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Montgomery Celebrates RJ O'Neil's 100-Year Legacy of Service and Community

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:29:04 GMT

Montgomery Celebrates RJ O'Neil's 100-Year Legacy of Service and Community.

Montgomery, IL — The Village of Montgomery proudly celebrated a century of excellence as Montgomery-based RJ O'Neil marked its 100th anniversary, honoring the company's enduring legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and community partnership. During the Village Board meeting on Monday, July 27, Village officials recognized the milestone by presenting owner Jessica Medrano, her family, and the RJ O'Neil team with a commemorative street sign celebrating the company's centennial.

Founded in 1926 by Roy Joseph O'Neil and later led by John and Roy O'Neil Jr., RJ O'Neil has grown from a family-operated pipefitting business into one of Northern Illinois' most respected mechanical contractors. For generations, the company has helped build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps communities running, contributing to schools, wastewater facilities, municipal buildings, commercial developments, industrial facilities, and HVAC systems throughout the Fox Valley.

Today, RJ O'Neil continues that tradition under the leadership of Jessica Medrano, who joined the company 18 years ago as an administrative assistant and dispatcher. After gaining experience across multiple departments, Medrano began purchasing the company in 2019 and closed the deal in 2022. She has continued its tradition of exceptional service while positioning the company for future growth.

With a team of 33 employees, RJ O'Neil specializes in commercial mechanical services while expanding its industrial division to meet growing demand. The company proudly serves organizations throughout the region, including Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, Fox Valley Park District, Aurora University, Waubonsee Community College, Marmion Academy, Holy Angels Catholic School, North Aurora Public Library, Rush Copley facilities, and numerous municipalities, schools, and local businesses.

Remarkably, RJ O'Neil has built its reputation almost entirely through customer referrals rather than a dedicated sales team—a reflection of the trust and relationships it has cultivated over the past century.

"Our reputation has always been built on relationships," said Medrano. "For 100 years, we've earned our customers' trust by standing behind our work and doing what's right. If something doesn't go as planned, we want the opportunity to make it right. That commitment to our customers is what has carried us through our first century, and it is what will continue to guide us into the next."

Looking ahead, Medrano is focused on expanding the company's industrial services, growing its internship program, and investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals as experienced employees prepare to pass their knowledge on to future leaders.

Beyond the workplace, Medrano is an active leader in the Montgomery community. She serves as Vice President of the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, sits on the Waubonsee Community College Foundation Board helping raise scholarship funds for students, and is involved with WiMi of MCA (Mechanical Contractors Association) of Chicago and the Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center.

"What I love most about Montgomery is how close-knit it is," Medrano said. "Whenever you need something, there's always someone—or another local business—ready to help. That sense of community makes this a great place to do business."

Village President Matt Brolley congratulated RJ O'Neil on reaching this extraordinary milestone.

"Very few businesses have the opportunity to celebrate 100 years of success," said Brolley. "RJ O'Neil's longevity reflects its unwavering commitment to quality, customer service, and our community. We congratulate Jessica Medrano and the entire RJ O'Neil team on this incredible achievement and thank them for a century of investment in Montgomery and the surrounding region. We look forward to watching the company continue to grow for generations to come."

RJ O'Neil is the second Montgomery business to celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. These milestones highlight the rich history, entrepreneurial spirit, and enduring partnerships that continue to shape the Village. The Village is committed to sharing the stories of the people, businesses, and organizations that make Montgomery a vibrant and thriving community through the We Are Montgomeryinitiative. Celebrating legacy businesses like RJ O'Neil and Schaefer's Greenhouses honors the relationships, resilience, and community spirit that define what it means to call Montgomery home.

For more information about RJ O'Neil and its 100-year history, visit rjoneil.com . To learn more about the Village of Montgomery, its economic development efforts, and the We Are Montgomery initiative, visit montgomeryil.org .

RJ O’Neil Expands Home Water Solutions with Novo Water Partnership

Thu, 07 May 2026 18:45:17 GMT

Montgomery, Illinois — April 2026 — RJ O’Neil, a trusted provider of heating, cooling, plumbing, and home services throughout the Chicagoland area, is proud to announce the addition of Novo Water systems to its growing portfolio of home solutions.

Through this partnership, RJ O’Neil will now offer and professionally install a full line of high-performance water
treatment systems, including water softeners, filtration systems, reverse osmosis drinking water solutions, and
whole-home water conditioning.

Novo Water systems are known for their professional-grade performance, advanced filtration technology, and long-standing reputation among plumbing professionals across North America. Designed to be installed by trained
experts, these systems are tailored to each home based on water quality and usage needs .

“Water quality impacts everything—from how your appliances perform to how your skin and hair feel,” said Jessica Medrano, CEO/President. at RJ O’Neil. “By partnering with Novo Water, we’re bringing our customers a smarter, more reliable way to improve their water at every touchpoint.”

With this new offering, RJ O’Neil customers can expect:

Customized water testing and system recommendations
Professional installation by licensed technicians
Long-term performance backed by strong warranties
Solutions for both city and well water systems

The addition of Novo Water aligns with RJ O’Neil’s commitment to delivering complete home comfort and efficiency solutions under one trusted name.

