Stardust
1720 W Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ
5150 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ
Year Started:
1997
Building Size:
75,000 sq ft total
Mission Statement:
To extend the life of quality materials, enriching the community and protecting the planet.
Origins and Vision
Stardust was founded in 1997 after co-founder Jerry Bisgrove experienced firsthand how much value remained in a home scheduled for demolition. When a friend was invited to take what she wanted from his house before a remodel, she salvaged nearly everything—cabinets, lighting, fixtures, and more—and repurposed them in her own home and for others in need. Realizing the environmental and community value of reuse, Bisgrove launched Stardust with a vision of a world without waste.
That grassroots spirit continues today in Stardust’s commitment to building an inclusive culture, supporting people-first values, and championing a circular economy in Arizona.
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Startup Story
Beginnings
Early Outreach
Operations Today
Stardust began with seed funding from the Bisgrove family, opening its first 20,000-sq-ft store in central Phoenix. A small pickup team stocked the store by salvaging materials from local construction sites. Early outreach relied on word-of-mouth, partnerships with contractors, and appearances at home shows. The organization has since expanded to two locations, supported by two pickup and deconstruction teams that primarily recover kitchens and bathrooms.
To raise visibility and engage donors, Stardust launched its Triple R Certified program, recognizing contractors and vendors that support sustainable building practices. The nonprofit now has a dedicated business development manager focused on cultivating these partnerships.
Today, Stardust operates two facilities, 44,000 sq ft and 28,000 sq ft, and employs 27 staff members. Their deconstruction service offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional demolition, typically costing less than contractor and dumpster fees. In addition to salvaged materials, they accept new overstock donations from retailers. The main items for sale include building materials, appliances and furniture.
Their Gifts In Kind program supports community organizations by distributing retail-donated materials to nonprofits that serve clients and reduce operating costs. While they use some volunteers in-store, all deconstruction and core operations are managed by paid employees.
On average, Stardust diverts more than 6,000 tons of material annually.
Advice for Others Entering the Reuse Sector
Material Supply Comes First
Consistent sources of donation and salvage are essential. Without a reliable flow of materials -- especially high-demand items like kitchen cabinets -- reuse operations will struggle.
Contractor Relationships
Are Key
If your operation does not offer deconstruction in-house, cultivate strong partnerships with contractors to ensure proper salvage techniques and donation practices.
Control Your Operating Costs
For those leasing commercial space, negotiate below-market rent. Cost control is essential to long-term sustainability.
Invest in People
The reuse sector is a competitive labor market. Build a strong, stable management team and offer competitive wages to attract and retain reliable staff. While hourly turnover may be high, a solid core team is critical for long-term success.