We’re celebrating Gail Sage, a McElroy’s commercial construction sheet-metal foreman, as the 2023 honoree of the McElroy’s Core Values Integrity Award. “Many exemplary McElroy’s team members were nominated by their peers, and the selection committee carefully considered each of them,” said McElroy’s President Dan Beal. “Gail Sage was unanimously chosen for consistently demonstrating all five of our Core Values in everything that he does.”

Most Prestigious McElroy’s Award

The McElroy’s Core Values Integrity Award is the highest honor a McElroy’s employee can receive. Given annually, this award celebrates an employee whose work especially exemplifies McElroy’s Core Values, while achieving excellence in service to the McElroy’s team, customers and community. Our Core Values are: Positive Attitude, Trustworthiness, Problem Solving, Craftsmanship and Service to Others.

Trustworthy

While Gail excels in all five values, his trustworthiness is his most outstanding trait. Gail recently celebrated his 40^th anniversary of working for McElroy’s. He is known for working just as hard the last minute of every day as he did the first. “Gail goes 100-percent all the time,” said Jimmy Thomas, McElroy’s commercial project manager. “He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever seen.” While Gail works quickly, he’s also known to do installations “perfectly” – never scrimping on the quality of the details.

Most Knowledgeable

With more than 40 years of experience, and a desire to always keep learning, Gail is one of the area’s most knowledgeable practitioners of the sheet-metal trade. He enjoys tough projects and challenges and is always willing to propose new ideas and solutions. “We love to pair up-and-coming apprentices with Gail,” said McElroy’s Vice President Wade Jueneman. “If just a little bit of Gail rubs off on an apprentice, you’re going to have a better worker. It’s hard to imagine any other sheet-metal technician reaching the bar Gail has set.”

Donation to North Topeka Saddle Club

Each year, McElroy’s donates $500 to the charity of the honoree’s choice. Gail designated North Topeka Saddle Club for this year’s contribution. “When my daughter, Erin, was growing up, she participated in a lot of junior rodeos, barrel races and such that North Topeka Saddle Club hosted,” said Gail. “The folks who operate the club work hard to keep it nice and to host events that promote the equine lifestyle for kids and families from all around. Members of 4-H and FFA are very involved with the club and have great opportunities to help run, and participate in, equine activities and events.” Donations help with facility upkeep and improvements.

Honoring A Trusted Role Model

“Gail is a great role model,” said McElroy’s President Dan Beal. “We know we can always trust him to put his hard-earned skills, boundless energy and upbeat attitude to work for our customers. We’re pleased to honor Gail with the highest honor the McElroy’s team bestows. Thank you, Gail, for your service, integrity and dedication to the ideals of McElroy’s!”

The 2023 Selection Committee

Jesus “Junior” Barajas, residential service plumber; Brian Bergquist, commercial construction plumber/pipefitter; Shawn Kelley, warehouse manager; Joanne Ortiz, accounting/service pricing.