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Chris Kious
Urban Lumber Jacks & A Piece of Cleveland

The Nominator: Jamie Baker, St. Clair Superior Development Corporation

How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization?
For 5 years Chris worked as St. Clair Superior Development Corporation`s Housing Services Manager. He led the organization in incorporating sustainability into all areas of internal and external operations. In this capacity, he also became intrigued by the reuse potential of vacant homes. He created 2 new businesses to capitalize on demo waste. APOC uses salvaged materials to make new products for homes, offices and retail use. The products are primarily made from wood salvaged from floors. This is old growth wood that is not available as a new product today. ULOC deconstructs buildings to harvest materials for upcycling.
What are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
1. People - APOC`s products are affordable, custom made pieces that offer buyers nostalgia about Cleveland`s past, as well as a "green" option. 2. Planet - materials diverted from landfill, products made without using new trees, products made and sold locally. 3. prosperity - APOC employs 3 full time people, and ULOC employs 1 full time person. These businesses did not exist prior to Chris dreaming big enough to create them.

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
Chris inspires many to implement smart sustainable practices. Within SCSDC he inspired our organization to become militant recyclers, re-users, and to reduce use.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
One could imagine every city across the country with Urban Lumber Jacks and A Piece of _____. Chris sparked the deconstruction conversation in Cleveland. Every time the conversation waned, he re-energized it to ensure it becomes a viable option for city of Cleveland demos one day.

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
Chris is an active participant in the Clean Air Century Campaign, E4S, and the Dike 14 Collaborative. Chris has shared his knowledge of deconstruction with the Gund Foundation (who supported SCSDC in creating a deconstruction business plan) the Cleveland Foundation, the City of Cleveland, NPI and others. Chris actively collaborates with all above to reach the goal of making deconstruction a viable option for Cleveland demos.