For 130 years, Lennox International has been a trusted partner in the residential and commercial HVAC market. Jaylen Thompson, commercial territory manager, brings eight years of contractor-side experience to his role, helping Lennox build strong relationships and deliver solutions that meet contractors’ needs.

SMACNA is proud to recognize several of our leaders and staff appointed to national boards, committees and task forces for the 2026-27 term. Their expertise will help shape SMACNA’s priorities, support members, and strengthen the sheet metal and HVAC industry!

After nearly 25 years split between two locations, Cleats Manufacturing is making room for what’s next with a new 100,000-square-foot facility that gives the company more space to work, grow and improve how it does business. But even with a bigger shop and bigger plans, the third-generation family business says it’s still the people, talent and craftsmanship that make Cleats what it is.

After more than 34 years as a Local 73 member, including eight years as Apprentice Coordinator, Sean Mulhearn retired July 31. Kenn Short will take the reins as Local 73’s new Apprentice Coordinator.

My company has hosted several meet-and-greets with college students recently, and they keep asking a question that would have sounded foreign a few years ago: What does our industry think about AI?

It’s been a busy spring across our industry — that’s a good thing. Data center work continues to surge throughout the Midwest, tenant improvement projects are keeping crews moving and contractors across the board are seeing strong numbers. By most measures, this is shaping up to be a good year.

Founded in 2006 by Tom Sullivan Sr., Synergy Mechanical Solutions serves as a full-service link between HVAC equipment manufacturers and the contractors, engineers and building owners who need them.

EMCOR Services Team Mechanical brings the resources of a Fortune 500 specialty contractor to the Chicago market through a 150-person team built for the full project lifecycle — from design-build and prefabrication to emergency response and energy optimization.

SMACNA Greater Chicago member RJ O’Neil recently celebrated 100 years in business. Since 1926, the Montgomery-based firm has delivered HVACR, plumbing, pipefitting and maintenance services across healthcare, commercial industrial and institutional sectors.

Founded in 1945, Atomatic Mechanical Services has grown from a residential HVAC company into a multi-division firm handling major projects in healthcare, education and industrial facilities. With a people-first approach, they focus on smart, sustainable solutions while supporting their team and staying connected to the community.

As he prepares to retire after 47 years in the trade, Dennis Moran reflects on a nearly five-decade union career defined by dedication to training and excellence.

Bulldog Cartage started as a simple storage solution. Today, the company has grown into a go-to partner for handling materials on complex infrastructure projects, from secure storage to just-in-time deliveries. With a focus on people, smart solutions and teamwork, they keep projects running smoothly while investing in the community they call home.

Last summer, Local 265 moved into a new Downers Grove training center designed to keep up with fast-changing technology and workforce needs. With upgraded equipment, a growing apprenticeship program and strong contractor partnerships, the union continues to innovate while training the next generation of the industry.

Elevating Members, Workforce and Opportunities in Chicago

Using monitor-based commissioning and high-tech data analytics, Aero Performance Group analyzes building systems to identify inefficiencies and enhance performance.

Trane has been an HVAC household name for a long time, and that’s based on the company’s 150-year legacy of innovation.

From innovation to workforce development, we’re strengthening our industry’s future.

That’s a wrap! What an incredible two-week journey for the students and people at Sheet Metal Werks, Inc.

Pat Hickey founded Air Design Systems out of her family’s laundry room in 1977. Today, the company has become known as one of the most recognized ventilation companies in the Chicagoland area.

Founded in 1976, Porter Pipe & Supply has spent nearly 50 years operating under the core values of faith, family, integrity, safety, excellence and fun.

In April, SMACNA Greater Chicago leaders met with the presidents of Local 73 and Local 265.

The strength of SMACNA Greater Chicago lies in the expertise and energy that each of our valued members brings to our association. Join us in welcoming our newest members!

Already, 2025 is shaping up to be a year that promises to challenge the construction industry and push us to new heights.

A team from Westside Mechanical recently wrapped up expansion work at the William E. Dugan Training Center in Wilmington, Illinois.

Tim Uher was a Local 597 pipefitter by trade, but there was something incomplete about working for other contractors in his early career.

The strength of SMACNA Greater Chicago lies in the expertise and energy that each of our valued members brings to our association. Join us in welcoming our newest members!

In the 94 years since its founding in 1931, O’Malley Brothers, Inc. has seen three generations of family-owned leadership.

