As we celebrate our 90th anniversary this year, we’re kicking off a decade‑by‑decade look at our history—starting with the 1930s, where it all began.
In 1936, Louis C. Kohlman founded L.C. Kohlman, Inc. in Chicago, focusing on refrigeration maintenance and small installations. Our very first project was the installation of a water‑cooled air conditioner for a Commonwealth Edison executive’s office. From the beginning, L.C. Kohlman, Inc. operated as a proud union firm, employing pipefitter service personnel through Local 597 – Chicago Pipefitters Union.
A year later, in 1937, Mr. Kohlman hired James B. Hill, a 26‑year‑old Purdue University graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a 597 Journeyman! Mr. Hill brought a passion for applying his trade-based skills set and engineering innovation to heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, setting the stage for decades of technical advancement.
Louis Kohlman himself played a key role in shaping the future of cooling technology in Chicago. He secured the City’s approval to place a coil of Freon directly into the airstream—an important shift from the traditional use of ammonia or carbon dioxide to cool water. In recognition of his efforts in helping establish Chicago’s new Freon code, L.C. Kohlman, Inc. was awarded the local franchise to distribute DuPont’s groundbreaking Freon refrigerant. The company soon expanded that distribution to R12 nationally.
The 1930s defined our direction, our values, and our commitment to excellence.
The 1940s would bring new opportunities, growth, and the challenges of World War II.
Next month, we’ll continue our journey with a look back at the milestones that shaped our company in the 1940s.