A journey into the beginnings, partnerships, and growth of your good-natured home services professionals.
Circa 1930
Summers Bros. emerges as a plumbing supply store in Gap, PA, and also operates as a plumbing repair company out of the store.
1950
Our commitment to great service started in 1950, when Grammy Zim (Mildred) opened Zimmerman’s Restaurant and Fountain Service in the town of Atglen, Pennsylvania. The establishment provided the community with a place to gather and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
In 1950, Pop Zim (Clair) started C.H. Zimmerman & Sons refrigeration, which served the community of Atglen, PA with refrigeration service, and ultimately expanded to plumbing, heating, and electrical contracting.
Our office building at 403 Valley Avenue in Atglen, PA dates back to 1858, when it served as the odd fellows lodge.
1973
Summers & Zim’s formed in 1973, when C.H. Zimmerman & Sons merged with Summers Brothers Plumbing & Heating. The company was run by Joe Zimmerman’s dad, Bud Zimmerman.
Our current office building facade as it exists today. The building serves as our main headquarters, with an extended warehouse attached to the back where we machine our own parts for HVAC installations and repairs.
1990
Our good-natured team enjoying a Christmas lunch in our main building. We continue to take care of our staff with various benefits, including Hot Dog Thursdays.
1995
Technicians Randy and Joe operate forklifts to move shears into the brand-new sheet metal shop.
1995
In 1995, we added a warehouse to the original building built in 1858. This warehouse serves as our machine shop, as well as a place for us to store our inventory.
1998
In 1998 we dressed in formal wear for the evening to celebrate being awarded the quality contractor of the year. This was the first time that a company from the East Coast ever won the award!
1998
Original Summers & Zim’s President Bud Zimmerman (pictured center), with his two sons: current president Joe Zimmerman (left) and his brother, HVAC/Plumbing Technician Jere Zimmerman.
2000
Technicians Kenny, Josh, and Steve enjoying a candlelight dinner in the machine shop of our current building headquarters.
2000
Our company work vans parked by our main building in the year 2000. While work vans have become more modern over the years, we continue to take pride in ensuring that the community knows that Good-Natured Guys are here to provide you with honest, dependable service.
2020
The current generation of Summers & Zim’s leadership. Pictured from left, Ethann Zimmerman, Bud Zimmerman, Jose Zimmerman, Tommy the dog, along with Joe and his wife Tracey.
2023
A Summers & Zim’s work van as of 2023. Our technicians take pride in being the face of Summers & Zim’s to our customers and community, and these vans serve as an important resource for providing dependable service.
And Beyond...
Original Summers & Zim’s President Bu Zimmerman with grandsons Tukker Zimmerman (left) and Ethann Zimmerman (right). The next generation of family leadership at Summers & Zim’s continues to ensure that our core principles of Honest, Dependable, Gritty and Excellence continue for generations to come.