Buffalo ReUse People

Staff: Amanda Alessandra | David Bennink | Cerrina Bower | Brandon Erick | Michael Gainer | Kevin Hayes | Ben Kaiser | Curtis Knox | Ian MacDonald | Rachel Mathews | Alex Mead | Carrie Nader | Peter Riphahn | Caesandra Seawell | Bernard Smith | Camron Watkins | Marsha Whipple | Board: Daniel Ash | Lorna Castanik | Keith James | Michele Johnson | Vincent Kuntz | David Laguerre | Alison Mueller | Franklin Redd | Christopher Smith

Michael J. Gainer, Founder and Program Director

Michael Gainer is a motivated and enthusiastic educator and grassroots organizer, with a diverse professional background emphasizing youth empowerment, community engagement, leadership development, and social justice. He’s especially skilled at facilitating collaborative groups and communicating visions and creative strategies. Michael is an energetic self-starter with a thorough understanding of and experience with residential applications of the building trades. He also has extensive experience as a home improvement contractor, and continues training in the field of hybrid deconstruction. Michael is a Building Materials Reuse Association member, was awarded an Echoing Green Fellowship, and has been featured in The New York Times Magazine.

Michael grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania on a farm. He has a great sense of humor and a debilitating addiction to maple syrup. Michael developed a broad educational and mentoring experience after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Agricultural Education at Penn State University in 1996. In 2006, he relocated to Buffalo where he founded Buffalo ReUse.

Michael Gainer has been responsible for the direction and financial management of Buffalo ReUse, Western New York’s first and only green demolition & salvage company, as well as Buffalo Youth Corps, a youth survival program for at-risk 16–19 year-olds. Under Michael’s leadership, the Buffalo Youth Corps assisted the National Forestry Department. Michael has also contributed his talents at the Shackleton Schools, a charter school in Ashby, Massachusetts, as an Executive Board Member for the Massachusetts Coalition for Healthy Communities, and as Campaign Manager for Barkley for State Representative.

Michael has served as Woodsboss and Leadership Development Program Leader, Educator, and Operations Manager for the Shackleton Schools, Crew Leader for young adults serving the Northwest Youth Corps in Eugene, Oregon, as well as a Science, Mathematics, Adventure Course, and Environmental Education teacher at Vincent Smith School in Washington, New York, Camp Laurel in Casco, Maine, and the Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset, Maine.

Michael strives every day to establish connections and remind Buffalo residents of the assets that already exist in their city, focusing his investments in Buffalo’s East Side. Buffalo ReUse is a green demolition company because it chooses to hire and operate locally, beginning in the Masten Park and Cold Spring neighborhoods. Buffalo ReUse is currently developing a training programs for at-risk young adults so they can compete in Buffalo’s rapidly growing green collar industries. ••

Caesandra Seawell, Director of Community Programs

Caesandra Seawell grew up a “military brat” relocating numerous times throughout the United States. Upon graduating from high school, she joined the US Air Force and served as a Pharmacy Technician for seven years. Caesandra enjoyed living overseas for more than a decade; she was assigned to bases in Misawa, Japan and Izmir, Turkey. She earned the rank of E-5 (SSgt) before separating from the military to pursue her college education and goal of becoming an artist, full-time.

She completed her BA in Visual Studies from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2004 and relocated to Buffalo, New York to further pursue her education in the arts. Caesandra completed her MFA in Visual Studies at the University of Buffalo in May 2007. She has taught introductory Photography at UB and Medaille College. Caesandra’s work has been in several exhibitions and her photography has been published in YES! Magazine, DWELL, featured on PBS, The ArtVoice and other publications.

Caesandra has worked for Buffalo ReUse since August 2007, initially as the Logistics Coordinator and currently as Director of Community Programs. Caesandra oversees events at The ReSource, produces the monthly calendar of free home improvement and gardening workshops, as well as the Tool Library and Green Space programs designed to improve Buffalo’s neighborhoods.

Caesandra’s travels have had a significant impact on her life and philosophy; she has developed tremendous respect for diverse cultures and environmental stewardship. She enjoys working with young adults and welcomes every opportunity to demonstrate to them how significantly they impact their community. She believes there are numerous ways to serve one’s country — beginning right in your own neighborhood. ••

Kevin Hayes, Store Manager

Kevin Hayes grew up in Niagara County, New York, and has family roots in Ohio. His late father was a professor at the University at Buffalo’s Medical and Dental Schools, while his mother was a homemaker, community activist, and radical. Kevin inherited his parent’s heart for activism and community involvement.

Having grown up in the country, Kevin learned building skills at an early age. He attended University at Buffalo, but did not graduate. In the twenty years following college, Kevin had a career in information technology, working with several start-up software and services companies. He specialized in technical writing, marketing and sales support, choosing and deploying systems and end-user advocacy. Kevin’s last corporate job was with Buffalo’s ClientLogic, where he was a part of creating the technical support organization’s knowledge management team. In 2000 Kevin became an independent home improvement contractor in Buffalo.

