Daryl Melius and Eric Wickel are a team. Eric, an estimator for RL Insulation Co., Inc., figures out how much jobs will cost to do; Daryl, the superintendent for RL, makes sure Eric’s numbers become reality. One of them can’t do the job well without the other - and both say teamwork has been a key to the Hopewell Township company’s fast growth over the past decade. “When I started (in 1989) we had five or six guys on the payroll. We’ve now got 34 in the field and six in the office and we do jobs all over the state.”

Daryl is a Hopewell native and 1987 graduate of Tussey Mountain High School. Eric is from Morrison’s Cove and graduated from Northern Bedford County High School in 1991. Both started their careers shortly after graduation - and both put time in as part of field crews. The company installs commercial and industrial insulation - much of it for heating and air conditioning duct work. More than three-quarters of the work comes through government contracts - schools, prisons and other government buildings. In total, about 95 percent of all of the company’s work is secured through competitive bidding - which is where Eric - and Daryl - come into the picture.

Working off architect’s plans and engineering specs, Eric in consultation with company owner Ron Lundquist and Daryl puts a price on the work - one that will give the company a profit, while still being competitive. “We’re able to be competitive because we have such a productive workforce,” Daryl said. “We have a really good crew - they work an honest eight (hours) all the time.” As superintendent, Daryl is a trouble-shooter - solving problems and traveling to job sites to make sure productivity stays strong, and that the bid numbers stay on target.

They both say their jobs are fast-paced and stressful. “‘We’re constantly up against deadlines and that can be challenging - but it’s rewarding too, seeing jobs get done right and on time. We all take a lot of pride in the work and that’s a reward in itself,” Daryl said.

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