2023…We Got This

2023…We Got This

As we zipped into the new year and are now flying through the first quarter– my site line is laser-focused on transportation’s busy and bright future. We closed 2022, with a collective sigh and with all our hard work in service to this great city’s infrastructure in the rear view.   
 
To my dedicated and extraordinary staff, I bow in absolute appreciation. The MKJ Team is the most capable and most experienced firm for the design, fabrication, integration and implementation of complicated systems in communications, metal and glass. Period. Mic drop. With ease and grace, we completed an array of humongous projects in the past year, whilst cracking the seal on a series of projects that will challenge us in 2023, as we again set new benchmarks of excellence for the NYC Transportation Market.   
 
It is not possible to look forward without pausing and taking a long, hard look back. MKJ Communications was born from the ideal that we could change the standard approach to this industry’s fabrication of systems integration. To my amazing contractors – thank you for believing in and trusting us to start earlier, push harder, and think outside of the box. You gave us the space to create real solutions in all situations and, in all moments, work collaboratively. We promised to find efficiencies, go faster, solve difficult problems, work with you, work for you, work around you, and do whatever it took to make it work. We reduced our prices, provided thorough scopes, and created innovative processes in response to every single one of your needs.  And from those successes, we will continue to mold our workflow to yours – on every single project. 
 
As we begin our 17th year, I say – no, I shout with zero hesitation and for all to hear – “Give us the keys – WE GOT THIS!” 

Projects Completed in 2023…Woot! Woot!

  • C-52144 IESS Upgrade at GCS & 63rd St. Tunnel with TC Electric
  • Design and Construction of the Port Authority Police Department and Property Management Facility at the WTC  WTC-1805 with MLJ / TC JV
  • E-34030 & E-34031 Elevators Borough Hall & Franklin Ave Shuttle Stations
  • A-37150F Installation and Design at 170th Street Station
  • LGA Delta Airlines Taxi Stack with Corporate Electric
  • P-36444 Rutgers Tunnel Rehabilitation
  • P-36705 Central Substation with L.K. Comstock
  • A-37138 Accessibility Upgrades at Ave. H Station with Schlesinger Electric
  • Delta Sky Club Lounge with Delta Airlines
  • One Times Square with Five Star
  • LaGuardia Airport Central Terminal Building replacement project with Skanska Walsh design Build JV
  • Delta LaGuardia Headhouse Public Address with Delta Airlines
  • LGA Airfield reconfiguration program – Delta Air Lines Concourse E building w_ Corporate Electric
  • E-34027 12 Elevators at Three Stations with IDL
New Projects…Here We Go! 
  • Renewed LaGuardia Airport Service Contracts LaGuardia Gateway Partners
  • E-30436 & E-30525 Replacement of 12 Escalators at Various Locations
  • E-30643 Design-Build Services for Systemwide Escalator Replacements (0000354948)
  • A-37129 Design-Build Services for the 14th Street ADA
  • Bogardus Plaza Kiosk – Friends of Bogardus Plaza            
  • EWR Terminal One – Lower Canopy
  • A37135 – Design-Build Services for Accessibility Upgrades – 8 stations – Communications
  • A37135 – Design-Build Services for Accessibility Upgrades – 8 stations – Glass & Steel
  • A-37679 Grand Central Subway Station Mezzanine Finishes, Escalator Replacement & Structural Repairs on the Lexington & F
  • C-52072 Design Build services for Passenger Identification CCTV –
  • CBX PENN ACCESS
  • LGA Central Hall West Fit Out
  • Woodhull Hospital ADA Compliant Turnstiles – Health & Hospitals
  • C-Cure Upgrade for Harlem Hospital – Health and Hospitals
  • Coney Island Hospital Thermal Cameras – Health & Hospitals
  • A-46026 Five Stations Renewal on Flushing Line (IRT), in the Borough of Queens
  • 178 Street Bus Terminal PA System Upgrade Newark Air Munich Airport NJ 

ROCKSTAR OF THE MONTH: 
RUCHA DIPAK GHALSASI

Who is Rucha? 
Rucha is a Project Manager and has been on the MKJ team since June 2020.  
JH:   Within the first five minutes of being on the job, no lie, Rucha was elbow deep inside a communication cabinet.  
 
When did you realize you wanted to work in engineering? 
RDG: I used to watch my dad, an Electrical Engineer, and his team build and test huge electrical control panels. His work inspired me to do something in the engineering field.
JH:    Please let your dad know we’re hiring! For real! 
 
What was your first job in the industry? 
RDG: I started as an RF Engineering Intern at Sprint Corp (now T-Mobile) during my master’s in electrical engineering studies.  
 
How did you wind up at MKJ? 
RDG: I contacted Jennifer on LinkedIn for career opportunities, and John interviewed me for the RF Engineer position. Jennifer likes to call it “our LinkedIn love story” lol.
JH:   It seemed, and still seems, too good to be true! Because of Rucha, I upgraded my LinkedIn account!
 
What do you love about your job? 
RDG: I like that not a single day is boring, and every day brings new experiences and challenges.  
JH: Rucha is the most sought-after member of the MKJ team – literally everyone is always looking for Rucha! Her dedication to supporting projects and project managers is next level.  What Rucha refers to as “new experiences and challenges” is exactly what a humble, brilliant and competent person would say… She is incredible.
 
What’s your favorite thing about working at MKJ specifically? 
RDG: I think the entire team will agree that the MKJ work culture is a very good example for other companies. Everyone is like (or literally) family here. People help each other which is important for the growth of the company as well as individual growth. 
JH: Did I not mention she is incredible?  Rucha sets the standard for teamwork and team member. Also, I don’t think Rucha has missed one social event. My most recent favorite memory of Rucha was her watching Neil Macias walk blindfolded thought red solo cups – she was intermittently screaming directions to him while cowering in fear holding on to Savni –hysterical.
 
What has been your favorite project to work on – so far? 
RDG: All the projects to date have taught me something, but World Trade Center is the project I am most proud to have been a part of – a definite favorite. This project started just as I joined MKJ, the team put so much trust in my skills and education.  There was tremendous guidance and support always, I learned so much it was a great experience. 
JH: That project felt special – excellent team and excellent electrical contractor in TC Electric  
 
What would your dream project be? 
RDG: I think every project is unique in its own way. My dream project will be to provide wireless network inside all the NYCT tunnels for the public.
JH: Ooooo, that would be a doozy!
 
Your favorite MKJ story? 
RDG:   When our party bus got stuck on the sidewalk in Florida! 
JH:   Classic! Thank goodness for the two homeless men that helped the bus driver! 


“Rucha is impressive, unassuming and generous” – Diane 
 
“Rucha is smart, professional, and reliable. She is always there to support me and my projects—it means a lot to me!” – Savni 
 
“Who is this newsletter’s Rockstar? It really needs to be… it has to be Rucha!” – Drilon 

EMPLOYEE NEWS

Big shout out to our very own Salah Msallek on his graduation from SUNY Maritime College and for the great news that he will become a father in 2023!
 
Congratulations to Aliza Miller, who became a mom with the arrival of daughter Ophira.

Congratulations to Aldwin Then on the birth of his twin daughters, Alaia and Grace.
 
We warmly welcome our new MKJ team members:  
  • Chloe Asnes 
  • Pamela Garces Huapalla 
  • Jessica Owen
  • Brandon “Boomerang” Uzenski (if you know, you know)
  • Benjamin Veizaj
Wishing you all the best!
xo, Jennifer