A Toast to Tom: A Retirement Party Worthy of a Legend

Corporate

May 13, 2025

At 402 Events, we believe every celebration should reflect the heart of the person at its center—and Tom McNeil’s retirement party was no exception. After over 40 remarkable years with Mainelli Mechanical, Tom deserved nothing less than an unforgettable send-off. So, we rolled up our sleeves and crafted a fully customized evening that honored not just a CEO, but a beloved friend, mentor, and leader.

The guest list was a testament to the kind of man Tom is—family, lifelong friends, employees, clients, and business partners all gathered to raise a glass to a career built on integrity, vision, and connection. The atmosphere was warm, heartfelt, and filled with gratitude.

Knowing Tom’s love for traditional pub culture, we created a custom-built experience: Tom’s Pub. Guinness and Jameson flowed freely, setting the tone for an authentic and intimate celebration. Every detail, from the signage to the seating, reflected Tom’s passion for good drink and even better company.

Dinner was anything but ordinary. Guests were treated to live food stations, including pasta spun in a giant cheese wheel and to-order Bananas Foster—because when you’ve spent four decades making an impact, your sendoff deserves fire, flair, and flavor.

In a particularly touching collaboration, we partnered with welders and craftsmen from Tom’s company to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind chandelier. Featuring custom copper piping and Edison bulbs, it hung proudly over a four-sided bar, becoming both a visual focal point and a symbol of the company’s respect and appreciation for Tom.

To begin the evening’s programming, a traditional bagpiping trio led guests from cocktail hour into dinner—adding a sense of ceremony, celebration, and a nod to Tom’s heritage.

Every table at Tom’s retirement celebration was a tribute not only to the man of the hour but to the company he helped shape. We designed the centerpieces to reflect the craftsmanship, masculinity, and artistry that define Mainelli Mechanical’s work. Throughout the room there were trios of luminaries, wrapped in blueprints from some of Mainelli’s most iconic projects—like the Omaha Zoo, the Kellogg’s Factory, and a Kiewit building—subtly illuminating the legacy Tom helped build. Interspersed among them were handcrafted bud vases made from copper piping, created by Mainelli team members themselves and filled with warm fall-toned florals to soften the industrial materials with elegance and heart. Even the table numbers were a nod to the company’s roots—set inside copper rings cut from scrap metal right from the Mainelli warehouse. The result was a thoughtful, intentional design that captured the spirit of the company Tom loved and led for so many years.

From the flowing drinks and exceptional food to the heartfelt speeches that brought both tears and laughter, it was a night to remember. We were honored to help bring this vision to life and celebrate a man who has left an indelible mark on everyone around him.

At 402 Events, we’re passionate about helping companies honor their people, elevate their brands, and build events that tell a story. Whether it’s a milestone retirement, an internal celebration, or a client-facing experience, we’re here to make it unforgettable.