Tonna Mechanical returns to its roots

It’s a homecoming that only makes sense.

Tonna Refrigeration was founded in Owatonna in 1976, a nod to the city in the name of the company.

Within a few years, it became obvious that Rochester – just 40 miles east – was growing like crazy, while Owatonna’s boundaries and population remained steady.

Steven Murphy bought the business in 1987 and set up shop in Rochester, but kept the name.

Now, nearly 50 years later, what eventually became Tonna Mechanical is back to its roots, opening a second location at 631 N. Cedar Ave.

Murphy’s son Patrick is now owner and president of the company; Mike Joritz is the area business development specialist, focusing on Owatonna.

It’s a homecoming for Joritz, as well, who grew up in Owatonna before moving with his family to Lakeville when he was a senior in high school.

After college and some time in California, Joritz made his way back to Minnesota. He was hired by Tonna Mechanical about 18 months ago to head up the Owatonna location.

“The plan is to grow here with the businesses and the community,” he said.

“The city has already built (several) apartments, and the Chamber of Commerce has said the next focus will be home builds for the growing manufacturing workforce and the younger families that are moving into town,” Joritz said. “For many reasons, (the move to Owatonna) makes sense.”

The company provides HVAC, plumbing, drain and duct cleaning for residential, commercial and new construction, and brings a strong reputation with it.

It was recently named the Rochester Post Bulletin’s “Best of the Best” in plumbing and HVAC, as voted by the public.

“We were named best service company for both” comforts, Joritz said. “We have the know-how, and it’s now a balancing act,” finding local technicians while growing the local business.

The company has hired its first Owatonna apprentice, and has been borrowing from its staff of 100 technicians at the Rochester location to handle new local business.

“We’re working with the Chamber and Riverland,” Joritz said, “to help youth get into the trades.”

He recently met with Gospel Kordah, the workforce coordinator at SteeleCoWorks, a collaboration between city groups and local schools to give students the opportunity to explore career fields of interest.

“I remember being that age,” Joritz said. “I didn’t know what to do; I wasn’t a desk-and-computer kid.”

People working in the trades “can raise a family on the living,” he said, “and don’t have to spend $100,000 to get the education. We actually train them, and get them the certification.”

The goal, Joritz said, “it to help support young people coming up, and provide a way to work in the service industry, as well.” A 24-hour call center will add a few more jobs within the company.

If business allows, there may be a new build in Tonna Mechanical’s future – its own facility.

Joritz is hopeful about the growth his hometown is seeing.

“My grandparents still live here; my aunt teaches at the middle school,” he said. “I’m working here and getting to know the town again, and it’s changed so much. It’s gotten so good. It’s really amazing what the Chamber and what this town has turned into.

“It’s a good time to come back home.”