2007 was an interesting time to start a business. Just like having a baby, there’s never a bad time to start a business! But there’s also never a great time to do it either. Did you know Green Home Experts started as a green building supplier before segueing into energy efficiency?
(Spoken like Sophia Petrillo from The Golden Girls) Picture it: Oak Park, 2007. The housing crisis was about to explode and the markets were about to tank. Green Home Experts is born with the vision of being the go-to destination for all things green building. For 9 years we provided eco-friendly materials like paint and flooring for commercial and residential new buildings and remodels. And for 4 of those 9 years, we were also shipping energy efficiency measures for programs funded by the Illinois Dept. of Economic Opportunity.
After surviving the housing crash and Great Recession, change was on the horizon for us. We were losing our niche in the market to much larger corporations. So in 2016 we boldly closed down our showroom, bid adieu to the phenomenal community that had supported us through turbulent times, and decided to focus solely on energy efficiency.
Next week: GHE 2.0. Stay tuned!
One of our designers talks sustainable flooring with customers.
Loved those early years after our architect Adrienne Winner introduced us to the store. Everything else is history. Rescued dog in the bathroom. Kinda liked your open house at the first storefront on Oak Park Ave. congratulations!!
Thank you Ginny! I am so grateful that Adrienne brought you, Bob and Jennifer into my life. You’re right, the rest IS history! Oh how I wish I could give those pups one more squeeze.
I remember the opening night party in Oak Park! I carried organic milk. I still use my Sodastream I bought at GHE, and have yet to find a place that refills laundry detergent and other cleaners. Yeah you are stillin business!!
Thank you Michael! Do you remember we taped the dollar you gave us up on the wall of our 2nd location? You are a star in our origin story!
<3 I loved your first place on South OP ave, I remember the pack n play with Oscar (?) and just LOVED (LOVE!!!!) your energy. I am forever grateful for your second location and hosting business mixers with you, you working with our Beye Brownie troop on worm compost….you've been a superdelight forever <3
Bobbi those were some fun times! Thanks for always being a cheerleader, always bringing new faces and opportunities to GHE.
Maria, I remember hand delivering your first order of AFM Safecoat paint when you were working out of your home before opening the store. I think you were tinting paint in your kitchen, right? I miss those days. The industry seemed so much more exciting back then.
Wow Andy, that seems like lifetimes ago now, doesn’t it?! To be clear–the paint was tinted in our bedroom closet 😉 Yes I miss those days too. Everything changed for us so quickly but I’m grateful we got to be part of it for at least a while. And I’ll never forget that you were the most generous, supportive, knowledgeable person who gave us SO very much in launching. And do you remember when I came up to WI to bring you the machines, samples, etc. when we closed up? I think I had Simon about 10 minutes after getting home! All my best to you, Val and your team.
Lol. Good times.
Its been a pleasure working with you all these years. I’m so happy to see the success you’ve had in your current industry and wish you nothing but the best with your future endeavors.