Longtime Mercy Home Neighbor Exposes Youth to New Career Field

July 31, 2025

Two of the oldest organizations in Chicago’s West Loop partnered for a morning filled with career exploration and a comprehensive tour of Mid-Lakes Distributing.  

Founded in the early 1920’s in a little hardware store on the northwest side of Chicago, Mid-Lakes Distributing found a niche in heating and plumbing equipment and began filing patents before manufacturing their own parts. Recognized as a complete supplier for HVAC equipment and parts in the Chicago area, Mid-Lakes Distributing moved to the West Loop in Chicago in the early 1960s and remains there today where it provides customers with HVAC and water heating equipment.  

The northeast corner of Mercy Home’s West Loop Campus is less than 300 feet away from Mid-Lakes Distributing. Their long history in the area makes them old neighbors with Mercy Home, which moved into its current location in 1889, two years after its founding in Chicago’s financial district.

“We’re probably the dinosaurs of the neighborhood,” Mike Hollub said. “I don’t know if anyone is older than us and Mercy Home.” 

Although the two organizations have been next-door neighbors for decades, their paths rarely cross. But after Mercy Home’s Summer Career Institute (SCI) program increased programming that exposed youth to careers in the trades, partnering with Mid-Lakes felt like a seamless fit.  

Mercy Home’s Board of Regents Chair Nancy Temple and Hollub’s children grew up together, and Temple connected Hollub with Gabe Avalos, senior coordinator of post-secondary options & career resources.  

“I can’t say no to Nancy,” Hollub said. “She’s the nicest person. I couldn’t believe I didn’t know more about Mercy Home. Plus, I have two sons, and your mission resonated with me. So, I wanted to share my story and give back.” 

As part of Mercy Home’s SCI program, youth spend part of the break from school visiting different businesses and organizations across the city, practicing their networking skills, and learning about career opportunities. Some youth are interested in going to college and earning a bachelor’s degree, while others aspire to enter the workforce earlier.  

“When you find something you’re passionate about, find somebody who can give you what you need and earn it,” Hollub told the young men while touring Mid-Lakes Distributing. 

During the presentation, Hollub shared that even in high school, he was hauling welding cables up and down stairs for work. He worked hard and it helped land him the opportunities he’s had throughout his career.  

“I was learning, and they were super flexible because I was still in school,” he told the young men. “I was probably your age. Those first jobs I had gave me money that most people my age didn’t.” 

He developed business management skills and has remained at the company for 16 years. 

“I love where I’m at,” Hollub said. “This is exactly where I want to be.” 

Following the presentation, Hollub gave the young men a tour of the facility and showed them where they store the equipment. This visit was a great opportunity for our youth to learn more about the HVAC supply industry. 

Thank you to Mid-Lakes Distributing for being such wonderful and generous hosts and friendly neighbors!