What Building Value does

Building Value is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise founded in 2004 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, operating under the Easterseals Redwood umbrella. The organization provides fee-for-service deconstruction, demolition, commercial cleanout, and property turn services to property owners, contractors, healthcare systems, schools, churches, and government entities across greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Rather than conventional demolition, crews selectively dismantle structures to recover reusable materials — lumber, cabinetry, doors, windows, architectural salvage, and unique items from historic estates — that are then resold through the company's Northside retail store at 4040 Spring Grove Avenue and online catalog. The retail operation uses a distinctive time-based discount schedule (full price Month 1, stepping down to 75% off by Month 6) supplemented by monthly discount days for seniors, veterans, and Northside neighbors. Revenue is generated through four streams: service fees, retail material sales, tax-deductible material donations (with optional pickup), and foundation/corporate grants. All proceeds fund the company's core workforce development mission. The 12-week paid Construction Training Program provides five industry-recognized certifications (OSHA-10, forklift, skid steer, First Aid/CPR, power tools) plus one year of job coaching to individuals facing economic and employment barriers. The Urban Workforce Development Initiative (UWDI), launched in 2016 with Messer Construction and centered on the Cincinnati Children's Critical Care Building project, has placed over 100 graduates into construction careers with major regional contractors including Archiable Electric, Peck Hannaford & Briggs, Nelson Stark Company, Jostin Construction, and several major healthcare systems operating as project-owner hiring anchors. To date the organization has deconstructed 500+ properties, trained 350+ individuals, and diverted 13+ million pounds of construction material from landfills.

Name

Building Value

Legal name

Building Value LLC

Website

https://buildingvalue.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Building Value is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit social enterprise offering deconstruction, demolition, cleanout, and property turn services whose salvaged materials fund a 12-week paid Construction Training Program that has trained 350+ individuals and placed 100+ graduates in construction careers through partnerships with major regional contractors and healthcare systems.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Deconstruction and Reuse Services

NAICS

Building Material and Supplies Dealers (4441)

SIC

Retail-Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers (5211), Retail-Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply (5200)

akta.pro primary industry

Deconstruction & Salvage (Building Materials Reuse) (BPALAJAI)

Keywords

• Sustainable deconstruction services
• Demolition and cleanout
• Architectural salvage retail
• Construction workforce training
• Building material reuse

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Deconstruction and Demolition Services: Fee-for-service deconstruction, demolition, commercial cleanout, and property turn services for residential and commercial clients. Revenue generated from labor and service delivery, with salvaged materials retained for retail resale.
2. Retail Sales of Salvaged Materials: Sale of salvaged and donated building materials through the Northside retail outlet. Materials include architectural salvage, cabinets, appliances, lighting, furniture, tools, and unique finds. Proceeds fund workforce training programs.
3. Material Donations (Tax-Deductible): Accepts donations of building materials from individuals and businesses. Donations are tax-deductible charitable contributions and provide inventory for the retail store.
4. Financial Donations and Grants: Gifts and grants from foundations and individuals to support the mission of workforce development and sustainable practices.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Building Value is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides deconstruction, demolition, commercial cleanout, and property turn services to property owners, contractors, developers, healthcare systems, schools, and government entities. Salvaged and donated building materials are resold through its Northside retail outlet, and proceeds fund a 12-week paid Construction Training Program that prepares people facing economic and employment challenges for careers in the construction trades.

