“I’ve had a really good run, met a lot of people, and seen a lot of transitions,” said Rendy Habiger, McElroy’s plumbing service sales. “The close relationships I’ve built with teammates and customers, especially during my years in sales, have been great. Being able to help so many people in so many ways has been very satisfying.”

Plumbing Career

Rendy is retiring on Friday, October 3, 2025, after nearly four decades with McElroy’s – almost all of those years in the plumbing trade. “I came on board as a sheet metal helper in January of 1987, but the work the plumbers were doing looked more appealing,” Rendy said. “I entered the union and became a plumbing pre-apprentice.”

Journeyman/Foreman

Five years later Rendy became a journeyman plumber. “Right away I was handed a large set of plans for a major industrial-building remodel,” Rendy said. “That was quite a test, and it turned out good. Over the next ten years, I was foreman for many big projects.”

Manhattan/KSU

In 2002 Rendy turned his focus to supervising the McElroy’s plumbing part of construction projects around Manhattan, Kansas – including a lot of work for K-State University and the athletic department. “I got to know the coaches and the Bill Snyder family. It was enjoyable work that often resulted in sideline football tickets!”

Plumbing Service Sales

In 2013 Rendy was asked to move into commercial plumbing service sales. “I’ve always enjoyed meeting people and taking care of their needs,” Rendy said. “I’ve loved representing McElroy’s and felt good going the extra mile for our customers. They knew they could call me 24/7 for an emergency.”

Family

Rendy and his wife, Sherry, live on five acres south of Auburn, Kansas, where they enjoy riding their side-by-side and ATVs, bicycling and hiking. Their son, Patrick, and his wife, Christina, live in Topeka with their teenage kids, Troy and Sophia. “Patrick, Troy and I like to bow hunt, and both of the kids are very active in sports, which we love to watch,” Rendy said.

Plans

Regarding his retirement plans, Rendy said he was going to take it day by day. “I’ve started using raised beds for my vegetable gardening, and have other ideas for experimentation,” Rendy said. “I’ll be tinkering in the garage a lot, might do some volunteering, and I plan to play a little more golf – especially when they need a ringer for the McElroy’s team.”

Sales Department

Craig Tenbrink, with nearly 10 years as a McElroy’s plumber, has been learning sales from Rendy. “I’m very comfortable with Craig taking things over. He’s already doing a great job,” Rendy said. “And of course Luke Dumler continues to lead the McElroy’s plumbing service team. With all of his background and licenses, Luke can help anybody out of a plumbing jam.”

Wishing Rendy the Best!

After nearly four decades of having Rendy on the McElroy’s team, it’s hard to see him move on. He has filled a variety of key roles, and succeeded at every one. That said, we know it’s time for his next chapter. We thank Rendy Habiger for his service to McElroy’s, and we wish him the very best in retirement!