Meet Our Team
Directors
Ted Reiff
President & Founder
Prior to founding TRP in 1995, Ted was managing partner with an investment banking firm that provided financial services to young technology companies. Now, in addition to guiding TRP’s national expansion program, he consults with private companies and government bodies on a variety of demolition and waste diversion projects. A graduate of Ohio State University and a licensed demolition contractor, Ted served three terms as board president of I Love a Clean San Diego and is an advisor to Urban Habitat Chicago.
Michael Chambers
Executive Director
Formerly the organizations accountant, Michael came to TRP with a diverse background in growth and process consulting with the “Big Four” accounting firms and also with companies such as Apple and Cisco Systems. He also operates as a real estate broker, property manager, and frequently engages in construction and deconstruction as a personal hobby.
Ken OrtizChariman & Treasurer
Before joining TRP in 2007, Ken had accumulated over 25 years experience in real estate management and development. With very few exceptions, all of his developments were renovations and restorations in Chicago and Chicago’s North Shore area. From single-family houses to commercial properties, Ken renovated, restored and created adaptive reuse solutions to old structures. Hence, the move to TRP was a natural progression. He holds a BA from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from Northwestern University.
Jeff JeannetteDirector
Jeff had his first experiences with architecture as a child and spent many years behind the hammer during adolescence, gaining knowledge of real-world field conditions. He is the owner and lead architect of Jeannette Architects, Inc, located in Long Beach California and specializing in custom residential homes that preserve the delicate balance between the built structure and its impact on the environment. Jeff received his architectural degree from the University of Arizona.
Marcus HopperMarcus Hopper, AIA, NCARB, LEED ID+C
Marcus Hopper, AIA, NCARB, LEED ID+C, is the Northwest Regional Design Management leader for Gensler. He has contributed to Gensler’s Design Resilience team, has completed numerous high profile projects and, in 2018, was part of a team that studied five Gensler offices to see how reused materials played a role in renovation. The goal was to bring awareness to the circular economy and identify how the industry can encourage reuse processes within design work. Findings from this study were published in the Gensler Research Institute white paper, What’s Old is New Again: Circumnavigating the Circular Economy.
Noelle NagelBoard Member
Noelle has 20 years of experience in the construction industry and currently works for Hawk Development, where she fulfills numerous roles, including contract administration, project management and finish coordination. She was a part of the team that completed the first apartment complex and marine park on the Oakland Estuary, a 65-acre development with eight acres of open park space on the bay. Noelle regularly forges relationships with local construction-trade training programs to facilitate hiring Oakland residents and bringing them into the trades.
Advisors
Carl HansonAdvisor, Lumber and Building Materials Distribution
Carl founded Wholesale Lumber Associates in 1990 to distribute affordable new and used building materials to lumber yards in low-to-moderate income areas of Baja California. As a former contractor, realtor, housing rehabber, construction lender, L.A. Community Design Center and San Diego/Tijuana Habitat for Humanity board member, Carl knows the value that TRP materials contribute to affordable construction and micro-enterprise in Baja California. Carl earned his undergraduate degree at USC and an MBA at UCLA Anderson School.
Dreama Lee
ABI Investments, LLC
Dreama owns and operates real estate investing businesses throughout the U.S., overseeing financial management, managing renovation projects and maintaining short -term rentals and multi-unit and single family home rentals. Over the past 15 years, she has also consulted with small business owners, providing public relations, ghostwriting and business services. Prior to becoming a small business owner, Dreama worked for eight years in policy and public relations in the federal government. She sits on the board of a vacation rental company in Panama, and has been featured in numerous business publications.
Managers
Brandy SosaGeneral Manager
As TRP General Manger, Brandy oversees personnel, the inventory database and sales floor operations for The ReUse People’s Oakland warehouse, creating sales reports and budget plans, and tracking metrics to measure total materials diversion. He manages incoming inventory and assists with the delivery of deconstruction training. Prior to joining TRP, he was employed by a residential construction company. Brandy earned a B.S. in accounting from Colegio De La Salle Huehuetenango, Guatemala, and a general education development certificate from Edward Shands Adult Education Center in Oakland. He is a certified deconstruction worker and forklift operator.
Kristin Williams
National Project Manager
Working with appraisers, contractors, warehouse managers and TRP regional associates across the country, Kristin completes compliance reviews, conducts site inspections, compiles and submits project inventories to appraisers and finalizes tax documents. She makes presentations to government, community and professional groups and works with property owners and contractors to facilitate the donation of existing structures and building materials. Prior to joining TRP, Kristin worked as a loan officer and real-estate salesperson. She attended Brigham Young University, majoring in sociology and holds a real-estate license.
Matt Larkin
Bay Area Regional Manager
As TRP Regional Manager, Matt regularly surveys residential and commercial properties for salvageable materials and creates detailed reports for appraisers. He prepares inventory reports for deconstruction and advocates the benefits of reuse to property owners, builders and architects. Previously, Matt worked for two freight companies, in sales and as an account executive; for a Bay Area restoration company; and as account executive at a shipping company. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and certification in several leading-edge sales programs.
