About Us

About McLaughlin Erectors, Inc.

Dennis J. McLaughlin founded McLaughlin Erectors, Inc. (MEI) in 1986 after an extensive career in commercial glass. Starting out as a glazier in the high-rise industry led Dennis to work for a skylight manufacturer in 1983, which concentrated solely on one type of skylight system. Dennis recognized the need to be able to supply a variety of choices based on the customer’s specific application and budget while also having experienced installers for each project. This, coupled with the rising need for maintenance and repair MEI was born.

Today, MEI is recognized as one of the leading installers of skylight systems. We currently serve a client list of recognized industry leaders in every aspect of the commercial real estate industry. The MEI Team is composed of experienced, service oriented and dedicated individuals who value our clients’ needs and take great pride in a job well done.

MEI is headquartered in Alvin, Texas and is equipped with the resources to service any skylight system in existence today, nationwide. Included among those resources are the strong relationships we share with the leading skylight manufacturers of today. Because we are not tied to any one manufacturer, we can provide our clients with the best skylight system and daylighting alternatives designed specifically to meet their needs. MEI is a full service skylight specialist providing our clients with the best services and solutions for repairs, retro-fits and new installation.

“If you are experiencing water leaks, acrylic cracking or other skylight associated problems, call us and we will be happy to diagnose your situation and provide you with recommendations. We warranty our work and provide superior service. We are committed to using state of the art products. Give us a call, you’ll be glad you did!”

Dennis McLaughlin

Meet the Staff

Dennis J. McLaughlin, Owner

In 1981, he started specializing in the installation of architectural skylight systems. During those years, he worked with other companies until January of 1986 when, with the help of his father and mother, Paul and Carol McLaughlin formed McLaughlin Erectors Inc. MEI now services most of the nation’s skylight manufacturers.

Dennis personally commits a level of service consistent with the company’s outstanding performance record. With over 35 years of experience, he brings specialized knowledge to the field which represents a major investment to owners and developers of shopping centers, hotels, hospitals, and commercial buildings nationwide.

Dennis is a hands-on leader who takes personal accountability and pride in the company’s performance and customer satisfaction. He participates in many project partnering sessions; he is no stranger to walking the job sites and makes it his personal mission to connect with as many customers as possible. Dennis is a pioneer of MEI’s growth and recognizes that the foundation of that goal is consistently delivering the utmost in customer service.

In addition to his notable professional achievements, Dennis is quite active in a number of philanthropic and community endeavors. He and a group of supporters of the Semper Fi Fund embarked on a recumbent bicycle ride from St. Augustine, Fla riding west across the southern US, arriving at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA two months later. This bicycle ride was done to raise awareness and funds for our country’s wounded veterans, specifically the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Dennis is also active with several different non-profits that feed families and first responders during disasters. Dennis, along with Paul and Leigh Carnell, built a cook trailer that will put out 10,000 meals a day.

Dennis received a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University.

Dennis personally commits a level of service consistent with the company’s outstanding performance record. With over 35 years of experience, he brings specialized knowledge to the field which represents a major investment to owners and developers of shopping centers, hotels, hospitals, and commercial buildings nationwide.

Dennis is a hands-on leader who takes personal accountability and pride in the company’s performance and customer satisfaction. He participates in many project partnering sessions; he is no stranger to walking the job sites and makes it his personal mission to connect with as many customers as possible. Dennis is a pioneer of MEI’s growth and recognizes that the foundation of that goal is consistently delivering the utmost in customer service.

In addition to his notable professional achievements, Dennis is quite active in a number of philanthropic and community endeavors. He and a group of supporters of the Semper Fi Fund embarked on a recumbent bicycle ride from St. Augustine, Fla riding west across the southern US, arriving at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA two months later. This bicycle ride was done to raise awareness and funds for our country’s wounded veterans, specifically the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Dennis is also active with several different non-profits that feed families and first responders during disasters. Dennis, along with Paul and Leigh Carnell, built a cook trailer that will put out 10,000 meals a day.

Dennis received a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University.

Leigh Carnell, CEO

Leigh joined MEI in 2005 after having worked at home managing two children while her husband served in the military. Leigh received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Colorado State University – Pueblo, and she takes great pleasure in meeting new challenges and the great support that her staff provides.

As Chief Executive Officer of McLaughlin Erectors, Inc. (MEI), Leigh Carnell is responsible for all day-to-day management decisions and implementation of the Company’s long and short term plans. She plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs and evaluates the organizations’ fiscal functions and performances; evaluates and advises on the impact of long range planning, introduction of new programs/strategies and regulatory action; enhance and/or develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operations and effectiveness of the company. Leigh provides technical financial advice and knowledge to others within the financial discipline. She continues to improve the budgeting process through education of her Project Managers and Field Operations Director on financial issues impacting their budgets. Leigh also provides strategic financial input and leadership on decision making issues affecting the organization; evaluates potential alliances acquisitions, pension plans and investments. She is an advisor on all contracts into which the company may enter and an energetic, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards, sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment and strong operational focus.

