August 1, 1992 fell on a Saturday, but that didn’t phase Jeff Maertin. That was the day he had decided to launch Maertin Heating & Cooling, so he went into the new office and waited for the phone to ring. Fortunately, that phone did ring and a Lincolnway area tradition began.
Jeff had completed the year-long HVAC program at the now-closed Cave Technical Institute in Lockport and was committed to opening his own company. Because of Jeff’s sunny personality and excellence in service, the business quickly grew through referrals and recommendations. Within a year, Jeff’s wife Mary Maertin joined the thriving business full-time. Within two years, the business began adding trained technicians and office staff.
Maertin Heating and Cooling became a recognized presence in the Lincolnway area. Mary served as Mokena Chamber of Commerce President in 2010 and Jeff’s “drill” team become one of the most popular performances at Mokena’s annual Independence Day parade. Their customer base grew steadily through word of mouth.
In 1996, Jeff made one of his most important decisions for the future of the business by hiring his nephew Scott Maertin. Scott started at Maertin while he was still in high school, learning from Jeff on the job and then completing technical school.
Jeff Maertin’s byword was honesty. That tradition of honesty continues, and is what keeps customers coming back and confidently referring Maertin Heating and Cooling.The company’s reviews and surveys are overwhelmingly positive. Customers emphasize the trust they have in Maertin, how they feel treated like family, and their relief at finding someone reliable to solve their problems. Maertin technicians have been known to check on elderly customers when they notice they haven’t made a regular call.
In 2007, at the beginning of the Great Recession, Maertin Heating and Cooling faced a crossroads. That’s when Scott decided he would do whatever it took to keep the business going, to truly put his heart “all in”. He worked the emergency on-call service by himself for months until the economy started recovering – and the business along with it.
The Maertins give the Lincolnway community a large share of credit in the company’s success. The community is loyal to working with neighborhood companies and the Village of Mokena’s government encourages a healthy business environment.
Jeff passed away in May of 2016 and Scott’s wife Jennifer Maertin joined the company full-time in August of that year. Mary retired in 2019, turning the role of President over to Scott. Jeff’s commitment to service, quality, honesty and family continues with our new generation.
While long-time customers may be moving on to retirement communities or warmer parts of the country, their children are now calling Maertin for HVAC services. Though Maertin built its reputation by expertly installing and servicing traditional equipment, Scott is now strongly leading the company into the future with smart technology and energy-efficient products.
The future of HVAC will have a huge impact on the environment, and Maertin Heating and Cooling is staying on the leading edge. Wireless thermostats controlled by smart phones, zoned temperature control and energy efficient products are continuing to grow in the market, especially with rebates and tax credits. With Maertin’s emphasis on retrofitting and repairs, they are perfectly positioned to install or upgrade any home or business in the area.
This Lincolnway tradition looks to a bright future for itself. Scott and Jennifer’s three boys are already preparing for their careers with Maertin Heating and Cooling, to be ready to answer the phone when customers call.
