Officers
Dawn Gunning
President
Dawn has over 25 years of construction operation experience. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh and working several years in software training and employee development, Dawn’s career path changed in 1995 when her father asked her to manage the finances of his growing industrial construction company, American Boiler & Chimney. While at AB&C, she gained valuable knowledge and expertise of construction business finance and operations, as well as experience with contract negotiations, collective bargaining agreements and legislative matters. After AB&C was acquired by a national energy company, she decided to take advantage of her industry experience and business acumen and co-founded Gunning Mechanical in 2005. Since then, Dawn has been overseeing all financial and operational facets of the business.
Mike Gunning
Vice President
Mike has over 30 years of mechanical contracting experience. He began in 1982, while enrolled in Beatty Tech’s HVAC training program. He went on to complete the Sheet Metal Workers Local 12 Apprenticeship Training Program. Mike has worked in all aspects of the industry, including drafting, estimating, project management, fabrication, design, installation and supervision. In 2005, he decided to capitalize on his vast mechanical expertise and co-founded Gunning Mechanical. Today, Mike oversees all of construction, from concept to completion. He is committed to promoting the quality craftsmanship of the trade and currently serves as President of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) of Western Pennsylvania.
Evan Krahe
Controller
Evan began working part-time at Gunning Mechanical in 2013 while attending the University of Pittsburgh. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Finance, he began his finance career at a leading mortgage service company and was responsible for strategic planning and analysis, as well as sales and business development. In 2017, Evan joined Gunning Mechanical as Controller and is responsible for all the day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, forecasting, budgeting, job costing, corporate banking, insurance and bonds. In addition, Evan serves on the Board of Directors as Corporate Secretary/Treasurer.
Managers
Rich Cernetic
Superintendent
Rich has over 20 years of mechanical contracting experience. He completed the Sheet Metal Workers Local 12 Apprenticeship program. He has worked in the industry as a field foreman and superintendent on projects of all sizes in all market sectors. Rich started at Gunning Mechanical in 2009 and is responsible for overseeing the field installation and repair of HVAC systems, as well as ductwork and exhaust systems, coordinating work activities with other trades, subcontractors and general contractors, managing project costs, including equipment, tools and materials and daily jobsite safety.
Rich Smith
Shop Foreman
Rich has over 30 years of fabrication and direct shop foreman experience. He successfully completed Beatty Tech’s HVAC program before completing the 4 year Apprenticeship program through Sheet Metal Workers Local 12. Rich has extensive use and training in fabrication software and cutting systems. In 2011, Rich brought his expertise to Gunning Mechanical and directly oversees the quality fabrication of all metal projects, from concept to completion.
Sam Osterwise
Lead Estimator
After obtaining degrees in Architectural Engineering Technology & Building Energy Systems from Penn State University in 1992, Sam has applied that knowledge to various positions within the mechanical industry, including sales, distribution, estimation and project management. He has extensive experience in estimating mechanical systems for buildings in all commercial and industrial market sectors. Sam joined the Gunning Mechanical team in 2012 and is responsible for estimating, project management, and customer relations.
Mark Crosby
BIM / Auto-CAD Coordinator and Foreman
Mark has over 20 years of mechanical contracting experience. He earned an Associate Degree in Sheet Metal from CCAC while completing the Sheet Metal Workers Local 12 Apprenticeship program. Mark has extensive expertise in 2D and 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) drawing. Mark joined the Gunning Mechanical team in 2013 and is responsible for designing complex HVAC systems and coordinating with all other building trades to ensure successful construction projects.
Mikyla Slater
Accounts Payable
Mikyla is responsible for accounts payable, client and vendor relations, coordinating with subcontractors, cash receipts, and daily office operations. Mikyla joined the Gunning Mechanical contractor team in 2022.
Mike Ricci
Service Manager
Mike has over 30 years of specialized mechanical service experience. He earned an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology from Triangle Tech, focusing on refrigeration, HVAC and solar technology. Mike is a member of Steamfitters Local 449 and has extensive expertise in installing and servicing both residential and commercial HVAC units and boilers, as well as commercial refrigeration equipment. Mike joined the Gunning Mechanical contractor team in 2015 and has direct oversight of the Service Division.