NBS Brings Passion Into Business Model
by October 18, 2010 12:00 am 86 views
Business partners Sam Muffoletto and John Allen were old hands in construction distribution when their curiosity in green industry piqued. Creating a unique store, they concluded, where professionals and the general public alike could shop for sustainable building products would be a winning formula.
That hunch gave the world Natural Building Solutions. In December 2009 they took over the old Saturn dealership on Fayetteville’s College Avenue, reshaping their HQ in 21st century green. They officially opened in April.
Sustainable efforts range from simple to dedicated. Daylight illuminates a 4,000-SF showroom floor that offers thousands of products. Flipping off six light poles in the parking lot effectively axed light pollution. A pair of single-flush toilets were replaced with dual-flush high-efficiency models, slashing water and usage costs.
Erosion, flooding and storm-water runoff have been reduced by clearing clogged water drains. Switching off gas heaters in the warehouse last winter, plus all electronics after business hours, and setting the hot water heater to low have reduced energy costs.
Walls were painted with non-toxic, zero-VOC paint to improve air quality. Forest Stewardship Council products include countertops and bamboo/reclaimed timber flooring. The showroom’s existing concrete floor was exposed and polished.
NBS merchandise is said to be “absolutely affordable,” and while some options can be pricey, many quality green products are available. For instance, an inexpensive brand of caulking will ultimately produce noticeable savings.
According to Muffoletto, NBS products are high-quality, and don’t use “sustainability” as part of a hollow sales pitch. He describes NBS as “a shop for everybody,” and stocks materials for do-it-yourselfers, architects, homebuilders, etc.
NBS is the state’s first FSC-certified retailer, and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Arkansas chapter as well as Fayetteville’s GreeNWAy Initiative.
“We’re supplying products and a service to better Northwest Arkansas and the whole state,” said Muffoletto, who is hoping for an eventual multi-site expansion of this difference-making business.
“It’s going to make our community better.”