Long before The Wilkinson Companies became a trusted name in commercial and industrial heating across New England, it was the vision and work ethic of one man that set everything in motion.
George T. Wilkinson was born in Quincy, Massachusetts and graduated from Weymouth High School in the Class of 1941. He went on to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, graduating in the Class of 1943 (J) as a marine engineer. His education and technical training established a strong foundation in mechanical systems, discipline, and leadership.
During World War II, George served in the United States Merchant Marine, rising to the rank of Chief Engineer. He sailed on critical supply routes from the U.S. East Coast to Africa, transporting military armaments in support of the war effort. These missions were demanding and dangerous, with his vessels encountering German “wolf pack” submarines on multiple occasions. Through teamwork, skill, and determination, George and his fellow crew members successfully navigated these threats and delivered their cargo safely under extreme conditions.
After the war, George retired from Merchant Marine service in 1946 and returned home to Massachusetts, where he began working as a service technician for Metropolitan Coal & Oil. With a growing family and a strong entrepreneurial drive, he soon took on additional responsibilities—renting a service station in lower Jackson Square in Weymouth, where he balanced automobile repairs with oil burner service work.
In 1951, George T. Wilkinson started his own heating company, determined to focus on the needs of his customers. As he later recalled, “I worked seven days a week, sixteen hours a day, and for the first eight years, I didn’t take a vacation.” That tireless dedication quickly set him apart in the industry.
At a time when coal heat was still common, oil systems were gaining traction, and heating equipment required constant hands-on service, George’s technical expertise and customer-first mindset resonated with customers. As the company grew, his belief in outstanding customer service continued to attract more and more customers, laying the groundwork for the trusted reputation the company holds today.
From that original Weymouth location, George T. Wilkinson Co. evolved into a respected commercial and industrial heating service and installation firm. While the industry has changed dramatically since 1951, the principles George built the company on—hard work, integrity, and putting customers first—remain at the core of The Wilkinson Companies today.
