Family-Founded Roots
Gardner Energy & Construction was established in Florida in 1994 by Richard Gardner and his wife as a family-owned construction and energy-services business.
The company was shaped by a combination of practical construction experience, international exposure to the energy industry, disciplined management, and a strong family tradition of service and accountability.
During Gardner's formative years, Richard focused on field operations, construction execution, client relationships, and the technical side of the business. His wife developed and managed many of the company's corporate and administrative functions, giving the company a strong operational foundation from the outset.
Continuity Through Military Service
When Richard later entered full-time military service, Gardner continued operating under an established management structure. His wife assumed primary responsibility for corporate operations and executive administration while experienced project managers, construction managers, superintendents, and field supervisors remained accountable for project execution.
Her leadership covered corporate administration, finance, contract administration, human resources, vendor management, client coordination, and business-development support throughout Richard's military career.
Following her passing in 2022, Gardner's senior management team maintained continuity across corporate and project operations while Richard completed the remaining years of his service.
Richard Returns to Full-Time Leadership
After retiring from a 20-year military career in 2026, Richard returned to Gardner in a full-time executive capacity and resumed direct leadership of the company as Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
His return brings together more than three decades of company history, a family legacy of accountability and service, and the operational discipline developed across military leadership and international construction environments.