Leigh has developed proven expertise overseeing high visibility projects that require specialized skills, sensitive to unique program requirements, and has complete knowledge in all aspect of the skylight installation system process. Leigh enjoys interaction with our customers, overseeing every project through completion; attest to her commitment to customer satisfaction and has spearheaded innovation within the company to both better serve our customers and provide an enhanced workplace for MEI employees. She plays a key leadership role in setting the strategic direction of our company and has helped to guide the company through a challenging period marked by steady growth.

In addition to her enthusiasm, Leigh is inspired with compassion. As CEO, she ensures the company’s exceptionally strong tradition of social responsibility. She supports several charitable organizations and encourages personal participation from its employees.

Leigh also enjoys working out daily, spending time with her husband and two children and trips to the beach.

As Chief Executive Officer of McLaughlin Erectors, Inc. (MEI), Leigh Carnell is responsible for all day-to-day management decisions and implementation of the Company’s long and short term plans. She plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs and evaluates the organizations’ fiscal functions and performances; evaluates and advises on the impact of long range planning, introduction of new programs/strategies and regulatory action; enhance and/or develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operations and effectiveness of the company. Leigh provides technical financial advice and knowledge to others within the financial discipline. She continues to improve the budgeting process through education of her Project Managers and Field Operations Director on financial issues impacting their budgets. Leigh also provides strategic financial input and leadership on decision making issues affecting the organization; evaluates potential alliances acquisitions, pension plans and investments. She is an advisor on all contracts into which the company may enter and an energetic, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards, sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment and strong operational focus.

Leigh has developed proven expertise overseeing high visibility projects that require specialized skills, sensitive to unique program requirements, and has complete knowledge in all aspect of the skylight installation system process. Leigh enjoys interaction with our customers, overseeing every project through completion; attest to her commitment to customer satisfaction and has spearheaded innovation within the company to both better serve our customers and provide an enhanced workplace for MEI employees. She plays a key leadership role in setting the strategic direction of our company and has helped to guide the company through a challenging period marked by steady growth.

In addition to her enthusiasm, Leigh is inspired with compassion. As CEO, she ensures the company’s exceptionally strong tradition of social responsibility. She supports several charitable organizations and encourages personal participation from its employees.

Leigh also enjoys working out daily, spending time with her husband and two children and trips to the beach.

Paul Carnell, CFO

Paul joined MEI on a part time basis in the fall of 2006 to oversee the integration and operations of the Skylight Doctors in Philadelphia. After 22 years as an Army medic, Paul retired from the US Army in 2007 and came on full time. Since then, he has also established Structural Skylights of Texas as the consulting arm of MEI and he now overseas all of the accounting services for MEI, Skylight Doctors, EPI and SSTX. Paul has a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Management from Franklin University.

During his time in the military, Paul attended many different levels of leadership training and has extensive experience in plans and operations. He understands the importance of getting the right people, to the right place, at the right time. Paul is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal.

Paul Carnell has been certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). In addition, Paul has also become Green Advantage Certified. Green Advantage® Certified building practitioners have demonstrated their knowledge in green building. These individuals have become certified in order to better serve you in your quest for an environmentally-friendly building. It’s not only “the right thing to do,” but it can also pay you many dividends as you select a qualified builder who can assist you in constructing a building designed to have lower utility bills, increased comfort and better durability.

Outside of MEI, Paul is the proud father of two successful children with his wife of over 22 years and is an avid and successful BBQ competitor and philanthropist. Paul along with his father in law, built a 25 foot long mobile field kitchen, capable of producing up to 10,000 meals per day to victims of natural disasters. Paul always believes, “Service to Country”.

During his time in the military, Paul attended many different levels of leadership training and has extensive experience in plans and operations. He understands the importance of getting the right people, to the right place, at the right time. Paul is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal.

Paul Carnell has been certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). In addition, Paul has also become Green Advantage Certified. Green Advantage® Certified building practitioners have demonstrated their knowledge in green building. These individuals have become certified in order to better serve you in your quest for an environmentally-friendly building. It’s not only “the right thing to do,” but it can also pay you many dividends as you select a qualified builder who can assist you in constructing a building designed to have lower utility bills, increased comfort and better durability.

