If you've worked at McElroy Metal for any length of time, chances are you've crossed paths with Ken Gieseke. And if you haven't, well—let's fix that.
After almost 34 years, Ken is retiring from his role as Senior Vice President, where he most recently led marketing, sales, customer service, service centers, engineering, estimating, and drafting. But ask him what his favorite part of the job was, and he'll tell you without hesitation: the people.
"Hands down, it's the people. I've been lucky to work with fantastic people all across the country, and to their credit, my managers do a fabulous job leading their teams. Without them, we could not have accomplished what we did."
His McElroy journey started as Director of Marketing on June 25, 1991, eventually growing into the role of Vice-President of Sales & Marketing. Over time, the balancing act of directly managing sales, marketing, technical services, service centers, and engineering took its toll—so Ken did what good leaders do: he raised his hand.
"I told Tem I was overwhelmed, and asked him if we should make a strategic decision to split the position into two roles. He thought about if for a couple of days and told me that he agreed. And then he asked me which role I wanted. Marketing was always home base for me, so that's what I chose."
Why He Never Left
Though he once considered leaving McElroy (he even interviewed in Chicago), fate—and a metaphorical two-by-four to the head—steered him back to McElroy.
"When I accepted my first position with McElroy, I never intended for it to become a 34-year career. I had been working for a Fortune 200 company in Chicago and took the position with McElroy to gain experience with a smaller company. The plan was always to work here 2-3 years and then move back to Chicago and work for a larger company again. I was actually in Chicago for an interview in the mid-90's and thought, what in the world am I doing? I realized how lucky I was to work for a great company and report to someone I respected and admired like Tem McElroy, and I realized the grass would most likely not be greener if I left. That moment stuck with me and made the decision to stay an easy one."
Of course, there was another strong voice in the mix: his wife, Jenn who he says absolutely weighed in on the decision. "The support I've had from her throughout my career has been off the charts."
Leadership Style
Ken traces part of his leadership style back to his days working in the produce department of a grocery store during high school and college. When the department manager would go on vacation, Ken was often asked to step in and run things.
"One time, while I was running the department a produce supplier told me, 'Nice guys finish last,' and it really stuck with me—in a bad way. I wasn't even in the business world yet, but I remember thinking, that just can't be true." Over time, Ken found a better model to follow: Tem McElroy. Ken shares, "Tem is a great leader. Just watching him lead and run the company was a fabulous opportunity to see that you could lead with kindness, respect, and collaboration—and still succeed."
Those who've worked closely with Ken will tell you: he did exactly that. His self-described "collaborative leadership style" makes team members feel less like they report to a Senior Vice-President and more like they are working with a trusted teammate. His approach has never been about hierarchy—instead it centers on partnership, encouragement, and shared success.
Biggest Advancements
Over his 34-year career, Ken has seen plenty of change—but a few advancements stand out more than others. "I don't think I can pick just one," he said. "But marketing has changed dramatically since I started. When I came on board, the internet didn't even exist. I remember thinking, do we really need a website or is this just a fad—like the CB radio? Thankfully, we registered mcelroymetal.com before someone else did!"
The shift to digital didn't stop there. Ken also recalls the days of working with physical printing plates—something that now feels like ancient history. "Everything was done manually at the printer. Now it's all digital, and that's been a huge, huge advancement."
And while he's just starting to explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence, Ken sees its potential. "AI is already making a difference across so many areas. Even in the short time I've used it, I've seen huge improvements. It's getting more capable every day."
From pre-internet marketing to AI tools we're still figuring out, Ken's career has covered some major shifts in how we work. True to his leadership style, he's rarely waited on the sidelines—he's been the one asking the questions, testing what's next, and pushing us to stay a step ahead.
Legacy
Ken's legacy at McElroy includes keynote corporate level initiatives like working with Mark Lawson to lead the company's expansion into architectural markets. Ken was also instrumental in adding new products, introducing PVDF Kynar 500® paint systems to the post-frame industry, and developing our contractor training program with Tommy Johnson and Rob Haddock. From a marketing standpoint, he also ushered McElroy into the digital age—building out websites, blogs, podcasts, and CRM platforms. In addition, Ken proudly represented McElroy Metal in several industry associations, often serving in leadership roles that helped strengthen the company's voice and influence within the broader metal construction community.
After Ian made the decision to move to an ESOP, Ken championed employee ownership communications, leading efforts to educate our team, shape company-wide engagement, and build a sense of shared purpose. From launching monthly employee-owner events and helping create our new recruiting materials and employee handbook, to overseeing the evolution of our annual MacAttack meetings into today's Employee Owner Meetings, his fingerprints are all over our cultural shift from employee to employee-owner.
It's that deep connection to McElroy's mission and people that makes Ken especially proud: "Watching our growth over 33 years and helping earn McElroy its place as an industry leader—that's meant a lot to me. I've always felt a real sense of honor wearing a McElroy shirt or standing in our trade show booths, knowing the reputation we've built. It's been incredibly gratifying."
Reflections
Ken's reflections range from the heartfelt to the hilarious. As a teenager, he once jumped out of a plane and had to land without any radio guidance—between a barn and a tree. Someone on the ground told him, "If you don't believe in God, you better start." That was enough parachuting for him.
He's also known for his Halloween costumes, which ranged from last-minute to mildly questionable, but always entertaining. He admits to keeping all costume pieces in several large bins, calling them—seriously—an investment.
Ken admits that stepping away before the ESOP culture fully takes hold is one of his few regrets. "We've made great progress, but culture doesn't change overnight. I have truly enjoyed helping educate our employee-owners on the value of working for an ESOP. We have a great ESOP communications team in place, so I have no doubt the efforts will continue after my departure. If we stay committed to learning and growing together, the culture we've started building will become one of McElroy's greatest long-term strengths.
Advice
When asked what advice he'd give to new hires, Ken doesn't hesitate. He offers just one word: Care. "Care about your work, your coworkers, and this company. Especially now, as employee-owners, that mindset matters more than ever."
For Ken, care has always been at the heart of how McElroy succeeds. And in an employee-owned company, it matters even more. When each person cares—really cares—it's not just a job. It's shared ownership, shared success, and a stronger future for everyone.
Retirement Plans
In retirement, Ken looks forward to being in control of his schedule more, and spending more time at home—his happiest place—surrounded by his growing family. "It's been really cool to add a son-in-law and daughter-in-law to our family and our first grandchild late last year. When all of the kids are at home at our house, there isn't anything better!"
And of course, his retirement will involve playing more pickleball! "Jenn and I love it for both exercise and social connection. We've built so many friendships through the game. It's become a big part of our lives."
What isn't on his retirement agenda? Chasing unfinished dreams: "I feel extremely fortunate for the life I've lived. If new adventures come, I'll embrace them—but I'm content."
That sentiment sums up Ken perfectly: steady, grateful, and grounded in what matters most.
Farewells
As we celebrate his well-earned retirement, we honor not only his impressive career but the way he carried it—with humility, humor, and heart.
"McElroy Metal is a special place. I'm grateful to have spent my career here. I'll miss it—but I'm also very proud of what we've built together."
We're proud too, Ken. Thank you for your lasting contributions to McElroy Metal, the industry, and everyone fortunate enough to work alongside you.
But most of all, thank you for proving—once and for all—that nice guys don't finish last!
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