History

1890 to 1955

John J. Moroney began selling brick making machinery to brick plants through out the mid-west in the 1890's. At the time he worked for the Chisholm, Boyd & White Company. A few years later Mr. Moroney, along with some other men, purchased a brick plant in Mexico, Missouri, which was later purchased by A. P. Green.

In the early 1900's Frank Calmeyn went to work for Mr. Moroney, and became a co-owner of the John J. Moroney & Company (JJM). JJM incorporated in Illinois 1918, and at the time sold brick and refractory products made by the A. P. Green Fire Brick Company (APG). In the 1930's the depression affected JJM, as it did many other companies. Without money for college, Frank's son Fran joined JJM as a full-time employee immediately after high school. Upon graduation Frank wrote to his son that, "energy expended in honest effort is the surest way to success." Living up to this advice, the family's dedication saw the company through the depression.

1955 to 1995

JJM continued to represent the A.P. Green Co. (APG) until 1955, when APG purchased a distributor in the Chicago area, and went into the distribution business. JJM chose to represent the North American Refractory Co. (NARCO). This alliance continued until 1972, when NARCO was sold to another company, which focused on the large steel mills such as U.S. Steel, Inland, and Bethlehem.

JJM now faced a new challenge. NARCO's focus on larger steel mills conflicted with JJM's core group of customers, smaller businesses. Forced to adapt, JJM forged a new business alliance with Kaiser Refractories (a division of Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Company).

In the late 1960's, around the time Fran's son Jack joined the company, a new market shift was developing. Apartment buildings, office buildings, warehouses, and hospitals were replacing their coal fired boilers with gas/oil boilers. JJM adapted to the new market demand, and started handling insulation for the industrial and commercial markets. However, JJM never forgot or abandoned its origins. JJM maintains a strong presence in the refractories market, and continues to offer a full range of refractory products.

1995 to present

We at JJM still believe that energy expended in honest effort is the surest way to success. With the past as our guide, we continue to strive to be an adaptive company, capable of growth and survival amid both favorable and unfavorable market changes. Now in our 90th year we at JJM know that it takes the commitment of every employee for a business to succeed. JJM remains fortunate to be able to employ loyal, knowledgable employees with strong work ethics, and personal integrity.

Teamwork, continuity of ownership, and willingness to adapt explains some of JJM's success. However, the vast majority of JJM's success must be attributed to its loyal customers, without whom the future of JJM would be precarious. Thank you, and we continue to look forward to serving you, and we continue to strive to deliver you excellent products and exceptional service. We are excited to work together towards an even more successful future.