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.