“David Dechand has a natural gift for shaping metal,” said a member of the McElroy’s sheet-metal team whom David mentored. “He can turn a flat sheet of stainless steel into practically anything you need. He’d never say so, but he’s probably the smartest, most talented metal worker around. I’ve learned a tremendous amount by watching David work his magic.” David Dechand, McElroy’s sheet-metal shop steward and primary welder celebrates his 10^th anniversary with McElroy’s on July 20, 2025. We’re proud to honor David for his incomparable skills, innovative techniques, and drive for perfection.

Early Jobs

David’s father, Don, was in the sheet metal trade, as were two uncles. David’s grandfather and his grandfather’s uncle founded the business that would later become the Stevenson Company metal-fabrication firm – more on Stevenson later. After graduating from Seaman High in north Topeka, however, David wanted to go his own way. He worked for Pizza Hut for a while, and then for a metal-building constructor for about a year. Then David signed on with a company that built pole barns far and wide. “I traveled with the crew to Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, New York and so on,” David said. “The work was fine, but driving 12 hours or more to the jobsite with three guys in the back of an extended cab was hard to handle. I wanted to work close to home.”

Stevenson Company

David’s father worked at Stevenson and had encouraged David to join him there. In 1991 David was ready. “I worked as a helper for a year, and then joined the union,” David said. “Dad was a hard worker and was pretty high up in the company. He took me under his wing, and I started working on the Topeka 501 magnet schools, and Auburn-Washburn school projects.” In 2009, the Stevenson Company asked David to be their shop foreman. “I had a lot to learn: new metal-machining equipment, computer systems, office programs, CAD. I’m a good learner, but it was overwhelming. My wife, Stacey, and a friend of mine were very supportive and helped me through.” David succeeded with the transition and held that position for five years.

move to McElroy's

In 2014 David was laid off. “They said they’d bring me back, but I didn’t want to wait around,” David said. “I took some project work through the union, but it required traveling again. My kids were young, and it wasn’t the best situation.” Meanwhile, Martin Decker, McElroy’s sheet-metal manager, saw David’s name on the union’s layoff list. He thought to reach out a couple of times, but David was already on another project. When Martin caught David between jobs, he asked him to come to McElroy’s. “I knew how to do all kinds of specialty metal work, but I wasn’t familiar with ductwork. I’d have to learn a new set of skills. McElroy’s is a very reputable company, so I was glad to make the leap.”

Primary Welder

“David is extremely versatile. He has become an expert in building ductwork for McElroy’s, but where he really shines is as our number-one welder,” said Martin Decker. “He knows how to work with stainless steel, aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, black iron and specialty metals. No one can match his craftsmanship in creating things like ventilation hoods, kitchen fixtures and backsplashes, boilers and tanks – you name it, he forms it out of any metal that’s required. Things we used to have to subcontract for, David handles for us in-house – and does it better! I wish I had a book of photos of all the customized things David has made.”

Innovative Ideas

“I enjoy challenges,” David said. When the McElroy’s plumbing team needed a very large iron tank to go in the basement of a local hospital, there was no way to fit it down the stairs. “I created the tank in sections we could move into position where I welded them together.” David’s innovative thinking also extends to finding better ways to get routine things done. “We used to hammer-pound Dyn-O-Loc nuts into the ends of conduit lengths to create duct braces. I invented a tool that presses the nuts into place quickly and easily. It’s been fun creating other tools to help save time and effort for the McElroy’s metal shop.”

Shop Steward

“In addition to being our primary welder, David is the sheet-metal shop steward,” said Anthony Decker, McElroy’s sheet-metal shop foreman. “When I’m away, David’s in charge. He ensures that the team keeps humming along. Every day, he’s sharing his knowledge and pairing up with folks to figure out any challenges. David’s good at breaking things down into step-by-step solutions that journeymen and apprentices can understand and follow. Anyone who really wants to learn a skill should just watch how David does it. In metal work, there’s nobody better to learn from.”

Free Time Pursuits

David and his wife, Stacey, have four adult kids. Daughter Alicia is a mom with two children, son Briar works at a fitness center, daughter MaKenna is a KU sophomore studying pharmacy, and daughter Reilyn is a KSU sophomore in architectural engineering. David likes learning about Topeka history and enjoys the materials in the Topeka Room at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. David’s many other pursuits include artistic drawing, watching NFL football, camping and hunting, and he describes himself as a fishing fanatic. “David and I like to fish together,” said Anthony Decker. “He’s funny, usually in a good mood, and a great friend.”

Asset to the Team

“I had a lot to learn about ductwork when I came to McElroy’s, but I love everything about it now,” David said. “I enjoy the variety of work, helping to guide the young people and generally making the shop run better day by day.” The McElroy’s team is glad that David Dechand joined up with us. His metal-working skills are second to none, and we appreciate his fresh ideas that help the shop run more smoothly and efficiently. We hope David is with us for many years to come!