Officers and Managers

Raymond G. Gajski, President

Ray has been involved in all facets of the mechanical contracting industry since 1974. He has experience with industrial and commercial mechanical systems installation and service, while holding positions as project foreman, field superintendent, estimator and owner/operator of a Mechanical Contracting firm. He was Vice President of Operations at Ruthrauff | Sauer Inc. and now brings this broad-based experience to Ruthrauff | Sauer as President.

Ray is a member of the following:

  • Board of Directors for The Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Pennsylvania
  • Board of Directors for Sheet Metal Contractors of America, Western Pennsylvania
  • International Mechanical Code HVAC Licensee for the City of Pittsburgh

Robert D. Burger, Jr. - Vice President / General Manager

Bob’s experience with the mechanical contracting industry dates back to 1984. Since that time he has been engaged with many aspects of the industry, including commercial & residential plumbing and mechanical systems. As a Registered Master Plumber, Plumbing Superintendent and Project Manager over the years, he was involved with estimating, servicing and installing numerous major projects, including hospitals, universities and private ventures. He has been with Ruthrauff | Sauer since 1998 and was promoted to Manager of Construction Operations in 2018 and Vice President of Construction Operations in 2019.

Bob was promoted to Vice President / General Manager in 2024.

Gordon Collins, PE - Vice President

Gordon has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Grove City College. After spending 11 years as project engineer for a large consulting firm, Gordon was hired as Ruthrauff Inc.’s Chief Engineer in March 1999. Since 1988, Gordon’s years of experience have included projects in the commercial, industrial, institutional and government market sectors designing mechanical systems for various building types such as hospitals, hotels, office buildings, dormitories, and laboratories. Gordon was promoted to Vice President of Engineering in 2006.

Gordon’s credentials include:

  • LEED accredited professional
  • Member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania

Michael Surunis, Vice President / Pre-construction Services

Mike’s experience with the mechanical contracting industry began in 1984.  During the ensuing years, as an estimator and a Project Manager, he has been engaged with many aspects of the industry, including estimating, contract negotiations and project management of numerous major projects, including hospitals, universities and private ventures.

Mike was named Manager of Pre-construction Operations in 2017 and was promoted to Vice President / Pre-Construction Operations in 2019.

Jake Lewis - Manager / Plumbing Service

Jacob has worked for Ruthrauff | Sauer, LLC since 1998. His initial five years were as a Plumbing Foreman where he mastered many aspects of the commercial plumbing industry. He was promoted to Lead Plumbing Technician for the Plumbing Service Division in 2003. During the next 12 years, Jake became very experienced in the plumbing service industry and was promoted to manager of Ruthrauff | Sauer’s 24-hour plumbing service division in 2015.

Jake has the following affiliations and certifications:

  • Registered Allegheny County Master Plumber
  • Plumbers Local Union #27
  • ASSE Backflow Certified
  • NASCO Certified Sewer Camera Inspector
  • ICRA Training for Hospitals

Eric Kostick - Safety Director

  • Eric graduated from Slippery Rock University with a degree in Safety Management.  His project experience includes commercial hotels, hospitals, airports, government buildings, dormitories, laboratories and a robotics lab.

Certifications include:

  • Graduate Safety Professional (GSP)
  • OSHA 510
  • OSHA 500
  • OSHA 30
  • CPR /First Aid (ASHI)
  • Member of Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)