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 XL boilers with two new KNIGHT XL units. Lochinvar’s KNIGHT XL Water Tube Boilers are manufactured with high quality components, including a corrosion-resistant stainless steel water-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 XL boilers, and then added the newest generation of KNIGHT XL 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 XL 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 XL 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 XL 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 there 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 you 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."