In this episode of The Prospecting Show, Dr. Connor Robertson welcomes Andrew Ellsworth, founder of a pioneering company in door refurbishment and sustainable construction practices. Together, they explore how innovation and environmental awareness can transform something as simple as a door into a symbol of change in how we build, renovate, and think about materials.
Dr. Robertson begins the episode by highlighting how sustainability is no longer a buzzword — it’s a business model. “Green construction isn’t just good for the planet,” he says. “It’s smart economics. Efficiency saves money, waste reduction saves time, and sustainability builds trust.”
Andrew agrees, explaining that his company’s mission goes beyond manufacturing. “We don’t build new doors — we extend their lives,” he says. “Every refurbished door means one less in a landfill and one step closer to circular construction.”
Their conversation showcases how environmental responsibility and entrepreneurship can coexist — and thrive — in the modern marketplace.
The Birth of a Sustainable Idea
Andrew shares the origins of his company and the spark that started it all. “I used to work in commercial renovation,” he says. “I watched perfectly good materials get thrown out every day — doors, frames, hardware, everything. It was painful to see the waste.”
He decided to challenge the norm by asking a simple question: Why replace when you can restore?
Dr. Robertson observes that many groundbreaking businesses start exactly that way — with one person questioning inefficiency. “Innovation often starts when someone says, ‘This doesn’t make sense,’” he says.
Andrew’s early experiments involved testing finishes, refurbishing frames, and reusing hardware. What began as a side project evolved into a scalable system for refurbishing thousands of doors per year — saving clients money and dramatically cutting their environmental impact.
“Every door we restore saves about 100 pounds of waste,” Andrew says. “Multiply that by thousands, and you start to see the difference one small idea can make.”
Dr. Robertson ties this to a broader principle of sustainable entrepreneurship: “When you solve real problems efficiently, you create both profit and purpose.”
Sustainability Meets Profitability
One of the most compelling parts of Andrew’s story is that his business model doesn’t rely on government incentives or charity — it’s profitable on its own. “Sustainability can stand on its own two feet,” he says. “Our clients save money, and we reduce waste. It’s a win-win.”
Dr. Robertson points out that this balance is what makes sustainability scalable. “The best green businesses don’t ask for donations,” he says. “They deliver better economics through smarter processes.”
Andrew shares examples of large institutions — universities, hospitals, and office complexes — that have partnered with his company. “When we show them they can save 40% on replacement costs while earning sustainability credits, they don’t hesitate,” he says.
Dr. Robertson notes that these case studies prove a powerful point: “Environmentalism isn’t the opposite of capitalism. It’s the evolution of it.”
They both agree that as consumers and corporations increasingly value environmental responsibility, businesses that integrate sustainability into operations will gain lasting competitive advantage.
Innovation in Process and Material
Dr. Robertson asks Andrew how the refurbishment process actually works. Andrew explains that it starts with a full assessment of each door’s condition. “We look for structural integrity first,” he says. “If the core is solid, we can rebuild everything around it — veneer, finish, hardware — without starting from scratch.”
He describes the company’s proprietary refinishing techniques that use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) coatings and water-based materials. “We’ve eliminated almost all harmful chemicals,” he says. “Our shop runs clean, and our team stays healthy.”
Dr. Robertson highlights that innovation doesn’t always mean new inventions — sometimes it’s rethinking old systems. “Technology isn’t just about what’s new,” he says. “It’s about what’s better.”
Andrew agrees, adding that every improvement in material use reduces downstream waste. “We’ve built partnerships with recycling centers for metal components, repurpose packaging, and even reuse sanding dust in eco-composite materials,” he says.
Dr. Robertson sums it up perfectly: “Sustainability is a systems problem — and you’re solving it one component at a time.”
The Bigger Picture: Circular Construction
Andrew and Dr. Robertson then dive into the philosophy of circular construction — designing systems where materials never truly become waste. “The traditional construction model is linear,” Andrew explains. “You take, make, and throw away. Circular construction is different. You take, make, reuse, and repeat.”
He emphasizes that doors are just one piece of the puzzle. “Imagine if every element of a building — windows, flooring, furniture — was designed for reuse,” he says. “The savings would be massive, both financially and environmentally.”
