When Bill Riddle joined TP Mechanical 34 years ago, it was through an opening in the apprenticeship program. At just 19 years old, he started as TP Mechanical’s 38th apprentice.
It’s uncommon for a company CEO to come from a field background, and as such, Bill flips traditional management on its head and leverages success from a “field-first” point of view. He understands and relays to the entire team that quality work in the field is the lifeblood of the company. Bill himself also takes daily calls from TP customers to personally address and help solve their needs. This innate ability to roll-up his sleeves, help and resolve issues for clients is a value instilled all those years ago in the apprenticeship program.
After completing his four-year apprenticeship, Bill became a project superintendent and later earned his plumbing license. He moved from the field into the office in 1996 following a performance review during which he mentioned his interest in becoming a project manager. Bill later became a VP Regional Manager for Cincinnati operations until 2011, when he was named company president.
His current role as president and CEO began in 2015. Much has changed since Bill was an apprentice, including the work capacity of TP Mechanical. What hasn’t changed is the priority to get the job done right; to stand behind the people; and set a high bar for quality work in the field.
About TP’s Apprentice Program
The apprentice program is an important feeder for TP’s workforce. It consists of a minimum of 8,000 on-the-job training hours and 576 hours of classroom learning over the course of four years. The best leaders and the best results come from the program – a direct result of TP’s investment in its employees and the future. The apprentice program is the key to recruiting and filling the field jobs; it enables TP Mechanical to educate their own employees and guarantees the highest quality employees for the future. Learn more about the program by visiting https://www.tpmechanical.com/apprenticeship-program-detail/
