Roof Garden Biz: New hires, honorees, new business notices

Roof Garden Biz is a monthly roundup of business happenings in Somerset County. To submit an item, email news@dailyamerican.com.

The following are some of the business-related news from the month in the Somerset County area.

CJL Engineering announces new hires

CJL Engineering , a multi-disciplinary mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and civil/structural engineering consulting firm has announced Devin Jenkinson was hired in its Johnstown office.

Jenkinson, EIT, of Conemaugh Township, joined the firm on Jan. 29, as a civil designer. Jenkinson served in the U.S. Navy, as an operations specialist from 2015-18. He received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 2023. He is a registered engineer-in-training in Pennsylvania.

More: First 3 national parks, 9/11 National Memorial Trail alliance start connections

Berkebile Oil Co. launches Rust Wrangler

Nearly a decade ago, Berkebile Oil developed a proprietary vehicle undercoating called PFC: Protection First Class to help customers protect one of their most expensive assets, their vehicles, from rust.

During the last 10 years, Berkebile Oil's presence in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast has expanded to include more than 600 independent installers and shelf space in many retail locations for do-it-yourself customers.

The goal for establishing the Rust Wrangler franchise is to grow the PFC brand within Berkebile Oil's current footprint and to expand beyond its existing area. It intends to do so with little to no impact on its current independent installers loyal to the PFC brand since its inception.

• Rust Wrangler ― Powered by PFC’s first franchise location to open at 173 Beacon St., Somerset
• The franchise opened for business on July 1
• Book your one-hour appointment online at www.rustwrangler.com
• Drive your vehicle with confidence knowing it is protected for the next 12 months from Somerset’s harsh winter road salt

“The idea for Rust Wrangler was conceived after talking with some of our 600+ installers and learning many provide the undercoating as an add-on service and not a primary service. There are just a handful of installers who solely undercoat and it is this model that we plan to replicate with our franchise. Whether it’s an established installer or a Rust Wrangler franchise, both will be treating vehicles with the proven protection of PFC,” said Kirk Sherbine, president of The Berkebile Oil Co.

Visit www.rustwrangler.com to learn more about PFC, the undercoating process, and to make an appointment.

The Berkebile Oil Co. Inc. has been manufacturing quality automobile fluids for 70 years in the Somerset Industrial Park, Somerset, under the 2+2 and PFC brands. Visit the website www.berkebileoil.com for more information.

More: PASSAR taking on a 'monumental' project

Moon honored for service

Sikora joins Menser Inc.

Menser Inc. announced that David Sikora joined the Menser team on June 3, as warehouse operations manager. Sikora will be heading up the expanding over-the-counter sales and warehouse division.

Menser Inc. has decided to expand its business to better service Somerset County. It will open the warehouse to everyone from do-it-yourself homeowners to building and plumbing contractors. It will be increasing its warehouse inventory and product selections.

Sikora comes to Menser Inc. with more than three years of experience in plumbing supply sales and is excited to bring his knowledge and relationships in the industry to broaden Menser’s service to local contractors.

Sikora intends to expand the product lines carried and stocked at Menser Inc. and increase the special order department. The company will be remodeling the warehouse as well as the showroom. The showroom has a functional shower, faucets, vanities and toilets that shoppers can flush to compare. It also has Kichler lighting and pool chemicals.

Sikora is a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Kuwait as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He enjoys camping, hiking and watching movies with his girlfriend, Nicole, and four children. His family enjoys baseball and he is a coach for two of the childrens’ teams as well as his co-ed softball team.

Menser Inc. is getting ready to celebrate its 119th year of plumbing and heating service in Somerset County in August. The owners, Matthew and Jennifer Bittinger have recognized the need for a plumbing and heating supplier in the Somerset area. In the past few months, Menser Inc. has more than doubled its inventory. It will continue to increase stock and selection of items as it continues to grow that department of the business.

More: Looking for fresh produce? Here's some farmers markets in Somerset County

Menser Inc. has always performed plumbing and heating services to customers and offered over-the-counter sales. The company is excited to develop new relationships in this endeavor.

Menser Inc. is at 147 Plumber St., Somerset, behind D&B Auto Sales.

1ST Summit Bank’s annual Red Wagon Project launches

The Red Wagon Project, an annual collection drive for back-to-school supplies for children in our communities launched July 17, with 1st Summit Bank's annual Prime Connection picnics and will continue at each community office location.

The goal of this annual drive is to help aid the local community students by starting their school year off on the right foot with the tools they need to succeed. With costs rising all around, parents and teachers are struggling to make sure the children are well-equipped to tackle each school day.

At each of the bank’s community offices, donations of new school supplies and monetary contributions to purchase more supplies will be collected. These items will then be donated to schools within the communities the bank serves for children in need. Some items include, but are not limited to, backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, highlighters, glue and rulers

The deadline to donate is Aug. 21. If any team, club, or organization is interested in partnering with 1st Summit Bank to collect these items, please contact marketing@1stsummit.bank.

UPMC Somerset now offering laboratory services in Johnstown

UPMC Somerset Laboratory Services has expanded access to lab draw services by opening an additional location at the Berkley Hills Professional Campus, 322 Warren St., Suite 160 in Johnstown. The location, which offers blood and urine specimen collection, is open from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

“We continue to look for opportunities to increase access to the high-quality services of UPMC across the region, so patients don’t have to travel,” said Andy Rush, president, UPMC Somerset. “Adding an additional lab draw site at this convenient location is a perfect example of bringing services to the communities we serve and eliminating the need to travel.”

In addition to this new location, UPMC Somerset Laboratory Services has draw sites in Somerset, Berlin, Confluence, Davidsville and Kantner.

Madolin Edwards has been a journalist at the Daily American for 37 years, covering school boards, borough councils, sports and new stories. She was the Home and Family editor for 20 years, and was the primary editor and reporter for a variety of special projects, features and tabs. Contact the Daily American reporters at news@dailyamerican.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Roof Garden Biz: New hires, honorees, new business notices