.svg)
In 1923, D. Claude Luse, "Uncle Claude," founded a small corkboard insulation importer and roofing contractor in Chicago. Through entrepreneurial drive, impeccable business acumen, and unwavering influence, the business thrived in its early days.
The craftsmanship of Luse graced many of Chicago's most iconic structures like the rebuilding of the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the original Chicago Stadium, forever etching the Luse name in the city's skyline.
As time went on, Luse embraced the versatile potential of corkboard in other applications beyond roofing and ventured into the mechanical insulation business. Luse became signatory with Local 17 Heat & Frost Insulators.
Luse survived the Great Depression thanks to our founder’s political connectedness within the City of Chicago. Luse played a role in celebrating Chicago’s Centennial by helping to build the Century of Progress International Exposition, also known as the 1934 Chicago World's Fair.
By the end of WWII, Chicago was doubling in population every decade, and Luse’s expertise found a home in industrial landscapes, insulating piping and boilers across Chicago and Northwest Indiana, including the steel mills and oil refineries built during the Midwest industrial boom.
Uncle Claude passed unexpectedly in 1955, leaving the business to his nephew Duane Claude Luse.
Luse’s mechanical insulation contracting business moved into major commercial jobs, winning contracts for projects such as the John Hancock building, major hotels, and schools.
