“If we embody the spirit of generosity and keep using the blueprint of giving back to our community we will continue to flourish.”
These are the words my husband lives by...the seeds he planted in this company when he launched A Superior Mechanical 23 years ago. From the very beginning, this HVAC business was more than just helping locals “Stay Cool As A Cucumber” in the summer and ensuring that they stay cozy and warm in the winter. A United States Army Veteran who served during the Gulf War, Jimy Thorpe has always held the highest regard for the men and women who serve our country.
This group also includes FirstResponders, the men and women who keep our communities safe. In 2014, he created the tagline “Vets Helping Vets” -later elevated to “Vets Helping Vets & First Responders” – and decided to start giving what he had to give: air conditioning units.
In 2015, Jimy and I launched our quarterly Veteran Appreciation Lunch where we presented the HVAC Giveaway which included the AC Unit + Installation. These lunches were first held at Harley-Davidson PCB, later moving to Texas Roadhouse in Pier Park, and in 2019 we launched a second lunch series in Miramar Beach at Faith Assembly Church (AKA “The Rock ‘n Roll Church”). Over the years we grew from about 40 to 350 guests per event. The giveaway was open to all who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and all First Responders including EMT/Medics, Police, Sheriffs and Fire Fighters.
“Giving back to Veterans and First Responders is like taking the time to help my father (who served in the U.S. Marines),” says Jimy. “It’s something that comes second nature; it’s instinctive and something that’s driven in me.” The next Appreciation Lunch takes place on Tuesday, April 21 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at the Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Drive North, Niceville. The event will include a hot lunch catered by Swiftly Catered, Niceville High School’s Presentation of Colors, a brief welcome from our sponsors and supporters, and the AC Giveaway. A Superior Mechanical is based in Panama City Beach and has serviced Bay County since 2002. In 2019 we opened our Santa Rosa Beach office to service Walton County, and in January 2026 we opened our Niceville office to service Okaloosa County. As we move westward toward Pensacola, we have elevated our size, scope and services, now offering all plumbing services and soon, electrical. We offer services for residential, vacation rentals, commercial, larger projects like wellness clinics and schools, and new construction.
I am proud of our growth, especially in a climate that is highly competitive as well as economically challenging these past few years. Without a doubt, it’s our level of service that sets us apart from the rest. The training and coaching that Jimy offers to the team. The skills and fine-tuning he pours into each individual. That, and the spirit of generosity… supporting local chambers, charities, community organizations…and people. It is said that A rising tide lifts all ships. If we pour into our community and continue helping others, how can we not prosper as well?