Our Story
You may recognise the name “Jessups”, that is because we have been in business of for over 75 years in Launceston, Tasmania. Our history is loooooong with plenty of details that John will tell at length given half a chance. But for you, we’ll keep it short!
Where did it start? Believe it or not, Jessups started in 1939 when Mark Jessup started selling light globes from his push bike! Mark grew the business into a state-wide presence making Jessups a household name as an electrical appliance retailer.
When John Thirgood took over the business in 1984 he reinvigorated Jessups by partnering with Retravision. John drove the Jessups brand by continuing to focus on superior customer service from it’s Launceston and George Town premises.
Where top brands cost less and genuine service is guaranteedOver the years Jessups has diversified and often led the market to bring Tasmanians the best in electrical. As a fan of innovation, Jessups was always one of the first to stock the newest technologies, whether it was new fangled VCRs , C64 computers (remember those!), mobile phones, bread makers, electric tooth brushes and play stations.
Staying in the forefront, it was perhaps a natural progression that we realised the potential of using reverse cycle air conditioners to heat in the cold Tasmanian climate. With Jessups naming them “heat pumps“, slowly but surely Tasmanian’s began to catch on. Today, the affectionately named “heat pump” is now Tasmania’s first choice for space heating.
As affordable solar energy generation became accessible, we quickly recognised the opportunity for Tasmanians to take control of their energy. Adding solar power and LED lighting to our already extensive range of products, we embraced the future direction in electrical. We sorted out the complications of rebates, compliance, etc, to bring reliable and trusted systems to thousands of savvy customers.
Moving with the times, in 2013 Jessups left behind the old electricity munching appliances to focus solely on solar and energy efficient solutions.
Now in the new premises on Wellington Street, the Jessups Solar Squad team remain committed to providing quality energy solutions that are suited to the Tasmanian environment.
Having been in the solar business for over 13 years now, we have installed 1000’s of solar systems and well over 10,000 heat pumps across Tasmania!
Our Team
John Thirgood
Managing Director
One conversation with John and you will fully comprehend the passion that he has for solar. Not only does he ensure he gives his customers the best quality, he is committed to working towards a positive future that includes premium solar power generation and energy efficiency outcomes that are accessible to all.
As the convenor of Save Our Solar Tas, he encourages discussion in the community and is heard in many public forums and discussions.
A true work-a-holic, John does not confine his duties to the office. Not only does he host TV advertisements, he will recommend your best solar system, and is regularly found on Tasmanian rooftops installing solar.
Mike Dadd
Sales Manager
Mike has been with Jessups for over 38 years and his dedication is still as strong as ever. You will find that his knowledge of all aspects of solar, heat pumps and energy efficiency is endless. With a knack for details and the ability to listen to what clients need, he recommends the best solution with ease. Softly spoken, friendly and approachable, Mike is always willing to go the ‘extra yard’ for everyone to ensure they have exactly what they need.
Mike also has John’s back by following up on all the intricate details, such as service issues & stock control, in his meticulous and timely manner.
Sharron Long
Office Manager
As a long term Jessups team member, Sharon has been with us for over 15 years. With admin as her focus she runs a tight ship, ensuring the sales team are dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s. She is the central go-to person for anything administrative or financial. She makes our accountants work a light weight exercise indeed. Apart from the regular interruptions from the team, likes to lock herself away in her office with intense concentration! What would we do without Sharon!
Jason Delport
Heat Pump Servicing Expert
Jason is an engineer by trade. His diverse background includes: working for Caltex across the globe, building a Protea exporting business and cement block plant business in South Africa. These days he enjoys the Tassie life. After some years as an key member of our sales team, Jason gained qualifications as a refrigeration mechanic and now leads our service division. As a heat pump servicing genius, Jason is a valuable asset to both Jessups and our customers alike. Jason receives continuous accolades from happy and indeed grateful customers.
Lloyd Montague-Spurr
Heat Pump Servicing & Magnetite Installations
Lloyd is a multi skilled young man in his twenties that is mechanically minded and well into his refrigeration apprenticeship. Our customers are always happy with Lloyd’s service and often ask for him specifically when booking their annual heat pump health check or an additional Magnetite installation. No matter what he is doing, Llloyd always delivers service with professionalism and a smile.
Ryan Joyce
Ryan is our newest member of the Jessups Solar Squad team. Not only has he already proven to be a valuable member of the sales team, he is also joins us on site for solar and heat pump installations.
Solar Installations Team
Our core six loyal and hard working subcontractors have a combined experience of over 150 years! They understand Jessups commitment to quality service and installation outcomes and continue to proudly exceed customer expectations. Hardly a week goes by before we again have customers go out of their way to compliment the work and manner of our installation subcontractors.