After spending several years working for other general contractors, George Cleary established The Cleary Company in April 1994. His wife, Cathy, encouraged George to create his own business in an industry he was obviously passionate about. His vision was to execute quality property enhancement that improved people’s lives.

He began by promoting himself and his new business to not only his family and friends but to the families of his friends. It wasn’t long before he secured his first clients and sold his first contract for The Cleary Company. Luke & Gail, the parents of a classmate from Bishop Watterson High School, hired George and his crew to build an addition on the back of their home in Upper Arlington.

The Contract & The Details

The 15′ x 19′ screened porch included two skylights and a ceiling fan. A 28′ paver patio surrounded the new addition along with a concrete pad, cedar steps and landscaping for their new hot tub. Total contract price? $25, 575.00! Our estimators ran the numbers and came up with ballpark budget amount of $130-145k if The Cleary Company were to build this same project in 2024.

The Plans & The Build

The Results

Photography for finished projects was a little different in 1994! Digital camera technology wasn’t widely used by George until about 2004.

An Interview with Luke & Gail – George’s First Clients

In 2019, Luke & Gail were gracious and did an interview to celebrate The Cleary Company’s 25th anniversary. Read more about their history with George and all their remodeling projects.

Why did you first choose to hire George to build your remodel? And why did you continue to choose The Cleary Company for all your future renovations?

George and Rob were classmates of our daughter and her husband so we knew them and liked them. We had a problem and they were able to solve it. After the project was completed we could not have been more pleased. Everything came out just the way we wanted and more importantly just as he said it would. Later when we purchased another home we had George and his crew back to remodel that home as well. When we eventually sold that home the new owners were so impressed with the craftsmanship they hired The Cleary Company for several remodel projects.

Who is your favorite Team member and how did they exceed your expectations? 

Rob has unique skills of craftsmanship. He fabricated a beautiful mantel for us and every time we had a fire in that fireplace we remarked at his artistry.

What advice would you offer to someone who is looking to remodel their home?

Hire George and his team. They can build dreams into reality!

If you could use one word to describe why you choose to do business with The Cleary Company, what would that be?

There isn’t one word! Dependable, caring, careful, creative, problem solvers. They are a great company to do business with.

“It’s been a great ride George, Congratulations! We have always been proud that we were your very first client. We will always hold dear the wonderful memories of you and your crew working on our two beloved homes.” – Gail & Luke, Clients 30 years, Upper Arlington OH & Westerville OH

Save the Date!

“30 years ago I took a leap of faith and created The Cleary Company. For many years we were small and humble but I had a simple vision for how I wanted to run my business ~ build relationships & improve peoples’ lives. Thank you to everyone who has been part our journey. I look forward to celebrating with you all at our anniversary party on Friday September 27,2024. Cheers and stay tuned for details!”, George.