to know their daily life. Their appreciation of your work is rewarding as well.
- Jobs are plentiful. Due to retirements and fewer people entering the industry, you will have job security.
- Residential real estate continues to be a booming industry in Central Ohio and with this come all of the jobs needed to build and remodel homes. Your skilled trade will always be needed.
- You can earn a comfortable, even lucrative, income.
How important are construction trade jobs?

Remodeling Apprentice – Joe Hamlett
- If current jobs continue to go unfilled the labor shortages in trade careers will continue to rise. Due to this, the availability of these services will become harder to secure, resulting in the window to complete home improvement projects will become longer and, most likely, remodeling costs will go up at an accelerated rate.
- “People place a high value on the talents of a tradesperson. Just ask someone that needs a toilet fixed or old light fixtures replaced how they view the tradesperson who helped them fix their home,” shares General Manager of The Cleary Company, Aaron Enfinger, CR. “One of the keys to people loving where they live is loving how it functions. Or conversely, how they hate it because it has so many things that do not function properly. Loose handrails, doors and locks that won’t shut or latch; When a tradesperson fixes these concerns, the value of their skills skyrocket to those whose quality of life was just enhanced.”
Get more information on Careers at The Cleary Company by visiting our website!
January 28, 2021
Reflections on My Career in Construction
At The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus, Ohio, we believe in our Team members and their capabilities. Project Manager, Pete Mossman, CLC, shares his career path into the remodeling industry. Read on to learn how he got started in the trades, what he’s learned, and what you should consider if you think this career is for you.

Project Manager, Pete Mossman, CLC shares his journey in Remodeling!

How did you get started in the trades?
- My high school required internships 2 days/week. The goal of school was that you were able to walk away with a career, rather than just some good grades. So, I tried a couple things; 1) retail–Jeni’s ice cream, 2) culinary–worked at a local bakery, 3) trades–helped rebuild houses from hurricane Katrina and 4) Sport fitness-worked at a gym
- I studied exercise science in college, but through mutual friends, got offered an entry level job at a local remodeling company. When I graduated from college, it was my first full time job.
When did you know you wanted a career in the trades?
- I truly enjoyed my first experience in the trades–2 different church service trips to New Orleans. It mainly was performing drywall work, but I did some trim, tile, and painting as well. For some reason along the way, it still never quite seemed like an option for a career. Maybe it’s just because I didn’t know anybody who did that for a living.
- It probably wasn’t until a couple years into remodeling that I realized I wanted this to be a career.
What should you think about if you are considering a career in the trades?
- Starting in the trades with no experience is difficult. I think the most challenging part is that you have SO MUCH to learn, and you want to be great at all these things right now. It is slow and steady progress. It takes patience. Once you start getting some freedom and responsibility, that is really when you get the big rewards. This is what trade work has to offer that most places can’t quite compare to. You see all your progress. Everything is tangible. It either works or it doesn’t.
- Another unique thing about working in the trades is the usefulness outside of work. I can fix/repair/improve most parts of my home by myself. Think about the money that can save you! Not to mention it can be exactly the way my wife and I want it to be.
- Really consider the value that comes from building things with your hands. It is almost therapeutic some days. Having a bad week? Good thing you get to do demo today and you can take it out by knocking that wall down! There is a physical transformation of a space happening and you get to be a part of it.
- The trades also have great job security. People will always need work done to their house or office. If the economy is great, maybe you get a big renovation. If the economy is not as flush, you at least have service work. People will always need your advice, input and work.
What do you wish someone told me before you started working in the trades?
- Be patient; learn by doing, learn by making mistakes and correcting them.
- Trades people are NEEDED. Most of the contractors I work with say they can’t find any good, young, help that want to learn.
- You don’t have to find your lifelong career IMMEDIATELY after high school or college: So many people ask that of the new graduate, but it’s ok to try different things out.
- If you are somewhat competent, friendly, and young, you can probably get a trades job somewhere. A lot of places want you to have no experience, so they can train you the way they want.
- Ask tons of questions. The person who is your boss has probably worked in the trades for many years. They have a lot they can teach you.
A Career Path for Continued Growth

Do Pete’s reflections have you thinking about a job in the trades? When Pete was hired at The Cleary Company in 2017, his role was Warranty Specialist. His carpentry skills also made him a valuable asset to our bathroom remodeling production Team. Fast forward to 2019 when he was promoted to his current role as bathroom Project Manager.

Do you have the same goals and aspirations? Contact us on our Careers website page to apply. We can’t wait to speak with you and get your remodeling career started!
October 18, 2020
Hiring Trades & Remodeling Experts in Central Ohio
We are actively searching for the best and most dependable people to join our TEAM here at The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus Ohio! Do you want to put your talents to work for a company with a stellar reputation and strong connections with each other and our clients? Are you looking to grow professionally and be challenged to learn and do more?

Having the best people working with us makes what we do more than a job—we are a Team! At the Cleary Company fostering relationships and having fun is part of our culture. We work together to build our clients’ dreams while being dedicated to the growth and job satisfaction of each team member.

If you are a team player, have a strong work ethic, are responsible, skilled in your craft, interested in career growth and longevity within the same organization, and ready to work for a premier remodeling company, we’d love to talk to you!

Currently Seeking New Team Members Skilled in:
- Painter – there is no project we do that doesn’t involve paint!
  - Experienced in drywall repairs
  - Adept at painting using airless sprayer equipment and brushing trim
  - Proficient in painting walls and exteriors
  - 5-7 years experience preferred
- Tile Setter
  - Experienced with installation of tile for floors, tub surrounds, detailed backsplashes and shower waterproofing systems
  - Experienced with floor assemblies including underlayment, uncoupling/crack isolation membrane, and heated floor systems
  - Familiar with installation best practices and invested in surpassing industry standards
  - 5-7 years experience preferred
- Carpenter
  - Skilled in light interior framing
  - Skilled in stair systems
  - Experienced with interior trim details
  - Experienced with cabinetry installation
  - 5-7 years experience preferred
- Licensed Electrician
  - Must be licensed in the state of Ohio
  - Able to apply for permits for residential electrical work
  - Install all types of residential electrical work
- Licensed Plumber
  - Must be licensed in the state of Ohio
  - Able to apply for permits for residential plumbing work
  - Install all types of residential plumbing work
Bathroom Installers – must be proficient in all facets of interior bathroom remodeling
- Light electric
- Light plumbing
- Light carpentry
- Tile work
- Drywall repairs
- Painting
- Installation of all finishes in a residential bathroom
- 3-5 years experience preferred
Technicians – this is for the person who can do a bit of everything involved with residential repair and replacements
- Knowledgeable in light electric, plumbing and carpentry
- Perform tile work
- Perform drywall repairs
- Experienced painter
- 5-7 years experience preferred
Are you interested in one of these positions? Please send an email to careers@the-cleary-company.websitepro-staging.com to apply, request information, or ask questions.

We look forward to connecting with you! Learn more about The Cleary Company by visiting our website.

Office & Design Studio located at 989 Old Henderson Rd Columbus, OH 43220
September 28, 2020