As part of Anythink Startup Month, we're highlighting entrepreneurs and interesting businesses in Adams County. Stay tuned for weekly profiles throughout September. 

Did you know that only 17 percent of the glass you recycle ends up actually being recycled? Brittany Evans, founder and CEO of Clear Intentions, has been working for nearly 10 years to change the glass recycling industry. What started as a college project has now become one of the most inventive businesses in the Denver metro area.

Clear Intentions, headquarted in Adams County, has developed an innovative recycling process, making 100 percent of the discarded glass they collect ready for use in various industries like home decor, manufacturing and construction. Not only is Clear Intentions revolutionizing recycling, they’re giving back to the community. For each load of glass they pickup, $1 is donated back to local non-profits.

I had the opportunity to speak with Brittany about her experience at Clear Intentions, and the challenges and rewards of starting her own company. Here’s what she had to say.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in starting your own company?

Brittany Evans: For my company, it was the supply of glass and figuring out how we were going to get the supply that we needed. My plan was never to get into hauling glass. I never saw that coming. So when I ended up having to start my own services to benefit clients, and get the supply that we needed, that was really difficult. I had to gear all the funding I had for my processing line towards just the hauling aspect. That part of my business was something I didn’t know anything about. In my experience, that hardest thing was the unknown.

Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of running Clear Intentions?

B.E.: It’s the product for sure. A lot of industries have come to us asking for different kinds of glass. I can’t tell you how many calls I’ve gotten. There’s so many different opportunities. It’s been really cool to see how each industry utilizes recycled glass. I have a lot of products in my office that other companies have made with our recycled glass, so it’s really cool to see all these different projects come to life.

Q: What’s one word of advice you’d give to someone starting their own business?

B.E.: Eat well. Eating well is critically important, because no matter where you’re at or what you’re doing, it is going to demand more from you than you ever imagined. It’s just a constant sacrifice. Eating healthy has been the biggest thing in keeping me centered and calm in stressful and frustrating situations.

For more information on Clear Intentions, visit http://www.clearintentions.glass/.

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Celebrate Adams County’s entrepreneurial spirit through programs, networking opportunities and partnerships during Anythink Startup Month. This month-long series highlights Adams County businesses and resources, with programming designed to help foster business and career skills. With special guest experts, community members are invited to explore everything from design-thinking and marketing to micro-financing and web design.