THE GARDINER STORY

AN EVOLUTION OF SUCCESS IN NORTHERN OHIO

Like many success stories, Gardiner’s 55+ year history isn’t a brief narrative about a single big breakthrough event or one dynamic person.  It’s a series of smaller, long-term decisions and success built by an ever-growing number of smart, dedicated people over the years.

The best way to understand our history is to visit our office.  Talk to our people.  Hear the stories.  See the pictures on the walls.

If you’re looking for a quick walk through time, though, this interactive timeline will give you a brief sense of the growth and milestones that have made Gardiner what it is today: the leading professional building services company in Northern Ohio.

2020s
  • Continental Fire & Security (CFS) logo

    2022

    On January 4, 2022, Gardiner acquired Continental Fire & Security (CFS), expanding on our HVAC offerings to include fire suppression, fire alarms, card access, video surveillance, nurse call intercom capability, as well as inspection and repair services.

  • 2022

    The business grows to include 250 employees and a 168 service and automation truck and van fleet.

  • Dan Babic

    2021

    In March 2021, Dan Babic becomes CCO of Gardiner. Having held global sales and marketing leadership roles at other organizations, Babic returned to Gardiner in 2016 and helped lead the company’s successful transition to its partnership with Daikin and later navigate Gardiner’s pandemic strategy.

  • Youngstown office

    2020

    Gardiner expands on our office locations to include Youngstown, Ohio to better serve the Northern Ohio area.

  • Rob MacKinlay

    2020

    In November 2020, Rob MacKinlay begins working at Gardiner as EVP and CFO, where he serves as a key member of the business’ executive team in driving performance and strategic growth, while overseeing all financial aspects.

  • Bill Gardiner and Todd Barnhart

    2020

    In October 2020, Todd Barnhart, CEO, takes equity ownership of Gardiner. The move is part of Bill Gardiner’s broader long-term succession plan for the organization.

  • 2020

    In June 2020, Gardiner joins International WELL Building Institute to advance our commitment in facility health and wellness, making us the first member company based in Greater Cleveland to do so.

  • 2018

    In September 2018, as part of our renovation to our Solon office, Gardiner installed a state-of-the-art Daikin VRV Training Lab and Training & Technology Center. The facility highlights Open Automation Systems, Integration, Building Analytics, Building ioT Technology, Solar and LED technology and more.

    2010s
  • Toledo skyline

    2017

    Gardiner opens its third office location in Toledo, Ohio.

  • Todd Barnhart

    2017

    In August 2017, Todd Barnhart becomes President of Gardiner with plans to continue leading the business as Northern Ohio’s preferred building services provider.

  • 2017

    On May 1, 2017 Gardiner became the exclusive factory authorized representative for Daikin in Northern Ohio.

  • 2017

    Gardiner has saved Clients more than $10M in Energy since 2012.

  • 2017

    The company has locations in both the Cleveland and Akron/Canton area and has grown to over 200 Associates with a combined 2,500+ years of industry experience.

  • Gardiner truck

    2016

    Gardiner currently has over 65 service trucks serving our Clients in Northeast Ohio.

  • 2015

    Gardiner formally introduces Building AI to leverage our experience in mechanical systems and controls to use data to diagnose issues and improve performance.

  • solar panels

    2015

    Gardiner installs wind, battery, solar, and geothermal project – the first energy project of its kind in the country.

  • Bob Case, Rick Reder and Bill Gardiner

    2014

    President Bob Case is named CEO and continues to serve in both roles, along with COO Rick Reder and Chairman Bill Gardiner.

  • Gardiner Training Room with Rows of Tables

    2013

    Gardiner opens an on-site training facility providing a comprehensive schedule of training and events for facility personnel on a variety of technical and industry-specific topics.

  • 2012

    Gardiner Trane officially becomes Gardiner.

  • 2012

    Gardiner celebrates 50th anniversary.

  • 2011

    Gardiner’s headquarters building is certified with the Energy Star Building’s Label.

  • 2011

    Gardiner grows to 184 Associates.

  • 2010

    Gardiner relocates its Parts and Supply retail store across the street from headquarters in Solon, Ohio.

  • 2010

    Gardiner is named the Top Midsize Company in Northeast Ohio by The Plain Dealer’s Top Workplaces in the first year of the Awards. Gardiner’s been named to the list every year since.

  • 2010

    Gardiner’s focus on Energy heightens as nearly 20 associates are trained and receive CEM (Certified Energy Manager) credentials. That business would nearly triple in the next 4 years.

  • 2009

    Gardiner is named the NorthCoast 99 as one of NorthEast Ohio’s great workplaces. This was the first year the company participated. Gardiner’s been named to the list every year since.

    2000s
  • 2009

    The company begins a transition from an HVAC equipment supplier, service company, controls company, and parts supplier to a professional services company.

  • 2008

    Gardiner hires an Operations Leader and appoints a Systems Integration Leader to better serve our Clients.

  • 2007

    Gardiner grows to 128 Associates.

  • 2006

    Todd Barnhart and Tom Whitehead become dedicated end-use market leaders to work with K-12 Schools and Healthcare to understand the industry and drive financially-justified projects.

  • 2005

    A Strategic Planning process shifts the company to focus more on Energy Services.

  • 2001

    Gardiner begins its focus on dedicated end-use markets by hiring a K-12 Education specialist.

  • Daikin VRV Training Lab

    2000

    In an effort to better serve our Clients, a group of Gardiner Associates develops the TACTICS process to help bring the value of all of the company’s knowledge and assets to each job.

  • 1998

    Gardiner moves into its current headquarters at 31200 Bainbridge Rd. Solon, OH

    1990s
  • 1998

    Gardiner opens its first Parts and Supply retail store in Solon, Ohio.

  • 1997

    Gardiner grows to 91 Associates.

  • 1991

    Mike Reder joins the company to begin offering turnkey retrofit & replacement projects to Gardiner Clients, effectively beginning what is known today as Gardiner Performance Solutions.

  • 1987

    Gardiner celebrates 25th anniversary.

    1980s
  • 1987

    Gardiner grows to 54 Associates.

  • 1985

    Gardiner starts an Automation & Controls business to provide integrated comfort systems to our Clients.

  • 1977

    Clients from the 1970s and 80s will remember Gardiner’s motorhome, which was used for entertaining and Client events.

    1970s
  • 1973

    Bob Case from Missouri is hired as a Sales Engineer. Bob would later go on to become Sales Manager, General Manager, and President & CEO.

  • 1973

    Bob Pelc, the company’s first Service Salesperson is hired to offer service agreements with all brands of HVAC equipment. Bob was an integral part of Gardiner for the years to come, and even remained with the company even in semi-retirement, working up until his death in 2016.

  • 1971

    Gardiner expands by opening a sales office in the Akron-Canton area.

  • 1963

    Gardiner truly enters the service business by offering Maintenance Contracts on Trane equipment in addition to the start-up and warranty service the company was already doing.

    1960s
  • 1962

    Trane offers franchise opportunities for entrepreneur-driven growth. Bill Gardiner buys the assets of the company in Cleveland and Gardiner is born.

  • 1962

    The company’s original office is located on East 22nd Street in Cleveland and started with 6 Associates.

  • 1958

    Cleveland’s first air-conditioned multi-tenant building is constructed at 55 Public Square. The sales engineer was Bill Gardiner. The building’s 500 Ton Trane CenTraVac chiller is still in operation today.

    1950s
  • 1957

    A young Bill Gardiner from Wauwatosa, WI arrives in Cleveland following his graduation from Iowa State. He was offered a job selling heating, ventilating, and cooling products for Trane.

1940s