RJ Mechanical Inc. Experiences Growth While Staying Small
Rob Stocker has been in the sheet metal industry for nearly 40 years — a career that began with a few sheet metal/HVAC courses in Arizona and ultimately led to a sheet metal apprenticeship. In 2006, RJ Mechanical Inc. was born.
“He’d been working for other people for a long time and knew what he was doing, so we thought why not us?” said Tami Stocker, Rob’s wife and business partner. “We said we wanted the ability to control our own schedules, so we started our own business. We were a little bigger when we first started and honestly, it was a lot. A couple of years in, my husband and I said we really want to keep it smaller and keep projects moving, so we backed off the really big jobs.”
Although they intentionally keep the company small but mighty, sometimes the team needs a few extra hands on deck. When jobs require more manpower, RJ Mechanical works closely with the sheet metal union for quality, trained craftspeople.
The family-run business specializes in VRF systems, performs full equipment installations and replacements/remodels, as well repair and maintenance to keep commercial units running at full capacity between visits. Creating sustainable communities through green building practices has also become part of the RJ Mechanical business model, beginning with a project in Rohnert Park back in 2008.
“There’s also been a big uptick in air purifiers and other air quality solutions lately,” Tami said. “Schools are definitely remodeling and upgrading their systems because of the health and performance benefits.”
Other recent projects by the RJ Mechanical team include the Orchard Commons affordable housing units in Santa Rosa, a Progress Foundation treatment facility, and EdgeWay Plaza, a luxury apartment complex near downtown Cotati. EdgeWay was built from the ground up, with RJ Mechanical installing all 31 units.
RJ Mechanical is proud to invest back in their local community through donations and sponsorships to the Athletic Boosters in support of high school athletic program. The couple also fosters a variety of animals from their local shelter, something they’ve done since their kids were little.
The company has represented Bay Area SMACNA as a contractor members since it was founded in 2006.