Gorman-Lavelle Names New President

CLEVELAND, OH — Chief Executive Officer Timothy Lavelle of Gorman-Lavelle Corp. has named Brett Neff as its President, effective October 29, 2021.

A graduate of Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1993, Neff spent the last 27 years serving as a civil design engineer, resident construction representative, project manager, division manager, and director of business development. Over his 27-year career, he oversaw the management and design of a multitude of ventures for state, regional, and local governments, commercial businesses and institutions, land planning and development (surveying), and healthcare facilities.

“I am thrilled to be leading the Gorman-Lavelle team,” added Neff. “We share the same philosophy of putting our customers first, which has allowed Gorman-Lavelle to build the trust and reputation they have earned over the past 95 years in business. As we look ahead to the future of the company, we approach it with the knowledge, professionalism, and skills to ensure continuity and consistency for our customers, suppliers, and employees.”

As Gorman-Lavelle’s president, Neff will work closely with Tim Lavelle CEO; Dave Kerze, Vice President of Operations; and Joseph Lavelle, Vice President of Pre-construction. Neff will emphasize the company’s strong technical capabilities in his efforts at business development.

Warm Welcome

“We are pleased to welcome Brett Neff to Gorman-Lavelle,” said Tim Lavelle. “Gorman-Lavelle Corp. is the most well-respected family business in the plumbing and HVAC industries in Northeast Ohio.  With Brett’s arrival, we now have three senior managers with engineering degrees. In addition to Brett, Dave Kerze has a mechanical engineering degree and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cleveland State University.  Joe Lavelle has a Mechanical Engineering Degree from The Ohio State University. As we continue building our presence in the industry, we are truly excited to have Brett combine forces with our existing team and we look forward to even greater things to come as we approach our 96th year in business.”

Professional and Personal 

Neff is active in numerous professional and civic organizations. He was selected by Crain’s Cleveland Business as one of Greater Cleveland’s top “Forty under 40” in 2007 as one of the region’s top business leaders for past accomplishments and future impact on the community. He currently serves as a Director of the Board of Gorman Lavelle Corp., and Board Member for the Cleveland Engineering Society, a non-profit professional development organization serving the needs of engineering and technical professionals in Northeast Ohio.

Neff is a founding member of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and has served as the chapter’s treasurer. He also served as Chairman of the Marketing Committee of the Cleveland Engineering Society and is active in the alumni associations of Ohio Northern University and Walsh Jesuit High School.  In addition, Neff is President of the Solon Italian Club proudly supporting his heritage and the Italian American Community in Northeast Ohio.

Neff and his wife, Jodi, a Costco pharmacist, reside in Sagamore Hills, Ohio. The Neffs have two children:  Kyle, an Accountant/Auditor with KPMG in Cleveland; and Alexis, a junior at Ohio Northern University majoring in nursing and a member of the Cross Country Track and Field teams.

Gorman Lavelle Corp.

Founded in 1926, Gorman-Lavelle Corp. is a premier one-stop mechanical contractor specializing in plumbing and mechanical gas pipeline repairs and installation serving Northern Ohio commercial and industrial markets. Gorman-Lavelle prides itself in its knowledge, professionalism, and skill in providing full-service installations and repairs.  Its philosophy focuses on putting the customer first while allowing the company to achieve new heights and provide opportunities for employees to grow, thrive, and advance with the company’s initiatives for decades to come.