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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.

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.

Executive Team Leadership

  • Cory Kiewatt

    Director of Sales, Building Services

  • Chris Shanafelt

    Director of Safety

  • Dan Nish

    Director of Sales, Distribution

  • Lisa DeBoe

    Director of Human Resources

  • Rebecca Harris

    Controller

  • Kevin McHale

    Director of Field Operations

  • Steve Mathews

    Director of Procurement

  • Dave Smith

    Director of Sales, Performance Solutions