our people
Jake Wattenbarger
President AND General Manager
Jake joined Smith & Oby as President and General Manager in October 2023. He has 24 years of experience in the construction industry, holds a BE in Civil Engineering from Youngstown State University and is a United States Army veteran. Jake is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Ohio, Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC), and a LEED Green Associate. He's responsible for the day-to-day management of the company.
Ed Musbach
CFO/Controller
Ed joined Smith & Oby as CFO in September 2024. Ed has over 23 years of experience in commercial and industrial construction financial management. He has worked for contractors with locations throughout the Midwest under both private ownership and private equity sponsorship. Ed has a CPA license and received his undergraduate degree in accounting from John Carroll University. He also holds an MBA with concentration in Finance from Cleveland State University.
Chris Klein
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
VP OF OPERATIONS
With the company since 2013. 30 years of experience. Graduate of Case Western Reserve University (BS in Mechanical Engineering). Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 Profit Sharing Annuity Joint Hiring Hall Committee Pipe Fitters Local 120. Responsible for day to day management of the company. Chris has managed projects in excess of $30,000,000.00 and has years of experience in estimating and coordination of HVAC piping and ductwork systems.
Dan Kronenfeld
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
VP OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
With the company since 2013. 18 years of experience. Graduate of University of Illinois (BA in Marketing/Advertising) and Case Western Reserve University (BS in Engineering). LEED AP. Responsible for day to day management of the project. Dan has the capabilities to handle large scale projects. He is currently the senior project manager for a project with an HVAC/Plumbing contract of over $40,000,000.
Mark Bardwell
CHIEF ESTIMATOR
With the company since 2015. 27 years of experience in the construction industry. Responsible for estimating and budgeting for all construction projects. Involved in design build/assist development.
Tim Walters
BIM MANAGER
With the company since 2011. 37 years of experience. Graduate of Cuyahoga Community College (Associate Degree in Architectural & Construction Technology) and Cleveland State University (BS Civil Engineering Technology). ASCET Akron Ohio Chapter Secretary. Manages coordination department of eight employees and works daily with field operations manager, fabrication shops and project managers.
Dave Sommer
SERVICE MANAGER
With the company since 2016. 27 years of experience in construction and service industry. BS in Business Administration, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dave is responsible for the management of the sales team, service technicians and business development of the service company.
Jeff Kelley
OPERATIONS MANAGER, DSO MECHANICAL
With the company since 1990. Pipefitters Local 120 Apprenticeship Program. Jeff is the company's project manager for all construction projects and is also responsible for the management of the field, shop and service operations.
Michael A. Brandt
BOARD MEMBER
With the company since 1983, CEO from 2011 until his retirement in 2022. Graduate of Institute for Project Management. President of Cleveland Welding Bureau. Chairman of Local 120 Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Sits on BOD MCA of America & Cleveland. Past MCAA President. Lakeland Community College, Pipe Fitters Local 120 Apprenticeship Program.