For more information or to schedule a water consultation, visit RJ O’Neil at rjoneil.com.

About RJ O’Neil

RJ O’Neil is a full-service mechanical contractor providing HVAC-R, plumbing, service, and maintenance solutions.

Headquartered in Montgomery, Illinois, the company has served clients across the Midwest for 100 years,
delivering industry-leading craftsmanship, innovative solutions, and dependable service while fostering long-term,
trusted relationships.

RJ O’Neil Celebrates 100 Years of Service, Innovation, and Enduring Relationships

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:03:59 GMT

RJ O’Neil Celebrates 100 Years of Service, Innovation, and Enduring Relationships

Montgomery, Illinois — April 2026 — RJ O’Neil, a respected leader in mechanical services, proudly commemorates

its 100th anniversary this April, marking a century of excellence, innovation, and enduring relationships with clients,

partners, employees, and the communities it serves.

Founded in 1926, RJ O’Neil has evolved from a small, family-founded enterprise into one of the Midwest’s premier mechanical contractors. For a century, the company has remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering quality HVAC-R, plumbing, pipefitting, and maintenance services. While continuously adapting to advancements in technology and industry standards, RJ O’Neil has remained grounded in its core values of integrity, craftsmanship, and excellent customer service—principles that have guided the development of long-standing, trusted relationships.

“Reaching 100 years is a significant milestone that reflects the strength of our team, the trust of our clients, and the value of our partnerships,” said Jessica Medrano, CEO/President. “The relationships we have cultivated over generations are central to our success. While we take great pride in our history, we are equally focused on the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Throughout its history, RJ O’Neil has established a reputation for reliability, technical expertise, and forward-thinking solutions, serving a diverse portfolio of clients across healthcare, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. Many of these relationships span decades, underscoring the company’s commitment to collaboration, consistency, and mutual success. This sustained performance reflects a deliberate commitment to a relationship-driven, people-centered approach.

As the company looks toward its second century, RJ O’Neil remains focused on strategic growth, continued innovation, and strengthening the relationships that have been integral to its longevity. The organization is committed to investingin its workforce, enhancing client partnerships, and contributing meaningfully to the communities in which it operates.

“Our history provides a strong foundation, but it does not define our future,” Medrano added. “We remain committed to advancing our capabilities, fostering meaningful relationships, and delivering exceptional outcomes for generations to come.”

To mark this milestone, RJ O’Neil will host a series of events throughout the year, including employee recognition initiatives and community-focused programs that celebrate its legacy and reaffirm its commitment to the future.

About RJ O’Neil

RJ O’Neil is a full-service mechanical contractor providing HVAC-R, plumbing, service, and maintenance solutions.

Headquartered in Montgomery, Illinois, the company has served clients across the Midwest for 100 years, delivering industry-leading craftsmanship, innovative solutions, and dependable service while fostering long-term, trusted relationships.

The formation of the Alliance (or AREA) represents an exhilarating new chapter for Aurora's business community

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:23:58 GMT

Major Aurora Civic Organizations Unite to Form Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance)

By merging the missions of four key civic organizations—Aurora Downtown, the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, Invest Aurora, and the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce—we are uniting our strengths to foster economic growth and opportunity across the region. This consolidation paves the way for transformative initiatives that will enhance workforce development, support small-, minority-, and women-owned businesses and fuel innovation, making Aurora’s economy competitive and ready to embrace emerging technologies and evolving industries. Check out the website.

Read the full article here

Watch the launch

RJ O’Neil Brings Plumbing & HVAC Services to Your Home

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:46:15 GMT

NEW RESIDENTIAL SERVICE by RJ O'NEIL

For nearly 100 years, RJ O’Neil has been a trusted name in plumbing and HVAC, serving commercial and industrial clients with unmatched expertise. Now, we’re excited to bring that same dedication to homeowners with our new residential services.

Why RJ O’Neil?

Proven Experience : Decades of industry knowledge ensure reliable, high-quality service.
Luxaire Certified Comfort Experts : We offer top-notch HVAC systems for year-round comfort.
Customer-Focused Care : Your satisfaction is our priority.

Services We Offer

Plumbing : Repairs, replacements, and installations for water heaters, faucets, toilets, and more.
HVAC : Heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions tailored to your needs.
Emergency Support : 24/7 service when you need it most.

Flexible Financing Available

We offer financing options to make home upgrades and repairs more accessible. Whether it’s a new HVAC system or urgent repairs, we’re here to help.

Get in Touch

Ready to upgrade your home’s comfort? Contact RJ O’Neil today to schedule your appointment and experience the trusted service we’ve built over nearly a century.

RJ Oneil featured in Engineered Systems News

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:01:56 GMT

Contractor Modernizes IMSA's Heating System While Building Ties with the Community

By Austin Keating

In a testament to the power of relationship-building in local business, R.J. O'Neil, a Chicago-area contractor dating back to 1926, recently completed a crucial boiler replacement project at the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA). The project not only demonstrated technical expertise but also highlighted how maintaining consistency in equipment choices can benefit institutional clients.

