Thousand Palms, CA
When most people think about plumbing, air conditioning, or healthcare, they don’t picture them being connected. But for one Coachella Valley couple, those industries intersect through a single mission: service built on trust.
Patrick Somers, President & CEO of General Air Conditioning & Plumbing®, and his wife, Marybeth, co-owner and face of Elite Nursing Pro and Empowerment Home Care Pro, are proving that whether it’s fixing an air conditioner or caring for a loved one at home, the heart of the work is the same — people first.
Together, the couple has created a portfolio of companies that meet both technical and deeply personal needs for families across the desert. While Patrick thrives behind the scenes keeping operations sharp, Marybeth leads from the front, guiding the nursing and caregiving teams with compassion and presence.
Recently, I got to interview Patrick Somers of General Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
Eric Gray: You lead multiple successful ventures across home services and healthcare — how do you balance and connect the missions of General Air Conditioning & Plumbing®, Elite Nursing Pro, and Empowerment Home Care Pro?
Patrick Somers: Balancing multiple companies comes down to seeing the common thread. Whether it’s General Air Conditioning & Plumbing®, Elite Nursing Pro, or Empowerment Home Care Pro, the mission is the same: service with trust at the center. In home services, we take care of families by keeping their living environment safe and comfortable. In healthcare, we do the same by providing compassionate, reliable care in the home.
The connection is that both industries are people businesses. Success isn’t about equipment or clinical credentials alone — it’s about the experience we create. I bridge the missions by building teams that put people first, whether that’s showing up on time to fix an air conditioner, or sending the right nurse or caregiver to care for a loved one. At the leadership level, I align these ventures with the same principles: systems that ensure quality, training that empowers professionals, and cultures that reward going above and beyond.
Eric Gray: What core values drive your companies, and how do those values translate into your leadership style?
Patrick Somers: Too many times, core values are just words on a wall. At General, our values — Intentional, Disciplined, Accountable, Responsive, Urgent, and Results-Oriented — aren’t slogans, they’re how we hire, fire, and lead. At Elite, the same foundation applies but with compassion and trust woven into every decision. My leadership mirrors those values: set clear expectations, act with urgency, and always put people first, whether it’s a family’s home or their health.
Eric Gray: What do you think sets your companies apart in such a competitive market?
Patrick Somers: What truly sets us apart is our people and the culture we’ve built. We don’t just set high standards — we live them. Whether it’s a technician, a nurse, or a caregiver, our teams know they’re expected to deliver with urgency, skill, and compassion. That consistency creates trust customers can rely on — and that’s something competitors can’t easily copy.
Eric Gray: What’s been the biggest challenge and the biggest reward in running companies that serve both technical and deeply personal needs?
Patrick Somers: The biggest challenge is people — finding the right people. We don’t hire just anybody. In plumbing, HVAC, or healthcare, the work is too important to put in the wrong hands. We need technicians, nurses, and caregivers who not only have the skills but also live our values. It makes building the team harder, but it’s non-negotiable.
The biggest reward is seeing the impact of those choices. On one side, we keep families safe and comfortable in their homes. On the other, we provide peace of mind when a loved one needs care. At the end of the day, whether it’s fixing an air conditioner or sending the right nurse, we’re improving lives.
Eric Gray: How do your businesses stay connected to the Coachella Valley community beyond just providing services?
Patrick Somers: For us, being part of the Coachella Valley isn’t just about providing services — it’s about showing up as neighbors. We support local charities, sponsor youth programs, and invest in training opportunities that create career paths for people in the Valley. Our businesses are built on relationships, and that means giving back as much as we get.
Eric Gray: The Coachella Valley has a vibrant LGBTQ community. In what ways have your companies supported LGBTQ individuals?
Patrick Somers: We welcome and promote talent based on values, skills, and character, never labels. Our teams reflect the diversity of the community we serve, and that inclusivity strengthens our culture. We support LGBTQ-owned businesses, sponsor Pride events, and show up at local celebrations. At the end of the day, our businesses are built on trust and respect — creating spaces where every person feels valued, both as a customer and as a team member.
Eric Gray: Why is it important for you, personally and professionally, to support and advocate for inclusion in business and healthcare?
Patrick Somers: Inclusion isn’t a box to check — it’s a responsibility. Personally, I believe everyone deserves to be seen and respected for who they are. Professionally, I’ve seen firsthand how diverse teams deliver better service and build deeper trust. In healthcare and home services, you step into people’s lives at very personal moments. If someone doesn’t feel safe or respected, you can’t truly serve them.
Eric Gray: Do you think LGBTQ individuals face unique challenges in healthcare or home services? How do your companies bridge those gaps?
Patrick Somers Yes, LGBTQ individuals often face unique challenges. In healthcare, it can be fear of not being fully understood. In home services, it might be wondering if the person at the door will treat them with dignity. We bridge those gaps by setting clear expectations of respect and holding our people accountable. At Elite, that means compassionate, judgment-free care. At General, it means every technician represents trust, not just a service call.
Eric Gray: What kind of legacy do you hope your businesses leave in the Coachella Valley?
Patrick Somers: I want our legacy to be bigger than plumbing, HVAC, or healthcare. When people in the Valley hear our names, I want them to think of trust, opportunity, and community. That means creating careers, not just jobs, and building brands that endure.
If our legacy is that families feel cared for, employees feel proud, and the community feels stronger because of us, then we’ve done our job right.
Patrick Somers, President and CEO of General Air Plumbing, and Electric
A Shared Vision for the Valley
From cooling homes in the desert heat to providing compassionate care in times of need, Patrick Somers and his wife Marybeth are proving that excellence in business is built on trust, inclusion, and community. Together, they balance technical expertise with a deeply human mission: raising the standard of service across the Coachella Valley.
For more information on General Air Conditioning & Plumbing, click here.