Ahern’s core purpose is to create and maintain systems that save lives, improve the environment, and ensure personal comfort and well-being
Whether partnering on new construction or retrofit projects, servicing existing facilities, or providing prefabricated piping, Ahern consistently minimizes its clients’ risk, for projects and service requests of all sizes. With a dedicated team of over 1700 employees specializing in pipe fabrication, mechanical contracting, and fire protection, the company boasts unmatched expertise and experience. We learn more about Ahern’s evolution in the construction industry from Tony Ahern, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer for the 145-year-old company.
“David Ahern, my great-great-great-grandfather, founded D. Ahern & Son in 1880 on Main Street in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, with his sons. Initially, the business focused on residential sanitary plumbing, steam, and water heating services. Throughout the mid-1900s, it continued to expand in both sales and scope, undertaking numerous municipal, energy, governmental, manufacturing, commercial, and institutional projects across Wisconsin. In the 1970s, growing environmental concerns led to increased public investment in water and wastewater treatment. This prompted Ahern to enter the market, which remains an important part of our business today. Recognizing substantial opportunities in the fire protection sector, the company established a dedicated fire protection division in 1981. Presently, the company remains privately owned and is led by the fifth generation of the Ahern family. I serve as President and Chief Operating Officer, alongside my brother, Tripp, who is Chairman and CEO. The company currently employs over 1750 people and operates 17 offices across seven states,” Tony elaborates.
Full-service solutions
Thanks to its extensive expertise, Ahern delivers a versatile range of services that meet the diverse needs of its clientele. “We offer a full spectrum of mechanical, fabrication and fire protection solutions, including both contract work and ongoing service across many vertical markets and industries. On the mechanical side, we deliver comprehensive HVAC, plumbing, process piping, and building controls services on a design-build, design-assist, or plan-and-spec basis. Our skilled technicians also conduct routine inspections, preventive maintenance, service maintenance, and emergency services to ensure systems operate smoothly. Within our fire protection division, we manage everything from the design to the installation of sprinkler and suppression systems, alarms, detection systems, and extinguishers, while our technicians offer prompt service maintenance.
“For commercial, industrial, and manufacturing environments, we offer installation, repair, machine automation, and fabrication, along with preventive maintenance for systems and equipment installed by us or other contractors. Additionally, we provide high-quality prefabricated piping in various materials and sizes for industrial, municipal, power, and process equipment projects. As a full-service mechanical and fire protection contractor, we serve nearly every vertical market, including municipal water and wastewater, commercial and industrial sectors, mining, healthcare, power generation, oil and gas, manufacturing, aviation, technology, and food and beverage,” Tony explains.
A few months ago, one of Ahern’s projects was honored at the AGC of Wisconsin Build Wisconsin Awards, a testament to the company’s high standards of work. Tony goes on to discuss this project. “Located in Madison, Wisconsin, the Urban League HUB was created to support Black Americans and other underrepresented groups in running their businesses, providing greater accessibility and opportunities for community members. The overall vision of the project is to foster a thriving environment for many Black-owned businesses to operate within the space. For the past two years, we have been helping to transform this vision into reality. With 14 buildouts completed and two currently underway, our teams have had to adapt plans throughout the ongoing work. One of the many benefits of working with us is that we handle design in-house, which saves the HUB money and allows us to pass those savings directly onto the client, unlike third-party contractors who would typically mark up the cost of additional work. The HUB has already made a positive impact on the community; the space is open to the public, and several Black-owned businesses are already operational,” he reveals.
Inspiring the next generation 
Another key endeavor involves Ahern’s partnership with many local schools. Tony sheds light on the purpose of these collaborations. “At Ahern, we are committed to building strong communities by investing in the next generation of skilled professionals. Through Project G.R.I.L.L. (Growing Readiness in Learning and Leading), an Envision Greater Fond du Lac initiative, we partner with tech-ed students for a year-long project consisting in designing and building a grill from scratch. Project G.R.I.L.L. enables our experts to educate students, guide them through the fabrication process, and provide insights into various careers within the trades. This year we partnered with Central Wisconsin Christian School.
“We also conduct school-to-work programs with local high schools to introduce juniors and seniors to the trades as well as our office. One of the most impactful opportunities we offer is our youth apprenticeship program, which allows students to gain paid, hands-on experience while exploring different career paths within the company, which often leads to full-time employment after graduation. Together, these programs inspire and prepare the next generation of skilled professionals who will carry the industry forward,” he expresses.
The ACE Academy is another initiative that teaches students in the Fond du Lac area about architecture, construction, and engineering. Local companies, including Ahern, collaborate with the ACE Academy to provide students with hands-on experience and education about the trades. Additionally, Envision Greater Fond du Lac also offers Fond du Lac ROCK, which stands for Retention, Opportunity, Community, and Knowledge. This program is designed to help high school seniors without post-graduation plans explore the career opportunities available in the local community. The trades offer excellent options for many of these students, who simply need to learn more about all the possibilities available to them,” he expresses.
From mechanical contracting to pioneering fire protection solutions, Ahern’s expertise and diversified service offerings have solidified its reputation as a trusted partner for projects of all scales. Through steady growth, strategic acquisitions, and a commitment to operational excellence, Ahern has become a respected mechanical, fabrication and fire protection contractor in the US. As the company continues to invest in the next generation of skilled professionals, its legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.