About Us
We’re more than just a plumbing and restoration company — we’re your local partners in keeping your business safe, dry, and running smoothly.
OUR STORY
Built on Trust, Backed by a Team You Can Count On
At Avid, we started with a simple mission: to bring expert plumbing and restoration services together under one roof, making life easier for business owners and commercial property managers. Over the years, we’ve expanded from a small local team into a trusted name in the Tampa Bay area, known for our fast response times, honest service, and exceptional workmanship.
Every job we take on — big or small — gets the same attention to detail, from the first inspection to the final cleanup. We don’t just fix problems; we help restore your peace of mind.
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Team
Account Executive
Robert Watkins
Account Executive at Avid Services and brings over 15 years of construction experience, including 7 years in restoration, with roots as a U.S. Army engineer building and rebuilding damaged structures. He has led disaster recovery projects nationwide, restoring hospitals, assisted living facilities, historic towns, and large commercial properties. Certified as a Commercial Drying Specialist, Water Restoration Technician, and Large Loss Specialist, Robert combines technical expertise with hands-on leadership. Today, he leverages this experience to focus on sales, business relationships, and business development, helping organizations grow through trusted partnerships.
Sales Leader and Risk Manager
Steven Wissinger
Sales Leader and Risk Manager at Avid Services, where he drives growth and safeguards client relationships through proactive risk strategies. With more than 30 years of business development, consulting, and operations experience, he has led multimillion-dollar initiatives across industries and continents. His service as a U.S. Army Infantry and Logistics Officer, overseeing $30M in assets and leading 70 soldiers, instilled the discipline, accountability, and risk awareness that define his leadership today.
Restoration Coordinator
Lisa Lichtle
Restoration Coordinator at Avid Services, where she manages all invoicing for the restoration division and oversees customer relations for the plumbing division. With over 15 years of experience in office environments, she brings exceptional attention to detail and a deep commitment to customer service—core values that guide her daily work. Lisa believes that clear communication and genuine care are essential to building lasting relationships with clients.
Outside of the office, Lisa has been happily married for 22 years and is a proud mom to two wonderful children—a son and a daughter. Her family also includes an energetic Boston Terrier who keeps everyone on their toes
Business Manager
Sherri Layton
Business Manager at Avid Plumbing. She brings over 15 years of service industry experience and a deep sense of ownership to everything she does. Known for her honesty, transparency, and hands-on leadership, Sherri treats the business as if it were her own—balancing operational excellence with genuine connection. Her extroverted nature makes her approachable and engaging, while her resourcefulness and determination ensure that every challenge is met with a solution.
Outside of work, Sherri is passionate about giving back through a charity bingo fundraising group she helps run and support. She’s a proud Gigi to six wonderful grandchildren, and her home is full of love (and energy!) thanks to three dogs, two cats, and her husband—a retired Captain of the City of Tampa Fire Department. Together, they keep life exciting, full, and meaningful.
Operations Manager for the Restoration Division
Ryan Downey
Operations Manager for the Restoration Division at Avid Services, and brings a unique blend of precision, care, and leadership to every project. With multiple years in the restoration industry and nearly a decade of experience in Healthcare Facilities Management—spanning hospitals and senior living communities—Ryan is well-versed in managing complex environments with a steady hand and a solutions-first mindset.
Service Manager
Tyler Bidwell
With over 16 years of hands-on experience in the plumbing industry, I bring a deep and comprehensive knowledge base spanning all major sectors, including commercial, industrial, and multi-family systems. My career has been built on a foundation of technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, code-compliant plumbing solutions.
For the past 5 years, I have successfully led operations at a commercial and industrial service company, overseeing complex service projects, managing teams, and ensuring top-tier customer satisfaction. Additionally, I have 3 years of experience in new construction plumbing, where I was responsible for full-system installations from the ground up, collaborating closely with contractors, inspectors, and engineers.
My expertise includes 8 years of specialized work in commercial service and multi-family properties, providing tailored plumbing solutions for high-demand environments. I am proficient in a wide range of plumbing systems and applications, including:
Medical gas installation and certification
Silver soldering and traditional soldering
PVC, Uponor (PEX), and copper piping systems
Installation and maintenance of boilers, water heaters, and tankless systems
Gas line installation and testing
Sewer and storm drainage systems
In addition to my technical skills, I bring 5 years of experience in company management, where I was responsible for staffing, project scheduling, budgeting, client relations, and business development. For 2 of those years, I successfully owned and operated my own plumbing company, further refining my leadership abilities and business acumen.
I take pride in combining strong field knowledge with leadership, customer service, and operational management. Whether it’s service, repair, or full-system installation, I approach every project with precision, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
General Manger
Rob Gardner
Rob Gardner is a seasoned expert in the residential and commercial services industry with over two decades of experience spanning light construction, remodeling, and franchise operations. Since 2004, Rob has specialized in scaling multi-system franchises, bringing deep expertise in financial analysis, operational strategy, and executive leadership. As a Florida state licensed contractor since 2007, he combines hands-on technical knowledge with strategic business acumen.
Before transitioning into the services industry, Rob built a strong foundation in finance through key roles at financial institutions and broker-dealers. From 1996 to 2004, he served as a Fixed Income Sales Trader, Nasdaq Market Maker, and Vice President of Securities Trading gaining deep experience in capital markets, client strategy, and high-pressure decision-making.
Rob holds a degree in Accounting from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, where he developed the analytical and financial skills that continue to drive his success today. A proud Spartan, Rob was a member of the Michigan State Football team from 1992 to 1995, earning his spot as a walk-on and exemplifying the grit and determination that continues to define his professional journey.
President
Robert MacDonald
Vice President
Pat MacDonald
I’m a U.S. Coast Guard veteran with a deep-rooted foundation in the marine and power generation industries. I began my career serving our country, spending nearly a decade in the marine sector, where I developed the discipline and technical acumen that would guide the rest of my professional journey.
After earning my A&P license, I transitioned into the energy sector, joining General Electric to work on gas turbines in power plants. Over the course of 11 years at GE, I advanced from hands-on field roles building and servicing power plants to project management and eventually senior leadership. My final role with the GE family had me leading a global installation team, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of energy projects around the world.
Following my time at GE, I took on a new challenge: joining AVID Services, then a small restoration company. With a passionate and dedicated team, we transformed AVID into a recognized and trusted brand in the commercial restoration and plumbing industry. Today, I serve as the company’s Visionary—focused on steering long-term strategy, cultivating innovation, and driving sustainable growth.
Throughout my career, I’ve thrived at the intersection of technical execution and strategic leadership. I’m passionate about building strong teams, scaling businesses, and tackling complex challenges with clarity and purpose.
Our Mission Statement
READY TO START?
Let’s get your commercial building or business back on track — fast, reliable help is just a call away.
Contact our team today to schedule service or get your free estimate.