AMS Mechanical Systems, Inc.

Ben began his career with AMS in 2003 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Throughout his career, Ben has served many roles within AMS including estimating, mechanical design, project management, and senior leadership. He became President in 2017 with a focused dedication to excellence in customer satisfaction and project quality. As President, Ben is responsible for setting the vision for AMS as the company grows and evolves to serve our customer’s needs while maintaining the principals on which AMS was founded: People, Integrity, Safety, Stewardship and Excellence.

Craig brings over 30 years of IT related job experience to the table. He began his career in the mid 80’s starting out as a service manager specializing in hardware and software support related to PC based installations. Over the years, he has successfully completed countless vendor certifications, played a key role in the installation of networks ranging in size from 5 – 2500 nodes located in businesses and K-12 districts throughout the Chicagoland area. Application development and network security are just a few of the many skills he brings to AMS. Craig also paralleled his IT career with serving over 15 years in the law enforcement community.

Dan Panice comes with a broad background in construction management operations and is responsible for the day-to-day operations. Qualified in hiring project managers, writing contracts, and helping design construction plans. Daily serves in a hands-on role in nearly every aspect of construction management projects. Responsible for hiring and supervising the project management team, as well as creating and managing budgets.

Eric brings over 25 years of plumbing experience as a member of Plumbers Local 501/130. He has been involved in many projects throughout his career including retrofits, riser replacements, new construction, design-build, hospitality, food service, renovations, and service. Through design and specifications, to installation, he recognizes the importance of the customer’s needs and expectations to deliver a quality system of value on time and within budget.

John is second generation of ownership and has served as the President of AMS for 40 years until the company transitioned into an ESOP. Currently, John serves as the Chairman of the Board and works very closely with the management team in strategic planning and business development. During his tenure as owner and President John served in a number of roles within AMS helping build the company from a small refrigeration company into a multi-disciple and multi-market MEP contractor. John firmly believes in the founder’s mentality where people and integrity come first.
Throughout his forty years in the industry, John has served on the Board of Directors for MCA, the JATC Committee, PEC Trustee and Arbitration committee and is truly committed to giving back to his industry.

Mike has served in his current role as the chief financial officer since 2001. Previously, he began his career in public accounting and has since worked in the construction industry for 20+ years. He is a graduate of Illinois State University and is a certified public accountant.

Robert is a proven industry leader. His dynamic career spans over 32 years experience working for owners/developers directly, third-party management firms, GC/CM, and Mechanical Contractors. His core competencies include Facility Operations, Operations/Property Management, Commercial Construction Management, MEP Management, MEP Contracting and Systems Integration. 

Tom has been in the commercial/industrial construction game since receiving his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1977. His degree is intertwined with his field experience as a pipefitter. Along the way, Tom picked up his Illinois Professional Engineer’s License and a LEED AP accreditation. He has accompanied AMS on our journey since 1989. Working on elite level projects of sheer importance like HVAC, high/low-pressure steam systems, water treatment plants, and hospital retrofits. Promoted to Vice President in 1994, he continues to demonstrate his excellent selection for this role by making his leadership, skills, and experience available to the employees of AMS. In addition to his role at AMS, Tom has served on the Illinois ASHRAE Board of Governors and currently is a board member for the Mechanical Contractors Association. At home, Tom is the chairman of the Village of Western Springs Infrastructure Committee.

Management, and Business Development experience related to Data Centers, High Rises, Hospitals, Federal / State Government Projects, and Airports.

A B.S.M.E. degree from Illinois Institute of Technology would be the catalyst that set William Montgomery’s focus on Mechanical Piping. Entering the industry in 1971, Bill has been involved in the design and construction of major facilities such as hotels, health care facilities, residential towers, data centers, and major office buildings. Becoming the AMS Vice President of Business Development in 2001, Bill’s career has continued to be just as exciting as it has to watch his superior leadership in action.