Our Promise

As a family owned and operated company, G.W. Thiel, Inc. is dedicated to building strong connections with our clients and our community based on respect, quality and integrity. We understand that you have a choice of any number of contractors. That’s why G.W. Thiel, Inc. sets itself apart by holding its team and work to a higher standard.

At G.W. Thiel, our goal is to build:

• The highest quality custom and semi-custom structures available
• A relationship with our customers based on quality and respect
• A trusted, family owned company serving the community for years to come
• A team of highly trained carpenters with the tools to succeed
• A set of core values based on integrity, hard work and doing the right thing

Our History

After 22 years of experience working through the ranks of the family business, founder Gerald W. Thiel set out on his own and began contracting with custom home builders in the fall of 1977. His name soon became synonymous with high-quality, custom work. G.W. Thiel, Inc. was born and his small crew began to grow, expanding to residential and commercial developments.

Throughout the company’s growth, Jerry remained dedicated to developing the craft of carpentry for future generations. By partnering with the Carpenter Apprentice Training Center, the company has supported the mentorship of young apprentices; teaching them lifelong skills and instilling them with the dedication to quality, safety and integrity that the company stands for to this day.

With the company’s foundation securely planted, Jerry passed the reins on to the next generation in 2005. A legacy of quality and commitment that has set the cornerstone for G.W. Thiel, Inc. now and well into the future.

Our Leadership

Gerald Thiel, Jr. – President

Jerry integrates the sales, operations and accounting departments and manages the day-to-day issues that arise. After graduating from high school Jerry spent several years in Arizona attending college and working in the management program with McDonald’s. In 1985 Jerry returned to Illinois and began to learn the estimating and sales positions eventually becoming Vice President. In 1999 Jerry was elevated to the position of company President. He is a board member on the Residential Construction Employers Council where he recently served as President. Jerry lives in Mount Prospect with his wife, Shary and has four children. When he’s not at work, Jerry enjoys traveling with his family and an occasional game of golf.

William Fandre, Jr. – Vice President Purchasing

Bill directs and oversees the organization’s sales and estimating policies, objectives, and initiatives. His staff of experienced estimators allows Bill to assemble competitive bids and estimates. In 1985 Bill decided that the construction field was his passion and changed his direction in life from Engineering and Design to building homes. Bill started working for G.W. Thiel in 1993 as a carpenter foreman was promoted into the office as an estimator in 1998 and became Vice President of Purchasing in 2003. When he’s not at work, Bill enjoys spending time with his two daughters Tiffany and Kaylee, tinkering in his garage, boating and snowmobiling.

James Thiel – Operations Manager

Jim plans, directs and coordinates our construction projects ensuring that each project is completed on time and within budget. Jim also makes sure that each project meets or exceeds building and safety standards. After graduating from Johnsburg High School, Jim joined the United States Marine Corps where he served seven years working as an aircraft refueler and hydraulics mechanic. In 1987 he joined the team at G.W. Thiel, starting as a carpenter working his way to foreman then superintendent. Jim lives in Johnsburg, with his wife Kelly and has two children. In his off time Jim enjoys spending time with his family, riding his motorcycle and other outside activities.

Our Core Values

Our core values reflect what is truly important to us as a company. Core values are a small set of essential and timeless guiding principles and no two companies have the same core values. The following core values were discovered by identifying exceptional qualities exhibited by key people within our organization.

Right thing, done right:

• Make the best decision to guarantee satisfaction, based on your experience and knowledge. We can review the decision later and discuss other possibilities for future occurrences.
• Doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.
• Work smarter not harder.

Extra Mile:

• Willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
• Don’t ask what someone can do for you, but what you can do for them.
• Going above and beyond what is expected or would be asked of you.

On Time:

• Early is on time, on time is late.
• Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today – don’t procrastinate.

Accountable:

• Honoring promises and commitments.
• Your name is on it.
• Be worthy of responsibility or trust, don’t make excuses.
• Be responsible for your actions and decisions.

These are not values that change from time to time, situation to situation or person to person, but rather they are the foundation of our company culture. Many customers, vendors and employees associated with G.W. Thiel regard us as one of the best contractors in the carpentry trade. These core values are the primary reasons for this reputation, and they go beyond our size and the economic conditions. By maintaining these core values, regardless of how large a company G.W. Thiel becomes, we can preserve what has always been exceptional about our company. These core values are the soul of our company which continually guides our decisions and interactions with our customers, vendors and each other.

Our Affiliations

We are proud to be affiliated with the following professional organizations.

	Residential Construction Employers Council www.aboutrcec.org
	Tri-County Contractor’s Association, Inc. www.tccaonline.com
	Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago www.hbagc.com
	Chicago District Council of Carpenters www.carpentersunion.org
	The Association of Subcontractors and Affiliates of Chicago www.asachicago.org