Our Story

History of Thigpen Heating & Cooling

Thigpen Heating & Cooling was built on grit, determination, and a simple desire to create a better life. In the early 1960s, Joe Thigpen Sr., who lost his father at a young age, saw his family move to Jacksonville in search of opportunity. He began working hard early on, first in the shipyards and later running a Coca-Cola route, building relationships that would eventually become his first customers. While working full time, he attended night school to learn the HVAC trade, laying the foundation for Thigpen Heating & Cooling in 1962.

In those early years, the business was humble but driven. Joe Sr. started by delivering oil, the most common heating fuel of the era, and occasionally serviced window A/C units on the side. As central air conditioning became the standard in the late 1960s, he was already ahead of it. What set him apart was his commitment to people. Every job was built on trust, relationships, and doing things the right way. He built something that lasted, a company grounded in values and a reputation that customers could count on. Those early customers became the foundation of a loyal and growing customer base.

Joe “Joey” Thigpen Jr. grew up in the business and always knew he wanted to be part of it. From a young age, he was drawn to the trucks, the tools, and the pride that came with the work. By 1986, Joey was working full time, committed to learning every aspect of the company from the ground up. He completed a formal apprenticeship and gained hands-on experience in the field, developing a deep understanding of both the technical side of the business and the importance of customer relationships. In the early 1990s, he recognized the opportunity to expand into commercial work, which required new equipment, the right people, and a more advanced level of operations.

That same period marked a turning point for the company. The introduction of their first computer system allowed Thigpen to better track customers and stay connected. They launched their first preventative maintenance mailer campaign, handwriting every envelope, and saw an incredible response. Around this time, Joe Sr. transitioned from the field into the office, focusing on growing the business while maintaining the values it was built on. With a small team of around a dozen employees, the company began to scale in a thoughtful and intentional way.

Over the years, Thigpen continued to grow, adding team members, expanding services, and investing in better systems and technology. The company moved locations as the team outgrew each space, eventually settling into its current home, where it has operated for more than twenty years. Today, the company operates with a fleet of more than 40 vehicles and a team of over 75 employees, serving homes and businesses throughout Northeast Florida. From repairs and maintenance to new construction and custom ductwork, Thigpen has grown into a full-service provider while maintaining the same level of care and consistency it was built on.

Through every stage of growth, Thigpen has remained grounded in the same principles that started it all: integrity, hard work, and a genuine commitment to doing right by people. The company has never relied on aggressive sales tactics or misleading messaging. Instead, it has built its reputation through word of mouth, long-term relationships, and a commitment to transparency. Customers trust Thigpen because they know they will be treated fairly, educated on their options, and given solutions that truly fit their needs.

Today, under the leadership of Joey, who now serves as President, and supported by a dedicated team that includes family members and long-tenured employees, Thigpen Heating & Cooling continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The company has expanded its capabilities, strengthened its presence in the community, and continued to invest in the people and systems that drive it forward.

More than sixty years later, Thigpen is a name that stands for reliability, care, and consistency. A name generations of families have come to trust. A company built on relationships, driven by values, and committed to doing right by people every single day.