The AVID Standard of Commercial Excellence
AVID Services Inc was built with one purpose: to give commercial property owners and managers across Tampa Bay a single, reliable partner for their most critical property needs.
We're not a call center that dispatches strangers. We're a field-first team of licensed professionals who understand what's at stake when a commercial property is compromised: revenue loss, liability, tenant disruption, and reputation.
We bring the expertise, credentials, and urgency that commercial clients demand.
Meet Our Team
Robert MacDonald
President
Bob MacDonald is the President and founder of AVID Services, a leader in commercial restoration and plumbing solutions. With more than 27 years of experience in the construction and restoration industry, Bob has established AVID Services as a trusted partner for commercial property owners managing multiple facilities.
Since founding the company eight years ago, he has directed its growth with a focus on integrity, technical excellence, and client-centered service. Under his leadership, AVID Services has earned a reputation for delivering efficient, high-quality restoration and plumbing services tailored to the unique needs of complex commercial operations.
Bob began his career as a General Contractor in Florida at the age of 24, where he gained extensive expertise in commercial remodeling, damage assessment, and project management. His comprehensive understanding of building systems and operational continuity has been instrumental in guiding AVID Services’ success.
Today, Bob continues to oversee the company’s strategic direction, ensuring every project reflects AVID’s commitment to professionalism, reliability, and lasting client relationships.
Pat MacDonald
Vice President
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.
Rob Gardner
General Manager
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.
Robert Watkins
Account Executive
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.
Steven Wissinger
Sales Leader and Risk Manager
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.
Sherri Layton
Business Manager
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.
Ryan Downey
Operations Manager for the Restoration Division
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.
Tyler Bidwell
Service Manager
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.
Our Commitment to Your Bottom Line
We don't just fix pipes or patch roofs; we manage the resilience of your business. Our team brings decades of combined experience in high-stakes environments. We have refined our processes to align with the documentation and reporting requirements of commercial insurance and corporate procurement departments.
What Sets AVID Apart
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We're Exclusively Commercial
Every process, every team, every protocol is built around the complexity of commercial properties. We don't split our focus between residential and commercial. You get specialists.
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We're Available 24/7
Emergencies don't respect business hours. Our team is on standby around the clock (nights, weekends, and holidays) because your property can't afford to wait.
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We're Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Every AVID technician operates under full Florida licensing. We're bonded and insured so your property and your liability is protected from day one.
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We're Google 5-Star Rated
Our reputation isn't self-declared. It's earned through consistent performance, verified by the commercial clients we serve across Tampa Bay.
Our Coverage Area
AVID provides commercial restoration services across:
Our field teams are stationed to ensure fast response times regardless of where your property is located.
Our Mission Statement
At AVID, our mission is simple: deliver exceptional plumbing and restoration services with honesty, expertise, and heart. We’re committed to protecting businesses and being the team you can count on no matter what.
Frequently Asked Questions
AVID Services Inc has been serving commercial clients in the Tampa Bay region with a proven track record of fast response, quality workmanship, and professional service.
We work with a wide range of commercial properties including office buildings, retail centers, restaurants, warehouses, industrial facilities, multi-family housing, hotels, and more.
AVID is Google 5-Star Rated, fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and exclusively focused on commercial clients. We recommend starting with a free property assessment so you can evaluate our expertise firsthand.
Let's Talk About Your Property
Partner with a team that understands the stakes of commercial property management. Whether you need immediate service or want to establish AVID as your go-to commercial property partner, we're ready.