History

Bob Handelman, a 1958 graduate of Iowa State, founded the Chemstress Consultant Company in 1965, “I started Chemstress with a 1917 typewriter in my home”.    It started with a vision of an efficient engineering organization that provided outstanding services at a reasonable price.  The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company soon took notice of Mr. Handelman’s vision and passion and awarded Chemstress its first purchase order. Chemstress has continually serviced Goodyear every year since its founding.

In 1996 Mr. Handelman established the Chemstress Construction Company. Bob envisioned a Design-Build approach to help streamline the execution of the project, minimizing the overall project schedule and optimizing the resources from engineering through construction.

The leadership of Chemstress has transitioned during the last ten years to Julie Wesel, a graduate of The Ohio State University. Julie reflects, “Bob quietly committed himself to make the world a better place; you can see this commitment in the engineering company he built, the completed impactful projects, and his dedication to the Chemstress People.” Chemstress continues Bob’s vision and is now a Woman Owned Small Business Enterprise.