Jimmy Ronan

“We went out to Schiller Park, the Horseshoe Inn, myself and my dad went into the bar. Vince Heneghan is there, and he says to my dad (my dad was a good tradesman) come out and work for me.”

“He says no, I wont go, but the fellow there will go with you, he pointed to me. So the next day they picked me up, I went to work for them and never looked back.” -Jimmy Ronan on his start in Chicago

Greg Viti and Jimmy Ronan at Ronan Construction Offices

This is a few firsts for me. As we met in an Irish bar, we like to have fun. This episode is fueled by beer, because that is how Jimmy and I hit it off in the first place. Secondly, it has more personal stuff in it than many podcasts because of my love of construction, and real estate. I just love the idea of creating stuff that makes a difference, and so does Jimmy. So with a few Guiness and Harp, we cover our love for real estate and Chicago.

Chicago is our home, and this episode touches on many aspects of doing business in Chicago. It also touches on the generations of cultures of Chicago. The Irish have a rich heritage in Chicago, as do the Italians. We share pride and generations of our history in our perspectives.

To hear the real stories behind what you see might surprise you. Jimmy talks about the losers along with the winners over the years. You see how he grew and all of the effort of a family man, and his family. Crediting his brothers and his father for how they have become successful, they worked together. From a small village in Ireland to the middle of Chicago, the Ronans have made their mark.

Real estate is about people, enjoy listening to a great guy talking about what he loves with someone who understands real estate. Jimmy and Greg are part of a community and they will occasionally toast to members of that community. Enjoy and Sláinte.

It is not unusual for Chicago locals to enjoy a few pints, stories and laughs. Real estate is a business that can be tough and it’s a town they both love. Understand and witness the value of local people in real estate, and how good people work together.

Another American dream in a story about an Irishman coming to Chicago. Today, an Irish lad coming to Chicago is told find Jimmy Ronan and he will give you a job. Life comes full circle.