Richard Gardner — Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Early Life & Background

Richard's connection to the energy and construction industries began early in life. He was raised in a family shaped by both military service and international energy-sector experience. His father served in the United States military, while his mother's career in the oil and gas industry included approximately 13 years working in Russia.

Richard spent much of his youth abroad before returning to the United States at age 18. That international upbringing gave him early exposure to different cultures, industrial environments, international business, and the global nature of the energy industry.

After returning to the United States, Richard pursued higher education and developed professional experience across construction management, industrial operations, project execution, and business leadership before co-founding Gardner Energy & Construction in 1994.

Co-Founding Gardner & Early Operations

In 1994, Richard Gardner and his wife established Gardner Energy & Construction in Florida. During the company's early years, Richard focused on field operations, project development, construction execution, and client relationships, while his wife helped build the company's corporate, administrative, and organizational foundation.

Military Career & Company Continuity

Richard later embarked on a 20-year career in the United States military. During this period, Gardner continued operating under the leadership of his wife and an experienced management team responsible for corporate administration, project execution, field operations, safety, quality, and client delivery.

Following her passing in 2022, Gardner's senior leadership team maintained operational continuity while Richard completed his remaining years of military service.

Return to Full-Time Leadership

After retiring from military service in 2026, Richard returned to Gardner full-time and resumed direct executive leadership as Founder and Chief Executive Officer. His return brings together more than three decades of company history, international perspective, construction experience, and leadership developed through military service.