Dr. Robertson notes that this shift mirrors what’s happening in other industries. “Just like electric vehicles redefined transportation, circular design will redefine construction,” he says.
Andrew shares that clients are now seeking certifications like LEED and WELL, which reward sustainable design choices. “Our refurbished doors help projects meet those goals,” he says. “Sustainability is no longer optional in RFPs — it’s a requirement.”
Dr. Robertson points out that this cultural and regulatory shift is creating immense opportunity. “Every time the market demands higher standards, innovators win,” he says.
Overcoming Industry Resistance
Of course, not everyone embraced Andrew’s vision immediately. “When we started,” he says, “contractors told me it couldn’t be done. They said refurbishment wouldn’t last or look good.”
But over time, the results spoke for themselves. “We installed doors ten years ago that still look brand new,” he says. “Now those same contractors call us first.”
Dr. Robertson explains that this resistance is common in innovation. “Disruption always meets denial before adoption,” he says. “That’s the cycle of progress.”
Andrew adds that education has been key. “We do workshops for architects and facility managers,” he says. “Once they see the quality and cost savings firsthand, they become advocates.”
Dr. Robertson agrees that the future of sustainable business lies in demonstration, not debate. “You can’t convince people with theory,” he says. “You convince them with performance.”
Leadership Lessons from Sustainability
Dr. Robertson asks Andrew what leadership lessons he’s learned from building a sustainability-focused company. “Patience,” Andrew says with a laugh. “Change takes time. You have to balance urgency with endurance.”
He also emphasizes the importance of mission-driven hiring. “We look for people who care,” he says. “You can teach skills, but you can’t teach values.”
Dr. Robertson agrees, noting that purpose-driven companies outperform in the long run. “People don’t just want paychecks,” he says. “They want meaning. When your team believes in your mission, productivity becomes passion.”
Andrew adds that leading a green business requires resilience. “You’ll face skepticism, supply issues, and cost pressures,” he says. “But when you stay aligned with your purpose, it carries you through.”
Dr. Robertson highlights that leadership in sustainability mirrors leadership in any industry — it’s about alignment between vision, values, and execution. “You can’t fake authenticity,” he says. “People follow belief, not slogans.”
Scaling Impact and Measuring Success
When it comes to growth, Andrew believes scale should never come at the expense of integrity. “We expand through partnerships, not shortcuts,” he says. “Our goal is impact, not just volume.”
He measures success not only in profit but also in environmental metrics: tons of material diverted from landfills, carbon footprint reduced, and water saved through cleaner processes. “Those are our KPIs,” he says. “We call it Return on Planet.”
Dr. Robertson smiles at the phrase. “That’s the kind of metric more companies need to adopt,” he says. “If you can measure it, you can manage it — even sustainability.”
They both agree that transparency is the future of business. “When clients see data behind your claims,” Andrew says, “trust follows.”
Dr. Robertson connects this to brand reputation: “Authenticity builds authority. When your mission and metrics align, you don’t need to market — the market finds you.”
Lessons for Entrepreneurs and Innovators
As the episode concludes, Dr. Robertson and Andrew summarize the biggest takeaways for listeners:
• Innovation often begins with a simple question — “Why do we do it this way?”
• Sustainability isn’t a cost; it’s a competitive advantage.
• Systems thinking creates long-term solutions, not short-term fixes.
• Profit and purpose can coexist when you align incentives with impact.
• Leadership means building something that lasts — for people and the planet.
Dr. Robertson adds that sustainable entrepreneurship is about designing smarter systems, not preaching environmental ideals. “The most powerful change happens when you make the better option also the easier one,” he says.
Andrew closes with a message of hope: “We can’t fix everything overnight, but we can start today. Every door we save is a small victory for the planet — and a big reminder that change is possible.”
Dr. Robertson concludes by saying that innovation often hides in plain sight. “Sometimes the next big breakthrough isn’t digital or disruptive — it’s simply doing what we’ve always done, but better.”
Listen and Learn More
Listen to the full episode here: Refurbishing Doors for a Greener Future with Andrew Ellsworth