Hidden Gems: Meet Anna Perks of Perks Deconstruction

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Anna Perks.

Hi Anna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a young age, I loved being outdoors and always wanted to protect the environment. After earning a BA in Political Science at Colorado College, I served abroad as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay.

There were no trash pick-up systems in rural Paraguay, so most community members either threw their trash in abandoned wells, leaching contaminants directly into the water table or burned it in their kitchens or backyards as fuel for cooking, breathing in harmful plastic toxins. Witnessing this, I became increasingly curious about waste systems and solutions for how to reduce the amount of trash generated.

After working abroad, I knew the real impact could be made by reducing our waste in the U.S., where the average American produces three times the amount of the average global citizen. I got a job working for the campaigns department at Eco-Cycle, a local non-profit based in Boulder, Colorado, focusing on building Zero Waste communities. While there, I was able to work on local curbside composting campaigns, plastic bag fees, and the passing of the Boulder Universal Zero Waste Ordinance.

Afterward, I worked as a sustainability advisor for Boulder County’s PACE program, advising businesses on waste, energy, water, and transportation. I could advise companies on the Universal Zero Waste Ordinance that I had helped advocate for while at Eco-Cycle and train businesses on how to comply with it. After working for the county for a few years, I wanted to make an impact working within a company. So, I worked with an entrepreneur on bringing a made-in-the-USA tote bag manufacturing process to Colorado.

While working for that entrepreneur, I watched all these houses in West Denver get bulldozed. Seeing a specific 1920s house on Tennyson St. in Denver get leveled sent me on a journey to research alternatives to traditional demolition. This is when I learned about deconstruction and how nearly 30-40% of our landfills consist of construction and demolition debris. I learned quickly that there wasn’t anyone else focusing on deconstruction in Denver, and I started my business after realizing the local need for this service.

More than five years later, we have a Reclaimed Lumber Warehouse retail operation, a team of 14 employees, and growing brand recognition. I’m also proud to report that we’ve diverted nearly 8 million lbs of material from the landfill.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I started a business in the construction and demolition industry without having that background, so no, it hasn’t been smooth. Initially, I underestimated how quickly I could get the business up and running, so after about six months of quitting my full-time job, I took another part-time job as a custom home builder.

In 2020, I took night classes through the Community College of Aurora to receive my Construction Supervisor certificate, and a few years later, I completed a construction boot camp course through the Buildstrong Academy to understand everything from construction systems to blueprint reading. I also spent the first two years working on our deconstruction job sites to learn everything I could about the process.

In building a business, there have been plenty of growing pains throughout the journey. Running a business is all-consuming and a constant challenge. We’re building consumer awareness and essentially creating a new industry. As soon as we figure out one thing, another issue pops up. Luckily, we’re good problem solvers and enjoy challenges! Many contractors, friends, and colleagues have also generously shared their time, expertise, and support.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Perks Deconstruction?
We offer deconstruction services. Deconstruction is an alternative to traditional demolition; it involves systematically dismantling a home or building to maximize the recycling and salvage value of the materials.

We get hired by contractors or building owners for everything from one-day kitchen/bath removals up to whole-house or garage deconstruction projects. Deconstruction is now required in the City of Boulder, and Denver voters recently passed the Waste No More Ordinance, which involves requiring reuse and recycling plans for construction and demolition projects.

We specialize in roof removals, wood frame garage removals, and interior remodel deconstruction projects. Clients pick us because we can organize waste compliance receipts and plans, maximize donations of materials to nonprofits, and assist with getting a tax deduction. Salvaging materials for reuse makes them feel good, too!

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we uphold our company’s values and maintain a high level of integrity. We always follow through on what we say we will do, and we are clean and organized. Most people don’t expect the “demo” crew to be the cleanest subcontractor on the job site. That’s because we practice deconstruction! We sort the material as we go, and it’s so satisfying to watch people be surprised at how much material we save for reuse.

Others in our industry bulldoze and trash the buildings. We deconstruct and recover materials for reuse. Our vision is to help create a circular economy in Colorado. That means instead of throwing everything in the landfill, we put it back into the economy at its highest and best use.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from growing up.
I was fortunate enough to have a pretty incredible tree fort growing up. I loved playing among the trees in the woods.

There was a trap door and rope swing, and I built walls around the base of the tree fort using logs. I loved playing in it, and it’s no surprise that I now have a career in conserving resources and protecting our environment for future generations!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.perksdeconstruction.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perksdeconstruction/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perksdeconstruction
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perks-deconstruction-ltd/