“I call him MacGyver. No matter what the challenge is, Scott Schneider creates a solution,” said Jimmy Thomas, McElroy’s commercial project manager. “Scott figures out how to get things done in the quickest, easiest way, while still making the work look great. Whether the job is his responsibility or not, he’ll gladly jump in and help. Scott gets a thrill out of solving things others can’t.” Scott Schneider, commercial project supervisor, marks his 20^th anniversary with McElroy’s on September 6, 2025. We’re proud to honor Scott for applying his decades of experience, and his passion for creative thinking, to his leadership on McElroy’s commercial construction projects.

Refrigeration and More

Scott’s favorite classes at Topeka High School were about auto mechanics – the career he planned to pursue. When he was a senior, however, someone came to his class to talk about working on refrigerated semi-trailers. Scott liked the idea and mentioned it to his grandfather, Clarence Dahlstrom, a union carpenter. Clarence told Scott he could join Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local 441 in Topeka and learn about refrigeration and more – while being paid to work! “I was lucky. When I went to the union hall, they were actively accepting apprentice applications,” Scott said. “I signed up and got a job with a local plumbing contractor. That was good for a few years, until they hit a dry spell. I was the last person they laid off.”

Trust and Expectations

Fortunately, McElroy’s was hiring, and Scott got on board. “Grandpa was thrilled. He was familiar with McElroy’s and wished I’d started there in the first place,” Scott said. “My first project was working on a major addition for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, on a crew supervised by Doug Bass. After I turned out as a journeyman, Doug assigned me a variety of smaller jobs that I ran with an apprentice. I was treated with trust and high expectations from the start. I enjoy being free from micro-managing, and like doing the same for others.”

Reser’s Fine Foods

Scott began doing more and more work at facilities of Reser’s Fine Foods, a major customer of McElroy’s, under the onsite direction of Danny Billings. A few years later, when Doug Bass retired, Danny took over Doug’s supervisory duties at the McElroy’s offices. “I became the full-time foreman leading Reser’s projects onsite,” Scott said. “In 2017, We began working on the new Reser’s Crossroads plant at Sixth and Croco in Topeka. It was an overwhelmingly huge job. We have a great team at McElroy’s and we completed the project together – a very satisfying accomplishment for us all. After that giant job, everything else feels achievable.”

Preventing Conflict

“I first worked with Scott when he came on board for the 2005 Blue Cross project, and I’ve been a fan of his ever since. It’s fun to see Scott learn and advance with McElroy’s,” said Dusty Bergquist, McElroy’s commercial construction foreman. “Scott does not like conflict – so he makes projects run smoothly by keeping them organized with attention to detail. Scott ensures the teams he supervises are on the same page by explaining what needs to be accomplished in ways everyone understands. Scott’s focused but easy-going style makes him a great leader to work for.”

Project Supervisor

Danny Billings volunteered to manage the McElroy’s plumbing/pipefitting fabrication shop, leaving his project supervisor position open. Although Scott had limited computer and office experience, he agreed to step up to the task. “Everyone at McElroy’s helps everyone else, regardless of the reporting structure, and I had a lot of assistance getting up to speed,” Scott said. He learned how to do bidding and project proposals and how to supervise even more major projects at one time – serving as the go-between for the project managers and the field techs. “I strive to get the right guys doing what they do best on each job, and see that they have what they need to succeed.”

Quick Answers

“Scott is easy to get along with, and always available if we need him,” said Clint Mayer, a commercial construction plumbing foreman who has been working on Reser’s projects for several years. “Scott makes sure we clearly understand what we’re doing, and that we have the materials we need. Then he trusts us to take it from there. Scott never bird-dogs us. If there are issues, he straightens things out, and quickly gets us the answers we need. Scott has great relationships with the customers and is really good at keeping everyone who’s involved happy.”

Doing the Impossible

Scott takes pride in heading off any onsite concerns before they reach the project managers. “Our field teams are outstanding and know how to solve all kinds of challenges on their own,” Scott said. Every now and then, though, something comes up with no clear solution. “I love it when we hit something that looks like it can’t be done. I get energized and start thinking outside the box to come up with a workable plan. Then we put our heads together and enjoy the satisfaction of doing what seemed impossible. Our customers and leaders notice those efforts, and truly appreciate everyone on the team.”

Band Family

Scott and his wife Erin were high school sweethearts and have been married 23 years. Their four kids do very well in school and are all involved in Washburn Rural band activities. Zack is a senior and is a percussionist, Katelyn is a junior who plays the flute, sophomore Tiffany and seventh-grader Spencer are also percussionists. Scott serves on the Band Parent Council and oversees “swag wear” for band parents and families. “Marching band is a year-round activity, so we’re always busy,” said Scott. “I do a DJ business on the side, and did all the school dances and fall festivals when the kids were younger. Pretty much everything I do is for them.”

Pride in Quality

“The camaraderie we have at McElroy’s is great. It’s a big company, with a family-oriented way of operating,” said Scott. “Craftsmanship is important here, and high-quality work is expected and appreciated from the newest apprentice to top leadership. We hold each other accountable and take collective pride in everything we do.” The pride that Scott takes in his leadership is well known and highly valued. Whether he’s tackling an unusually tricky challenge, or simply keeping projects running smoothly, we thank Scott Schneider for encouraging high expectations with his easy-going, yet demanding style. When things get tough, every team needs a MacGyver to turn to. We’re proud we have Scott Schneider as ours!