Outside of MEI, Paul is the proud father of two successful children with his wife of over 22 years and is an avid and successful BBQ competitor and philanthropist. Paul along with his father in law, built a 25 foot long mobile field kitchen, capable of producing up to 10,000 meals per day to victims of natural disasters. Paul always believes, “Service to Country”.

Vernon Slate, Project Manager/Estimator/Field Superintendent/Consultant

Vernon started working for McLaughlin Erectors, Inc., (MEI) in 2004 as an installer. He has become a valuable member of the MEI team and has over 15 years of experience in skylight systems planning and project management. Vernon holds several positions as Project Manager, Estimator, Consultant and Field Superintendent.

Vernon has built a reputation with our customers, understanding what it takes to start a project, no matter the size. He’s also known for ensuring that the parties involved are updated on the progress of the project, as often as possible. Having these various attributes gives him the opportunity to survey, estimates and determine what needs to be done to procure the project. He uses collaborative team approaches and streamlined processes to provide customer value in delivering projects.

His years of experience in this industry has allowed him to gain a vast knowledge of management, ability and budgeting. Vernon uses these qualities to manage a project for the entire duration from start to finish. Over the years Vernon has built a strong bond with customers and relationships with numerous suppliers and specialty trades.

In his spare time, he enjoys skydiving, skiing, biking, hiking and camping. He is quite an outdoorsman.

Vernon has built a reputation with our customers, understanding what it takes to start a project, no matter the size. He’s also known for ensuring that the parties involved are updated on the progress of the project, as often as possible. Having these various attributes gives him the opportunity to survey, estimates and determine what needs to be done to procure the project. He uses collaborative team approaches and streamlined processes to provide customer value in delivering projects.

His years of experience in this industry has allowed him to gain a vast knowledge of management, ability and budgeting. Vernon uses these qualities to manage a project for the entire duration from start to finish. Over the years Vernon has built a strong bond with customers and relationships with numerous suppliers and specialty trades.

In his spare time, he enjoys skydiving, skiing, biking, hiking and camping. He is quite an outdoorsman.

Ryan Garcia, Senior Project Manager

Ryan started working for McLaughlin Erectors, Inc. (MEI) at the age of 19 years old as an installer. After several years of hard work and determination he was promoted to Project Manager of Operations.

Ryan is highly respected by his colleages and subordinates and skillfully manages the super abundance of personalities involved with this industry. His enthusiastic and optimistic attitude is contagious and serves to motivate and energize his project crews. He is a natural leader who has the gift of identifying each crew member’s primary talents and bringing out the best in each one throughout the course of the entire project. Ryan is very calm and collected under pressure and has superb problem-solving skills as well as exceptional team-building skills.

In the course of managing projects, Ryan is able to focus on the stated objectives of the project and prioritizes every task necessary to accomplish the desired end result. From there he assigns the right individuals for each task and provides detailed instructions, encouragement and advice so that each crew member has a clear direction and can take part in the overall success of the project.

During his project assignments, Ryan keeps all members of the project, as well as management, informed of the progress through every phase. He possesses excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Ryan shows an uncanny ability to foresee potential problems and essentially takes proactive measures saving the company money and preventing unexpected hurdles from delaying the project’s ultimate implementation. An effective delegator, Ryan trusts the team he assembles and they have tremendous faith in him as a fair and effective leader.

Ryan’s position with MEI has allowed him to travel to all 50 states in the US as well as a few areas outside the country. When Ryan is not occupying his time with work, he enjoys being home with his wife and two children.

Ryan is highly respected by his colleages and subordinates and skillfully manages the super abundance of personalities involved with this industry. His enthusiastic and optimistic attitude is contagious and serves to motivate and energize his project crews. He is a natural leader who has the gift of identifying each crew member’s primary talents and bringing out the best in each one throughout the course of the entire project. Ryan is very calm and collected under pressure and has superb problem-solving skills as well as exceptional team-building skills.

In the course of managing projects, Ryan is able to focus on the stated objectives of the project and prioritizes every task necessary to accomplish the desired end result. From there he assigns the right individuals for each task and provides detailed instructions, encouragement and advice so that each crew member has a clear direction and can take part in the overall success of the project.

During his project assignments, Ryan keeps all members of the project, as well as management, informed of the progress through every phase. He possesses excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Ryan shows an uncanny ability to foresee potential problems and essentially takes proactive measures saving the company money and preventing unexpected hurdles from delaying the project’s ultimate implementation. An effective delegator, Ryan trusts the team he assembles and they have tremendous faith in him as a fair and effective leader.

Ryan’s position with MEI has allowed him to travel to all 50 states in the US as well as a few areas outside the country. When Ryan is not occupying his time with work, he enjoys being home with his wife and two children.