Tharp Plumbing Founders Statement

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Jim Tharp moved with his parents to Orlando in 1961 and has been a resident ever since. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1967, Orlando Junior College in 1969 and the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in 1973. Knowing the advantages of learning by doing, Jim spent the next three years gaining hands-on commercial plumbing experience. In 1976, he launched Tharp Plumbing Systems, Inc. with seven employees and four vehicles.

Having been involved in various entrepreneurial enterprises beginning at an early age, and armed with a “can do” leadership orientation from his achievements in acquiring the Boy Scouts of America’s highest award as an Eagle Scout, Jim built his company on a strategy of “quality” over “quantity” and other time-proven principles:

There is no better testament to the strengths inherent in these operating principles than the subsequent evolution of the company in terms of size, diversification and an ever growing client base. We are proud to let our principles, work and client relationships speak for us!