A first-generation immigrant, Manny Rey was just 5 years old when he moved from Mexico to Illinois with his family in pursuit of a better life.

A 40-person team from AMS Industries is working on a $35 million, state-of-the-art grocery distribution center in Belvidere, Ill. The 1.3 million-square-foot facility is expected to be completed in 18 months.

IGT is a sister company to IG Transportation, a 350-truck operation in Addison, Illinois. This connection helped IGT grow as swiftly and safely as it has to a 60-employee operation spread across three offices.

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience has taken big steps on the journey toward helping alleviate our industry’s labor shortage, and SMACNA Greater Chicago is proud to play a small (but important) part.

Join us in congratulating Joe Passannante on his recent nomination to the SMACNA National Board of Directors! As our chapter’s former President, Joe is a natural fit to continue serving the association and elevating our industry with other leaders around the country. He and three others will officially take office following the adjournment of the Annual Convention. Congrats, Joe!

10 Years Of Growth, So Many To Go.

Sheet Metal Connectors was founded as a yellow label union shop in Minneapolis in 1969 by Jerry Myers.

SMACNA Greater Chicago and SMART Local 265 have ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement effective June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2028.

In the next 5-7 years, 41% of the construction workforce nationwide is set to retire, leaving quite an experience gap in our industry. In response to this growing need for future workers, the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) was born.

It’s a classic American tale: An entrepreneur starts a business at his dining room table and a few years later, the company’s an emerging leader in its industry.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of SMACNA Greater Chicago! To commemorate becoming one of the premier sheet metal organizations in the country, we’d like to share a brief historical snapshot of how we got here.

In 1994, Ernie Hatchell’s mentor, Pete Murphy, decided to slow down and step away from his company. That was all it took for Ernie to pursue the next step in his career as business owner.

10 Years Of Growth, So Many To Go.

Changing construction landscape brings NEW opportunities

The strength of SMACNA Greater Chicago lies in the expertise and energy that each of our valued members brings to our association. Join us in welcoming our newest members!

What started as a small refrigeration company out of a former gas station facility has grown into a team of 500+ field craftspeople and 160 office personnel operating out of four locations.

In his office, Robert Novick keeps a framed vintage receipt dated May 15, 1928. For him, this piece of company history is a special reminder.

We’re all top-performing leaders in our respective services, but continued learning opportunities must be added to our business strategies to help us remain at the top of our game.

Wintrust first began as a conversation with friends over a game of cards and cigars. Founder Ed Wehmer wanted to create a community-focused, local bank that could compete with the bigger banks of the time. In 1991, his idea became reality with the opening of Lake Forest Bank & Trust, the first Wintrust Community Bank location.

Justin Crandol, SMACNA National’s Director of Safety, joined us during our March 14 meeting to discuss industry trends. He began his presentation with an OSHA update and the organization’s regulatory efforts, including recordkeeping, PPE in construction, lead standard and heat stress. An ANSI update followed.

Our 2023 Annual Conference at the beautiful Chileno Bay Resort was a sold-out event! We had more than 90 members and their families take advantage of the tranquil beach, exciting group activities and more.

During our member-favorite event on February 19, we had an exciting game with an exciting win

SMACNA Greater Chicago is pleased to announce three new additions to our Board of Directors

Midwest Mechanical was founded by the late Ken Beard, a former engineer for the Trane Company.

Backed by 40+ years of industry research, Trimble has become a leader in providing solutions that improve productivity and solve construction’s biggest challenges.

Apprentice Feature: Women in Construction

A Glimpse Into The Longstanding Company’s Rich History

Congratulations to SMACNA Greater Chicago member Helm Group, who recently earned the designation of ENR’s Top Specialty Contractor for 2022!

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that only 12% of companies are older than 26 years old — and much, much less (about 0.5%) have what it takes to make it to 100 years.

In 2022, your marketing strategy likely includes things like a mobile-optimized website, professional social presence, digital advertising and more.

Mestek Machinery has long been an industry leading provider of the most complete, innovative metal forming solutions, specializing in machinery manufacturing for HVAC ductwork.

SMACNA Greater Chicago is pleased to announce Mark Gibson, President and Owner of MG Mechanical Contracting, as the newest addition to our Board of Directors.

Where is the construction industry headed in the next 5, 10, 20 years and beyond? It’s always important to keep the future of our industry in mind as we continue about our day-to-day work.

