tom wellsTom Wells of McClure Engineering Co. (MEC) retires after 41 years of building strong communities. Wells earned his degree from Michigan Technological University in 1975, after spending several years in the Air Force. After graduation he was hired by Williams & Works, a large consulting engineering firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While at Williams & Works, Wells learned through hands on experience, and received his P.E. license in 1980.

In 1981, he was offered an opportunity to transfer to Williams & Works – MO Inc. of Columbia, Missouri, where he would stay for the remainder of his career. Throughout the years the name evolved to Miller/Williams & Works in 1983, Miller Associates in 1984, Trabue, Hansen & Hinshaw, Inc. in 1996, THHinc McClure Engineering Co. in 2015, and McClure Engineering Co. in 2016.

During his career, Wells completed numerous projects throughout the Midwest. Wells notes that he designed the moment resisting steel frame for a four-story office building in Columbia – before computer software was available to do the moment reductions. Wells also worked on several projects at the University of Missouri, including the Tiger Plaza fountain.

Wells’ advice to engineers just beginning their careers is to “trust your instincts. If something does not seem right, question it – you may find that doing something one way just because that’s how it has always been done does not serve your client’s best interest.”

“It’s been a pleasure working with Tom over the last 31 years,” said Gene Hinshaw, Market President. “His dedication and loyalty the past 41 years is unparalleled.”

“This has been a most rewarding career,” said Wells. “To end it on a high note with a vibrant and growing company is icing on the cake.”