“Martin Decker is a stand-up guy who goes above and beyond as a great mentor and leader,” said Chuck Mercado, McElroy’s sheet metal journeyman. “Martin sees the potential in people. He gives up-and-coming guys opportunities they wouldn’t get elsewhere, and helps them learn and grow. He’s the best boss I’ve ever had.” Martin Decker, Jr., manages the McElroy’s sheet metal team, and celebrates his 20th anniversary with McElroy’s on May 2, 2025. We’re proud to honor Martin for his wealth of expertise and the deep respect that flows between him and those who know and work with him.

Learning from Dad

Martin grew up in the sheet metal trade in St. Marys, Kansas. He is the fifth Martin Decker in the family line – his father, Martin Decker, Sr., being the fourth. Working for his father’s company, Martin, Jr. began fabricating ductwork and fittings in seventh grade. Throughout his teenage years, Martin worked summers and holidays, developing his sheet metal knowledge and skills. In 1985, Martin began working with a union contractor in Topeka as a field technician. His first job was helping to build the Kansas Expocentre. Martin became a journeyman, moved up to shop foreman, and was the company’s sheet metal manager for 10 years. In late 2004, Martin decided to start his own company.

Recruited to McElroy’s

In early 2005, Jerry McElroy, then McElroy’s president, knew Martin’s reputation and called him about taking over for McElroy’s sheet metal manager who was retiring. Martin weighed his options and decided that working for an established, well-respected company would be best for his growing family. After meeting with Jerry and Dan Beal, then vice president, Martin accepted their offer. From the outset, Martin’s experience and capabilities have helped ensure that McElroy’s sheet metal operations are second to none.

Smooth and Efficient

“It’s my job to see that sheet metal department operations run smoothly and efficiently, from each project’s start until it ends,” said Martin. “For our teams in the field and in the fabrication shop, it’s important to maintain cost-effective ratios of employee skill levels and expertise.” Martin supervises purchasing so the necessary raw materials, tools and incidentals are available in the shop and at job sites. Martin’s deep experience helps him correct challenges early, train and manage field leaders effectively, and keep projects on time and within budget. “I study the plans and work closely with the foremen so I can know jobs inside and out.”

Honest and Calm

“I’ve worked with Martin since I was a second-year apprentice, nearly 30 years ago,” said Kent Ensley, McElroy’s sheet metal journeyman. “Since Martin got to McElroy’s, I’m always glad to work for him whenever there’s a place for me. He’s very honest, calm and level-headed, with no B.S. I learned from Martin that 90-percent of success is preparation. He’s always thinking weeks or months ahead – helping us make sure we have our equipment, materials, hangers and so on ready to go. Respect is earned, and once you’ve earned it with Martin, he’ll do anything for you. I love working for him!”

One, Two and Three

“I always tell my team that safety is number one. We all need to go home healthy and in one piece each night,” said Martin. “Second is the quality of the work. We hold ourselves to a very high standard of craftsmanship. And third is being productive – getting it done.” To ensure that projects get done as and when expected, Martin works closely with the general contractors, project supervisors and foremen, carefully monitoring scheduling and tracking progress. “I work especially closely with the foremen, mentoring and training. I enjoy helping those guys to develop into leaders.”

Clear Communicator

“Martin has tons of experience and is great at assigning technicians with the right skills to the right jobs. He’s very organized and dependably oversees each project from start to finish,” said Wade Jueneman, McElroy’s president and leader of the commercial construction department. “If there are challenges on a job site, Martin doesn’t get riled up, he just resolves it. He’s a clear communicator – precise and to the point. When he steps in, everyone understands what they need to do to get back on track. Experience is valuable, and being able to clearly communicate that knowledge to others is priceless.”

Large Family

Martin and his wife, Ruthanne, live in a rural home near Paxico, Kansas. Together, they raised a blended family of eight children, including two they adopted after Ruthanne’s sister passed away. All are now grown and on their own, and there are 13 grandchildren. “We enjoy spending time with our large family. We’re big on celebrating holidays and birthdays, and we do a little boating together,” said Martin. “It’s been important to me to make sure everyone has what they need. I’m proud of every one of them!”

Experience and Care

Martin learned the sheet metal trade from his father – which might say something about the relationships he has with those he leads. He genuinely wants his team members to succeed, and they want to succeed for him. Communication flows freely and clearly both ways. Mutual respect is earned and appreciated. At McElroy’s, we value a culture where each employee has the opportunity to become their best, and to know that they matter. Martin Decker, Jr., is an outstanding mentor who leads with experience and care. We’re pleased and proud that Martin has made McElroy’s his career home for the past two decades, and we look forward to his continuing contributions to our team!