Shirley Construction | Evolving Through Four Generations

Article by TYLER STRUNK & LISA LOEWEN | Photos By TYLER STRUNK

Shirley Construction has been a cornerstone of the Topeka community for nearly 90 years. Founded by Samuel Shirley in 1937, the company has evolved through four generations, adapting to changing times while maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and service.

When Sam’s son, Reece, joined the business 10 years later, he helped transition the company’s focus from residential to commercial construction. Shirley Construction welcomed the third generation into the business with the addition of Reece’s son, Barry, and his son-in-law, Dan Elwell in the late 1970s and then took it one generation further when Aaron Elwell came on board in 2001.

“We are a true generational business,” Aaron said. “Not many companies can trace their legacy back four generations.”

EARNING RESPECT

Shirley Construction has been able to thrive through multiple generations for several reasons, not the least of which is respect for leadership. When Aaron first joined the company as a newly minted Kansas State University graduate, he didn’t just walk into a leadership position, he started as a carpenter in the field just like his uncle and his grandfather before that.

“When I first got out of school, I thought I knew everything about construction. I quickly learned that was not the case,” Aaron said.

While the work wasn’t easy, the lessons he learned were priceless. Aaron learned the ins and outs of the construction business from the perspective of the employees in the field as well as those in the office. But even more importantly, Aaron learned that he loved the hands-on aspect of construction and that the professionals he worked with in the field were some of the smartest people he had ever met.

Many of the same people in those key positions from when Aaron first started working for the company remain, and they respect that he put in the work to earn the position that he now holds.

“I understand that sometimes we must do some jobs that aren’t the most pleasant, but we must get them done. There’s nothing that I can tell the guys to do that I haven’t done myself,” Aaron said.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

When talks about retirement and transition of leadership came up, it was always assumed that Aaron’s dad would retire first. However, health issues a year ago forced his uncle’s hand earlier than anticipated. Dan and Aaron now share leadership responsibilities both in the office and out in the field.

“My uncle was a field guy. My dad was in the office more. That is how that partnership worked,” Aaron said“So, when my uncle retired, I expected to fill his shoes.”

That was not how the roles played out, however. With new technology taking over much of the construction world, Dan was more than happy to spend more time out in the field and let Aaron manage the office.

“Dad has always been a pen and paper guy,” Aaron said. “Sometimes it’s easier for dad to be on the jobsite with the guys while I handle the technology in the office.”

BUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION

While some things, such as technology, have changed with the new generation of leadership, other things have remained the same. Aaron attributes the company’s ability to not only survive generational transfers but thrive during those transitions to living up to the ethical standards on which the company was founded.

“In a small town like Topeka, we can’t afford not to be ethical. If you don’t treat the owners, subcontractors, vendors and everyone involved with your projects with integrity, you won’t be in business very long, certainly not like we have for almost a hundred years,” Aaron said. “We always do the right thing. Sometimes to a fault. Sometimes it costs us money. But in the long run it pays off.”

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE

Shirley Construction has played a significant role in the local community, completing numerous projects for the City of Topeka and Shawnee County. From the children’s party house at Gage Park to the restoration of the Frank Carlson Federal Building, the company’s work has left a lasting impact on the lives of Topeka’s residents.

Shirley’s roots are deep and pervasive in Topeka. There is barely a school in town that wasn’t either built by Shirley Construction or added onto by the company.

“I love the fact that when I drive around Topeka, everywhere I look I see buildings that exist because of my great grandfather, my grandfather or my dad and uncle,” Aaron said.

BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY

The adage, “leave your work at the office” is hard enough for the average person, but for those involved in a multigenerational family business, it becomes almost impossible. Family dinners and holidays are ripe for business meetings.

“The hardest thing about being a business owner is that it doesn’t ever stop. And because it is all in the family, we go to family stuff, and it is hard not to talk business. Everyone tries hard to leave it at the office, but some of it still follows us home,” Aaron said.

Fortunately, the lines of communication between Dan and Aaron are strong, and they are almost always on the same page.

“I never felt like I needed to work in the family business. It always felt natural to come back because I wanted to work with my dad,” Aaron said. “I respect him and want to continue this business in a way that makes him proud.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Retirement is still in the cards for Dan, but the timeline is not set in stone because of the void it would create in the management picture. Juggling as many as eight jobs at a time, right now it is all hands on deck at Shirley.

“It is hard to replace two people with 50 years of experience at the same time,” Aaron said. “Dad will have to wait just a little bit longer.”

Read about Building a Legacy - Current Electrical | Following in a Father's Footsteps