Owning a home on the West Side, and working as a contractor in Buffalo homes led Kevin into his involvement in housing activism. He’s been involved with organizations such as 4-Baynes Block Club, the Grant-Ferry Association, Anti-Flipping Task Force, PUSH Buffalo, VOICE, and Buffalo State College, working with others on a neighborhood level to improve the housing situation in Buffalo.

Kevin’s background in technology, home improvement contracting, and community activism made him a perfect fit for Buffalo ReUse. In 2006, Kevin began donating his time to help Michael Gainer with the start-up effort for Buffalo ReUse, and after three years of achievements, Kevin is still part of the ReUse team. Kevin has worked on nearly every aspect of Buffalo ReUse’s operation from Deconstruction Technician to Store Manager. One of his biggest contributions is to the ReSource store, leading it from its humble beginnings in 2007 to where it is today, Western New York’s largest used building material retailer.

Kevin believes there is great potential for advancement and positive growth for everyone in Buffalo, on an individual and community level. He believes Buffalo ReUse’s values and mission are key parts of solutions to our current and future problems. ••

David Bennink, ReUse Consultant

David Bennink was instrumental in starting up Buffalo ReUse and remains one of our strongest supporters. As both a paid consultant and volunteer advisor, he’s guided us well for the past three years, based on his nearly twenty years of experience in both green demolition (he practically invented it), nonprofit management and reuse store operations. He’s always available when we have questions or tough operational decisions to make. Most recently, he led the “inside the house” team during the Extreme Makeover Green Demolition, helping Buffalo ReUse accomplish the task in fifteen hours, an amazing achievement.

David is the owner of RE-USE Consulting. He has been in the reusable building materials industry for almost 17 years. He helped to develop and run two non-profit reuse stores in the State of Washington, working there for 11.5 years. He and his wife started RE-USE Consulting in 2004 and now have clients in 36 states in all regions of the country, and were voted National Building Deconstructor of the Year – 2009, and runner-up for National Building Deconstructor of the Year – 2007. In 2009, they focused on expanding the deconstruction industry nationwide, helped create over 200 green collar jobs, and drew attention to the building reuse and deconstruction industry through mainstream media with over 20 articles or news stories. They also deconstructed a number of buildings including their 500th structure and ABC Television’s first full deconstruction on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. ••

Amanda Alessandra, Green Demolition Project Manager

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Carrie Nader, Green Demolition Technician

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Marsha Whipple, Finance Manager

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Rachel Mathews, Volunteer Coordinator

Rachel Mathews grew up in Buffalo, NY and graduated from Fordham University last May, where she received a B.A. in Political Science and Peace & Justice Studies. For three years she worked in Fordham’s Community Service Program, and she also held internships at a major New York City law firm, at the highly-acclaimed international organization Human Rights Watch, and with the Family Justice Center of Erie County. Rachel is now a member of WNY Americorps and serves as the Volunteer Coordinator at Buffalo ReUse.

Though unsure of what will come after her position is up this June, Rachel hopes to continue to work to improve her hometown. She also dreams of one day living out west. She is grateful for everything she has learned while working at a start-up non-profit. ••

Alex Mead, ReSource Staff

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Brandon Erick, ReSource Staff

Brandon grew up in rural Chautauqua County, where he quickly developed a love of the outdoors. His interests led him to a variety of outdoor jobs, most recently being a one year term with AmeriCorps, serving at Tifft Nature Preserve. Brandon has volunteered with numerous community clean-ups and tree plantings including some of the ones hosted by Buffalo ReUse. He is most often bringing in new inventory, picking-up donations, but he also enjoys salvaging and deconstruction. His many talents and dedication to our goals make him one of our favorite employees! ••

Curtis Knox, ReSource Staff

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Cerrina Bower, ReSource Staff

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Camron Watkins, ReSource Staff

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Ian MacDonald, ReSource Staff

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Bernard Smith, ReSource Staff

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Peter Riphahn, Assistant Store Manager

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Ben Kaiser, Greenspace Coordinator

Ben Kaiser is the Greenspace Coordinator at Buffalo ReUse. His job covers part of the ReConnect program, which centers around the major tasks of the TOOL LiBRARY and community gardens. The TOOL LiBRARY aims to provide usage and training on power, garden and hand tools for our neighbors. The Community gardens are an opportunity to learn about small scale intensive urban agriculture with the help of Buffalo ReUse. Using a combination of techniques and natural practices, community members can supplement the food on their tables with their own produce.

Ben loves to garden and is always learning something new about it. He welcomes advice on growing food and is willing to answer questions if he knows the answer or needs to do some research.

