After more than 20 years of dedication, leadership, and impact, it’s with bittersweet emotions that Building Value is announcing that our Deconstruction Manager, Chris Miday, is embarking on a new chapter of his career. It’s hard to overstate what Chris has meant to this organization—not just in the work he’s led, but in the lives he’s helped shape along the way. While Chris will be deeply missed, we are thrilled for his next opportunity—soon to be announced.
Chris’s journey with Easterseals Redwood began as a job developer, working directly with individuals with disabilities. Early on, he found himself out on a deconstruction project at Taft High School salvaging an old woodshop—an experience he still describes as “the most fun I’ve ever had in my life.” That moment sparked something. What started as an interest in old buildings and salvaged materials quickly grew into a career defined by curiosity, hard work, and purpose.
When Building Value was still in its early stages, Chris stepped into the role of Deconstruction Manager alongside the original team. By his own admission, he “didn’t know anything about construction” at the start—but he learned the way so many of our trainees do: by showing up, asking questions, and working alongside others. Over time, he built not only his own expertise, but an entire program rooted in hands-on learning and real-world experience.
“Some people write off younger generations, thinking they’re unmotivated. That isn’t the case at all. My experience here at Building Value—working with all these awesome program participants—proves it.”
Under Chris’s leadership, the scale of work has been nothing short of remarkable. In over two decades, he helped lead the demolition of more than 350 residential homes and the deconstruction of over 1,000 more. His teams completed more than 200 commercial deconstruction and cleanout projects across hospitals, schools, churches, and historic sites—including work at the Cincinnati Gardens and the Fleischmann Estate. He also oversaw the deconstruction of more than 50 barns, including one of the largest in the state of Ohio—projects that preserved valuable, old-growth lumber and kept countless materials out of landfills.
But when you ask Chris what mattered most, the answer is simple: people.
Over the years, he’s seen hundreds of trainees come through the program—many of them second-chance applicants—go on to build careers, support their families, and even bring others back through the program.
“Some people write off younger generations, thinking they’re unmotivated,” Chris explained. “That isn’t the case at all. My experience here at Building Value—working with all these awesome program participants—proves it.”
Whether teaching someone how to safely remove materials, manage a job site, or simply show up consistently, he understood that mentorship happens side-by-side, through shared effort and experience.
Chris believed that the work itself was the foundation for everything.
“It’s gotta be the work,” Chris said. “Everything stems from the work.”
His approach to leadership was rooted in practicality and perspective: break big challenges into manageable pieces, stay consistent, and understand that not everything can—or should—be saved. These lessons didn’t just apply to deconstruction projects—they shaped the mindset of everyone who worked alongside him.
While we honor the foundations laid by Chris, we’re also looking ahead. We’re proud to share that Terry Brueneman will serve as Interim Deconstruction Manager, bringing a deep understanding of Building Value’s operations and a strong track record of hands-on leadership. Terry has played a key role in transforming our retail space over the past year, leading major renovations including interior and exterior painting, customer bathroom remodels, office and breakroom upgrades, drywall repair, and ongoing facility improvements. Just as importantly, he has worked closely with trainees in the store environment, helping guide and mentor participants through real, skill-building projects.
Chris often spoke about the future of the program—expanding into new types of work, continuing to align with commercial construction pathways, and always keeping the focus on meaningful, hands-on training. That vision remains strong as we move forward.
As Chris prepares for his next chapter, we’re excited to share that he has been selected to participate in the 35th class of C-Change through the Cincinnati Regional Chamber—a premier leadership development program designed for advancing mid-career professionals. The program focuses on strengthening leadership skills, expanding professional networks, and engaging participants in meaningful community impact work.
This opportunity is a testament to Chris’s growth and the leadership he’s demonstrated over the past 20 years. While we’re sad to see him go, we’re proud to see him continue to grow and make an impact at the next level.
We are incredibly grateful for Chris Miday’s 20 years of service, leadership, and impact. His legacy will live on in the structures he helped deconstruct, the materials he helped save, and—most importantly—the people he helped build up along the way.
