Patrick Finn, a renowned remodeler in the North Suburbs of Chicago, embarked on his American journey in 1987. Born in England and raised in Ireland, he honed his craft as a carpenter from a young age. With his mastery of traditional techniques and unwavering dedication, he quickly gained recognition for his integrity and attention to detail. His passion for his work led him across the Atlantic, where he quickly made a name for himself in Chicago, working with prominent architects and designers.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own construction company, Patrick A. Finn, Ltd. Custom Homes and Remodeling. Through hard work and a touch of luck, his business flourished, earning a reputation for fairness, value, and exceptional craftsmanship. Let's read what Patrick has to say about his humble beginnings.
Q: What were your initial impressions of the United States when you first arrived?
I loved it right off the bat. Before I got here, I lived just outside London and worked there for two years, so I was used to a very fast-paced lifestyle. Coming to Chicago was like a breath of fresh air, as the pace of life is a little slower here. I had done a lot of research before immigrating, and I chose Chicago as it was the third largest city in the US and, to me, seemed to be the most interesting.
Q: Was there anything surprising about your move?
The weather in Chicago is quite extreme compared to what I was used to. The summers are significantly warmer, and the winters are much colder. I was also surprised by how quickly the weather can change. Ireland and England's climate is milder, without such drastic temperature fluctuations.
I was taken aback by the large Irish population in the Chicago area. At my first company, I met someone who attended the same secondary school as me, although he was a few years ahead. It was a familiar face from a town just six miles from where I grew up. It's a small world! He introduced me to several other people from Killarney who were also living in Chicago. Additionally, my first job was for a man from Northern Ireland, and his entire crew was Irish. This made me feel right at home.
Q: What stood out the most to you about your transition to life in the United States?
The American people, particularly in the Chicago area, are incredibly warm, open, and friendly toward Irish immigrants. Living here felt more like an extension of Ireland than my time in England. It was also comforting to see how much the Irish community supports and helps one another settle into life in the United States.
Patrick A. Finn's Commitment to Quality & Serving the Community
Since founding Patrick A. Finn, Ltd. in 1991, Patrick has grown the company from a handful of remodeling projects to an impressive portfolio of hundreds of award-winning homes throughout Hyde Park, the North Shore, and the Northwest suburbs. His dedication to quality craftsmanship, honed in England, remains the cornerstone of every project.
Patrick’s success is a testament to his talented team of craftsmen, laborers, and designers who share his vision. Together, they work tirelessly to deliver projects on time, within budget, and with exceptional results that exceed their clients' expectations.
Explore our portfolio of work to see how Patrick's expertise can transform your home.
Download our ebook, Patrick A. Finn's Ultimate Blueprint to Creating Your Dream Home, to learn about Patrick A. Finn's proven approach to home remodeling and building.
