We’re proud to congratulate Keith Watkins, McElroy’s vice president and leader of commercial HVAC service and McElroy Controls, as the 2025 honoree of the McElroy’s Core Values Integrity Award. “A record number of exemplary McElroy’s team members were nominated by their peers this year, and the selection committee carefully considered each of them,” said McElroy’s Chairman Dan Beal. “Keith Watkins rose to the top for consistently demonstrating all five of our Core Values throughout the course of his nearly three decades with our team.”

Most Prestigious McElroy’s Award

The McElroy’s Core Values Integrity Award is the highest honor a McElroy’s employee can receive. Given annually, this award celebrates an employee whose work especially exemplifies McElroy’s Core Values, while achieving excellence in service to the McElroy’s team, customers and community. Our Core Values are: Positive Attitude, Trustworthiness, Problem Solving, Craftsmanship and Service to Others.

Service to Others

While Keith excels in all five values, his concern for the wellbeing of others may be his most outstanding trait. “Keith has to be one of the most unselfish employees at McElroy’s,” said Brit Hunsicker, McElroy’s HVAC service sales. “He’s always looking out for the technicians he leads and the customers we serve. Whether it’s 3pm on a Friday or 2am on a Tuesday, Keith is willing to come to the jobsite and help figure things out. He wants to see his team excel in their career, and also thrive in their home life.”

Problem Solving Craftsman

“Keith wants to make sure we deliver the absolute best solutions for our customers,” said Nick Newsom, commercial HVAC technician.  “When you need assistance with a challenge, Keith doesn’t just hand you the answer. He asks the right questions, so you’ll come up with the answer yourself. Many of our technicians feed off his passion for craftsmanship, making sure every job is done right, and with a positive attitude. Keith has been a great mentor to me and many other technicians.”

Donation to “Called to Greatness”

Each year, McElroy’s donates $500 to the charity of the honoree’s choice. Keith designated the Called to Greatness campus ministry for this year’s contribution. “I’m proud to support the ministry’s welcoming environment where college students can cultivate community, build lifelong friendships and find wise and caring mentors,” said Keith. Called to Greatness partners with local churches to improve the lives of youth attending the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, University of Missouri Kansas City, Baker University, Haskell Indian Nations University, Johnson County Community College and Washburn University.

Honoring Leadership and Integrity

“Keith will celebrate his 30^th work anniversary with McElroy’s in July 2026,” said McElroy’s President Wade Jueneman. “Keith started with McElroy’s as an HVAC technician. Over the years he has continually accepted new and expanding responsibilities. His trustworthy nature, excellent technical knowledge and steady management abilities have earned him a key role as vice president. McElroy’s is proud to honor Keith with the highest award McElroy’s bestows. Thank you, Keith, for your leadership, integrity and dedication to the ideals of McElroy’s!”

The 2025 Selection Committee

Tanner Darveaux, commercial-construction sheet-metal journeyman; Dalton Gray, warehouse team; Lindsey Harlan, customer service & accounting specialist; Dylan Huninghake, commercial HVAC service technician; Nathan Zirkle, commercial construction foreman.