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If It's Worth Doing, Do It The Rite Way!

Our Mission: We help people live better in their homes.

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Why Choose Us?

Rite Way Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing's legacy began in 1959, when founder Burt Mandel saw an opportunity in Tucson’s rapidly growing postwar economy. At the time, Tucson was a small town with only 45,000 residents, but by 1960, the population had swelled to 212,000. Mandel, along with his partner, opened a sheet metal and ventilation business, ultimately becoming the area's Holly Distributor. In 1964, they rebranded as Rite Way Ventilating Company and moved to Speedway Boulevard. As Tucson expanded, so did the company, which was set on supporting the community’s increasing demand for reliable, quality services.

By the 1990s, the company was at a crossroads. Business was slowing, and Rite Way was facing challenges in adapting to new trends in construction. It was during this time that Rick Walter, with a background in music and experience as an estimator, joined Rite Way in 1996. Despite having no car, Rick was determined to land the job. His strong work ethic, vision, and expertise would be key to transforming Rite Way. When Mike Mandel, the owner’s son, took over the company, Walter saw a growing opportunity in the retrofit market, which had been underdeveloped. Through improving install procedures and building a solid reputation for customer satisfaction, Rick helped grow the business from a small retrofit division to a major revenue driver.

In 2007, Rick and his partner Jason bought the company, merging it with another local business, Carl's Service. Despite facing immense financial struggles during a tough economy, including over a million dollars in debt, Rick remained committed to both stabilizing Rite Way and focusing on employee wellbeing. In 2011, the company entered a partnership with Costco Wholesale, which helped increase the annual revenue. However, profitability remained a challenge. It wasn't until 2014 that significant changes were made. By promoting key staff, instituting a net profit bonus system, and refining operational strategies, Rite Way was able to turn things around. The company paid off its debt, grew revenues, and positioned itself for future success.

Rite Way’s growth continued as it embraced innovative strategies to scale its business. By joining Nexstar, Rick’s leadership took Rite Way to new heights, creating systems that allowed for growth despite economic fluctuations. The company became a leader in the home services industry, especially following the 2020 COVID boom. Rick spearheaded several successful acquisitions, expanding Rite Way's services to include plumbing, electrical, and septic, as well as expanding into the Maricopa and Cochise County markets. Today, Rite Way’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction remains at the heart of its success, making it a trusted name in Tucson and beyond.

Don't take our word for it. Check out what our customers have to say about Rite Way

Rite Way has a 4.9 Google Rating with over 9,500 reviews.

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