Opposites Rossman and Hensley make for a perfect partnership

Robert Anderson, now 89, told stepson Todd Rossman how his World War II buddies came home and waited for housing prices to come down. Only they never did come down. It’s an anecdote Rossman now tells, letting you draw your own conclusions about whether this is the right time to buy or build a home.

When Rossman got out of college in 1981, the economy was stalled, interest rates were at 17 percent or more, and job opportunities were few. In response, Rossman set out to build a house. That modest start eventually led to Rossman and long-time friend John Hensley forming Rossman Hensley Inc., a construction and renovation company that does both residential and commercial work. Based in Valencia, Pa., the company employs 22 people.

Rossman and his partner have worked on a long list of projects. These include Steeple Chase, an 88-unit subdivision in West Deer Township; HyTyre Farms, a 92-unit development also in West Deer; as well as a number of churches, grocery stores, nursing homes and other commercial ventures.

While much of the work is in Pennsylvania, the partners often travel beyond the state’s borders. Rossman currently has responsibility for a physical therapy addition to a nursing home in Kaiser, W. Va. Hensley, meanwhile, has charge of a residential tear-down in Bradford Woods, Pa.

Rossman prefers commercial work, Hensley residential work. “We’re complete opposites,” said Rossman, “but in all the years we’ve been partners, we’ve never had words.”

The partners are also involved in the work of Hosanna Industries, which provides new construction and rehabilitation services to poor and low-income families.

“We’ve done well by being honest and reputable,” said Rossman.