Suburban companies among BBB’s 2026 Torch Awards winners
Several suburban businesses are among the 2026 winners of the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards for Ethics and Excellence.
The Torch Awards celebrate businesses in Chicago and Northern Illinois that have demonstrated a commitment to trust, ethics, and exceptional service. They honor those who have set the standard for excellence in their industry.
Nominations are open to companies that have been in operation a minimum of three years. Awardees are judged in various categories based on company size, the number of employees, and also two specialty categories — Minority-Owned & Operated and Woman-Owned & Operated businesses.
Five years ago, BBB opened its Torch Hall of Fame given to individuals or businesses who have supported efforts to keep this awards ceremony and honor strong.
“The Torch Awards are the highest honor the BBB can award to a business,” said Steve J. Bernas, BBB president and CEO. “These awards are presented annually to outstanding businesses in recognition of their commitment to high standards in character, culture, customers, and engagement with their community. As the world changes at a lightning pace, trust and ethics remain a cornerstone to successful businesses. We are so proud to welcome our new winners into the Torch family.”
The 2026 winners include:
• Firestarter Award: Under My Roof of Schaumburg
Under My Roof is an exterior remodeling company based in Schaumburg, specializing in roofing, siding, windows, doors, soffit, fascia, and gutters. Led by owner Mike Schmalz, the company prioritizes integrity, clear communication, and quality craftsmanship. Through community involvement and an annual free roof giveaway, Under My Roof demonstrates its commitment to helping homeowners and strengthening the communities it serves throughout the Chicago area.
• Minority-Owned & Operated: Fox Valley Auto Group of St. Charles
Founded by Emir C. Abinion, Fox Valley Auto Group is a multigenerational, minority family-owned business comprising Fox Valley Volkswagen St. Charles, Fox Valley GMC St. Charles, and Fox Valley Volkswagen Crystal Lake. Guided by Abinion’s more than four decades of automotive leadership, the group is built on integrity, exceptional service, and a people-first approach. Fox Valley Auto Group is a 2018 recipient of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and received the BBB Torchbearer Award in 2024.
• Woman-Owned & Operated: Attriya Designs of Naperville
Attriya LLC is a woman-owned residential design-build firm serving the Chicago region. Led by Founder and President Sudha Sathya Narayana, Attriya guides homeowners from initial design and material selections through construction and completion. The company was built on a clear standard: exceptional spaces should be created through transparency, accountability, and respect.
• 10-49 employees: Elite Roofing & Restoration of Bartlett
Elite Roofing & Restoration is a locally owned exterior restoration company based in Bartlett, serving homeowners and businesses throughout the Chicago region. Led by co-owners Anthony Passo, Tony Lullo and Bo Nelson, Elite provides roofing, siding, gutters, soffit, fascia, windows, doors, and storm-restoration services. The company is built on honesty, education, accountability, and long-term customer relationships.
• 50-99 employees: Tasty Catering of Elk Grove Village
For more than 37 years, Tasty Catering of Elk Grove Village has served the Chicago region with exceptional food, outstanding service, and a commitment to doing business the right way. Guided by Seven Core Values, including “Always moral, ethical and legal,” Tasty has built a people-first culture rooted in respect, teamwork, and trust.
• 100-499 employees: Buck Services of West Chicago
Buck Services, Inc. is a family-owned company serving the Chicago area since 1988. With more than 38 years of experience, the West Chicago company specializes in providing reliable, high-quality commercial cleaning and facility maintenance solutions. Its services include janitorial cleaning, building maintenance, floor care, carpet cleaning, window washing, disinfecting, event setup and cleanup, emergency cleaning, and specialty services. It serves schools, churches, park districts, commercial buildings, and businesses throughout Illinois.
• BBB Torch Awards Hall of Fame: Abt of Glenview
Abt is the fifth awardee inducted into the BBB Torch Awards Hall of Fame. Celebrating 90 years in business, Abt is a family-owned and operated business that sells and services major appliances, electronics, furniture, HVAC, and more. Starting as a small storefront business in 1936, Abt now operates out of a single megastore in Glenview and 25% of its business is done online.