Born and raised in Tipperary, Ireland, Tobias began his career as an instrumentation technician with M.F. Kent and Company. In 1979, Tobias moved to South Africa to work on pneumatics and electronics, and in 1986, arrived on the shores of America with his childhood sweetheart and partner in crime—his soon to be beautiful wife, Philomena. Shortly after arriving in the states, he was employed by Shannon Technical as a union journeyman in the HVAC industry, continuing to hone his skills in Local 638’s School of Technical Services.

In 1991, while still employed by Shannon Technical, he became the superintendent of a building in Kew Gardens, Queens—an impossible feat had it not been for the incredible support of his wife. In 1992 he became a partner in the company and in 1996 became the sole owner. It was then that the company was renamed LTB Mechanical in honor of his children, Lynn and Toby. With the support of the Hibernia Provident Society and other building management clubs in New York City, LTB Mechanical has thrived.

Tobias and his wife, Phil, have dedicated much of their lives since coming to America to the care of the elderly and the advancement of the less fortunate. Always willing to provide an opportunity and a helping hand to those in need, The Burke’s believe in “paying it forward” as they were offered help as strangers in a strange land.

Tobias would like to send a very special thanks to his partner Michael Butler, and his son, Tobias, for all their dedication and hard work to make this possible.