Our People
Merit is an employee-owned company and that influences how we do business. We value each employee on the Merit Construction team and we're committed to helping them reach their full potential.
As employee-owners, Merit staff members have a stake in delivering quality work. This means they go the extra mile, at work and in their personal lives. Our goal is to serve clients by anticipating and exceeding their needs and to support each community through donations of volunteer time and money.
At Merit, we recognize individual and team contributions to good client service. While ensuring strong client satisfaction, this also creates real job satisfaction.
Most Merit people have been with the company for years. We are your neighbors and friends, with more than 200 years of experience in the construction business.
In addition to working well as part of a team, Merit staff members are on good terms with construction professionals outside of our company. We build and maintain strong relationships with area architects, subcontractors and vendors through excellent communication and mutual trust.
Staff longevity and strong partner relationships and community involvement say something important about Merit. Our people provide the foundation for building successful projects.
For a list of our Field Supervision team, click here.
For a complete list of employees and their contact information, click here.
Alex Pelzel, LEED AP-NC
Joined the company in August 2006.
Those letters after Alex’s name mean he’s fluent in the language of “green.” He is LEED certified—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
As Project Engineer, Alex is the primary contact for the customer as well as the architect. He is an air traffic controller of sorts, making sure everyone knows what’s going on at all times in order to keep the project on course and on time. “I do whatever it takes to help the superintendent have as smooth a construction build-out as possible,” says Alex.
On the weekend you’ll find Alex enjoying quality time with his wife and son. And if he could squeeze a 25th hour out of the day, he’d read more books.
Alex received his Associate of Applied Science in Architectural Technology-Construction Management from Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake, Utah.
His resume also includes Alternate Contestant for ABC’s Who Wants to be a Millionaire? The network flew him to New York City and while he did not get on the show, he did get to meet Regis Philbin.
What gives Alex the greatest job satisfaction? “Seeing the client use the spaces we build and helping them advance their goals.”
Bob Stokes
Joined the company in July 2005.
As Project Manager, his greatest job satisfaction comes from “Seeing completed facilities making a difference for the community. Be it a school, church, hospital or non-profit agency, it is very rewarding to see the difference it makes in people’s lives.”
Bob is thankful for the job that started his career—project manager for U.S. Government projects. “It gave me a better perspective for being on the other side of the owner/contractor relationship.”
Bob has a passion for volunteering (Meals on Wheels and Boy Scouts), sports (hockey, football, basketball, snowmobiling, boating), music and traveling.
He attended University of Pittsburgh with a focus on general studies and engineering and Community College of the Air Force studying engineering and construction management.
On the weekends Bob likes to enjoy the outdoors with his family.
Dave McInroy
Joined the company in July 1993.
“Safety” is Dave’s middle name.
As Safety Director, Dave develops and implements the company’s programs for safety and health, environmental compliance and drug testing. He conducts employee safety and orientation training and jobsite safety inspections and audits. He also consults on project safety.
Dave earned a BA in Industrial Technology from the University of Northern Iowa with an emphasis in supervision, management and (no surprise here) Industrial Safety.
Dave has served on several Master Builders of Iowa safety/employee training committees and task forces. He is past chair of the organization’s 49-member Safety Committee.
In his free time, Dave collects safety-related antiques including old fire extinguishers, first aid kits and safety glasses.
Dave’s biggest feeling of job satisfaction comes when everyone goes home safely at the end of each day.
Correction: Safety is his first name. Safety Dave McInroy.
Gordon Parker
Joined the company in February 1988.
Gordon is Chief Estimator.
He enjoys the challenge of analyzing plans and specs and compiling budget estimates.
On the job, Gordon finds a sense of achievement maintaining a budget from start to finish. Off the job, he gets satisfaction from actively supporting community groups. He is president of the Five Seasons Ski Team, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels twice a week and committee member for Kennedy High School’s Show Choir Competition.
He also enjoys watching city council meetings. Now that’s community commitment.
Curt Conrad
Joined the company in May 2004.
Curt’s experience in construction as a framer, trim carpenter and member of a concrete foundation crew has given him a great foundation for his current job as Project Manager.
Curt is a company trail boss, riding herd over each project’s construction cost and corralling any issues that may arise.
