During my recent meetings in Chicago for both MAS LLC, my tax consultancy, and The Green Mission Inc., our sustainability and valuation firm, I was reminded why the city and the broader Upper Midwest remain national leaders in the deconstruction and reuse movement. From forward- thinking policy to grassroots innovation, this region fosters one of the most engaged and thoughtful circular economies in the country. The partnerships I have developed here over the years continue to inspire me, as do the organizations and individuals leading this work.
The organizations below are just a handful of the brilliant and innovative people and organizations working in the greater Chicago area. I am missing many additional great people, but this is a start to list of groups in which I am in awe of what they have accomplished throughout their business life!
Recyclean: Deconstruction at Scale
A leader in commercial and residential deconstruction, Recyclean, provides services nationwide. The company handles everything from single-family teardowns to large commercial demolitions, always aiming to recover valuable building materials, mechanical systems, and industrial equipment. Their experienced team combines efficiency and precision to ensure that reusable assets are preserved and redirected into meaningful reuse channels. Recyclean Inc.
Reuse Depot: A Retail Treasure Trove
In Maywood, IL, Reuse Depot, led by Ken Ortiz, offers one of the most expansive selections of reclaimed materials in the region. The warehouse is a resource for contractors, designers, and homeowners, featuring antique lumber, architectural details, and appliances. Notably, the store often carries high-end items such as used Wolf ranges at a fraction of their original retail price. Reuse Depot demonstrates that sustainability and design excellence are not mutually exclusive. Reuse Depot
Murco Recycling: Residential Salvage, Redefined
Jodi Murphy, founder of Murco Recycling, developed an innovative model for residential salvage. By coordinating "pre-renovation sales," Murco enables homeowners and contractors to save and resell kitchens, appliances, bathroom fixtures, and more before demolition begins. This process diverts usable materials from landfills and allows homeowners to recover some financial value while supporting the reuse economy. Murco Recycling
Rebuilding Exchange: Architecture with a Second Life
Rebuilding Exchange continues to be a force in the region for reclaiming architectural elements with historical and aesthetic value. Their inventory includes fireplace mantels, flooring, moldings, and lighting fixtures. Beyond salvage, the organization offers job training and workforce development programs focused on carpentry, green construction, and materials management. Their work supports both sustainability and economic opportunity. Rebuilding Exchange
Loop Layer: Strategy and Metrics for Circularity
Chicago is also home to Garr Punnett, a recognized leader in circular economy planning and founder of Loop Layer. His company develops strategic tools and data frameworks for organizations seeking to reduce waste through material reuse and redeployment. Garr's work helps businesses quantify their sustainability impact and connect reuse strategies to operational goals. Loop Layer
Simone Schuppan and Jorie Wisnefski: Strategic and Communication Leaders
Simone Schuppan, a sustainability consultant, plays a vital role in the circular economy landscape through her work in policy development, materials planning, and systems integration. She brings deep expertise in managing complex environmental initiatives and aligning public and private sector goals to create practical solutions. Simone Schuppan
Jorie Wisnefski, a communications strategist and sustainability leader, brings strong cross-sector experience to the reuse conversation. She specializes in stakeholder engagement, strategic messaging, and business development with an emphasis on environmental performance. Her work connects advocacy to implementation and brings visibility to the reuse movement across industries. Jorie Wisnefski
Regional Leadership Beyond Chicago
Detroit, Michigan: Architectural Salvage Warehouse
In Detroit, Chris Rutherford of Architectural Salvage Warehouse (ASW) operates one of the most extensive reclaimed material warehouses in the Midwest. With a focus on recovering large-scale architectural elements such as doors, beams, and flooring, ASW helps prevent these materials from being lost to landfill while supplying builders and preservationists with high-quality inventory. ASW Detroit
Traverse City, Michigan: BARC
In Northern Michigan, Andy Gale leads Bay Area Recycling for Charities (BARC), a nonprofit that combines recycling, composting, deconstruction, and resale. BARC supports charitable initiatives while creating job opportunities in the reuse sector. Andy’s work highlights how sustainable practices can succeed in both urban and rural communities. BARC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Habitat ReStore
Jodee Benevides leads Milwaukee’s Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a vital hub for salvaged building materials. Donated cabinetry, doors, windows, and fixtures are resold to the public, supporting Habitat’s affordable housing mission while advancing material reuse. His leadership ensures that community development and sustainability remain closely linked. Milwaukee Habitat
Minnesota: Policy and Program Innovation
Minnesota has become a national model in deconstruction thanks to the Hennepin County deconstruction grant program, which offers financial incentives for reuse over demolition.
No deconstruction conversation is complete without including Melissa Wenzel. Her position as the Built Environment Sustainability Administrator at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is widely recognized as a national leader in policy-driven deconstruction and reuse. Through her work at the MPCA, she has secured millions in grant funding to support sustainable demolition alternatives, and has equipped local governments with ordinance templates, material management tools, and technical guidance to expand reuse infrastructure across the state. Her leadership has helped embed deconstruction and salvage practices into Minnesota’s broader climate and waste reduction goals, making the state a model for how public agencies can accelerate circular economy strategies through policy and funding.
Two standout organizations in MN, Better Futures Minnesota and The Birch Group, continue to lead in hands-on deconstruction services. Better Futures also provides workforce development for formerly incarcerated men, combining environmental and social goals. The Birch Group brings a design-forward approach to salvage and material placement, aligning aesthetics with sustainability. Better Futures Minnesota
As a member of the board of Rethos for over three years, I am proud to support their ongoing work in policy development, public education, and community revitalization. Rethos redefines preservation through the lens of creative reuse and sustainability. The organization provides communities, building owners, and policymakers with education, technical tools, and support to promote deconstruction, salvage, and reinvestment in existing structures. Through initiatives like their Deconstruction and Salvage Toolkit and public training programs, Rethos advances both environmental and cultural goals by encouraging building reuse over demolition. They also coordinate Minnesota’s Main Street program, helping small towns and cities preserve architectural heritage while stimulating local economies. One of Rethos’s signature events is the Wrecking Ball Gala: Demolishing Barriers in Historic Preservation, taking place on October 8, 2025, at the Landmark Center in Saint Paul. This annual celebration gathers preservationists, policymakers, tradespeople, and advocates for an evening of awards, live music, and fundraising in support of their mission to make reuse and preservation accessible, innovative, and community-driven.
Looking Ahead
My recent time in Chicago reaffirmed that the deconstruction and reuse movement is not only active but thriving. The Upper Midwest demonstrates what is possible when public policy, economic incentives, and mission-driven leadership align. From large-scale commercial projects to community-based initiatives, the work being done here is reshaping the future of building materials and construction waste management.
At The Green Mission Inc., we look forward to continued collaboration with these outstanding leaders on projects that combine financial strategy, ESG reporting, and sustainability goals. The future of responsible building lies not in the landfill, but in the reuse economy already taking shape.