Kristine ScullyMarketing Coordinator
As TRP marketing coordinator, Kristine coordinates and implements online sales platforms for the Oakland warehouse. In addition, she maintains TRP’s online social media brand and promotes an online presence with local partnerships. Previously, as a consultant, Kristine helped clients with customized zero waste and toxics reduction plans, facilitated zero-waste events, helped companies navigate regulatory frameworks and gave presentations to K-12 students, and various community groups. Kristine holds a BS in Forestry Resource Management and is an ISA Certified Arborist. She has completed graduate studies in Germany and Austria
Andres MaciaBay Area Associate
During his time at West Valley College, where he earned an associate’s degree in park management, with honors, Andres developed his passion for conservation and a desire to lead people in energy-saving tech and resource conservation efforts. Following five years working alongside development and executive teams at an energy-saving company, Andres joined TRP, where he assists in retail sales and commercial project development, sourcing entities that accept salvaged commercial materials and equipment and cataloging inventories for retail sales.
Rene Ng
Bookkeeping
Prior to joining The ReUse People in 2019, Rene provided bookkeeping services to various employers in different industries. Having accrued extensive training since 2016, she is currently a Quickbooks ProAdvisor with Zap Payroll. Rene recently moved to the Bay Area, after living in Reno, Nevada, for 22 years. She is capable of handling any situation and continues to further her training in bookkeeping and accounting to better serve TRP and the community.
Rudy AvilaYard Manager, Oakland
Born and raised in Guatemala, Rudy has worked as a truck driver, mechanic, automobile salesman, manufacturing employee, and building-materials salesman. After coming to the U.S., he initially worked for a construction company, and then for a gardening company. In 2010, Rudy joined the staff of TRP, where he has become a valued member of the warehouse team.
Eduardo Barreiro
Assistant Retail Manager, Oakland
A native of Mexico City, Eduardo moved to San Francisco when he was nine years of age and attended elementary, middle and high schools in that city. He acquired his diverse repertoire of basic skills by working a variety of jobs, and owned his own landscaping business for several years. Eduardo became a TRP warehouse worker and driver in 2014 and was later promoted to his current position as assistant manager.
Nat HooperRegional Manager, Michigan
Nathaniel Hooper is an academic specialist for the Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development, and a Regional Associate for TRP. He holds an undergraduate and master’s degree in Social Work from Michigan State University, working primarily in community development and sustainability.
As a longtime member of the Domicology (domicology.msu.edu) team at MSU, Nathaniel conducts community-engaged projects in the areas of circular economies, lifecycle building practices, and building deconstruction and materials reuse. As a member of the Michigan Deconstruction Collaborative, Nathaniel leads a multidisciplinary team working with the state of Michigan to establish a dedicated reuse facility serving west/mid-Michigan.
Regional Managers
Matt Larkin
Bay Area Regional Manager
As TRP Regional Manager, Matt regularly surveys residential and commercial properties for salvageable materials and creates detailed reports for appraisers. He prepares inventory reports for deconstruction and advocates the benefits of reuse to property owners, builders and architects. Previously, Matt worked for two freight companies, in sales and as an account executive; for a Bay Area restoration company; and as account executive at a shipping company. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and certification in several leading-edge sales programs.
Ted ReiffSouthern California Regional Manager
Prior to founding TRP in 1995, Ted was managing partner with an investment banking firm that provided financial services to young technology companies. Now, in addition to guiding TRP’s national expansion program, he consults with private companies and government bodies on a variety of demolition and waste diversion projects. A graduate of Ohio State University and a licensed demolition contractor, Ted served three terms as board president of I Love a Clean San Diego and is an advisor to Urban Habitat Chicago.
Eli Meyer
Regional Associate, Tahoe-Sierra
Eli comes to TRP with an extensive background in architectural design and engineering. His work is inspired by having lived in the mountain communities of the Sierra for nearly 20 years. Eli was a director of the Sierra Green Building Association for over a decade, forging relationships between industry professionals and local agencies to educate about, and promote, responsible building practices. In his leisure hours, Eli enjoys spending time in nature. And when he gets off the mountain, you may find Eli with his crew at Obtainium Works, fabricating kinetic art out of repurposed industrial detritus.
Joe LevitchRegional Associate, Idaho
Joe is the owner of Levco Builders, a Boise remodeling company that has a history of promoting reuse and repurposing. The company completes at least one large deconstruction project and a handful of smaller ones annually, donating the materials to a local nonprofit or reusing them in the company’s own remodeling projects. One of Joe’s goals is to open retail warehouse of his own. Joe appreciates TRP’s effort to keep building materials out of landfills and has urged local governments to evaluate for deconstruction and salvage prior to issuing demolition permits.
