January 2026 Vol. 81 No. 1
Business
Business People: Leadership moves and industry remembrance
McElroy
Steve Caldwell has been promoted to vice president of Human Resources at McElroy, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic pipe fusion equipment
“Steve has played a pivotal role in transforming McElroy’s Human Resources function into a world-class organization,” said McElroy President and CEO Chip McElroy. “Over his 15 years with the company, Steve has implemented numerous initiatives and improvements that have fundamentally strengthened the way we support, develop, and care for our employees.”
An Oklahoma native, Caldwell graduated from Tulsa’s Edison High School before earning his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University and later returning to OSU for his MBA. That MBA lit the fuse on a fast-moving HR career, most notably at Dollar Thrifty Automative Group, where he sharpened his ability to connect “people strategy” to business results, a focus he continues to bring to McElroy.
“I’m honored and energized by the opportunity to serve as Vice President, Human Resources,” Caldwell said. “This role brings an even broader ability to positively impact our people and the business, and I’m grateful for the trust and recognition from our leadership team. At the same time, I’m truly humbled by the confidence that ownership has placed in me. I look forward to continuing to build strategies that support both our employees and McElroy Manufacturing’s long-term success.”
McElroy noted some of Caldwell’s milestone accomplishments during his time with the company, including enhancements to the company’s employee recruitment, employee development, and safety leadership.
McElroy is a leading manufacturer and innovator in the science of joining thermoplastic pipe. The Tulsa, Okla.-based company offers the industry's most complete line of butt, saddle and socket fusion equipment for 1/2" CTS to 2000mm OD pipe, as well as quality assurance accessories that increase productivity and efficiency on the job site.
In Memoriam
Tod Michael, long-time and well-known Vermeer employee, died Dec. 29, at the age of 55.
From an early age, Michael displayed a natural curiosity and talent for engineering and mechanics. He pursued his passion by earning a drafting degree from Indian Hills Community College. He began his career at Johnson Machine Works in Chariton, Iowa, before joining Vermeer in May of 1995.
At Vermeer, Tod built a long and respected career, eventually being promoted to Business Unit Manager for Cutting Edge. He took great pride in his work and was known for his problem-solving abilities, dedication, and willingness to help others succeed, and as one of Vermeer’s “faces” at conventions, meetings, presentations, and other public events.
Those who knew Tod remember his strong work ethic, his readiness to help whenever needed, and his ability to teach by example. He valued hard work and passed that lesson on to those around him.
Comments