2022 Is Already On

MKJ PROJECTS SEEN IN TRIBECA

20 years ago MKJ came to the transportation market with a better way to integrate security and communication systems, setting the benchmark for a better outcome from design to final commissioning.  And in the past 16 years, we’ve changed the approach of completing integrated systems scopes – rather than waiting till the end of the project, we insert ourselves into the earliest design conversations – saving hours, dollars, and headaches – and the industry has followed. 

Our turnkey, one-stop solution is how MKJ Projects will serve the metro NYC area, providing the highest quality specialty glass and metal products that are built to the exacting specifications required to serve this fast-paced industry – because there is no time to redesign or modify completed construction.  Led by an architect, MKJ Projects has developed an approach and team of experienced project managers, civil engineers, and transit professionals focused on the design/build creation of metal and glass structures that support and elevate this cumbersome trade’s outcome.

We are proud to be the exclusive regional distributor for Poitras Industries, the implementer of choice for Billings Jackson Designs in NYC. We have completed transit shelters, information and police kiosks, ticketing tables, charging stations, and ornamental metal work at the stunning Moynihan Station and Bogardus Plaza, a new urban green located at the intersection of West Broadway and Chambers St in Tribeca.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

In the 1950s and 60’s my mother’s parents saved money for her brother’s education and for her wedding.  My grandparents, per the societal norms of their day, did what they felt would secure their children’s futures.  In contrast, I was born to parents that raised their children to push boundaries, step outside of norms, work hard, and allow their outcome to define, or in my case, redefine gender norms within the confines of the workplace – or any place.

I sit here knowing It’s expected of me to write about my female mentors for International Women’s Month, and anyone in proximity of the NYC electrical industry knows of my female mentor and legend,  the OG Carol Kleinberg – who knocked down bolted doors in the 1970s and ’80s paving the way for so many other women in the industry to come charging forward. And she did it without her parents saving for that education. So when I think about her as a mentor I am compelled by other great advice from a mentor that I have to also acknowledge –  and I mean give a gigantic thanks to, my dad Paul Kleinberg – a true feminist and champion of gender equality in the workplace.

It was my dad who forced me to learn estimating and the fundamentals of electricity in the 1980s.  It was he who gave me the confidence to take my first job as a Project Manager for a construction company saying, “you don’t know what you know until you need to know that you know it” translated: you’ll be fine – you got this. Thankfully we can both laugh at how in over my head I was, but at the time I just figured,  “how wrong could it go?!”

 He gave me his classic cautionary warning each time I was off to a meeting, fully knowing to all attendees astonishment I’d be the only woman in the room, “be the smartest person in the room, not just the smartest woman – the SMARTEST.” He knew my femaleness was a strength before I did, and that’s the truth.   

In the early days of my career, I would beg to be reassigned and he would say no – he’d send me back, and back and back again, because he knew I could handle it – he wanted me to handle it.  I didn’t understand it at the time, but he saw my value, capabilities, and in true PK style,  just wanted to get the F$%#ing job done.  Fast forward a million years into my career – I have gratitude to him and actually appreciate every humiliation, comment, or awkward glare – all of it so instructive and oddly beneficial, providing me the impervious ability to see quality above gender, competency above all else, and to learn how to mentor others in ways that are meaningful and respectful. 

As a champion for skills, competency, hard work, and motivation, he taught me that your name is your contract and your word is your bond. I cannot express the countless times I have been pulled aside by someone complimenting my father for having taught them something, or to tell me how smart, funny (lots of great stories), and talented he is – it’s a true honor to be sprouted from his tree.  He taught me to identify skills and brightness in others and to motivate and mentor. To encourage each and every person in my orbit to keep learning, keep growing, and never underestimate their worth – and because of him, I will make sure there is always a smarter woman at the table and I will get the F$%#ing job done. 

ROCKSTAR OF THE MONTH:
KARINA SOLANO CHERVIACOVA

When did you first realize you wanted to work in engineering/estimating? 

I realized that I wanted to become an engineer when I was captivated by the public transportation system in Colombia, and the impact it had on the everyday citizen.  I quickly noticed the potential of the current outdated system and the endless opportunities that could be created through innovation. 

What was your first job in the industry? 

MKJ was my first job in this industry. Back in Colombia, I worked for a local Water & Sewer corporation as part of the finance and claims department, but my very first job when I got to the United States was in the healthcare industry. I handled the budgeting, payroll, prepared the department financial reports,  tracked employees’ hours, and compiled data into budgeting reports, all of which helped prepare me to transition into estimating. 