As an owner of a privately held business, are your strategic goals to increase shareholder value or have a lifestyle company?

We are proud to announce that Hank Artlip, SMACNA Greater Chicago President and owner of Artlip & Sons, will be inducted into SMACNA’s College of Fellows later this year.

Family-run Althoff Industries was founded by James Althoff in 1961, providing service to residential heating and air conditioning customers in the northwest Chicago suburbs.

For 16 years, Midwest Applied Solutions, Inc. has been a premier provider of specialized engineered product solutions for the HVACR marketplace.

Another busy holiday season has passed and we’re looking forward to the bustle and excitement a new year will bring.

The Mendel Plumbing and Heating journey started out of a small garage in St. Charles. The company purchased its first service truck in 1985, outfitted it in the signature Mendel blue and has meticulously maintained the growing fleet of 30+ ever since.

In October, the Illinois General Assembly convened in Springfield for fall veto session when lawmakers approved many of their top legislative priorities.

Imbert International, Inc. has been a leader in the Chicagoland construction industry since 1950.

Today’s clean air technologies are more than a luxury, and our contractors and union workforce are among the most qualified to educate our communities and install these solutions.

AT Mechanical Owner and President Alex Tompsidis got his start in the construction industry in 1986.

Energy Improvement Products (E.I.P.) has been a staple in solutions to enhance building health throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana since the company was founded by Jim Karambelas in 1983.

If you’re from the Fox Valley area, you’ve probably noticed the signature green trucks of Artlip and Sons, Inc. on the road.

We’re pleased to announce two new officers have been nominated and accepted on the SMACNA Greater Chicago Executive Committee.

In just one month since we launched our Breathe Easy Illinois advertising campaign, we have reached hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans within our respective jurisdictions.

With sometimes rough conditions and daily challenges faced on the jobsite, contractors want tools and equipment that are “guaranteed tough.” That’s where DeWALT comes in.

As a new administration takes over the White House, there’s no doubt we’ll begin to see changes within the construction industry soon.

Sheet Metal Werks just celebrated 33 years of successful business, but in a much larger space than its humble origins.

Longtime SMACNA Greater Chicago member John Lindemulder, Sr. peacefully passed away on July 28, 2020.

We are proud to announce that Tony Adolfs, executive vice president of SMACNA Greater Chicago, will be inducted into SMACNA’s College of Fellows later this year.

Since 1970, Naperville-based Westside Mechanical Group has been a leader in mechanical services in the Chicagoland area.

In 1972, O’Hare Engineering got its start in the Chicago market as a Trane Comfort Corps dealer.

In May 2011, Jason Long and his wife, Michelle, purchased Strogen Metals from longtime business owner Dick Conover.

RAM Mechanical Services, Inc. was incorporated in 1987.

Plaques were presented during our January membership meeting.

Every staff meeting at Nelson Insulation begins with the question that helps employees evaluate their relationships with customers.

IMSCA has reviewed nearly 6,000 bills that were introduced this year and identified 127 bills that may impact the Illinois construction industry.

Since 1924, Milwaukee Tool has been committed to innovation, quality and performance.

The construction industry is suffering from a worker shortage. Women are seriously under-represented in the construction field. Only 14% of the construction sector is made up of women, and only 2% of on-site workers are women..

For more than 40 years, Any Temperature has provided commercial and industrial clients in the Chicagoland area with excellence in design-build, service and custom fabrication solutions.

Westside Mechanical — with locations in Chicago and Naperville — has been a recognized leader in mechanical HVAC construction, service and maintenance since the company was founded in 1970.

Many trade associations and unions have asked Nehlsen Communications to help them recruit workers — both apprentices and management trainees — and with good reason. Baby boomers are retiring at a rate of approximately 10,000 per day.

SMACNA’s College of Fellows recently announced that John W. Comforte, president of Climatemp Inc., in Broadview, Ill., will be inducted into the prestigious College in October. He will receive his signature College medallion at SMACNA’s 74th Annual Convention, in Maui, Hawaii.

Whether you plan to spend your retirement sipping frozen margaritas on a white sandy beach or napping in your backyard hammock, if you’re a business owner, succession planning is the roadmap that will get you there.

During a special March 18 gala held in his honor, the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet paid tribute to the legacy of Mike Adler by unveiling the name to the organization’s new auditorium — the Michael W. Adler Auditorium.