McElroy’s 2022 Core Values Integrity Award: Preston Bond

Preston Bond, a McElroy’s commercial construction project manager, is the 2022 honoree of the McElroy’s Core Values Integrity Award. “Many outstanding McElroy’s team members were nominated by their peers, and the selection committee carefully considered each of them,” said McElroy’s President Dan Beal. “Preston Bond was ranked at the top of every scale for consistently demonstrating all five of our Core Values in everything that he does.”

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. McElroy’s Core Values are: Positive Attitude, Trustworthiness, Problem Solving, Craftsmanship and Service to Others.

While Preston excels regarding all five values, his Trustworthiness is where he especially stands out. For several years, he has been managing plumbers, pipefitters and HVAC technicians for successful completion of McElroy’s commercial construction projects. McElroy’s and their customers trust Preston to manage complicated workloads as he schedules the right technicians for each job, ensures everyone has what they need to do their best work, and coordinates with other trades on site. When challenges occur, McElroy’s counts on Preston even more. “We’ll get it done, and done right, one way or another,” Preston said. “Adapt and overcome.”

Preston is well known for thinking on his feet and solving problems in the field. When staffing a major project in Texas became a severe challenge, Preston didn’t complain or say it couldn’t be done. Instead, he enlisted another key employee, Kirk York, to help personally do the work entirely by themselves. The pair worked very long days, far from home, for several weeks to get the job done. Preston’s peers note that he frequently goes above and beyond whether it’s his responsibility or not. For example, he helped to straighten up after company events, repaired a power cord for employees doing some weekend office cleaning, and thoroughly detailed a retiree’s company vehicle to make it spotless for its next assignee.

Each year, McElroy’s donates $500 to the charity of the honoree’s choice. Preston designated Ronald McDonald House for this year’s contribution. “My wife and I are raising five kids, and we appreciate what a blessing good health is,” said Preston. “When a family is dealing with serious health concerns, Ronald McDonald House can provide temporary housing near Topeka’s medical community. Being able to stay close to a loved one who’s receiving care helps bring strength and comfort to families facing scary times.” Mindee Reece, Ronald McDonald House CEO, said that contribution will pay for 20 nights of lodging for a family receiving care.

“Preston will tell you that work is his hobby. You can see that in his performance every day – both for McElroy’s and in his dedication to serving his family,” said President Dan Beal. “It’s obvious he enjoys helping others by overcoming a good challenge. We’re pleased to honor Preston for being a trusted leader for the McElroy’s team and our customers. Thank you, Preston, for your service, integrity and dedication to the ideals of McElroy’s!”