Greenmaker Supply Company
Partners Ori Sivan and Joe Silver opened Greenmaker Supply Company , an eco-friendly building supply store, in September 2005 because they believed that starting a business that sold sustainability to the marketplace would be the best way to effect environmental and economic change.
The company sells everything from non-toxic paints and stains, to low-flush and dual-flush toilets, to energy-efficient light bulbs and has recently seen growth in products for kitchen remodels, such as cabinetry and countertops.
Since opening its doors in September 2005, Greenmaker has done more than $1 million in business and has grown to seven employees. For its successes thus far, Greenmaker won CCV’s INNOVATE Illinois competition last June, which brought $25,000 worth of cash and prizes, and recently it has received a $10,000 Challenge Grant from CCV to help with marketing and public relations efforts.
"That’s helped us to do anything from creating logos … to putting together a sustainability plan in concert with the Chicago Manufacturing Center,” Sivan says. “I consider [CCV] a partner in this whole escapade. It’s really nice to have an organization that’s a third-party that you can count on for advice, and resources, and references.”