HARRISBURG, PA — When one looks at the history of G.R. Sponaugle & Sons, Inc., it would appear that founder Barney Sponaugle had a giant sweet tooth. After all, the plumbing contractor was a friend of Milton Hershey, of Hershey’s chocolate.
The friendship turned into a business relationship and Spon-augle began working out of his basement in Hershey in 1956. His company later evolved into sheet metal and electrical installation work. In the 1970s, the company added service to its offerings and eventually became a $50 million mechanical contractor located between Hershey and Harrisburg.