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Executive Leadership.

One of Gardiner’s hallmarks is consistency and stability. Fostering a culture of entrepreneurial spirit with a family atmosphere, the long-term focus and consistency of our Mission (“Building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with Clients and Associates”) is a direct result of leadership from the executive management team.

Todd Barnhart

President & CEO

As President & Chief Executive Officer, Todd Barnhart is responsible for the strategic direction and overall business leadership for Gardiner. Todd has been with the organization for over 20 years. Since getting his start as a Sales Engineer, Todd took on a leadership role in developing the company’s vertical market efforts. In the mid 2000’s, Todd grew Gardiner’s Performance Solutions business dramatically and expanded the company’s offerings for Clients. Todd was named President in August of 2017 and took an equity ownership position in the company in 2020.

Rob MacKinlay

EVP, CFO & COO

As EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Rob MacKinlay brings more than 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, mergers & acquisitions and executive leadership to the Gardiner team. He is a key member of the company’s executive team in driving performance and strategic growth, while overseeing all financial aspects of the business. Prior to joining Gardiner in 2020, Rob was a National Managing Partner for Cohen & Company. An avid hockey player & coach, he also is founder and Co-President of Hockey Players in Business which is non-for-profit head quartered in Cleveland, Ohio with 20+ chapters located throughout the country.

Dan Babic

Chief Commercial Officer

As CCO, Dan Babic has responsibility for the commercial strategy of the organization, including marketing, sales and client experience. Having held leadership roles with both regional and global companies throughout his career, he brings a versatile set of skills and a definitive focus on clients. Above all, Dan is focused on bringing all of the advantages Gardiner has in the market together for clients, taking ownership of the client experience and interface with Gardiner’s products and services. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Dan is a graduate of St. Edward High School and John Carroll University.

Rebecca Harris

VP of Finance, CIO

As VP of Finance and Chief Improvement Officer, Rebecca Harris is responsible for the operations of Gardiner’s finance and administration group as well as overall responsibility for improving and documenting the company’s processes and standards. Having joined the company as the accounting manager in 1996 with experience at several other businesses, she served as Controller for 15 years prior to taking on her current roles in 2023. Becky is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace University, where she earned degrees in both accounting and finance.

Bill Gardiner

Founder

A proud Iowa State graduate originally from Wauwatosa, WI, Bill Gardiner accepted a role with Trane in 1957 to move to Cleveland and sell heating, ventilating, and cooling products.  In 1962, he seized an opportunity to buy the assets of the company in Cleveland and establish Gardiner as an independent franchise. Gardiner reaffirmed that independence in 2017, setting a succession plan in motion that included Gardiner’s Daikin partnership and transitioning majority interest in the company to Todd Barnhart in 2020. Bill and the Gardiner family maintain a key role in the company as investors and advisors to Gardiner.

Leadership Team.

  • Chris Biber

    Purchasing Manager

  • Lisa DeBoe

    Director of Human Resources

  • Carole Dienes

    Director of Billing

  • Allan Dynes

    Director of Technology

  • Eric Edwards

    Sales & Operations Manager, Fire & Life Safety

  • Kirk Eichelberger

    Parts Manager

  • Kyle Herbst

    Director of Engineering

  • Valerie Journey

    Fire Suppression Service & Sales Manager

  • Cory Kiewatt

    Director of Sales, Building Services

  • Justin Malave

    Director of Parts

  • Michael Mandilakis

    Director of Data Services

  • Kevin McHale

    VP of Field Operations

  • Matt Montgomery

    Director of Sales, Automation

  • Dan Nish

    Director of Sales, Distribution

  • Nick Oriani

    Director of Business Intelligence

  • Jared Prior

    Controller

  • Lindsay Quatro Whittaker

    Director of Client Experience & Marketing

  • Eric Sefchik

    Director of Automation Operations

  • Chris Shanafelt

    Director of Safety

  • Dave Smith

    Director of Sales, Performance Solutions

  • Rich Vaccariello

    Service Field Operations Manager

  • Ray Webb

    Director of Fire & Life Safety

  • Tyler Winfield

    Director of Field Operations

  • Jonathan Derby

    Automation Engineering Manager