Chris Mechanical Services in W. Chicago earns award

Chris Mechanical Services Inc. is the winner of the Outstanding Small Business category of West Chicago's Brilliance in Business Awards Program.

The family-owned heating and air conditioning business has been in operation in West Chicago for 14 years and services DuPage, Kane and portions of Cook and Lake Counties.

When CEO Chris Gilbertsen started the company with two people, he had one goal in mind - to provide his customers with comfort solutions that fit their lifestyle and budget. Though the business has grown to include a fleet of trucks, a warehouse full of parts and equipment and a factory-trained staff ready to service a customer in need 24/7, the goal remains the same, quality service at an affordable price.

Lynda Oas, a longtime customer now a company employee, explains that she was so impressed with the integrity, honesty and workmanship of the company she jumped at the chance when she was offered a job at Chris Mechanical Services.

The business occupies a 6,000-square-foot facility at 396 Fenton Lane, Suite 605. Gilbertsen is quick to admit he is very happy to remain in West Chicago, a city he loves.

The business sponsors a West Chicago baseball league, donates turkeys to the Knights of Columbus annually at holiday time, and recently installed a new furnace, free, in the Neighborhood Food Pantries in West Chicago.

The easy atmosphere at Chris Mechanical Services, Inc. is due in part to what is at the heart of the business - family. Even Frank, the family dog, has his place in the business. He is at the office almost every day according to Laura Gilbertsen, and serves as "vice-president of marketing." The black Labrador mix is featured in digital advertising sporting a red parka to promote "winter readiness."