John O’Reilly has worked for nearly 40 years in the building-products field, first as an editor, writer and photographer for a trade publication in the plumbing-heating-cooling segment; and, since 1996, for a marketing communications agency that specializes in serving manufacturers of building products.
Key positions include Supply House Times (1972 – 1996), serving in a variety of editorial positions including chief editor (1983 – 1996) and publisher (1989 – 1991).
After working eight years for Loran Nordgren & Company in Frankfort, Ill., John acquired the agency in January 2004, renaming the business LNC Communications. In 2009, he merged his agency with Nora DePalma’s Building Profits, forming O’Reilly/DePalma.
Brands Served: American Standard, Embassy Group, Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association, Grohe Americas, Grundfos Pumps, Hansgrohe, Hy-Lite Windows, JADO, Kohler (China), KWC-Hansa, NIBCO Inc., Mr. Steam, Noritz America, OmegaFlex (TracPipe), Plumbing Manufacturers Institute, Rheem Water Heating, State Industries, Porcher, Safety Tubs, SFA Saniflo, Takagi, Titeflex (Gastite), Uponor.
Applause/Applause: Cahners Publishing Company Editorial Medal of Excellence (2): “Best Staff-Written Editorial” (Gold-1995); “Best Single Article” (Bronze-1995).
Ed Cred: B.A., English Literature, University of Notre Dame; M.A., English Literature, University of Chicago.
Born and Bred: Pittsburgh, Pa., for 11 years and then Chicago.
Impactful Influencers: Virtually every teacher or boss I ever had, even if I was hard-pressed to admit it at the time.
Favorite Things: The Cubs (how ridiculous is that?); my dad’s old desk (now in my office in Frankfort, Ill.); my maternal grandfather’s ancient, gold pocket watch, which needs winding two or three times a day, but still keeps perfect time.
Best Memories From Childhood: Christmases and summers, and the 11 giant oak trees in our backyard in Pittsburgh, which to my adult eyes are no longer quite so giant.
Most Memorable High School Moment: Commencement
Best Part(s) of The Job: (1) Brainstorming strategies and tactics with my colleagues; and (2) a client’s appreciation for helping to make his or her job even just a little bit easier.
Greatest Accomplishment: Being a good husband and father, which doubles as my most humbling experience.
One Word that Describes you Best: “Wordy”
