Alsip / Illinois / United States
Birk Plumbing began in the early 1950s, in the days of extra heavy cast iron and galvanized pipes, in the time when clogged sewers were still routinely dug up to be fixed. It started as a one man, home-based operation. Today the company, still a family business, uses the latest technology on site and in the office, and serves residential and corporate customers across the greater Chicago area.In the early 1950s, Matt C. Birk, a Local 130 Plumber, started his shop as a one man business. Through word of mouth the business grew. Matt hung the first Birk Plumbing shingle on 95th Street, a main business thoroughfare of Chicagos southwest side and Matts home town of Evergreen Park.In 1956, Matts younger brother Bill joined the work force of his brothers company. Although the brothers were separated by 13 years, they connected through their love of their families, their business and their dedication to their local union and the plumbing industry in general. Bill eventually dedicated over 35 years to the plumbing industry. Bill and his wife Judy raised two daughters and two sons, Jim and Tim. The boys were often at their fathers heels, wanting to dig ditches and play with the tools.In 1995, Jim Birk re-created the Birk Plumbing brand. Like his Uncle Matt in the 1950s, Jim started out using his Evergreen Park garage as a shop and a spare bedroom in his home as his office. Re-creating a family operated plumbing business was Jims vision. Birk and Plumbing would always be together. Incorporating in 1995, the new Birk Plumbing Inc was born. Jim was proud to have his father at his side as he persevered along with his brother Tim, at that time an apprentice.Bill Birk was a mentor and inspiration to Jim and Tim. Bill passed in 2001, leaving both his sons with a dedication to the plumbing industry."Our dad was our teacher and our friend" says Jim Birk, "he taught us so much about the plumbing industry and showed us how to work together. He had an incredible work ethic and instilled in us the importance of working hard to achieve success."According to Tim, "Dad shared his abundant knowledge about the world of plumbing. Jim and I were fortunate to have the guidance of our father. His knowledge was invaluable."Jim went on to reach out to all kinds of clients across various industries and across the entire city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. The company has grown to serve residential, corporate and industrial clients of all sizes. Tims career evolved, the younger brother that started out as an apprentice now bids, organizes, and supervises the industrial and commercial projects. Tims expertise has contributed greatly to the growth and success of Birk Plumbing IncToday, in the age when blueprints are attached to emails, managers can immediately contact a remote site by cell phone, and the old ways of plumbing have changed with the times, Birk Plumbing Inc is respected for providing courteous and personalized professional service. From local word of mouth and a single shingle, Birk Plumbing Inc continues to grow while advertising online and in traditional media. We are very proud to be serving such clients as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Panera Bread, Loyola University, McDonalds Corporation, Carpenters Union Apprentice School, South Shore Country Club, Starbucks, P.F. Changs, and many more.
