Our Team

CLIMATE MAKERS' UNIQUES

HUMBLE & HUNGRY FAMILY BUSINESS

EDUCATE

SERVE AFTER THE SALE

CHAD NELSON

President

Since graduating from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Chad has been blessed with over 30 years of developing relationships with facility owners, general contractors, and consulting engineers throughout the upper Midwest. Coming from three generations of plumbers, he understands how much our people in the trades impact lives. Patrice, Gunnar, Savannah, Tor, and Chad enjoy the outdoors, including campfires, gardening, hiking, alpine skiing, fishing, and upland bird hunting. “Our faith is what binds us together, gives us purpose and sets our course for life’s adventures”.

MATT GARDNER

Executive Vice President

Matt graduated from St. Cloud State University with his MBA in 2023. He has had the opportunity to serve the mechanical and automation industry in many roles over the past 15 years building relationships with owners, contractors, and consultants, even serving on business advisory boards, and leading entire organizations. His experience has helped build a great appreciation for the impact our people in the trades make on our lives. Matt is married to his beautiful and intelligent wife Bethany, and together with their 4 young children enjoy the outdoors including camping, gardening, fishing, hunting and generally existing in nature to recharge and find peace.

LORI BAUER

Founder, Executive VP Service

With 40 years of industry experience, Lori’s career moved from field technician, commercial sales, service manager, project manager, owner and finally serving her passion of service & small project sales.

Lori’s education credentials include trade school certificate, MBA and Master license for gas, oil, steam & hot water and refrigeration.

Lori also manages husband, Mike, three grown sons and three granddaughters. Her hobbies are anything on the lake, anything on the snow, and riding bike – both peddle and motor driven.

JEFF LEFTO

Field Support Leader

Jeff has served in many roles in the HVAC industry as a proud Union Pipefitter for over 30 years. With his prior experience at several local and global firms, he currently serves Climate Makers as the Field Support Leader. The role includes supporting Pipefitters, Plumbers, and Sheet Metal workers with Union, technical, and safety concerns, while promoting high installation and service standards. Jeff is a dedicated husband of 33+ years and father of 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren. He enjoys family time, fishing, golfing, and Sanibel Island.

KEITH SMITH

Operations Leader

After starting his career serving in the United States Marine Corps, Keith found that he had a passion for the construction industry, where he has spent the last 6 years. He loves working with this team because they have a passion for quality workmanship and building relationships.

Keith enjoys doing just about anything outdoors, especially with his wife and three children. He appreciates spending time working on home improvement and woodworking projects.