Prior to MKJ, my engineering experience was as a student at CITY College. Upon working at MKJ I learned about low voltage systems and the industry itself. Seeing how Lou spoke to clients and negotiated contracts taught me the importance of having interpersonal skills to complement the technical skills.  MKJ provides a learning environment for new employees to learn essential skills to succeed in this industry, and I’m optimistic that I will keep learning and growing professionally, as well as teaching and supporting others.  I know that MKJ will not only have been my first job but also my last, in this industry. 

How did you wind up at MKJ?

While I was in undergrad I had a class with a former employee who told me there was an opportunity to work at MKJ as an estimator. At first, I was reluctant to give MKJ a try since I knew nothing about the company, but the person who had brought the opportunity to me insisted the work culture, environment, and staff were great. After a couple of days going back and forth, I decided to take the position, and three years in I have no regrets – he was right, it is great! 

What do you love about your job?

What I like the most about my job is being able to interact with others, learn from their experience and expertise, help others solve problems, learn new systems every day, and keep myself up to date with the latest software, equipment, and technology. 

What is your favorite thing about working at MKJ specifically?

I love the working environment and its youthful spirit – it’s full of innovative and creative minds, which is very helpful for me as an estimator because it enables me to also creatively find ways to reduce costs when estimating a project.  

What has been your favorite project to work on so far?  

Long Island Rail Road at Penn Station was my favorite project so far, due to the amount of energy I’ve put in – over 3 years! I also enjoy working on airport projects because they heavily focus on public address systems and over the years my knowledge of PA has grown exponentially thanks to the help of Benny and John. 

What would your dream project be to work on?

My dream project would be one where I get to work internationally. I would love to learn more about the different communication systems outside of the United States. I’m fascinated by the transit systems in Europe and Asia, and learning and expanding my knowledge is a high priority for me. 

What do you look forward to doing in the future?

Getting certifications – in Genetec, Cisco, Benning, and any others that are available to sales employees.  Also expanding my knowledge of this industry and getting to know our customers on a deeper level so that our proposals fit their needs and expectations in every way. I know this will help me become a better estimator and in turn, make MKJ more competitive in the industry. NYCT has changed course when issuing new projects – now most projects are design-builds, so having more certifications will help me be more accurate and precise when estimating, and yes – winning a BIG project!

Your favorite MKJ story? 

We went to Five Star Electric to negotiate Newark terminal 1, and I saw firsthand how Jennifer negotiates – it was impressive. I felt very much included in her process, our hard work was validated, and I learned from her that MKJ isn’t about winning the project – it’s about winning the customer and building a long-term relationship.  That day, we walked out with the contract, which at the time was the biggest airport project MKJ had been awarded, so I was a witness to building relationships that last. This was very satisfying since we estimated this specific, large project in such a short period of time.

Jets or Giants? 

Giants, Knicks, and Yankees.  

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Vanilla all the way! 

MKJ TEAM TRAINING

A special shout out to our most recently certified TTB (telephone terminal board) specialists… or almost specialists,  Kaja, Ahmed, Musa, Anaan, Artan, and Armend. At MKJ if you are not learning something or teaching something, then you are not “doing anything,” so our team is constantly involved in training to take their skills to the next level. Led by Senior Technical Expert, Neil Macias, a group of junior engineers and technicians were taken to the field to a hands-on class to learn how to read, transfer, and relocate telephone terminal boxes to understand all kinds of circuits used in NYCT systems. 

During three consecutive days, they were exposed to a TTB relocation of over 600 pairs of circuits from a manhole to a brand new communications room telephone terminal board. Over 10 main cables were spliced to transfer all those existing circuits, including TDOS, digitizers, EBCS, emergency telephones, clocks, and analog telephone lines.

This may be their first training with us, but the culture of MKJ is to constantly keep our team moving forward with the most up-to-date trainings that will advance their knowledge to help better serve our customers.

OUR DISTRIBUTORS HEART US // PANASONIC TRAINING DAY

MKJ takes all relationships to the next level…seriously we do.  Thank you, team Panasonic for taking the time to conduct a full day of hands-on training.  The newest cameras to hit the street are all A.I. capable with more bells and whistles than I think I’m allowed to talk about. What I can say is the MKJ staff is ready, willing, able, and certified to configure, install, and implement any Panasonic camera new or old, for your system – anywhere at any time. 

The first quarter of 2022 has already been an incredible whirlwind of exciting projects and expanding relationships, which are the foundation of our business. We look forward to working with you this year, so please reach out if we can help you in any way to keep your customers safe, on time, and on the go. 

Lastly – our thoughts are with the county of Ukraine.  Wishing them safety, freedom, and us all PEACE.

Jennifer