W.E. O’Neil Construction Company is a 100% employee-owned company in the construction industry headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company was founded in 1925 by William E. O’Neil who later turned his company into a family-run company as new generations joined. In the 1930s W.E. O’Neil survived the depression by working on projects like Chicago’s World Fair and other large public works projects throughout the East Coast. Over their 100 year history, W.E. O’Neil has expanded their operations to include 12 locations in six states. They attribute this growth to sticking to the values that their founder, William, led the company by in the beginning. These values still lead the company today, four generations later. 

In 1994, W.E. O’Neil Construction Company became employee-owned when they established their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). In 2020, the company celebrated becoming 100% employee-owned. This important milestone reflects the company’s commitment to its employees, customers, and communities. As employee-owners, everyone has an ownership stake in the company which creates alignment that reflects their values. People are the number one asset at W.E. O’Neil and drive everything they do. 

W.E. O’Neil has developed a strong ownership culture that motivates employees to do their best work and provide exceptional customer service. Building relationships is the paramount to the company’s success. As life-long learners, everyone at W.E. O’Neil is empowered to grow both professionally and personally.