Back in the early 1980’s, commercial refrigeration in Florida was an industry with problems.  The Sunshine State was growing fast with new grocery stores being opened in nearly every city, but quality vendors that could properly install refrigeration systems and service them in the future were in short supply.  Many of the refrigeration companies vying for business would promise the world but never deliver.

Matt Thurman was a pipe fitter working in Florida’s refrigeration industry.  He was a rare standout, a craftsman who treated pipe fitting like an art.  It wasn’t long before the quality of his work was noticed and his reputation spread.

In 1984 Matt was approached by a manager from Publix, Florida’s fastest growing grocery store chain.  A new store in Jacksonville was scheduled to open in just five weeks, but the refrigeration vendor was way behind on the job.  The manager was familiar with Matt’s work and approached him with an appealing offer, “If you can take over this project and get it done on time, I’ll have more work for you."

Matt completed the Publix job on time and on budget.  The manager kept his word and steered more work toward Matt, who by then had started his new company. 

Matt and his apprentice Jeff Haley began taking on small refrigeration jobs wherever they could.  Working out of a 1984 Ford Ranger with no air conditioning, the two drove around Florida, going from project to project, building the business that would one day become Advanced Refrigeration & Air.   

That Publix job would eventually lead to many more, over 1,100 stores today and counting.  And numerous other large grocery, restaurant and warehouse store chains would also follow suit.

Today, Advanced Refrigeration & Air is the leading commercial refrigeration company in the southeast.  It has six offices, a fleet of 150 vehicles and over 170 employees servicing customers throughout Florida, Alabama and Georgia.  In addition to Publix, its customers currently include other large-chain clients like Target, Costco, Restaurant Depot and Crispers.

While the company has come a long way from the nomadic days of the 1984 Ford Ranger without AC, both Matt and Jeff are quick to say the same basic philosophy they had when starting the company still guides their work today.

“I believe in the Lord and in treating people right,” explains Matt.  “We don’t try to squeeze the extra profit out of a project by cutting corners.  We are focused on the long term.  We’re honest and do things right.”

Matt proudly states that Advanced Refrigeration & Air, Inc. has always strived to provide its customers with maximum value.  “We’re continually seeking new ways to increase efficiency and eliminate waste.  We hire skilled people, give them the proper tools and materials and teach them the right processes.  The result is consistent quality in every job we do.  That’s true value, and that’s what our customers want.”

Jeff is quick to agree.  “This is a grassroots company built from the ground up with good people who genuinely care about their work.  Our customers know this is our philosophy and that it shows in all we do.”