“Richard Hammer is a licensed engineer with a great deal of experience in mechanical-system design and construction,” said Dan Beal, McElroy’s chairman. “What makes Richard exceptional is how effectively he moves from the office to the job site. He knows the value of helping solve challenges shoulder-to-shoulder with a field team, and is often a hands-on leader at the construction sites he manages.” Richard Hammer, McElroy’s commercial project engineer/manager, celebrates his 10^th anniversary with McElroy’s on August 10, 2025. We’re proud to honor Richard for his ability and dedication to managing large, complex projects from start to finish, and for his high moral values.

Not Agriculture

Richard grew up in North Topeka and attended the Seaman school district. As a youth, he enjoyed the outdoors, camping and scouting – attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating high school, Richard followed his older brother and sister to Highland Community College where he pursued ag-related studies. “It turned out I didn’t really enjoy agriculture, but I wasn’t sure what I’d like any better,” Richard said. After completing four semesters at Highland, Richard was motivated to find a path he could commit to. “I knew I had an opportunity to improve myself through college that my parents didn’t have – and it was up to me to figure it out.”

KSU Engineering

Looking at a Kansas State University catalog, Richard spotted KSU’s engineering program. “It appealed to me, and I decided to go all in. I set rules for myself so I’d be up to the challenge,” Richard said. “I discovered I enjoyed the mode of thinking advanced math requires, and I found that solving complex math problems was rewarding. This was the first time I actually liked studying and learning.” While at KSU, he met Jessica Otto, then a student at Washburn University, when she sang at Richard’s sister’s wedding. “She got my attention! We were engaged after six months – and married the year we both graduated.”

Walmart Remodels

After earning his B.S. in architectural engineering, Richard worked a few months as a drafter for a Topeka firm, but decided he’d rather work on his own designs than to draw those of others. He got a job with an engineering firm in Lenexa, Kansas. “I had to commute, but it was a good start in actual engineering,” Richard said. “I worked on HVAC and plumbing designs, mostly for remodeling Walmart stores.” After a couple of years, Richard joined a group of the firm’s employees on a trip to test for their engineering licenses in California – a state that only requires two years of on-the-job experience for eligibility. He passed the test, and two years later, he qualified for his Kansas engineering license as well.

“Serious Engineering”

“Living in North Topeka, the commute was getting in the way of my growing family. Plus, I was ready to work on projects other than Walmart remodels,” Richard said. In 2006, he joined an engineering firm in Topeka. Over the next eight years, Richard worked on designs for a wide array of new buildings, additions and remodels. “I designed the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for schools, churches, government buildings and more. I had the opportunity to really stretch out and do serious engineering!”

Move to McElroy’s

While in college, Richard had done an engineering internship at a Topeka firm where Wade Jueneman was working. Wade and Richard reconnected as leaders in Topeka’s 20/30 Club. In 2015, Wade was running the McElroy’s commercial construction team and had an opening for an engineer who would also manage projects. “I found it frustrating, when working for a strictly design-engineering firm, that we had to hand off our plans for someone else to build,” Richard said. “At McElroy’s, I could both design and see that my plans would be fully realized as intended – or I would be the one to make any necessary changes. Knowing how strong Wade’s team at McElroy’s was, I knew what we designed and built would be great.”

“Good People”

“McElroy’s needed an engineer with detailed knowledge of the mechanical systems we build, who could be trusted to run with projects on their own. Richard quickly became a key part of the team,” said Wade Jueneman, now McElroy’s president. “His technical skills are excellent, he’s reliable, detail oriented, and I depend upon him heavily. It didn’t take Richard long to learn how to win new projects and to manage them – both in the office and in the field. What’s more, his personal values are exemplary. Simply put, he’s good people – an all-around fit we love.”

The Tough Jobs

Sometimes challenging projects are out for bid that other mechanical contractors decline for being too tough. Those projects catch Richard’s eye. “My engineering background helps me see solutions that other contractors don’t. I enjoy being the guy who knows we can win that job and get it done,” Richard said. Richard has personally designed the mechanical systems for many projects McElroy’s has done. When he isn’t the designer, Richard is a great resource, working closely with design firms, general contractors and owners to help resolve engineering issues together. And as mentioned, Richard likes working with McElroy’s field teams to see that the tough matters get handled.

Working Side-by-Side

“Richard is frequently on his job sites, side-by-side with us. He has a brilliant mind, thinking through issues and spotting potential problems before they happen,” said Chuck Mercado, McElroy’s sheet metal foreman. “Richard takes great pride in his work as a project manager and pushes himself hard for the highest quality. That motivates everyone around him to do the same. Richard and I and Dusty Bergquist have worked together on some very large and demanding projects that have pulled us tightly together like a brotherhood. It’s a pleasure working with Richard, and he has my highest respect!”

Family

Richard and Jessica are very active in Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church in North Topeka. Jessica, with a master’s degree in psychology, is the director of the Cor Christi Catholic Center at Washburn University. Their son Garrett, an Eagle Scout like his father, is studying mechanical engineering at KSU. He worked as a helper on the McElroy’s construction team during the 2024 summer season. Daughter Jillian recently graduated from Royal Valley High School and will attend KSU to study hospitality management. She would like to be a party and events planner. Together, Jessica and Richard like hiking nature trails, kayaking, and visiting cathedrals and churches. In his free time, Richard is a do-it-yourselfer who enjoys remodeling and landscaping.

Risk/Reward

“McElroy’s has taken some big risks on me, trusting me to run very large and demanding projects,” Richard said. “They empower me to use my gifts and talents to the best of my ability, and that’s very rewarding.” Any risks taken on Richard Hammer have also shown excellent rewards for McElroy’s. We appreciate Richard’s ability and desire to take on challenges that others fear, and to see them through to a successful conclusion. He is a proven leader – as a deep-thinking engineer, and as a devoted brother in the trenches. Thank you, Richard, for your first decade with the McElroy’s team! Here’s to many more years!