Upcoming Events
Build Reuse at Greenbuild 2024
Going to Greenbuild? Visit us at Booth #755 in the mindful Materials Pavilion!
Register for a FREE Expo Pass
Window Restoration: Repair Over Replace
Do you have old windows that have earned the title? Are you finding yourself being pulled to replace them with new and “more efficient” ones? This webinar is for you!
Build Reuse is thrilled to feature two old window enthusiasts for this presentation: Joe Hayes of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Alison Hardy of Amesbury, Massachusetts will take a close look at the benefits of old window restoration, discuss the history of this work as the movement grows, and uncover misconceptions of window replacement. This webinar will be moderated by Melissa Wenzel, MPCA's Built Environment Sustainability Administrator and Josh Hauf, Community Resilience Coordinator at Rethos.
Executive Leadership BRAG - Budgeting
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAGs) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Executive Leadership BRAG focuses on organizational strategy and leadership, board development, policy/advocacy and any other things that executive leaders must deal with…so everything? It is intended for executive directors, business owners, presidents, board members, CEOs and similar positions.
What process does your organization use to budget for the upcoming year? How has that process evolved over the years? Do you consider your process to be more bottom-up or top-down? How do you connect your budget to sales and other operational goals? Join your fellow Build Reuse members in getting into the weeds on budgeting.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Operations BRAG - Deconstruction: Estimating & Sales
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAG) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Operations BRAG focuses on managing day-to-day operations, including reuse retail, deconstruction, sourcing/receiving materials and any other aspect of business operations. It is intended for COOs, directors of operations, reuse center, deconstruction, donation/material and other managers.
How do you sell deconstruction jobs? What are successful customer value propositions that push customers from decon-curious to decon-committed? Is estimating more of an art or science? How can we ensure jobs are profitable while pricing low enough to be competitive with conventional demolition? Whether you’re just starting out or about to secure your 300th job, you’ll find this conversation with your fellow Build Reuse members fruitful.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Marketing, Programming & Fund Development BRAG - Customer Data: Collection & Usage
Build Reuse Affinity Group (BRAGs) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Marketing & Fund Development BRAG focuses on marketing, PR, communications, fundraising and event management. It is intended for development and marketing staff.
Do you collect emails, phone numbers, zip codes and other customer data? How are your sales or marketing strategies supported by the data you collect? What type of email or SMS marketing do you engage in? This BRAG will be an opportunity to share your approach with customer data and hear what your fellow Build Reuse members have been doing.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Executive Leadership BRAG - Board Recruitment & Engagement
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAGs) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Executive Leadership BRAG focuses on organizational strategy and leadership, board development, policy/advocacy and any other things that executive leaders must deal with…so everything? It is intended for executive directors, business owners, presidents, board members, CEOs and similar positions.
Do you lead an organization governed by a board of directors? How can we build boards that are representative of the communities we serve? What are the different ways board members support their reuse organizations? This conversation will be an opportunity to share your approach to board recruitment and engagement.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Operations BRAG - Material Focus: Windows
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAG) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Operations BRAG focuses on managing day-to-day operations, including reuse retail, deconstruction, sourcing/receiving materials and any other aspect of business operations. It is intended for COOs, directors of operations, reuse center, deconstruction, donation/material and other managers.
What do we do with windows? Which types of windows should we accept from donors? Are storm windows or sashes ever worth taking? What are the upcycling or creative reuse opportunities with windows? Can they be recycled? Where does repair fit in? Join your fellow Build Reuse members in exploring the many questions around windows.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Build Reuse Webinar: What is the true cost of landfilling building materials?
What is the true cost to landfill a cubic yard of building materials, including material loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and impact to the community?
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff worked with University of Minnesota faculty and undergraduate college students, completing their capstone project, to answer that question. The students gathered data from Becker County Construction and Landfill program, and included results from the county's highly successful diversion and reuse program.
The results will likely surprise you, in ways you didn't even imagine!
Marketing, Programming & Fund Development BRAG - Storytelling: Building a Narrative
Build Reuse Affinity Group (BRAGs) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Marketing & Fund Development BRAG focuses on marketing, PR, communications, fundraising and event management. It is intended for development and marketing staff.
While saving money and reducing waste are reasons to reuse, many people use reclaimed materials because they can add a special touch. When we deconstruct and salvage materials, we preserve our local architectural and cultural history so they can be woven into future projects. Join us to explore how a material’s story be used to further your mission. What are the cultural benefit of using reclaimed materials? Is storytelling a sales strategy?
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Executive Leadership BRAG - Owning & Operating a For-Profit Reuse Business
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAGs) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Executive Leadership BRAG focuses on organizational strategy and leadership, board development, policy/advocacy and any other things that executive leaders must deal with…so everything? It is intended for executive directors, business owners, presidents, board members, CEOs and similar positions.
How do you run a reuse business when you can’t rely on material donations and grants? What advantages do for-profit reuse businesses have? What are the challenges? Do you own an architectural salvage, deconstruction or other reuse business? Join us to share your experience and learn from other leaders who have chosen to pursue the goals of building material reuse within a for-profit structure.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Operations BRAG - Salvage: When to Do It and What to Grab
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAG) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Operations BRAG focuses on managing day-to-day operations, including reuse retail, deconstruction, sourcing/receiving materials and any other aspect of business operations. It is intended for COOs, directors of operations, reuse center, deconstruction, donation/material and other managers.
