“One of the cornerstones of Welch and Rushe is our enduring strength and stability. We’ve been around for over 50 years and we have a solid reputation throughout the industry as being a very honest and very dependable company.”
~ David Welch, President and Owner, Welch and Rushe Inc.
Our Story
Our company began in 1966 as a small, Maryland-based, union company, with only two plumbers providing commercial plumbing services. By 1973, our services had expanded to include an HVAC Service Department. The vision then was to lay the foundation for a stable company and establish a legacy of highly sought-after craftsmanship for generations to come. This idea is now a reality. Welch and Rushe has more than 200 employees and has completed work throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C, West Virginia, and other locations worldwide. For 50 years and counting, our portfolio of projects includes some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks and most recognizable buildings, organizations, and government and private real estate owners.
We understand that a company’s impact on the community matters. We attribute much of our success to our dedicated, highly skilled, and driven team of employees. Our company is proud of its philanthropy and we have a long history of creating scholarship opportunities for students in grades K-12, those in higher education, caregivers of recovering service members, and Veterans. We also make a difference by helping others grow by offering paid internships.
Industry Affiliated Memberships
Different Certifications and Licenses
Industry Awards in the Past 10 Years
In Total Revenue Exceeded in 2019
Sponsored Students and Caregivers over the past 10+ years
Frequently Asked Question
Does it cost me more to do business with a union establishment?
No. In fact, when everything is weighed equally (e.g., level of skillset, years of company experience, the financial strength of the company, acceptable industry-standard mark-ups), union companies are as competitive in submitting fair and reasonable pricing as non-union establishments.
What’s the largest construction project Welch and Rushe has completed?
To date, Welch and Rushe has completed more than $1 billion in construction projects. Our largest single completed project was more than $100 million.
What are the benefits in hiring a union contractor?
- Union contractors are specialists, with highly trained and accomplished workers who perform specific skills. At Welch and Rushe our construction crews and service technicians are expert Steamfitters and Plumbers.
- Tradesmen in our industry go through a rigorous five-year apprenticeship program while being paired with experienced industry veterans. Welch and Rushe is proud to be signatory with Steamfitters Local 602, and Plumbers Local 5.
- Welch and Rushe, Plumbers Local 5, and Steamfitters Local 602 care deeply about everyone’s safety. Together, we hold each other accountable with regular, up-to-date, and proactive safety measures and training.
- Union contractors offer fair wages and benefits. This allows workers to focus on their craft instead of worrying about receiving appropriate compensation for work they perform.
Does Welch and Rushe only offer construction services?
We are a full-service mechanical company with a wide range of offerings beyond construction services. Our company has a very robust Service Department with industry skilled union technicians. We are fully equipped to help you with HVAC and plumbing service calls, preventive maintenance contracts, and 24/7 emergency support.
What we do
We provide construction and maintenance services to government, industrial and commercial customers locally as well as select domestic and international markets. Recognized for our work by both customers and peers, Welch and Rushe offers a full range of services including design, construction and commissioning of mechanical, plumbing and process systems.
Our commitment to excellence and customer service has contributed directly to our continued success within the industry. Our success has been measured by new growth and satisfied repeat customers. In addition to our outstanding reputation, we remain committed to customer satisfaction on every level by a staff of over 200 experienced and dedicated employees.
Our success has been accomplished by building strong relationships and delivering superior customer service. From initial contact through the scheduling and execution of work, choosing the right materials, to choosing the right staff and subcontractors, Welch and Rushe will exceed your expectations.
“Welch And Rushe Is An Award Winning Mechanical And Plumbing Contractor Located In The Metropolitan Washington, Dc Area.”
Key Dates in Our History
Chesapeake Employers Insurance Safety Award
Washington Building Congress Craftsmanship Award
Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary’s Citation
U.S. General Services Administration – Outstanding Contribution to Excellence in Federal Design
Innotech Controls – Improved Performance
Innotech Controls – Improved Performance
Subcontractor Appreciation AGC of Metropolitan Washington DC Recognizes Welch & Rushe Favorite Mechanical Subcontractor Voted #1 by AGC Members and Local Industry
The American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington – Carson V. Carlisle Safety Award
AGC of Metropolitan Washington DC – Subcontractor of the Year
Injured Workers Insurance Fund – Safety Award
Department of the Navy – Certificate of Commendation
AGC of Metropolitan Washington DC – Subcontractor Appreciation Award
Mechanical Contractors Association of America – Safety Award
SMACNA Mid-Atlantic – Subcontractor of the Year
AGC of Metropolitan Washington DC – Subcontractor of the Year
Renovation of IRS Headquarters, AGC of Metropolitan Washington DC – Subcontractor Appreciation Award
Renovation of IRS Headquarters, General Services Administration / Internal Revenue Service – Outstanding Service Award
AGC of Metropolitan Washington DC – Outstanding Subcontractor Award and Various Awards
Washington Building Congress, National World War II Memorial – Craftsmanship Award and Various Awards
Associated General Contractors of Metropolitan Washington DC – Outstanding Subcontractor Award
National WWII Memorial, USGSA/Public Service – Excellence in Federal Construction Award
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Hall of Mammals, Associated General Contractors of Metro Washington – Award of Merit
National Japanese American Memorial, AGC of Metropolitan Washington DC – Merit Achievement New Construction


