By Heather Rineer, Brand and Engagement Manager, Employee-Owner, and self proclaimed “Company Cheerleader” at Rhoads Energy
A feature piece from our Summer 2025 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication
108 years ago, young Jerome H. Rhoads left home to start a life for himself. He may not have fully grasped what his small start-up business would become, but his character, ethics, and values laid the foundation for qualities that continue to guide Rhoads Energy. Still today, we remain committed to his values of family, integrity, and community.
INSTILLING A SERVICE-ABOVE SELF MENTALITY IN OUR TEAM
Rhoads Energy has always believed in the importance of giving back to the communities we serve, the same communities where we work and call home.
We encourage our employee owners to get involved in non-profits that speak to their hearts and support them in those efforts. Through our Hours Impacting Others program, employees who volunteer may report up to 10 hours of volunteer time. In turn, the company will directly contribute to that organization in the employee’s name.
In 2021, Rhoads established the Community and Family Grant Fund. Each year, a rotating committee of five employee owners’ review applications submitted by 501c3 organizations throughout our Southcentral, Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland service area. After conducting interviews, the committee decides how to award designated grant funds. This process has proven incredibly rewarding for committee members, often introducing them to impactful organizations they might not have otherwise been exposed to.
Outside our organization, Rhoads Energy encourages others to embrace a spirit of giving. Through our partnership with the United Way of Lancaster, Rhoads Energy donates a $2,500.00 Voyager Fleet Card, awarded to a community member who participates in United Way’s annual giving campaign. It’s always a wonderful experience to thank someone for their generosity in such a special way.
We honestly believe that, as a company, we must share our success with others. And to us, that means more than just writing a check. That’s why, over the years, you have probably seen our team members, walking in the Solanco Fair parade handing out gifts to attendees along the parade route, cheering on the young participants at the Girls On The Run Spring and Fall 5Ks, or hosting our annual ExtraGive Happy Hour of Giving event.
THANKING OUR VETERANS
The DeBerdine family has a long-standing tradition of replacing faded and torn American flags on veterans graves each Memorial Day. Their deep gratitude for those who sacrificed for our freedoms continues to be carried on through the company.
In 2020, Rhoads Energy launched the “Gallons for Vets” program. We began with a single delivery truck, patriotically wrapped with the program’s branding, and has grown into a fleet of three delivery vehicles. For every gallon these vehicles deliver, the company donates to a fund that provides home heating fuel, at no cost, to veterans in financial distress. Through partnerships with Veterans Affairs Hospitals in Lebanon and Coatesville, PA, hospital caseworkers help identify the veterans who benefit from this program. As of November 2024, Rhoads Energy has provided an average of $790 in assistance per veteran served.
FOSTERING OPPORTUNITY
Over the last few years, Rhoads Energy has experienced unprecedented growth. Luckily, trade jobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their high demand, lucrative salaries, and job security. Still, it is hard to find qualified applicants. So, in 2020, Rhoads Energy partnered with Thaddeus Stevens College to create a tuition reimbursement program for students enrolled in the HVAC Program.
Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher and complete a summer internship open to rising sophomores.
Rhoads Energy also invested in an on-site training room where current employees and interns can get hands on training on the newest and most up to date equipment, with guidance from our most seasoned technicians. This experience is designed to enhance their knowledge and the skills needed to provide top-notch service to our customers.
In 2022, we launched our internal Emerging Leadership Academy, a company focused 12-month curriculum designed to enhance the employees overall understanding of operations and long-term goals, create opportunities for those seeking career advancement, or simply feel more empowered in their current position.
FULFILLING A LEGACY
Our leadership continues to honor Mr. Rhoads’ legacy by supporting the communities that have given so much to the company. We owe 108 years of success to customers who have trusted us to take care of their most precious asset – their home. And we do not take that for granted.
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