Spicing Up Company Culture: Our 2026 Chili Cookoff

How a Bowl of Chili Brings Us Together during Engineers Week.

At McClure Engineering, Engineers Week is about more than just celebrating technical achievements. It’s a time for us to come together as a team, enjoy some well-deserved treats, and strengthen the connections that make our workplace unique. Alongside kolaches and sweet snacks, the event everyone looks forward to most is the legendary Chili Cookoff, a tradition that has been warming up our office since 2001.

What makes the Chili Cookoff stand out is not just the intense competition or the tempting aromas drifting through the halls. The real highlight is the sense of camaraderie and lively fun that fills the room. Our panel of judges, who always maintain an air of mystery, quietly retreat to a private location to taste each chili entry and carefully choose the winners of the gold, silver, and bronze chili spoons. In some years, familiar faces win again with their secret, tried-and-true recipes. This year, though, the results were full of surprises, showcasing how our company culture keeps evolving and welcoming new ideas and participants.

This year, the top three chilis were made by colleagues from different parts of our talented team. Louis Meyer earned third place, Dan Bardon came in second, and in a true underdog moment, Kevin Seversen, who joined us only a few weeks ago, won the gold! Kevin’s quick adjustment and creative flavors are a great example of how new team members are welcomed and recognized here. Success is not just about how long you’ve been with us; it’s about getting involved, being creative, and leaving your mark from the start.

Once the winners were announced and congratulated, everyone else eagerly lined up for lunch, tasting the variety of chilis and often returning for seconds or even thirds. The laughter, friendly teasing, and good-natured competition are all part of what makes our company culture so lively. Events like the Chili Cookoff are more than just fun, they remind us that our workplace is powered by the people who make it come alive, one bowl at a time.