Product overview

Building Value is a social enterprise offering a unified portfolio of deconstruction, demolition, commercial cleanout, and property turn services combined with a retail outlet for salvaged materials. The core services (Deconstruction, Demolition, Commercial Cleanout, and Property Turns) work together with the Construction Training Program to create workforce development opportunities while diverting materials from landfills. The Retail Outlet sells the salvaged materials collected from deconstruction projects, organized into categories including Architectural Salvage, Bath, Cabinets, Furniture, Lighting, Tools/Appliances, and Unique Finds. The Builders Club community program engages customers and DIY enthusiasts. Social Impact Reports document the environmental and social outcomes of projects. The Fleischmann Estate Room showcases premium architectural salvage and art pieces.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Deconstruction Services Selective dismantling of structures to recover reusable materials including lumber, windows, doors, cabinetry, and architectural salvage for property owners, developers, and contractors seeking an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional demolition.
• Demolition Services Responsible interior demolition that clears the way for renovation with minimal disruption, removing non-structural walls, built-ins, flooring, ceilings, and casework while prioritizing safety, efficiency, and salvage opportunities.
• Commercial Cleanout Services Removal services for offices, schools, retail spaces, restaurants, industrial spaces, and storage facilities, including heavy item removal, built-in deconstruction, and light demolition to optimize space.
• Property Turn Services Refresh and restoration services for residential apartments, commercial suites, and common areas including painting, drywall repair, fixture installation, and light carpentry so properties can return to revenue faster.
• Construction Training Program A 12-week paid training program providing hands-on instruction at deconstruction sites and lab spaces at Easterseals Redwood, with five industry-recognized certifications (OSHA-10, forklift, skid steer, First Aid/CPR, power tool safety) and one year of job coaching and supportive services for people facing economic and employment challenges.
• Retail Outlet Northside retail store selling salvaged and donated building materials including architectural salvage, bath items, cabinets, furniture, lighting, tools, appliances, and unique finds at time-based discounted prices for individual consumers, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts.
• Social Impact Reports Customized reports for deconstruction clients that document environmental, economic, and social outcomes including pounds of material diverted from landfills, waste reduced, and benefits to the community through resale and workforce training.
• Material Donation Program Acceptance program for donated building materials, appliances, and volunteer time from individuals and businesses; donations qualify as tax-deductible charitable contributions and provide retail inventory, with optional pickup service available.
• Builders Club Community-driven engagement club for retail customers, DIY enthusiasts, and sustainability advocates with Brand Advocate and Remake Artist membership tracks that reward social media promotion and DIY project showcases with perks and exclusive merchandise.

