Corey Keller has been mechanically inclined since he was big enough to wrap his fingers around a wrench – and a steering wheel. “I started quarter-midget racing when I was five,” Corey said. “Competing at the highest level meant constantly tuning and tweaking our racer. My dad and I spent a lot of time together in the garage!” A youth filled with all sorts of racing vehicle competition – and maintenance – eventually led Corey to study HVAC and land a job with McElroy’s. On April 4, 2025, Corey will celebrate 20 years on the McElroy’s team. We’re very proud to have him on board as one of our senior technicians in commercial HVAC service!

Power Sports

As a grade-schooler living in North Topeka, Corey was an elite quarter midget racer, setting a variety of area and regional records. “I placed third in the Grand Nationals held in Pueblo, Colorado when I was nine, and won the MONZA Points Regional multiple times,” Corey said. At age 12, he moved up to ATV racing and competed in local, regional and national events. “My dad, Phil, owned Keller Auto Service, where I worked. Together, we built a side business, Weekend Warrior Off-Road for ATVs, motorcycles and other power sports equipment. When dad retired in 2004, I decided not to take over the business. I was ready to try something different, and wanted a career that would be more reliable for the long-term.”

HVAC at McElroy’s

Through the ATV community, Corey had friends who were craftsmen in the trades. Learning about their experiences, Corey decided that becoming an HVAC technician was the way to go. “I went to Kaw Area Tech and graduated with an HVAC certificate,” Corey said. "Good ATV friends were working at McElroy’s and encouraged me to work there. So I got on board and started out doing residential HVAC service. After a couple of years, I had the chance to move into commercial HVAC service with McElroy’s – working on bigger, more complex heating and air systems. I liked the additional challenge of that work, and have been in that department ever since.”

Natural-born Mechanic

One of those ATV friends was Keith Watkins, who is now vice president at McElroy’s, and commercial HVAC service manager. “Corey and I raced quads together at county and state fairs, so we knew each other long before we began working at McElroy’s,” Keith said. “I was well aware of his mechanical skills. When I started leading the commercial service team, I had total trust in Corey’s abilities. Early on, he wasn’t so confident, and I told him, ‘You’re a natural-born mechanic. You can figure anything out!’ That sunk in, and he just took off. He’ll ask for help if he’s truly stumped, but nowadays he can solve just about any challenge. Over the years, Corey has been our go-to guy for some of the largest, most complicated commercial heating and cooling projects. It’s not just me. Our customers know it too – Corey’s up to any task.”

Adventures and Puzzles

Corey performs commercial HVAC service for many of the largest customers McElroy’s has: Security Benefit, Lawrence Paper Company, Capitol Federal, Stormont Vail Health, and the historic Jayhawk Tower, to name a few. “I enjoy getting to know the customers I serve regularly, and I like the satisfaction of taking care of their needs – from routine maintenance to tough emergencies,” Corey said. “Although I’ve worked in these buildings for many years and am very familiar with all their mechanical systems, each day can still be an adventure. I like that! It’s rewarding to sort out and put together a tough puzzle.”

Rigid Method

For the most part, Corey is a lone wolf, tackling projects on his own. From time to time, though, an extra set of hands and strong arms are a necessity. Chriss Reece has teamed with Corey a few times, and quickly discovered how meticulous Corey is. “When you work with Corey, you’re going to be very focused on the job at hand,” Chriss said. “He has certain ways of getting things done – a rigid, step-by-step method. That’s great for a helper with a desire to learn. You know exactly what Corey wants you to do, and the quality he expects. At the end of the day, you’ll have picked up his good habits, and you’ll definitely feel proud of the work you’ve helped to accomplish!”

Trusted Advice

McElroy’s customers also like Corey’s hard-core attention to details. “Corey is very professional and reliable, and our clients count on him to do exactly what they need him to,” said Jason Long, McElroy’s commercial HVAC sales consultant. “They trust Corey’s experience, they listen to his advice, and they appreciate his recommendations. Customers know Corey is working in their best interest.” Corey’s natural willingness to help out extends beyond work to his friends and coworkers as well. “He has skills that come in very handy, and he’ll pitch in for a buddy’s after-hours project. Corey’s just a great guy.”

Just for Fun

Friends say that back in the day, Corey would draw a breathless crowd when he jumped sand dunes on his dirt bike at Oklahoma’s Little Sahara State Park. Corey doesn’t race or go wild anymore. A 2007 injury convinced him of that. But he still enjoys riding challenging trails on an ATV. “It’s more fun when it’s just for fun,” Corey said. He gets together with his father, his brother Nick, and friends to off-road in places like Moab, Utah, or Colorado’s Gunnison, and Crested Butte. Plus, he still enjoys being an engine builder and machinist with his Weekend Warrior hobby business. “It’s not the size it was before dad retired, but I like to keep my hand in play.”

Different. Better.

Thinking back on his 20 years with McElroy’s, Corey had this to say: “I’ve enjoyed McElroy’s a lot. The work is pretty much the same whoever you work for, but McElroy’s is different. Better. It’s the people. We all care about each other and our customers. We do work we’re proud of, and we treat each other well – on the job, and on our own time, too. It’s the only place I’d work.” We’re happy you feel that way, Corey, because we’re so glad and proud you’re on our team. Mechanical craftsmanship is in your bones. It’s simply who you’ve always been – and our customers and team members are all better off for it. Thank you for (your first) two decades with McElroy’s Corey!