Although the Midlands has come to associate Tropic Aire with long-lasting casual furnishings, it didn't start out that way. Duke and Judy Singleton founded Tropic Aire of Columbia in the 1970s with the goal of providing the people of Columbia with quality screen porches, awnings, and sunrooms. Not long after starting their business, the Singletons realized the need for quality outdoor furniture too, and so, Tropic Aire Patio Gallery was born. They began with just a few hand-selected pieces and from there grew the store's inventory to more than 5,000 items from over 25 of the world's top manufacturers.