Tharp’s 2011 community service achievements were recently featured in the cover story “ABC Gives Back” for the December 2011 ABC magazine. Our employee involvement in the Community Food and Outreach Center and numerous activities throughout the year were highlighted. Thanks to our employees continued support of the community.
Clancy & Theys awarded Tharp Plumbing the large campus of Valencia Community College in Osceola County. The two companies have a long history of working together and are looking forward to a smooth one-year project.
Tharp Plumbing was recently notified that it won the prestigious Eagle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. for the UCF Recreation & Wellness Center with Welbro Building Corporation. The Eagle award is the highest award given in the Excellence in Construction Awards Competition. Projects are judged on execution of design, craftsmanship, attention to detail, proper installation, evidence of extra ordinary effort, owner satisfaction, and other considerations. The award criteria aligns with Tharp’s mission statement which is “craftsmanship delivered on time, safely and within budget to establish trusting client relationships and repeat work that promotes both our clients and employees longevity, professional growth and prosperity.” Foremen, Chris Seifert and Randy Sweat, apprentice Jesse Passo, and plumber Canute Kelly made the largest contributions to the job, which was estimated by Greg Jones and managed by Dave Horn. Tharp will also be recognized by ABC with an honorable mention for their work on the deep underground for the Amway Arena with Hunt Construction.
Tharp employees always strive to work efficiently and to the best of their ability; there have been no field employee pay cuts due to the economy unlike other plumbing competitors. Weekly labor reports are now available to all foreman to check labor status on jobs to see how well they are tracking against projected labor costs. This allows employees to complete projects timely and within budget and give them the opportunity to maximize employee bonus dollars.
Field leaders are also able to now send in most of their office paperwork electronically including time, truck and safety sheets. They also have the ability to send and receive photos and emails to optimize communication between Tharp’s customers and other Tharp employees.
Three Tharp apprentices have completed their curriculum studies; these individuals are part of Tharp Plumbing’s very first class of apprentices in the new in-house apprenticeship program. Apprentices Michael Kuindwa, Andy Holt and Gil Sarita completed the four year program at an accelerated pace. They are continuing their on the job training hours and will be taking their journeyman test next year. Tharp’s in-house apprenticeship program allows them to become both certified through the National Center for Construction Education and Research and through the Florida State Department of Education.