He meets daily challenges head-on, coordinating and communicating with the many local trades people involved in each construction project.
The best part of his job is the pride he feels when he helps bring a new building to the community. And he’ll admit his chest does puff out a bit when he tells people he worked on the project.
When Curt is not building buildings, he’s helping to build better communities. He is a regular volunteer for Meals on Wheels and St. Mathias Fun Night.
When most people decide to bring an animal into their life, it’s usually a dog or cat. But in Curt’s case, it’s 22 beef cows he raises on his brother-in-law’s farm. You’ll find him there most weekends. Unless it’s football season. Then he’s cheering on the Hawkeyes in front of the TV or at Kinnick Stadium.
Go Hawkeyes! Go cows!
Joe Fay
Joined the company in May 1992.
As Project Manager, Joe offers support to other project managers and helps superintendents with manpower. He has a BS in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University.
Giving back to the community is important to Joe. He is past coach for boys basketball (grades 3-7) and current coach for girls basketball (ages 9-10). He also volunteers for Meals on Wheels and St. Joseph’s school and church building projects.
Joe enjoys many things, but only has two passions: His family and his work.
His idea of a relaxing time is to go squirrel hunting in the fall and take a nap under a tree in the woods. Or maybe forget the hunting and he’ll just take a nap with the squirrel.
On weekends you’ll find Joe in the chicken coop. (Now there’s a water cooler topic.)
Scott Friauf
Joined the company in July 1987.
As Company President, Scott enjoys the feeling of accomplishment he gets by resolving construction challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner. This makes for a satisfied client, which Scott says is truly the best reward.
He has a passion for: 1. Making people happy through problem solving and conflict negotiation; and 2. Youth athletics.
Scott was a waiter for four years during school. It was great training for diplomacy, conflict resolution, customer satisfaction and raising kids.
In addition to serving clients, he’s serving communities. He’s a member of Downtown Rotary, past president of Daybreak Rotary, board member of Community Corrections Improvement Association and volunteer for Meals on Wheels and girls youth AAU teams.
Three weekends out of every month you’ll find Scott traveling to youth athletic events. So don’t be surprised if you pass him on the road or sit next to him in the bleachers.
Steve Douglass
Joined the company in December 1979.
As Chief Financial Officer, Steve manages the activities of the Accounting Department, including financial reporting.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Iowa with a major in accounting.
His greatest satisfaction is contributing to the success of the company. His greatest challenge is the ever-increasing amount of paperwork.
When he has the chance, Steve likes to travel, catch up on reading and spend time with his wife.
He is proud of the company’s role in building buildings that serve communities and serving communities through building relationships. It all adds up to a great company. And Steve should know—if anyone can do the math, it’s the Chief Financial Officer.
Stuart Slaymaker
Joined the company in October 1989.
As Vice President, Stuart is responsible for project management, training new project engineers and estimating.
He enjoys teaching others to excel, building long-lasting relationships with clients and anticipating and heading off potential issues before they arise.
He has a passion for track and field (his two sons are runners), friends, working out and his recreational farm.
Stuart has a philosophical side, sort of Mark Twain in a hard hat. His thoughts:
- Be good to others as good things happen to good people.
- Pre-planning will have greater paybacks.
- Give yourself obtainable goals in life and work hard for them.
- Goldendoodles make great pets.
- Powerball is not a good alternative to a 401k.
John Baker
Joined the company in December 1998.
As Project Manager, John manages a project’s overall budget and schedule. He also reviews and processes shop drawings, coordinates delivery of materials to the job site and facilitates onsite meetings with the client and project team.
He graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in construction management.
John’s experience as a carpenter gives him valuable insight into the hands-on nature of construction.
When he’s not at work, John enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
John volunteers for his church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Meals on Wheels. He also gives to United Way.
His favorite part of the job is making the construction process easy and enjoyable for the client.
John’s mantra, borrowed from the movie, Field of Dreams (and tweaked a bit):
If you build it right they will come back.
Scott Pantel
Joined the company in September 2001.
As Vice President of Marketing, Scott is responsible for marketing, sales and public relations.
Scott has a passion for golf, water skiing, boating, water and beaches. (If aquamarine isn’t his favorite color, it should be.)