Salvage, Soft-Strip, Skimming…aka, the removal of reusable, non-structural materials from commercial or residential spaces slated for remodel or demolition. Kitchen cabinets, doors, architectural elements, flooring…we’ve all experimented with salvaging different types of materials. When is it worth it to invest labor to pull materials, both from a economic and mission perspective? Can we charge for these services and when does it make sense to pay for the opportunity to salvage. This conversation will be a chance to hear from others who salvage materials, what they salvage and why they do it.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Marketing, Programming & Fund Development BRAG - Educational Programming & Workshops
Build Reuse Affinity Group (BRAGs) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Marketing & Fund Development BRAG focuses on marketing, PR, communications, fundraising and event management. It is intended for development and marketing staff.
Are you offering workshops and other educational programming? Does this programming serve a target population or is it open to the general public? Is this programming part of an effort to make used materials more accessible to customers, thereby facilitating more reuse? Join us for this BRAG conversation and hear what type of educational programming your fellow Build Reuse members are offering.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Executive Leadership BRAG - Power Mapping
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAGs) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Executive Leadership BRAG focuses on organizational strategy and leadership, board development, policy/advocacy and any other things that executive leaders must deal with…so everything? It is intended for executive directors, business owners, presidents, board members, CEOs and similar positions.
Who makes the decisions and where is all of the power? July's session covers power mapping as a tool to identify key players in decision-making, visualize relevant relationships, and facilitate strategy for exisiting and emerging initiatives.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Operations BRAG - Unsaleable Items: Alternatives to Disposal
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAG) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Operations BRAG focuses on managing day-to-day operations, including reuse retail, deconstruction, sourcing/receiving materials and any other aspect of business operations. It is intended for COOs, directors of operations, reuse center, deconstruction, donation/material and other managers.
Whether non-profit or for-profit, reuse organizations are in the business of diverting materials from the waste stream and reducing waste. But what to do with the items that do not sell? You can only reduce the price so much and sometimes even putting it in a free pile won’t help it go out the front door with a customer. Which materials can be recycled and/or sold as a commodity? What opportunities are there for upcycling low-demand materials into value-added products? Who can we collaborate with to solve these challenges with particular materials?
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Marketing, Programming & Fund Development BRAG - Giving Away Materials to Those in Need
Build Reuse Affinity Group (BRAGs) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Marketing & Fund Development BRAG focuses on marketing, PR, communications, fundraising and event management. It is intended for development and marketing staff.
There’s so much stuff going to waste in our communities, while at the same time, so much need. It seems like these challenges fit together perfectly. Do you have a program to give away materials to those in need? Are you doing so casually and are looking to start a formal program? Join others in discussing best practices in giving away materials.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Operations BRAG - Selling Online
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAG) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Operations BRAG focuses on managing day-to-day operations, including reuse retail, deconstruction, sourcing/receiving materials and any other aspect of business operations. It is intended for COOs, directors of operations, reuse center, deconstruction, donation/material and other managers.
Selling used building materials online...is it a great opportunity or not worth the trouble? Join other Build Reuse members who have their own online stores, sell on resale platforms like eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace or are just toying with the idea of adding an online sales channel.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Marketing & Fund Development BRAG - Community Programming & Event Development
Build Reuse Affinity Group (BRAGs) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Marketing & Fund Development BRAG focuses on marketing, PR, communications, fundraising and event management. It is intended for development and marketing staff.
Reuse is a creative and social activity. How can we create programming and events that further our missions and help support our businesses? This is a conversation for those developing reuse programming, hosting reuse events and anyone interested in doing so.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
Executive Leadership BRAG - Staffing
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAGs) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Executive Leadership BRAG focuses on organizational strategy and leadership, board development, policy/advocacy and any other things that executive leaders must deal with…so everything? It is intended for executive directors, business owners, presidents, board members, CEOs and similar positions.
May’s meeting will focus on staffing. Attendees will be able to share their challenges and successes with recruiting new employees, training and managing the staff they have.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.
LumberStash: Setting the Stage for Scalable Wood Reuse in Minnesota
Join Build Reuse on Thursday, May 23rd from 12pm-1pm EST for a webinar focused on scalable models for local wood reuse, as well as potential and existing barriers in the salvage, processing, and resale of lumber. Jeremy Marshik, an environmental entrepreneur who began and currently leads LumberStash, will share what he has learned working within lumber reuse including best practices for salvage, material management, transportation, marketing and sales.
Operations BRAG - Reuse Retail Pricing & Sales
Build Reuse Affinity Groups (BRAG) are an opportunity for Build Reuse members to get together, ask questions and learn from each other. The Reuse Operations BRAG focuses on managing day-to-day operations, including reuse retail, deconstruction, sourcing/receiving materials and any other aspect of business operations. It is intended for COOs, directors of operations, reuse center, deconstruction, donation/material and other managers.
May’s meeting will focus on pricing. How much should we charge for this? Should we price low so it sells quickly or price higher and wait for the right customer? Attendees will have an opportunity to share their pricing strategies and learn from others.
BRAGs are limited to 10 attendees per meeting. If a meeting reaches capacity, an additional BRAG may be added for that month. Attendees must be Build Reuse members in good standing. Non-members may attend one meeting per year.
To register, email membership@buildreuse.org and indicate which BRAG you would like to attend.