About Us
Thermal Scientific: A Legacy Built on Hard Work, Vision, and Family.
Thermal Scientific’s story begins with Wallace “Wally” Wilhelm, a WWII Navy veteran born on August 4, 1924, in Breckenridge, Texas. The youngest of five children, Wally grew up “dirt poor” on a farm during the Great Depression. After serving in the Navy, he earned a degree in chemistry from Hardin-Simmons University and began his career at Industrial Scientific in Odessa, supplying chemicals and lab equipment to petroleum laboratories.
In the 1950s, Wally founded Thermal Scientific, officially incorporating the business in 1962. His relentless dedication quickly made Thermal an indispensable supplier for oil, gas, and petrochemical customers in the Permian Basin. By 1969, with just four employees, Wally worked tirelessly to build Thermal’s reputation. His youngest daughter, Sherry, worked at Thermal briefly before marrying David Wishert, who would later play a pivotal role in the company’s growth.
Under Wally’s leadership, Thermal expanded to Amarillo in 1972 Corpus Christi in 1974. Managing these expansions proved challenging, prompting Wally to seek a successor to help carry the company forward. In 1985, he brought his son-in-law, David Wishert, into the business. Together, they grew Thermal’s existing branches and opened a new location in Beaumont in 1991. In 1994, Wally stepped aside to serve as an advisor, naming David as President.
In 2004, David, along with his son, Chad Wishert, expanded Thermal to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Another son, Coby Wishert, joined the company in 2013, strengthening the family’s involvement and long-term vision. Under the leadership of the father-sons trio, Thermal flourished. In 2018, David retired after years of significant contributions to the company’s success.
In 2019, Coby and Chad brought on childhood friend and retired U.S. Air Force Major Clifton Linde to oversee operations, allowing them to focus on strategy and vision. In 2022, Clifton established Thermal’s first official leadership team, consisting of department heads, himself, Coby, and Chad. This move sparked transformative growth, a positive cultural shift, and an enhanced experience for customers, suppliers, and employees alike.
Today, Thermal Scientific operates over 72,000 square feet of office and warehouse space across Dallas/Fort Worth, Odessa, Corpus Christi, Beaumont, and Amarillo. Offering hundreds of thousands of products from leading manufacturers, the company serves a broad range of industries, including petrochemical, oil & gas, industrial manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, education, and more.
Wally Wilhelm’s legacy of hard work, innovation, and family leadership lives on. He passed away on February 4, 2015, leaving behind a life rich with accomplishments, love, and joy. He cherished time with family and friends, trips to Alaska, fishing, horse racing, football, and the satisfaction of seeing his family continue his vision.
