Meet Our Team
At Badger State, Inc., we believe exceptional service begins with exceptional people. Our customers rely on us for more than technical expertise—they trust us to provide knowledgeable guidance, quality workmanship, clear communication, and dependable solutions from the beginning of a project through its completion.
Our team combines decades of industry experience with a commitment to building lasting relationships with the customers, contractors, and communities we serve. From project planning and estimating to field installation and ongoing service, we work together to deliver the quality and reliability our customers have come to expect from Badger State, Inc.
Leadership Team
Fred Gardner, President
Fred began working for the family business while still in school, spending evenings working alongside his father and company founder, Fritz Gardner, digging plumbing trenches and drilling holes on jobsites. He began his plumbing apprenticeship in 1978, earned his Journeyman Plumber License in 1983, and obtained his Master Plumber License in 1987.
Throughout his career, Fred has gained extensive experience in field operations, estimating, purchasing, project coordination, supervision, and plumbing design. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Wisconsin (PHCC-WI) since 1992 and served as President in 1999. He has also served on the Plumbing Apprenticeship Board and the City of Eau Claire Heating Examiners Board, as well as the Wisconsin Plumbing Code Advisory Committee.
Bryant Gardner, Vice President, Plumbing Project Manager & Estimator
Bryant began his career with the family business in 2003 and started his plumbing apprenticeship in 2005. He earned his Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber License in 2010 and his Minnesota Journeyman Plumber License in 2014.
Bryant has extensive field experience in commercial construction, including hospitals and food-processing facilities, and a strong understanding of the day-to-day coordination required to successfully complete construction projects. In 2015, he transitioned into estimating and project management. In 2026, Bryant began serving as Vice President of Badger State, Inc., expanding his leadership responsibilities while continuing his active role as a Plumbing Project Manager and Estimator.
Tim Klingfus, HVAC Project Manager & Estimator
Tim brings more than 35 years of experience in HVAC and refrigeration, with an extensive background in system design, project management, service, and sales. His education and training include Mechanical Design and Engineering as well as Project Management Professional (PMP) training.
In addition to his technical knowledge and industry experience, Tim believes in a value-added approach to customer service and continually strives to exceed customer expectations throughout every stage of a project.
Travis Arneson, Plumbing Project Manager & Estimator
Travis brings more than 20 years of experience as an estimator and project manager in the Eau Claire area. His background includes both residential and commercial construction, with experience managing projects of varying sizes and complexity.
Throughout his career, Travis has developed strong relationships with local builders, contractors, and suppliers. His industry knowledge, project management experience, and established relationships help support successful project outcomes for homeowners and commercial customers alike.
Professional & Skilled Trades Team
Our leadership team is supported by a dedicated group of office professionals, shop and materials team members, and highly skilled tradespeople, including licensed plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC-R technicians, and apprentices.
From coordinating materials, equipment, and day-to-day operations behind the scenes to performing skilled work in the field, every member of our team contributes the expertise, craftsmanship, organization, and professionalism necessary to successfully execute commercial and residential projects and provide dependable service throughout Northwest and Central Wisconsin. Together, we uphold the standards of quality and service that have defined Badger State, Inc. for generations.