Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co.’s name might have a hint of New York in it, but it has been thriving in Chicago for more than a century. According to the company’s president, Chris Cronin, his great-grandfather Bernard Kelly bought the business in 1886, and it’s been run by the family ever since. That’s the kind of longevity — and family cooperation — that people notice. “I’ve been with our company nearly 40 years, and I realize it is rather unique,” Cronin said.
Knickerbocker was founded as a road repair company and that helped rebuild Chicago in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire. After Kelly took over, the company branched into roofing and achieved success re-roofing railroad terminals throughout the country. Kelly’s business grew as his family did. His daughter Emily married Mark Cronin, and their three sons all joined the company. Chris Cronin and Vice Presidents Robert Cronin, Paul Cronin, and Mark Cronin III represent the fourth generation to enter the business. Vice President Mark Moran represents the fifth.