He’s an avid reader who devours fiction, autobiographies, motivational books and sales books.
Scott bleeds black and gold. He is a huge Hawkeye supporter and the treasurer of the Executive Committee for the Johnson County I-Club. GO HAWKS! He is also very active in his community. Currently he’s a Board member of the Community Foundation of Johnson County and chair of the Hometown Heroes project.
Also, he is past president of the Coralville-North Corridor Rotary Club and he is still a member of the Iowa City Noon Rotary. His recent service also included Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce. He also coached girls softball for three years as well.
If he could find an extra hour in the day, he’d give it away by volunteering more of his time.
His biggest enjoyment comes from watching his daughter Cassie grow into a wonderful adult who contributes greatly to her school and society through her volunteer work. She rocks!
Kathy Shepherd
Joined the company in June 1979.
As Corporate Secretary/Office Manager, Kathy wears many hats. She supervises the administrative team and assists the Chief Financial Officer. Administering employee benefit programs, processing office payroll and supervising field payroll all fall on her capable shoulders. Kathy is also the Human Resources Police, ensuring the company’s policies are in compliance with local, state and federal government requirements.
The best part of her job is helping someone solve a problem—and knowing her effort is appreciated.
Kathy has two passions. Family: “I want to see my grandchildren grow into responsible adults who help conquer the adversities of this crazy world we live in.” Animals: “I love all kinds of critters. If I lived on a farm, I would have them all!”
Her weekends are devoted to gardening, spending time with family and friends or just enjoying the flowers in the spring and summer. In the fall and winter she cans and freezes produce from the garden or takes a road trip with friends to enjoy the fall colors.
If she could find another hour in her day, she’d sit back, relax and have another Margarita.
Kerry DeYarman
Joined the company in August 1976.
As Project Manager, Kerry’s duties include estimating and project management. Balancing these duties is a challenge that keeps him on his toes and at the top of his (construction) game.
Kerry has a BA degree from the University of Iowa.
He enjoys volunteering for Junior Achievement and traveling abroad with his wife.
If he could find an extra hour in the day, he’d read. But he’s not likely to find it soon, as “home remodeling” is on his “to do” list.
His favorite job moment: When the company exceeds a client’s expectations.
Tom Amosson
Joined the company in February 1973.
As Chief Executive Officer, Tom is responsible for project development and management of the company. His strengths include good spelling and 20/20 vision.
Spelling: He makes sure all the “i’s” are dotted and the “t’s” are crossed throughout the company. Good eyesight: He’s focused on the many details of running a successful company while never losing sight of the big picture—happy staff build a successful company and a successful company builds healthy communities.
Tom majored in Civil Engineering at Iowa State University. He believes in encouraging employees to excel and empowering them to take responsibility for their area of expertise.
He’s thankful for his many years of estimating, which laid a solid foundation for his current project development skills. Good thing, too. Because his biggest challenge is making sure the next job is lined up before the current job is wrapped up.
Tom’s greatest sense of satisfaction comes from helping a client develop their project and bringing it in on time and on budget.
He has a passion for helping out in the community to make it a better place for everyone. He volunteers for the Catherine McAuley Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Downtown Rotary, Thursday Noon Optimists, Master Builders of Iowa, Mount Mercy University, Brucemore and All Saints Church.
While he enjoys exercising community involvement, Tom also likes to exercise his mind and body on the tennis court, playing in a league and with friends.
Everett Krug
Joined the company in June 1970.
As Project Manager, Everett is the “go to” man. He manages a project’s budget and schedule, oversees delivery of materials and keeps lines of communication open between client and project team.
Everett says the best part of his job is: 1. Watching a satisfied client enjoy their new facility; 2. Meeting people in the community.
Everett graduated from Iowa State University. He has a knack for identifying and resolving a concern before it becomes a problem.
He has a passion for history and has read six books by American historian Stephen Ambrose. If he had an extra hour in the day, he’d read another book (we can guess who the author would be).
Everett believes in giving back to the community. He is involved in Rotary and First Lutheran Church Small Group (home improvement projects).
Unbeknownst to many, Everett is a man of adventure. He holed up in a cabin for a week of fly fishing in Canada, cooking meals over a campfire. He also once went shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Now there’s a man who’ll go to the mat for you!
