Jerry Cott, PE, MBA
President and Chief Executive Officer
Value Delivered
Jerry’s primary role is building the kind of cohesive and effective team required to help ensure clients receive the innovative solutions, high-performance systems, and customized care they need to succeed in today’s business environment.
As a result, he is involved in virtually every aspect of Betlem’s operations, strategy, and growth—overseeing and coordinating a range of activities across our Western New York operations and Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and Jamestown offices.
Working with his team of experts, Jerry strives to reduce customer operating costs by employing the latest technologies and optimizing mechanical systems. He has a passion for continuous improvement and enhancing performance in the areas of customer service, technology usage, safety, and employee training.
His specific responsibilities include developing Betlem’s overall growth strategy, improving service delivery through infrastructure changes and technology implementation, participating in new business development activities, generating value-oriented relationships, and ultimately bearing overall responsibility for the success of the company.
Expertise
After completing his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology, Jerry began his career at IBM. He started as a Facilities Engineer and worked his way up through the ranks to manage over 1.5-million square feet of clean room and semi-conductor manufacturing space.
While at IBM, Jerry was invited by senior management to participate in an Executive Master of Business Administration program at New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business.
After finishing the MBA in finance at NYU, Jerry left IBM to go back to his roots working with his father at Betlem. Jerry earned his Professional Engineering license and held positions as Controls Manager and Service Manager, eventually taking over as President in 2005. Since that time, Betlem has grown to be one of the largest facilities services and design-build firms in the region.
One of Jerry’s greatest skills is his ability to work with clients to help them address their most pressing challenges, analyze their requirements, and identify effective energy efficient solutions.
By offering clear options, he acts as a trusted advisor to a variety of companies and organizations. He leverages his industry expertise to help Betlem provide equipment and systems that are installed on time and within budget, consistently exceeding customers’ expectations.
Jerry is actively involved in several industry associations, including ASHRAE, the Building Owners and Managers Association, and the Association of Energy Engineers. He serves on the local boards of the Mechanical Contractors Association and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association and served on the executive board of the Rochester Museum and Science Center. He was also one of four finalists in the past for Rochester Engineer of the Year.
The Personal Side
Jerry and his wife have four grown children. In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoys golfing, hiking, skiing, and traveling.