Congratulations to Paul Noelck, Design Manager, who retired June 2, 2020 after 44 years of service at Todd & Sargent. After graduating from Iowa State University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Paul gained experience working construction, driving a ready- mix truck and selling Kirby vacuums before starting his career at T & S on May 10, 1976 as an Engineering Drafter. In 1978, Paul was promoted to Designer/Drafter and in 1980 was promoted to Design Drafting Leader. In 1987, Paul was promoted to Design Manager.
In his role as Design Manager, Paul designed facilities for feed, grain, flour, pet food, and specialty process facilities. The designs at T & S have been a team effort, starting with gaining an understanding of our clients’ needs and the engineering, purchasing, and construction requirements and limitations, and then defining and refining design on drawings with input from the team until final. Paul believed these design drawings, proposal and/or projects, were the means by which the better way was found.
Some of the many clients that Paul worked closely with over the years include: Farmer’s Coop; Cargill; LDS Church; The Iams Company; Kent Feeds; West Central Cooperative/Landus; Carroll’s Foods; Premium Standard Farms; Christensen Farms; Miller Milling; Renewable Energy Group; Columbia Farms; Sanderson Farms; Parrish & Heimbecker; Siemer Milling; Bunge; AGP; King Milling; Star of the West; Chelsea Milling; Rahr Malting; Wayne Farms; Hilmar Cheese; Pilgrim’s; and many more. Paul was also heavily involved in the development of the Iowa State University Feed Mill which is currently under construction.
Paul experienced major technological shifts over his years at T & S. He created design drawings by hand his first years. In 1983, T & S got its first Computer Aided Design station. By the mid 1990’s, all T & S drafters were equipped with CAD stations. Starting in the 2013, Paul spearheaded the transition of the design group to Building Information Modeling (BIM) by implementing the use of Revit software to create 3D models of our proposals and projects. These changes continue to help T & S better serve our clients in an ever-changing world.
Paul and his wife Candy live in Boone, IA. Their family includes son Adam Noelck, wife Katie and children Otto and Marjorie of Park City UT; daughter Jessica Noelck of Madison WI; son Jason Noelck, wife Chantalle, and children Carter and Holden of Edmonds, WA; daughter Abby Noelck of Coralville, IA. Over the years, Paul was known for his many recreational pursuits including traveling, camping, hiking, biking, and exploring the National Parks—he hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim in a day, climbed Longs Peak, and rode RAGBRAI. Paul’s retirement plans include doing more of the things he enjoys and spending time with grandkids, family, and friends and getting involved in some new activities and adventures.
While COVID-19 prevented a traditional retirement party, we were excited to celebrate Paul with a drive-by parade in April! We wish Paul, Candy, and their entire family all the best.