“Summer internships help students put what they’re studying into real-life use, while test-driving their career options,” said Wade Jueneman, McElroy’s president. “Our company appreciates the energy and fresh ideas students bring. We also like building relationships with promising recruits to help fill future roles in our company.” This year, McElroy’s was pleased to host five outstanding students: Luke Rothfuss, Max Lowe, Luke Webber, Garrett Hammer and Ty Beam.

Luke Rothfuss

Luke R. grew up in Topeka, Kansas, and graduated from Washburn Rural High School where he especially enjoyed math and science. This fall, Luke will start his junior year studying mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas. “Wade Jueneman said I’d have the chance to participate in the full range of experiences of an engineer in commercial construction, and I have,” Luke said. Luke worked with experts at McElroy’s to practice computer-aided design and project estimating. He helped in the field with the plumbing and sheet-metal teams to see how projects get done, and to witness how all the systems shown on a project’s plans actually fit together. “This internship has helped me to sharpen my problem-solving skills and to better understand the bigger picture of mechanical engineering.”

Max Lowe

Max was born and raised near Manhattan, Kansas. He attended Riley County High School where he was active in several clubs and excelled in cross country and track. This fall, Max will return to Kansas State University where he is a junior in the architectural engineering program. “My interest is in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) area of engineering – so interning with McElroy’s was ideal for me,” Max said. “I’ve been involved in a variety of interesting field projects like putting in boilers, mounting and connecting a rooftop air-handling unit, and helping to lay out below-ground piping. It’s definitely hard work, but I enjoy problem solving and working with my hands. It will be great to apply what I’ve learned this summer to my studies at KSU.”

Luke Webber

Luke W. graduated from Washburn Rural High School in Topeka and will be a senior in mechanical engineering at Kansas State University this fall. “I enjoy figuring out how things work – like working on cars with my dad,” Luke said. Last summer Luke interned with a metal engineering company where he worked almost exclusively on welding. His internship at McElroy’s has helped him gain a broader idea of what mechanical engineering looks like day-by-day. “I worked on construction plans and discovered what you can and can’t do with plumbing and ductwork systems. We practiced project estimating, learning how bids are done and where the numbers come from. I also spent a lot of time on job sites, helping with ductwork in the field. It was a true work-force experience!”

Garrett Hammer

Garrett is a Hoyt, Kansas, native who took Washburn Tech classes while in high school. After high school graduation, he completed his Associates in Industrial Technology through Washburn University. “My main interest was machine tooling, so I worked at Topeka Foundry as a machinist – part time during school and full-time last summer,” Garrett said. “Interning in the McElroy’s piping fabrication shop this summer has allowed me to learn a lot about the commercial construction field.” In addition to helping around the shop, Garrett made deliveries to construction job sites and assisted with efforts there. “Everyone at McElroy’s is very friendly and welcoming, and they sure do put you through the paces! I like accomplishing things, so it’s been a great experience.”

Ty Beam

Ty Beam will be a senior at Seaman High School in Topeka where his favorite classes include wood and metal shop, welding, cooking and history. He is also working toward an HVAC Certificate at Washburn Tech. Last year Ty worked for a fence-building company. This summer He is interning in the McElroy’s sheet-metal fabrication shop. In addition to general shop maintenance, Ty helps load materials and deliver them to area job sites. “I like getting out in the field and seeing how the technicians work together to build things,” Ty said. “I’ve had the chance to meet a lot of helpful people, do a variety of interesting tasks, and see what it’s like to actually work in this kind of setting.”

Valuable Contributions

All of this summer’s interns have provided valuable services in a variety of areas in the McElroy’s commercial construction department. “These young people are very bright, talented and hard working,” Wade said. "Each of them pitched in and helped however they could, to the best of their abilities. We trust they gained the experience they were hoping for – and we know they'll make a positive impact for whichever companies they join in the future. I know we'd be pleased to have them with McElroy's."