History

Nearly 75 years of strategic decisions, pivotal projects, and disciplined growth shaped Admiral into the company it is today. What began as a small residential furnace shop became one of Chicago's most trusted commercial and industrial HVAC contractors.
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Our Story

Founded in 1952 by Ron Litt and a group of investors, Admiral Heating & Ventilating began as a small furnace company serving homebuilders in the Chicagoland area. Five years later, the company made a defining decision to abandon residential work and focus exclusively on commercial and industrial projects.

At a time when the residential market was shifting toward volume and commodity pricing, Admiral made a strategic choice to pursue commercial work where craftsmanship and precision would set the company apart. Over the following years, Admiral earned its reputation working on some of Chicago’s most demanding and highly visible projects, including the John Hancock Center, Water Tower Place, and the Chicago Board of Trade. Each required technical precision, tight coordination across trades, and the ability to perform under pressure.

As client needs evolved and building systems became more complex, Admiral expanded its capabilities strategically. The company established service and piping divisions to support systems beyond installation, deepen engineering involvement in early project planning, and strengthen field leadership. By bringing these capabilities in-house, Admiral maintained direct control over quality and accountability at every stage.

In 1995, second-generation leadership took shape with a clear mission to preserve the founding principles and position the company for long-term growth. Bruce Litt and Tom Coonan spent decades building their careers at Admiral before formalizing their partnership as equal owners in 2015. Supported by an experienced leadership team, they have strengthened operations, driven steady growth, and upheld the standards that built Admiral’s reputation.

Today, Admiral operates as a leading commercial and industrial HVAC contractor serving Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area. Union-trained teams deliver technical expertise across tenant improvements, corporate headquarters, healthcare facilities, data centers, and mission-critical environments where precision and accountability are essential. From pre-construction planning and engineering to installation, 24/7 emergency service, and long-term preventative maintenance, Admiral remains closely involved at every stage. Many client relationships span decades, built on reliable execution, complex problem-solving, and trust in a company that stands behind its work.

1952
Founded
Admiral Heating & Ventilating, Inc. was established as a residential furnace installation company serving homebuilders across Chicagoland.
1957
The Pivot
Shifted focus exclusively to commercial and industrial HVAC, prioritizing quality and complex problem-solving over volume.
1960s - 1970s
Building a Reputation
Took on some of Chicago’s most demanding projects – the John Hancock Center, Water Tower Place, and the Chicago Board of Trade – earning a reputation as a trusted partner for high-stakes commercial work.
1984
New Home Base
Relocated to current headquarters in Hillside, IL, expanding facilities to support growing fabrication and project management capabilities.
1993
Servicing & Piping Launched
Established dedicated service and piping divisions to provide 24/7 emergency response and full-scope project delivery.
1995
Next-Gen Leadership
Leadership transition commenced, continuing the founder’s principles while positioning Admiral for long-term growth.
2000
Landmark Projects
Boeing, Jenner & Block, Sidley Austin, and Kirkland & Ellis. Each project solidified relationships with Chicago’s top general contractors and set a new standard for what Admiral could deliver.
2015
Ownership Evolves
Bruce Litt and Tom Coonan formalized their partnership, bringing decades of combined Admiral experience to company leadership.
2016
In-House Operations
Brought piping and service operations fully in-house, strengthening control over quality, responsiveness, and client relationships.
2017
Chicago Office Opens
Opened a downtown Chicago office to keep teams closer to the work, maximizing on-site collaboration and client accessibility.
2020
Operational Excellence
Implemented Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to enhance internal accountability, scalability, and long-term strategic planning.
2023
Engineering Leadership
Expanded engineering leadership to further strengthen pre-construction capabilities as project complexity grew.
TODAY
Positioned for the Future
With nearly 75 years of proven performance, Admiral continues to build a sustainable future by investing in leadership, technology, and the dedicated people who define the company’s reputation every day.
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    Leadership

    Admiral’s leadership team has decades of experience from within the company. They know what the Admiral name represents and lead with the same commitment to excellence and accountability that built its reputation.

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    Build Your Future with Admiral

    Admiral is built by people who take pride in their work. If you're looking for a company that invests in its team, values expertise, and builds careers that last, explore what it's like to work here.
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