About Us

The Superior Story
Superior Mechanical is owned by Jim Gander, who began selling water treatment products from his Rochester home in 1982. Jim soon opened Superior Plumbing, a company that quickly adapted to service the needs of new construction projects. Superior Mechanical Systems was created in 2000 to address the HVAC requests of a growing customer base. Offices were established in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis/St. Paul and the Brainerd Lakes region, continuing Superior's mission. In 2008, to improve upon the already strong capabilities and reputation of both companies, Superior Plumbing and Superior Mechanical Systems became simply Superior Mechanical.

Today, Superior Mechanical is led by Jim Gander, Rob Jones, Dave Oftedahl, Paul VanTassel and Craig Curley. Through their leadership, Superior Mechanical has grown to more than 150 employees including master and journeymen plumbers, med-gas installers, HVAC technicians, certified welders and pipe fitters.

Superior Mechanical also owns Superior Water Conditioning and US Mechanical Insulation. In business since 1982, Superior Water Conditioning designs, manufactures and distributes water treatment systems and boasts over 100 dealers/retailers throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. US Mechanical Insulation began operating in 2004, and focuses on providing quality mechanical pipe and duct insulation.

The Superior Mission
To be the most honest plumbing and mechanical contractor consisting of a team of professionals with individual talents, personalities and experience working together in a fun, comfortable, productive workplace building relationships and providing consistent, reliable customer service.

Industry Associations

• National Association of Home Builders - (NAHB)
• Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. - (ABC)
• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association - (PHCC)
• Builders Association of Minnesota - (BAM)
• Rochester Area Builders - (RAB)
• Mid-Minnesota Builders Association - (MMBA)
• Builder Association of Twin Cities - (BATC)
• Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce - (RACC)
• Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce - (BLACC)

Recent Awards

• BAM Associate, Distinguished Business of the Year, 2008
• ABC Award of Excellence, Superior Mechanical, Pyramid Award, 2008
• ABC Award of Excellence, Superior Mechanical, Eagle Award, 2008
• BAM Associate of the Year, Jim Gander, 2008
• American Standard Dealer of the Year, Superior Mechanical Systems, 2001-2008
• ABC Step Award, Superior Companies, Safety Training and Evaluation Process, 2004, 2007, 2008
• ABC Award of Merit, Superior Plumbing & Heating, 2002