Celebrating 65 years, T-Ross Brothers serves community
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T-Ross Brothers Construction, a mainstay in the area recently celebrated their 65th anniversary, and though known mainly for their commercial development, the company's offerings reach far beyond.
Founded in 1958 by contractor and builder, Thomas Ross, the company was known by many names throughout the years until Ross' sons, Tom and Todd bought the business in 1996, re-dubbing it T-Ross Brothers, marketing director Robert Tomlinson explained.
The company marked a major milestone in 2021 when they relocated their office.
"They took over the old elementary school in Montandon and renovated it into our corporate offices," Tomlinson said.
"We mainly focus on commercial construction, but we do have a home building division called Ross Custom Homes, and we have a metal roofing division called Bend-fab, which is popular in the area. They're long-lasting," Tomlinson explained.
"We also have a metal building division called Metal Building Solutions, or MBS," Tomlinson explained.
"When a lot of people think of T-Ross, they think of the commercial side, and they don't realize that we do custom houses," he said.
"A lot of times with big box stores, they'll have cookie cutter designs and they might be able to modify this or that, but with Ross Custom Homes, the client can come in and if they have a dream of the house they want, our project managers and our designers can put together exactly what they're dreaming of," Tomlinson said.
"No matter how unique the house, we can do that for them".
"When it comes to custom kitchens or bathrooms, we're also cheaper than a lot of big box stores, who will sit down and design the same thing," he said.
The company generally serves a 50-mile area extending from Milton, but has done projects as far as the Sullivan County Courthouse.
Closer to home, the T-Ross Brothers has put its stamp on several recognizable properties, including an addition to the Prysmian plant, Little League headquarters and dormitories, and the Eastern Lycoming Branch YMCA in Muncy.
"Todd has told me a couple times, he finds it fascinating when he drives around and he sees the different buildings, whether they were built by him, his father, or his brother, it gives him a lot of great pride in knowing that, 'hey, I built that building,'" Tomlinson said.
"They look at Central PA and the Susquehanna Valley, and they see how much they've contributed to what it is today."
One current project underway that Tomlinson is particularly excited about is Jackass Brewery, which broke ground in January.
"That's gonna be really cool when that's ready," he said. There'll be a restaurant and bar on the first and second stories, and the third and fourth floor will be for special venues like weddings, etc."
"We built their brewery in Lewisburg, and they're good friends with us."
The company also recently broke ground on the Newman Commons in Lewisburg..
"That's going to be, I believe, 44 cottages for elderly people," Tomlinson explained.
In addition to their focus on providing excellent service to their clients, T-Ross Brothers have an eye on those who have the itch to join the construction business.
"Last year we started the Ross Construction Academy.," Tomlinson said.
The academy provides graduating students the opportunity to earn certifications through on-the-job training with the company.
"They'd have a kind of trade school education, where we pay for the education part of it," he explained.
Tomlinson said the academy was started by Tom Ross' oldest son, Cody.
"He has a background in education, and he came back to work here and came up with the idea of doing the Ross construction Academy."
"It's normally open for seniors, but also during the summer we have a junior internship program for juniors that want to earn some money over the summer."
Those interested can reach out to Cody at cody@trossbrothers.com or by at 570-556-8695.
"We also offer an annual scholarship for students that are studying construction that rewards $2,000 towards the tuition. And, that is through the First Community Foundation Partnership," Tomlinson said.
Another popular event, devised by Tomlinson, that he looks to do again in the fall is a scavenger hunt.
"We partnered with about 80 businesses last year, which was free for businesses to be a part of," he explained.
"We had a poster with hidden clues, messages and riddles to lead people from one business to another, to ultimately find 10 keys. They then came to our 65th anniversary party, and there were 10 boxes for them to try their keys in. All the boxes had prices of various kinds, including cash ranging from $500 to $2,000."
While Tomlinson cites the company's "top notch quality" as one of its core attractions, T-Ross' continued success goes much deeper.
"We also create close friendships with the people we work for," he said.
"We build their buildings and we become friends with them. And any future projects they have, they just stick with us."
Tomlinson also cites the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce as among the most helpful organizations he has worked with.
"They're probably my personal favorite, just because they're there for you," he said.
"If you have something that you need help with, they're there for you."