Ben’s studied Psychology and French and spent much of his time in college volunteering at the Grantham Community Garden outside of Harrisburg, PA. Working a summer job as a maintenance technician at a small high school in Annapolis, Maryland (his hometown), he acquired his love of tinkering and fiddling which persists to this day. He’s still a little surprised he wound up in Buffalo but is enjoying it a lot. When his AmeriCorps term ends in May he’ll be up to something exciting but what it is we’ll have to wait and see. ••

Daniel Ash, Board Treasurer

Daniel is an Information Security Specialist with experience in planning, deploying and supporting information systems, including IT policy and compliance, as well as audit and risk management. As a member of the Buffalo ReUse’s Board, Daniel’s skills will further the development of its asset and risk management policies and operations and also strengthen ReUse’s information security systems. As a longtime customer and volunteer of ReUse, Daniel is committed and ready to serve the organization’s mission, vision and values.

Lorna Castanik, Board Member

Lorna lives in Cheektowaga, New York and is the treasurer of the Cedargrove Neighborhood Action Committee. She has introduced Michael Gainer and Buffalo ReUse to the Cheektowaga Town Supervisor to develop a relationship for demolitions being scheduled in Cheektowaga. Lorna works as a customer service representative for Tectran Manufacturing, a manufacturer and distributor of heavy duty truck parts. Lorna is also a member, volunteer and foster home for English Springer Rescue America, a not for profit rescue organization that works to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abandoned English Springer Spaniels. ••

Keith James - Board Vice President

Keith is a longtime resident of Buffalo’s East Side community and has spent many years volunteering in public service for his community and the greater City of Buffalo. Keith is also a Fire Fighter for the City of Buffalo. With Board of Directors experience, Keith first became interested in ReUse because of its concept and vision, which is to serve and strengthen an under-served community from within.

Michele Johnson, Board Member, Board Development Chair

Michele is a founding Member of the organization and also an original member of the Board of Directors for Buffalo ReUse. In addition to her longtime service and commitment to Buffalo ReUse, Michele is also a co-founder of both the Mayor’s Anti-Flipping Task Force and Broadway Fillmore Alive. She served as a Housing Court Liaison in the Fillmore District, was Producer of the local documentary “Flipped”, is a mother of four, and a longtime East Side resident.

Vince Kuntz, Board President

Vince is a building contractor, specializing in preservation, and as such, he has been salvaging, reusing, and recycling building materials since the 1980′s. Vince is also a certified Carpentry Instructor at the Construction Training Center of WNY. A supporter of ReUse’s business and mission since its inception, Vince looks forward to the challenge of making ReUse’s work even safer and more cost effective in addition to helping ReUse grow its educational outreach programs and training activities.

David Laguerre, Board Member

David is a longtime resident of Buffalo’s East Side community. He has spent the majority of his professional career working for one local company and has served in several capacities, including maintenance, collections, billing, and accounts receivable. David is looking forward to serving as a personal link between Buffalo ReUse and the people and community ReUse serves.

Alison Mueller, Board Secretary

Alison is Director of Merchant Supply Systems for a worldwide industrial gas and equipment technology company and has served as an officer in the Air National Guard. Having moved to Buffalo three years ago, Alison is excited by the renewal underfoot in this city. As a volunteer for ReUse, she believes in its mission and programs that offer opportunities and skill sets to those who might not otherwise have an opportunity to learn them. Alison also looks forward to bringing her corporate experience to ReUse, linking hands-on operations to defined business goals and objectives.

Franklin Redd, Board Member

Franklin blended social activism and financial advocacy throughout his twenty five year career in financial services. Franklin’s Firm, Embassy Capital Group, LLC is a former NY Registered Investment Advisory Firm and he has extensive experience in the mortgage banking, commercial lending, securities and insurance industries.

In December of 1999, Franklin founded Embassy Capital Group, LLC as a boutique financial advisory firm committed to financial literacy, asset administration and both strategic and tactical financial implementation services. In 2008, Franklin established ECG Private Equity Pool, LP (ECG PEP, LP) to maximize the use of tax qualified funds for targeted investment.

Currently, Franklin consults in the area of tax efficiency management/investment, loss mitigation and financial modeling. Franklin is committed to “Eco-Capitalism” and socially conscious investing as a means for sustainable economic development and financial empowerment while promoting the democratization of capitalism.

Chris Smith, Board Member

Chris is a systems engineer at Sun Microsystems specializing in network and systems design. He is also the Chief Operating Officer of WNYMedia.net, a local online journalism outlet and social media firm. He has been involved with grassroots political organizing since 1990 and has worked as a community organizer, political canvasser, campaign strategist and speechwriter for dozens of progressive candidates in New York, Illinois, and New Hampshire. Since moving home to Buffalo in 2004, he co-founded the annual Buffalo Homecoming celebration and has been very active in political, economic development and social justice issues in the city.