Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Murphy.
Jodi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In the past 29 years, Murco has evolved to be a big champion of recycling efforts in the Chicagoland area. On average, we work on about 50 properties a year, salvaging thousands of tons of items that would otherwise be tossed into a landfill. But at 27, when I started this business, I wasn’t out to save the world. I was out to save my world. I had two daughters, another on the way, and a fixer upper house in desperate need of some TLC. I had no idea how expensive home remodeling was. I had all the enthusiasm and energy to fix my house, but no money to do it with. Then, driving around Hinsdale, I saw a teardown full of materials nicer than anything I could afford. I thought: “Why would they send those high-end appliances, fixtures, flooring, and you-name-it to the landfill when someone like me would happily take it off their hands?” I figured there were countless people in my same boat. I saw the potential for a business that could provide for my children and benefit the environment at the same time. I began fixing up my own home with salvaged materials. Once I knew I could do it, I spread the word, and nearly 3 decades later, here we are!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were many challenges, especially at the start. I was trying to balance Murco and being the mother to 3 daughters. I was trying to introduce a brand-new concept to the building industry. And, I was learning by trial and error. Selling the staircase before you’ve auctioned the materials upstairs? That’s a mistake you only make once!
That being said, I’m a firm believer that nothing worthwhile is without great effort. Smooth roads don’t create growth. Running into obstacles and overcoming them with creative solutions is how new concepts are honed. Now, I like to think that my daughters have incredible work ethics because they were raised alongside Murco. Recycling outgoing building materials is nearly standard practice for Chicagoland builders. And, the staircase is always the last thing sold. That, or the roof!
Murco Recycling – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We passionately broker the reclamation and resale of quality building materials from Chicagoland homes slated for demolition or major renovation. Owners can swiftly earn money by selling materials they were prepared to throw away, buyers score incredible finds for pennies on the dollar, and we get to find new homes for awesome materials that would otherwise disappear into a landfill. It’s truly a win-win-win business that benefits everyone involved.
Murco’s unique in that we only feature the best of the best in the way of used items. No composite cabinets or outdated appliances here. We personally vet all of our inventory to make sure it’s top-of-the-line.
Finally, Murco is a family business. My daughters still work with me, and they make our operations better than ever. I’m the auctioneer, and it thrills me to see my daughters not only participate in the business I created when they were babies, but to take it and make it the contemporary recycling powerhouse that it is today.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’m proud and overjoyed every time a buyer renovates using salvaged materials. Providing our customers with an inexpensive way to incorporate luxury materials into their homes, and create spaces they otherwise may not be able to afford. That’s the reason I started Murco.
I’m also extremely proud of the relationships we’ve formed with area architects, builders, and designers. Now, instead of paying to throw outgoing materials away when tearing down or renovating a home, they call Murco and we handle every aspect of waste diversion— for free. Nobody likes seeing quality kitchens, appliances, and unique architectural materials go to waste. But, before Murco, there was no alternative to sending this stuff to the landfill. That just seems wild to me now.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.murcorecycling.com
- Phone: 708-352-4111
- Email: contact@murcorecycling.com
- Instagram: @murcorecycling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MurcoRecycling
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