Quantifiable outcome

• 500+ structures deconstructed, 13+ million pounds diverted from landfills, 350+ people trained, 100+ job placements through UWDI
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Workforce Council of Southwest OhiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Workforce development organization partnering with Building Value for relocations to Community Action Agency building.
• OhioMeansJobs Cincinnati-Hamilton County CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Workforce services organization relocating with Workforce Council to Community Action Agency building.
• Cincy Home + Design ShowcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Building Value named official nonprofit partner of 2026 Cincy Home + Design Show at Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Opportunity for visibility and community engagement.
• Bethany House ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Nonprofit helping families experiencing homelessness. Building Value team repainted bathrooms to create brighter environments for families rebuilding their lives.
• Scrap2HomecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Transforms salvaged items into functional furniture for neighbors in need. Building Value partnership expands trainee woodworking and fabrication skills through custom end table projects.
• People Working Cooperatively (PWC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supports older adults and people with disabilities with home repairs. Building Value team volunteered at Prepare Affair event raking leaves and cleaning yards for winter preparation.
• Jostin ConstructioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025General contractor on Ronald McDonald House Charities project. Building Value crews worked alongside Jostin team removing cabinetry, appliances, and fixtures.
• Do It Yourself DarlinminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Hosting hands-on workshops teaching basic home plumbing and electrical systems. Uses sinks from Building Value's reuse inventory for Plumbing 101 workshop.
• Great ParkscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Historic cabin deconstruction at Shawnee Lookout State Park. Preserved Micajah Dunn cabin built in 1795, one of Ohio's oldest log structures, for reconstruction at new location.
• Archeological Research Institute (ARI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Secured donor funding for cabin reconstruction. Executive Director Liz Sedler connected the preservation work to ARI's research mission on frontier life in the early 19th Century.
• The Chuck Taylors (Band)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Live music entertainment at ReUse-Apalooza 2024 annual charity event.
• Black-n-Blue Grass Roller DerbyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Entertainment at ReUse-Apalooza 2024 annual charity event.
• Cincinnati CircusminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Entertainment at ReUse-Apalooza 2024 annual charity event.
• Cincinnati Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Fourth project owner to commit to leveraging UWDI on convention center project with goal of 15 hires by 2026.
• Shropshire and Sons Driving SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Formalized partnership providing candidates with up to 10 hours of in-car driver's education plus defensive driving courses to help lower insurance costs and encourage safety.
• Samaritan Car Care ClinicminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Informal partnership helping recipients understand basic vehicle maintenance with repairs provided at under-market value with flexible payment options.
• Mentoring PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Provides Social Emotional Learning class teaching candidates to manage personal circumstances professionally, set career goals, and build healthy professional relationships.
• Wheels TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Addresses transportation barriers for candidates by providing reliable vehicles under market value. Helps program participants maintain employment by solving transportation challenges.
• UC HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Second project owner to commit to UWDI on Emergency Department and Surgical Infill projects. Goal of 20 UWDI hires by 2023.
• Messer Construction Co.flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Launched Urban Workforce Development Initiative (UWDI) in 2016 as part of Cincinnati Children's Critical Care Building project. Messer provides job site placement opportunities and full-time employment for Building Value graduates. Partnership has achieved 100+ placements since inception. Messer's Workforce Development Manager oversees program coordination.
• Cincinnati Children's HospitalflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Project owner committed to leveraging UWDI on Critical Care Building and College Hill behavioral health facility projects. Goal of supporting construction career placements from Avondale and surrounding communities.
• Archiable ElectriccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2016UWDI hiring partner. Graduate Elijah Allen placed in 2017, now journeyman electrician after 7 years with company.
• Peck Hannaford & BriggscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2016UWDI hiring partner. HVAC piping and sheet metal contractor that hired Karl Edwards, UWDI's 100th graduate.
• Nelson Stark CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2016UWDI hiring partner - plumbing firm. Provided interview opportunity for graduate DeAndre Estala.
• Easterseals RedwoodflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2004Building Value is a social enterprise powered by Easterseals Redwood. Easterseals Redwood provides the organizational infrastructure, funding support, and mission alignment for Building Value's workforce development and deconstruction operations. Building Value is one of Easterseals Redwood's enterprise business units focused on accelerating careers in construction for people facing economic challenges.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit retail outlets selling donated furniture, appliances, and building materials to fund affordable housing construction. They share Building Value's reuse-retail model, donation-based supply chain, and mission-driven workforce structure, though ReStores are part of a much larger national network.
• Community Forklift: Maryland-based nonprofit reuse store and deconstruction services provider selling salvaged and surplus building materials, with proceeds supporting community programs. Comparable operating model combining retail, deconstruction, and mission-driven community impact.
• Big Reuse: Brooklyn-based nonprofit operating a building materials reuse center with deconstruction services. Directly comparable in mission, services mix (salvage, retail, training), and nonprofit structure, though serving the NYC market rather than Cincinnati.
• The Loading Dock: Baltimore-based nonprofit that salvages building materials from deconstruction projects and resells them, funding workforce training. Directly comparable as a regional deconstruction-and-retail social enterprise with an integrated job-training mission, though smaller in scale than Building Value.
• Second Use: Seattle-based reuse store selling salvaged building materials and architectural elements from deconstruction projects. Comparable as a for-profit-but-mission-aligned reuse retailer, though without the integrated workforce training program that distinguishes Building Value.

Regional players

• Groundwork Ohio Valley: Cincinnati-based nonprofit focused on environmental sustainability and community revitalization, including green workforce training. Comparable as a regional sustainability nonprofit in the same geography, though without Building Value's building-materials reuse and deconstruction focus.

Emerging players

• ReVireo: Regional deconstruction and salvage social enterprise in the upper Midwest serving affordable housing organizations. Comparable as a mission-driven deconstruction provider with a workforce development overlay, though operating in a different region than Building Value.
• ReSupply: Houston-area nonprofit building materials reuse retailer supporting affordable housing nonprofits. Comparable as a regional nonprofit reuse retailer, though without Building Value's owned deconstruction service capability or construction training program.
• Construction Ready: Minneapolis-based nonprofit construction trades pre-apprenticeship program that places individuals facing barriers into union construction careers. Comparable in workforce-development mission and outcomes structure, though focused on training entry rather than operating a retail/deconstruction enterprise.

Others

• GreenDrop Recycling: Donation pickup service that collects household goods for reuse partners including Habitat ReStores. Adjacent to Building Value's material donation program but focused on logistics rather than direct retail or deconstruction.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/building-value

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Building Value