1945—Irving Missner

Having received a degree in architectural engineering from the University of Illinois in 1937, Mr. Missner took his newly minted diploma working throughout the Midwest during WW 2 on a variety of projects, culminating with the construction of homes for veterans returning from overseas.

As that work dissipated, Mr. Missner began his own company in 1945, Missner Construction Company. Irv rented a small office across the street from Comiskey Park, and the company was formed with one employee….Irv.

Shortly after opening that first office, Mr. Missner was successful in solidifying a multifamily apartment building in Chicago, requiring the expansion of the company only two short years after opening that first office on Chicago’s south side.

A parcel of land was purchased at 2940 West Campbell on Chicago’s north side, where Mr. Missner built a building to meet the needs of his growing business. By 1950 the office personnel had expanded, and the company was self-performing, carpentry, masonry, and concrete, with more than fifty employees in the field servicing those trades. Missner Construction Company remained in that location until 1970.

Subsequently, the company expanded again, building a new headquarters in Skokie IL. Mr. Missner remained active and engaged in all company affairs until his retirement in 1975, whereby he turned the reigns over to his son Judd.

Irv Missner was a man of extreme integrity, was supremely trusted and a man of his word. He strived always to do the right thing and coined our “Handshake” mantra here at the Missner Group. Irv was proud of the foundation and business he established and would be equally at how his son and grandchildren have carried the torch.