"We've been around almost 100 years in the Chicagoland area, and it's just relationship based—anyone that's local we would like to build relationships with," explained Jessica Medrano, owner of R.J. O'Neil. The company's involvement with IMSA began modestly, with small parts orders under $10, gradually building rapport until they were entrusted with a large boiler replacement project.

The project involved replacing two existing Lochinvar KNIGHT ^® boilers with two new KNIGHT units. Lochinvar’s KNIGHT Fire Tube Boilers are manufactured with high quality components, including a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel fire-tube heat exchanger and a negative regulation combustion system to achieve cost-efficient performance and reliability.

Adrian Vlad, district sales manager at Lochinvar, provided insight into IMSA's decision to stick with Lochinvar equipment.

"They had the first generation of KNIGHT boilers and then added the newest generation of KNIGHT boilers because we were able to still communicate and keep the boiler controls, even though we had two different generations of boilers in the mechanical room," Vlad explained. "So that was really the main reason that they wanted to stick with Lochinvar. They didn't need any external controllers, so it was less of an add-on to keep their system up and running."

David Walter, project manager at R.J. O’Neil, notes that the installation proceeded smoothly, with adequate space in the mechanical room and readily available parts.

The KNIGHT unit has been a part of Lochinvar’s product portfolio for nearly 20 years and is designed to make installation, setup and servicing straightforward. The KNIGHT units are compatible with Lochinvar’s CON·X·US ^® remote connect technology, which allows contractors and facility managers to access SMART SYSTEM ^™ controls that provide key information for setup, troubleshooting and monitoring critical equipment functions.

The compatibility between different generations of KNIGHT boilers meant IMSA could avoid installing external controllers, simplifying their system maintenance.

The project's success was partly due to the boilers' additional design features. As Walter points out, "All your connections were at the same point," which proved particularly valuable given the space constraints, he said. "Having all their connection points on the back their kind of helps simplify where they had to bring everything and routing the piping to keep the mechanical room clean as well.”

For R.J. O'Neil, located just five minutes from IMSA's campus, this project represents more than just a successful installation. It's an opportunity to establish a lasting relationship with a significant local institution.

R.J. O’Neil is also expanding its industry involvement, having recently joined the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association, SMACNA. While they're still new to the organization and haven't yet fully engaged with all its offerings, Medrano notes they've already seen opportunities emerge, particularly in staffing.

The timing has worked out well, as the IMSA project helped R.J. O'Neil secure WBENC certification, further strengthening their credentials and relationships in the area.

“This is an opportunity for R.J. O'Neil to become the consistent contractor here with Illinois Math and Science, because of the relationship they have with Lochinvar, and the relationship they are building with school as well,” Vlad said.

When asked about advice for other facilities facing similar challenges, Medrano emphasized the importance of being open to new solutions while respecting client preferences.

"We can always quote you what's existing but also take a look at what's in the now," she said, adding she acknowledges that sometimes customers prefer to stick with familiar equipment — especially when standardization across multiple buildings is a priority.

This approach to facilities maintenance, balancing innovation with practical considerations and an eagerness to fulfill even the smallest, $10 part request, exemplifies how modern contractors can build lasting relationships.

More about R.J. O'Neil

R.J. O'Neil is a Chicago area contractor with a 100% on-time completion record. Medrano first joined the company in 2009 as an administrator but quickly found her role evolving into something more meaningful.

"My work quickly became more than a job for me. I saw firsthand the positive impact we made on real people and real businesses," Medrano said. "During that time, I was also raising my daughter. I thought a lot about the example I wanted to set for her and the values I hoped to inspire in her like commitment, resilience, honor, and respect."

In 2019, Medrano purchased the company.

"I knew R.J. O'Neil was built on these same beliefs," she said. "Our vision is to give people opportunities to live better lives – from employees and their families, to customers, to the communities we serve."

Today, R.J. O'Neil operates as a certified woman-owned and minority-owned mechanical contractor.

"As a niche contractor, we are large enough to tackle challenging projects, yet small enough to always give your personal attention from start to finish," Medrano said.

"Since 1926, building long-term relationships has – and always will be – our top priority," she added. "Our commitment to you, our team and fellow subcontractors will lead us through the next 100 years. We look forward to getting to know you, working with you from installation to maintenance – and being there for your long-term success."

RJ O’Neil Celebrates Recognition in Influential Women in Business 2024

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 14:46:13 GMT

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We’re proud to announce that RJ O’Neil has been featured in the Daily Herald Suburban Business article honoring Influential Women in Business 2024 ! This recognition celebrates outstanding leaders making a difference in their industries, and we’re thrilled to see our very own Jessica Medrano highlighted among these incredible women.

Jessica’s dedication, leadership, and innovative spirit have been instrumental in RJ O’Neil’s continued success. Her influence extends beyond our company, inspiring those around her and driving meaningful change in the business community.

Want to read more about Jessica and the other influential women featured? Click here to view the full article online on page 4.

This honor underscores the values we hold at RJ O’Neil—empowering leadership, fostering innovation, and celebrating excellence. Join us in congratulating Jessica and the other remarkable women recognized in this year’s feature!