About Us

HISTORY

In 1993, Robert Thurber founded RT Services after 11 years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry with his wife, Cynthia Thurber, supporting him every step of the way. At a young age their son, Phillip Thurber, was often by Robert’s side learning and appreciating the trade. In 2018, the company name changed from RT Plumbing & Heating, Inc. to RT Services to better reflect the scope of services offered. In 2022, the business transitioned to Phillip and Melanie Thurber. We count it a joy and privilege to be a family owned and operated business now for 2 generations.

MEET THE OWNERS

Phillip Thurber
- Owner, Master Plumber

“You’re not obligated to win. You’re obligated to keep trying the best you can every day.” – Marian Edelman

Phillip (Phil) graduated from Heritage Academy in 2007 and completed trade school in 2008. He has his Master Plumber Certification and 20+ years of experience.

“I’ve been by my dad’s (Bobby’s) side at job sites since I was 4 years old. I enjoy helping customers solve their issues while communicating options. I enjoy meeting and connecting with new people.”

Phil enjoys spending time with his wife and son, as well as hunting, fishing, and farming for wildlife.

Melanie Thurber
- Co-Owner, Admin Lead

“Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:14

Before devoting her career to RT Services, Melanie balanced numerous aspects of Human Resources for a rapidly growing company. Her favorite part of administration is organizing, creating, and implementing new procedures.

In 2016, Melanie completed her AMA in General Management and became a certified HR Generalist. In addition, she has numerous OSHA certifications and is certified in Refresh Leadership, FMLA & ADA Compliance, PII, and Cyber Awareness, among others. She enjoys serving the RT Services team members and customers. "RT Services aims to treat each and every person who crosses their path like family, and that makes it a special place."

Melanie enjoys practicing yoga, coffee, reading a good novel, and spending quality time with her husband and two sons. Together, they savor being outdoors. In her free time, you can find her at the barn with her horse!

MEET THE ADMIN TEAM

Mike Z.
- Operation Manager

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Golden Rule - Luke 6:31

I graduated from Greencastle Antrim High School in 1988. After school, I spent 11 years in home construction and sales. I learned that I loved working with people, so I started working with a big box retailer, where I spent 13 years growing my customer service skills, sales, and business management & leadership. Then, in 2012, I got called into pastoral leadership, where I spent the next five years until I went back into business management & leadership. I’m excited to use my management & leadership skills and experiences, along with my pastoral heart, to serve this company as we serve and provide assistance to those in need.

I enjoy RT Services because of their heart for serving and helping others. This is a business, but it is a business with a purpose, which is to provide excellent service to everyone in need and to make sure the customer gets the experience they deserve.

I enjoy spending time with my family, serving in my church, and hunting & fishing when I get a chance to go. I found the secret to happiness in life is to wake up every day and be thankful for what the Lord has given you and to use this to show and share the good news about Him.

Laura J.
- Admin Team

“ The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation. ” – Corrie Ten Boom

I love being a wife, mother, and grandma. When not hiking, kayaking, or traveling with my husband, I enjoy gardening, baking, reading, and playing board games with our six grandchildren.

My past jobs in the non-profit, real estate, and local government worlds, along with various positions at church over the years, have given me the opportunity to develop and improve my skills of organization, commitment to precision and accuracy, and working with people.

I love having the opportunity to bring my skills and gifts to serve our customers and the staff at RT Services. I am blessed to work with this wonderful team.

MEET THE PLUMBING TEAM

Robert Thurber
- Founder, Master Plumber

Robert (Bobby) graduated from Williamsport High School in 1977, then graduated from Bob Jones University from the Diesel Mechanic Trades Program in 1982. He worked in the plumbing field for 11 years before branching out on his own and starting RT Plumbing & Heating.

“I am grateful for the opportunity of founding RT Services since 1993. I have terrific team members who enjoy what they do. They are motivated, ambitious, hardworking, and offer respectable and clean services. These guys are top notch and I’m so proud of them. The administrative staff is pretty sweet, too!”

When Bobby can get away, he enjoys hunting and fishing. He adores seeing and spending time with his grandkids. “I love America and the freedoms we have in the good ‘ole USA. I love my Lord and Savior, and am blessed by the freedom he gave me when he gave me eternal life.”

Caleb H.
- Plumbing Team

“Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.” – Ronald Reagan

Caleb graduated from Broadfording Christian Academy in 2006. He has Backflow Certifications and his Apprentice License, and has been in the industry since 2019.

“I love RT Services because they treat you like family and that makes a great environment… we work hard, play hard, and do quality work!”

Caleb enjoys anything outdoors (farming, hunting, fishing, etc.) and is proud of his wonderful wife Lauren, and 6 children: Cameron, Lilyana, Cheyenne, Jackson, Sadie and Serenity.

Zach W.
- Plumbing Team

“May you always remember to enjoy the road, especially when it's a hard one” - Kobe Bryant

I graduated from high school one year early to gain a head start at this thing called life. I moved from Idaho to Maryland to pursue my goals. Fortunately, my boss, Phil, gave me a chance and taught me the ropes of the trade. I love my work, the camaraderie with my team, interacting with new people, and solving their problems to the best of my abilities.

Hunting, particularly for elk, is one of my favorite hobbies. I also take pleasure in spending time on the water, hanging out with my family, or simply being in the great outdoors.

MEET THE HVAC TEAM

Rich D.
- HVAC Team

I enjoy working at RT Services because they believe in me and have helped me gain the knowledge and skills to be a great HVAC technician.

The support I receive is invaluable. Outside of work, I enjoy fly fishing, kayak bass tournaments, and basically anything outdoors. I also cherish spending time with my family.

Damien P.
- HVAC Team

"Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there." - Bo Jackson

I love working at RT Services because they treat you like family. We’re all about getting the job done right. The saying when we go to any customer's house is “leave it like you've never been there.” RT is all about teamwork; that's the mindset you need to be the best.

I graduated from Clear Spring High School in 2023. I was the catcher for the 2022 and 2023 1A state champion baseball teams. After graduation, I wanted to pursue a trade in HVAC. I’m now working to get my journeyman’s at Associated Builders and Contractors Inc.-Barr Construction Institute. I can’t thank my Lord and Savior enough for this journey. In my free time, I enjoy coaching youth baseball, hunting, hiking, and spending time with my family and friends.

Team Member Photography Credit: Moxie Muse Photography

HISTORY

MEET THE OWNERS

MEET THE ADMIN TEAM

MEET THE PLUMBING TEAM

MEET THE HVAC TEAM

Voted #1 Best Plumber AND Best Heating & Air Conditioning of the TriState - Thank You to all our customers!