Joining the Riddleberger Brothers, Inc. team in 2024, Mr. Hales began his HVAC journey at a very early age. At 14, Eric started as a tool caddy for his father’s HVAC/R business. By 17, Eric was already making service calls for his dad. Continuing to work through high school, Eric then enrolled in the HVAC program at Penn Tech (now Pennsylvania College of Technology) in Williamsport PA. Earning his associate’s degree in HVAC, he continued working for his father until his retirement and selling of the business. After continuing his trade in central PA for approximately 4 years, Eric gained experience in the scientific/cascade refrigeration arena as a test and quality technician at Thermal Product Solutions. While there, Eric advanced to the Application Engineering group. While still in central PA, Eric added some additional tools to his belt at Suburban Propane. This move brought a mixture of not only HVAC, but also petroleum distribution. 

Seeking travel to other parts of the US, Eric and his family would make moves to southern Florida, and eventually Austin TX. In FL, he would serve as an operations manager with TWC Services, which focused on commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and commercial cooking equipment.  In Austin TX, Eric would hold a position once again at Suburban Propane. The desire to be closer to family would bring everyone back home with Eric serving as Branch Manager at Southern States Energy for approximately 5 years.

However, the petroleum world would not be his true passion. Eric’s desire to return to his commercial HVAC roots brought him to RBI in 2024, revitalizing his energy and focus.