our people
Brian F. Cassady
Interim CEO
With the company since 2022. 17 years of Chairman/CEO experience in the construction industry. MBA from the Harvard Business School (1995), BS in Business Administration from Indiana University (1989). Responsible for day-to-day management of the company.
Carolyn Hotes
Corporate Controller
Carolyn joined Smith & Oby as Corporate Controller in 2023. Carolyn has over 30 years of accounting and finance experience, with over 10 in the construction industry. She holds a BA in Accounting from the University of Akron, and an MBA in Executive Leadership from Baldwin Wallace University.
Chris Klein
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
VP OF OPERATIONS
With the company since 2013. 26 years of experience. Graduate of Case Western Reserve University (BS in Mechanical Engineering). Joint Hiring Hall Committee Pipe Fitters Local 120. Responsible for day to day management of the project. Chris has successfully managed multiple projects in excess of $12,000,000 and has years of estimating experience on HVAC piping and sheet metal 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. 23 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. Manages all day to day operations of the company.