Smiling All the Time

Barb Rittenhouse is celebrating her 25th McElroy’s work anniversary on Friday, December 11, 2020. If you want a shining example of the McElroy’s “Positive Attitude” core value, it’s Barb. Those who know and work with her describe Barb as “happy and smiling all the time,” and “full of positive light and energy.” She is as customer-oriented as a person can be. She’s also incredibly detail-oriented. That combination of attitude and accuracy have served Barb and her employers well.

Passion for Hospitality

Barb grew up in Topeka and attended Highland Park schools. After graduation, she and her best friend Karen King moved to Cedar Rapids to get jobs. “I was always good with numbers,” Barb said, “and that led to working as the night auditor at the historic Roosevelt Hotel.” Barb’s true passion for customer service suited hospitality work well and led her to jobs at 4- and 5-star hotels. “Eventually, Karen and I went to Tucson where I worked at the Marriott and then the Hilton,” Barb said. “I was married in Tucson and realized when my son Hantz was born that the schools there weren’t great. When he was two, we moved back to Topeka.”

Accounts Payable at McElroy’s

Barb exudes so much energy and positivity that every time she interviewed for a new job, she was hired on the spot. “I didn’t even know who McElroy’s was, but they wanted me for accounts payable,” she recalled. “Numbers are my specialty and I really enjoy balancing, so that sounded good to me.” Barb discovered that her people-person nature fit in great at McElroy’s. “Everybody is easy to work with. Even when we’re very busy, the focus is always on solutions. This crew is awesome!”

Number One

Barb likes keeping busy. “In accounting, you’re never really caught up,” she said. “I listen to my music and my fingers rock out on the keyboard.” She also appreciates the company’s values. “McElroy’s looks out for and stands behind their employees. We work together and get all the support we need to make sure our customers are always number one.”

Family Oriented

Barb was one of eight kids in a blended family and most of that large group is still nearby. “I take my dad Cliff out for bingo,” Barb said, “and Hantz and I like getting together with the family at outdoor events, like Cider Days and the Baldwin Maple Leaf Festival.” Barb also enjoys the family atmosphere at McElroy’s. “It doesn’t seem like I’ve been here 25 years, but I’ve watched Dan Beal’s sons and Greg Hunsicker’s sons grow from infants to young men.”

It’s Your Choice

“Some people carry bad moods wherever they go,” Barb said. “But you pick and choose how you feel. I have a nice home, my car runs, I have a great son and a job I love. Why wouldn’t I be happy?” We guarantee that at McElroy’s we're very happy with you, Barb. And we hope you choose to keep bringing your positive attitude to brighten our days for a long time to come. Thank you for everything you do!