In the late 1800's, James J. Ruddy was a plumbing tradesman in Chicago. He decided to leave Chicago to begin his own company "out west". When he arrived in Aurora, he found a budding community on the Fox River with fantastic potential. Aurora was the perfect place to raise a family and create a business that could grow hand-in-hand with the community. Thus, he founded this company in Aurora in 1882.
The primary focus of Ruddy Bros in 1882 was gas, piping, and plumbing. As the surrounding community grew, the company expanded into industrial and commercial applications. James' sons Walt, Frank, and Clarence continued to expand the success of the company by including HVAC and incorporating in 1947 as Ruddy Brothers.
In the 1960's RBI began contracting general construction projects in the industrial and commercial sectors. Under the leadership of the third generation, Jim and Dan Ruddy, the company offered a full service general contracting and engineering firm. In-house self performed work included excavation, concrete, carpentry, plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, and architectural sheet metal services in addition to construction project management and supervision.
Poised at 129 years, Ruddy Bros now enters its fourth generation of senior management. Jim Jr. (in 1980), Brian (in 1986) and Steve Ruddy (in 1999) have joined their father Jim (Sr) to steward the family company toward new opportunities and the continued development of the local communities and Chicagoland area.