Pete Korellis retired as CEO after 40 years with one of the largest roofing companies in Chicagoland, Korellis in Hammond.
He previously owned the family-owned roofing firm dating back to 1960, but transferred the ownership to employers as a succession plan. Korellis joined the company, which was founded by his father, George Korellis, after graduating from college in the mid-1980s.
He worked to shift Korellis from a residential business to serving the bigger commercial and industrial customers that are common in the Calumet Region. The company now offers an array of roofing, sheet metal, carpentry and masonry services.
“Our first big job was for Ford Motor Co. in 1984,” Pete Korellis said. “The Chicago Assembly Plant was re-tooling to start production of the brand-new Taurus. That project was the catalyst for Korellis rising to the top in the roofing industry.”
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He worked to build up the organization with lifelong friend and business partner Jeff Tharp, who retired in July.
“This is a big company, and a lot of people rely on Korellis to support their families. Jeff and I grew into it,” Korellis said. “When I came to work full-time, there were eight employees.”
Korellis now employs more than 220 workers during the peak construction season in the summer.
Video provided in partnership with The Times, JEDtv and WJOB. Sponsored by Strack & Van Til.
Korellis worked with his father every day for many decades. George Korellis continued …….