About Us
Meet the Solar Bear Team
Duane Rapson, Founder
Contact via email at Drapson@solarbearfl.com
Mr. Rapson and Mr. Eveland founded Solar Bear Services with the goal of creating a solution-oriented, residential air conditioning company, focused on providing an exceptional customer experience. Mr. Rapson has over 25 years in the air conditioning business. Mr. Rapson has a broad base of experience in the industry working in both the commercial and residential. Mr. Rapson began his career as an accountant and KPMG. He entered the HVAC business by working as the CFO of Georgia Trane and his career progressed from there to include positions as VP of Operations and equity holder in a $225 million mechanical contractor with over 1,400 employees. He eventually became an owner of one of the largest residential air conditioning contractors in Atlanta, GA. Mr. Rapson sold that company and founded Solar Bear.
David Eveland, Founder
Contact at Develand@solarbearfl.com
Mr. Eveland is the Co-Founder of Solar Bear Services. Mr. Eveland started his career as a high school teacher and coach for 9 years. He joined the HVAC industry with Trane in 1995 and has over 20 years of experience in the industry in both residential and commercial applications. Mr. Eveland has a background in working in both the operations and sales aspects of the business. He has provided service for a range of Fortune 500 companies and managed sales teams as well. He was responsible for over 20 sales engineers and over $50 million in revenue before assuming his next position at Trane. In his last position with Trane, he was responsible for the Service team for Trane with over 100 employees and $25 million in revenues.
Jim McGuigan, General Manager – Miami
Contact at JMcguigan@solarbearfl.com
Jim joined Solar Bear Services as the GM for the Miami location in January 2016. Jim has over 25 years of experience in the HVAC, controls, and power services industry. Jim has served in a leadership position for a variety of companies including Carrier Corporation, Automated Logic, and McBride Electric. In these positions, he served customers in a variety of areas including residential and commercial applications. Jim is responsible for the day to day operations of the Miami branch including sales, operations, and administration.
Rett Jones, General Manager – Tampa
Contact at Rjones@solarbearfl.com
Rett Jones joined Solar Bear Services as a Comfort Advisor in our Miami operation in 2017. In January, 2018 he was promoted to be the General Manager of the Tampa branch. Rett has an extensive background in the HVAC business, with over 13 years working in the industry. He has managed both the operation and sales in his prior experience before joining Solar Bear. Rett has extensive knowledge of both residential and commercial applications. Rett is responsible for the day to day operations of the Tampa branch including sales, operations, and administration.
Tim Slattery, General Manager – Jacksonville
Contact Tim at Tslattery@solarbearfl.com
Tim joined Solar Bear in 2018 as the General Manager for the new Jacksonville branch. Tim has an extensive background of over 20 years in the HVAC business. Tim has owned and operated several air conditioning companies in his career. He has extensive technical and sales knowledge. Tim is responsible for the day to day operations of the Jacksonville branch including sales, operations, and administration.
