Thorsen's - Turlock

Specialties

“We take pride in providing you with personalized service at competitive prices.”

History

Established in 1911.

In 1911 Andy Thorsen Sr. started his plumbing business as a one man shop in a shed attached to his first home on 567 High Street in Turlock, CA. In 1916 Andy relocated to 214 Lander Avenue with the sign "Andy Thorsen The Plumber".

In the early days, his work mainly consisted of simple plumbing with water storage tanks and wind driven pumps. As the demand for modern indoor plumbing increased, Andy's business grew, and in 1933 Andy Thorsen the Plumber moved to 134 Lander Avenue to a larger facility.

During the 1950′s, as air conditioning began growing in popularity within the central valley, Thorsen's responded by expanding their services to include central air conditioning and heating. Andy Thorsen's two sons, Rodney and Andy Jr., were both involved as partners in the business until 1965 when Rodney took over as president.

Thorsen's experienced its greatest expansion during the 1960's and 1970′s and in 1977 Rodney Thorsen built a 19,500 sq. ft. building at 2310 North Walnut Road.

Meet the Business Owner

Craig P.

Business Owner

In 2002, Craig Pitau - a lifelong friend of Norman Thorsen - was asked to purchase ownership shares in Thorsen's and step into the position of General Manager.  In 2007, Craig became the CEO and in 2012 the Thorsen family asked him to purchase the remaining shares and become the sole owner.

Craig Pitau is the son Barbara and Vernon Pitau.  Craig was born in Turlock and graduated from Denair High School in 1976. Craig earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from CSU Sacramento. Before joining Thorsen's in 2002, Craig worked for Foster Farms and Tri Valley Growers. Craig and his wife Julia live in Denair where they raised their two sons Joshua and Jarrett.