WELCH AND RUSHE IS AN AWARD WINNING MECHANICAL AND PLUMBING CONTRACTOR LOCATED IN THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON, DC AREA.
ADDRESS
Welch and Rushe
391 Prince George’s Boulevard
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
CONTACT
Office: (301) 430-6000
Toll Free: (800) 683-3852
Fax: (301) 430-6001
SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Direct Line and After Hours: (301) 430-6005
Fax: (301) 430-6006

Rick Armstrong
Profile
Years in Industry
Years at Welch and Rushe
Rick is a collaborative, detailed oriented, and multifaceted leader. His vast depth of project management knowledge is widely recognized in the industry and has equipped him well in providing oversight to the project management department. Rick is also instrumental in the development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures.
Credentials
- Harvard Leadership Academy, Comfort Systems USA Training
- Primavera Scheduling Certification
- FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) Training.
- MCA (Mechanical Contractors Association) Training relevant coursework in productivity, and project management

Jamie Friedrich
Profile
Years in Industry
Years at Welch and Rushe
Jamie is a focused, skilled, driven leader. He works directly with the CEO & President concerning business and strategic planning. He assists in day to day decisions concerning operations and management while also maintaining client, subcontractor, and vendor relationships.
Credentials
- Steamfitters Local 602, Graduate
- Associated General Contractors of America, Maxwell Estimation Certificate
- Gas Metal Arc Welder Fabricator Certification
- Medical Gas Qualifications
- EPA CFC Universal Certification

Mary Munoz
Profile
Years in Industry
Years at Welch and Rushe
Mary is a trustworthy, diligent, and dedicated leader. She is an integral contributor in the company’s high employee retention rate and plays a vital role in the daily collaborations within leadership on all matters concerning human capital. Mary’s vast understanding of the company’s culture and her ability to collaborate cross-functionally are invaluable assets to the effectiveness of all HR initiatives and its impact on all team members.
Credentials
- University of Maryland Global Campus – College Park, Maryland, Accounting Certificate
- Insider Threat Program Senior Official, Certificate
- Facility Security Officer, Certificate

David E. Welch
Profile
Years in Industry
Years at Welch and Rushe
David is an accomplished, motivated, and strategic executive. He was promoted to President of Welch and Rushe in 2006 and in 2011 bought the majority interest of the company. This challenging role involves directing, heading, and envisioning the next steps of a $75 million/year business. He oversees all executive management and administration procedures throughout the company.
Credentials
- University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business –College Park, MD. Master of Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude
- Snider Executive Fellow, Robert H. Smith School of Business
- University of Maryland Global Campus – College Park, Maryland, Bachelor of Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude
- Steamfitters Local No. 602, Graduate
- Plumbers Local 5 Communication and Productivity Fund Employer Trustee
- University of Maryland Global Campus Alumni Board Member
- LEED Accredited Professional

Josh Graves
Profile
Years in Industry
Years at Welch and Rushe
Josh is a personable, resourceful, and determined leader. He is a vital conduit between the construction crews on-site, purchasing, and the fabrication shop. In his role Josh works to ensure that all teams remain engaged and have the resources needed to successfully meet and complete project requirements.
Credentials
- Steamfitters Local 602, Graduate
- OSHA-30 Certification
- CPR Certification
- Foreman Trained
- Field Leaders Trained

John Silor
Profile
Years in Industry
Years at Welch and Rushe
John is a conscientious, discerning, and synergistic leader. He oversees all aspects of quality control for company projects. In addition, John serves as a key liaison between project owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and with departments across the organization.
Credentials
- Steamfitters Local 602, Graduate
- Confined Space Certification
- OSHA-30 Certification
- CPR Certification
- Daikin HVAC Systems Certification

Tom Cressman
Profile
Years in Industry
Years at Welch and Rushe
Tom is a detailed, analytical and reliable leader. He is responsible for all accounting and finance related functions of the company. He maintains oversight of the controls needed to produce accurate Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial statements and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) FAR based reporting. In addition, Tom is also the liaison to external accounting, legal, banking and IT advisors
Credentials
- Certified Public Accountant, MD and PA
- Kutztown University – Kutztown, PA
- Association of General Contractors, Member
- Mechanical Contractors Association, Member
- Construction Financial Management Association, Member

Larry Graves
Profile
Years in Industry
Years at Welch and Rushe
Larry is a dedicated, industrious, and logical leader of Welch and Rushe. As the corporate general superintendent, he brings invaluable years of experience. He is responsible for all tradesmen, as well as the daily operations of the warehouse, fabrication shop, and project purchasing.
Credentials
- Licensed Journeyman, MD, and West VA
- Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 5, Graduate
- Sheeting and Shoring Safety Certification
- Confined Space Certification