Chris KlingRegional Manager, New York and New England
A career’s worth of expertise in carpentry, remodelling and vintage materials, plus sharp business insight and a commitment to climate action, has led Chris to focus on deconstruction, restoration, and reuse of building materials. A principal of New England ReUse, Chris is located in North Haven, Connecticut, a prime site for regional business undertakings dedicated to salvaging, marketing and selling salvaged materials. New England ReUse actively participates in the Materials Reuse Network, sponsored by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and partners with The Center for Environmental Initiatives, relationships expected to facilitate training and employment opportunities in this growing industry.
Daniel SalmonRegional Manager, Utah
Before joining TRP, Daniel worked for 12 years as a news reporter/cameraman in Colorado and Utah. His passion for reuse grew from covering stories about wasted materials, system inefficiency and environmental impacts. No stranger to construction work, Daniel has completed several home renovation and landscape projects. He is the founder of Material Resources, a waste and excess material solutions company that emphasizes reuse options. Daniel holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Colorado and is completing a master’s degree in Sustainability Policy from the University of Utah. When he’s not working, you’re likely to find Daniel skiing Utah’s superlative slopes or growing giant sunflowers in his garden.
Noel StoutRegional Manager, Seattle
Owner of Dedicated Deconstruction LLC, Noel is a salvage and deconstruction specialist with over 9 years experience growing a reputable deconstruction program for the Seattle RE Store. By making deconstruction competitive, Noel has challenged the local demolition industry to adapt. He has worked with homeowners, contractors, nonprofits, tribes and government entities as a consultant, trainer and contractor on projects of all sizes. Combining past experience and education in the fields of hazardous waste cleanup, construction and environmental education, Noel is a true change agent within the demolition industry.
Mike ThrutchleyRegional Manager, Texas
A certified Master Builder, Mike founded his award-winning company, Stonewood Homes, over 20 years ago. A second company, Rock Forest, specializes in solar vent fans and land acquisition and development. Mike’s lifelong interest in materials salvage and reuse can be seen in the reclaimed stained glass, fireplace mantles, lighting fixtures, pine flooring, and wainscot incorporated in his homes, and in his volunteer work with a local church camp — all of which prepared him for what he considers the “perfect job” with TRP.
Kathy RobinsonArea Manager, Austin, Texas
Kathy became interested in green building while working in an energy conservation program for the City of Austin. Recently retired after 21 years with the city, primarily in IT, she turned her attention to sustainability, green building and deconstruction, which led to several conversations with TRP’s Texas regional manager and the opportunity to do something meaningful and challenging to benefit her city. Kathy’s love of nature, the outdoors and animals are also primary drivers. Nine years working as a commercial real estate appraiser provides additional valuable experience.
Vince Edsall
Area Manager, Ft. Worth, Texas
Vince heads JEB Deconstruction, which serves multiple counties in the Ft. Worth area. After working as a professional translator and program manager for 15 years, Vince earned a Texas real estate license and started acquiring investment properties. He soon realized that large amounts of great reusable materials could often come from a single property, but that few options existed for salvaging those materials. Deconstruction and salvage services were needed in his area. Vince founded JEB Deconstruction, partnered with The ReUse People, and is now filling that void.
Caroline KostakArea Manager, Houston, Texas
After an awesome career as a flight controller for NASA’s Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs, Caroline has turned her attention to more earthly matters — keeping homes out of the Houston landfills. Since leaving NASA she has worked with the Northwest Harris County Habitat for Humanity, helping to move their warehouse, set up a new store and improve the organization’s deconstruction services. To all of her projects, Caroline brings team leadership skills, a visionary perspective and the desire to live more lightly on the earth.
Ken Ortiz
Illinois Regional Manager
Before joining TRP in 2007, Ken had accumulated over 25 years of experience in real estate management and development. With very few exceptions, all of his developments were renovations and restorations in Chicago and Chicago’s North Shore area. From single-family houses to commercial properties, Ken renovated, restored and created adaptive reuse solutions to old structures. Hence, the move to TRP was a natural progression. He holds a BA from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from Northwestern University.
Daniel HartsigWasteCap Resource Resource SolutionsRegional Associate, Milwaukee
WasteCap Resource Solutions is an environmental non-profit dedicated to turning waste into resources. Founded in 1996, WasteCap assists organizations by providing solutions and oversight to construction and demolition teams seeking to increase their materials reuse and waste-diversion efforts.
WasteCap Executive Director Daniel Hartsig joined the company in 2017 with 10 years of experience working on sustainable building operations and design projects around the globe. He now focuses on guiding operations and construction managers through waste-reduction efforts, from analysis, through tracking, verification and zero-waste certification.
Adam CorneilRegional Associate, Canada
Adam is founder and CEO of Naturally Crafted Contracting, Ltd., a Vancouver-based sustainable construction company. He is a certified “passive house” builder and a deconstruction and reclaimed wood expert. Adam flipped his first house with his father at the age 16 and was instantly hooked on crafting old, weathered spaces into fresh, well-built homes. Five years of running his own construction company proved to Adam that the demolition industry needed major changes, so in January of 2018 he launched an alternative: UnBuilders Deconstruction. Adam is passionate about the outdoors —skiing and mountain-climbing in particular —and is committed in providing a sustainable environmental future for generations to enjoy.