History of Flader Plumbing & Heating Co.

Fred Flader Plumbing & Heating, Co. was founded in 1917 by Gottfried William Flader. His first office was located at 1922 Cental Street - Evanston. In 1919 Fred Flader Plumbing & Heating, Co. moved to 1918 Harrison Street – Evanston and remained there until 1970 when they moved to their current location 3004 Central Street.

Upon the death of Fred Flader, Calvin Flader, his son, became the owner of Flader Plumbing & Heating Co. When Calvin retired in April of 1976, Bill and John Flader puchased the business from their father. Cal remained a consultant until his death in January of 1985.

Fred Flader Plumbing & Heating, Co. was featured in the March 1940 issue of Fortune Magazine as one of the 15,000 plumbing companies serving homeowners and some light commercial work in the early 1900's.



Fred Flader left home at the age of 14 and went to work for a toy manufacturing company before being asked to become a helper with a licensed plumber. After forming Fred Flader Plumbing & Heating, Co., he explained how he bid on contract jobs during the depression and how hard it was to obtain work. In fact, Fred submitted 150 bids and only received 7 contract jobs for the year.

Committed to his business, Mr. Flader worked many long hours to maintain one of the finest plumbing shops on the North Shore. Fred Flader Plumbing & Heating, Co. was one of the few companies to remain in business during the depression. In the Fortune Magazine article, Fred said he was very proud of his accomplishments in the industry as well as owning his business.

Remembering how hard it was to make ends meet during the depression, Cal brought that philosophy with him when he inherited the business from his father. Cal worked very hard to make Flader Plumbing & Heating, Co. what it is today – a very fine upstanding company with only the highest work ethics.

With Fred and Cal's efforts in mind, Bill and John work hard to make sure that these high standards are maintained. This has allowed Flader Plumbing & Heating, Co. to grow to its fullest potential.

We now have three locations to serve you!
Evanston, Vernon Hills & Round Lake.