The History of Tharp Plumbing

At its beginning on Silver Star Road in 1976, Tharp Plumbing Systems gave primary focus to the food and beverage industry with client companies like McDonalds, Jack in the Box, and Darden Restaurants. Within a few short years, the diversity of work expanded to federal projects at Patrick Air Force Base and grocery stores such as Albertsons. Growth was also witnessed in an expanded client list which included York Steak House, Perkins, Steak and Ale, Bennigans, Denny’s and others.

By 1985, the company further diversified into healthcare, mixed retail, and theme parks including Universal Studios, Disney, and Sea World. With an earned reputation as “Purveyors of Fine Plumbing,” the early 90’s saw the growing Tharp team of highly skilled craftsmen and managers able to bond work up to $5 million, permitting them to successfully tackle high-end projects like the Rainforest Cafe at Disney and large retail centers such as Pointe Orlando and Festival Bay. Winning the distinction as Publix’s “Designated Plumbing Contractor” in 1997, while subsequently adding Super Targets, schools, and multi-story office buildings to its expanding portfolio of projects, helped build the company to over 130 employees doing $19 million a year and enjoying a bonding capacity of $15 million.