HEADSTONES, DEADLINES & DUCT TAPE:
A Memorial Day Message from Jennifer—19 Years in and Still Wired
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As Memorial Day Approaches…
Let’s not forget—it started not with hot dogs, but headstones.
Born from the wreckage of the Civil War, Memorial Day asks us to pause. Not just to honor the fallen, but to remember what they fought for—ideals like freedom, fairness, and the ongoing work of building a country that lives up to its promise. It’s a day that reminds us that democracy isn’t guaranteed, and that the strength of this nation has always come from those willing to serve, to work, and to believe—in progress, in equity, in protection, and community for one another.
At MKJ, that spirit resonates. Our transit systems move people through the physical world, while the commitment of those we honor on Memorial Day ensures we can move freely through our democratic one. Our work may not be battlefield-level dramatic (unless you’ve been on a transit job at 3 am), but it does demand purpose, precision, and a commitment to showing up when it matters most—for us all.
Case in point: last year, in the thick of a high-stakes install—timelines slipping, tensions rising, and every variable in flux—we had a choice: step back and dodge responsibility or dig in and take ownership. We dug. We always dig. Because at MKJ, accountability isn’t just a line item—it’s who we are. It’s who this team is.
With pride (and yes, a little stubbornness), we’ve never missed a deadline. Not once. We problem-solved in real time, rewrote the playbook mid-game, and turned a near-miss into a quiet win.
We didn’t just land the plane—we rebuilt the runway on the way down.
So this is my moment to say thank you. To Team MKJ—y’all rise, every single time (even when it’s raining, rerouted, and running two hours behind). To our customers, who expect the best—and make us better. And to our vendors, who stay in the fight with us, coffee in hand and duct tape at the ready.
We hold ourselves to a high standard—the highest—for the systems we build, the people we serve, and the legacy we are creating. At MKJ, it’s not just business. The task at hand is who we are. And the outcome? That’s just how we are.
MKJ turns 19 this month. Which makes us old enough to know better, young enough to still say yes to the hard stuff and just seasoned enough to maneuver through the chaos. From our first small-scale security system to today’s multi-million-dollar transit infrastructure projects, we’re still showing up, still pushing standards, still believing that how we work says everything about who we are.
That’s our way of honoring the day, you—and each other.
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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT:
FIT’s New Academic Building
Or: How to Install 21st Century Tech Inside a 20th Century Time Capsule
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MKJ is deep in the thick of one of our most technically intricate and architecturally mind-bending projects yet—supporting the construction of the Fashion Institute of Technology’s New Academic Building. This is FIT’s first academic expansion in over 40 years (yes, forty), and let’s just say… she’s not your average install.
Our scope includes the design and integration of:
- CCTV Surveillance
- Access Control Systems
- Audio/Visual Infrastructure
- Data & Networking Systems
- Turnstile Access Points
Led by Neil, Osman, Lenny, and Justin (aka the System Whisperers), the MKJ team was tasked with marrying modern security and digital infrastructure to a building that’s intentionally keeping part of its original exterior inside—because at FIT, style and structure go hand-in-hand.
This meant real-time adjustments, design gymnastics, and syncing cutting-edge systems with walls that weren’t exactly built with CAT6 in mind. But as always, our crew rose to the challenge—flawlessly.
Substantial completion is expected this spring, and when the doors open, this building will be as smart and secure as it is stunning. Shout-out to DASNY and FIT for trusting MKJ with a project that proves even legacy walls can host future-proof tech—if you wire them right.
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An inside look at our work in the newly refurbished FIT building.
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ROCKSTAR OF THE MONTH:
STEPHEN KOFFER
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Stephen Koffer is our resident lifesaver, note-perfectionist, alarm ninja, and—unconfirmed—possibly allergic to haircuts. He’s the guy who catches the issue before it becomes a problem, smooths out the chaos, and still manages to send the most detailed project notes you’ve ever seen. Centered. Always.
He’s saved us more times than we can count—not with flash, but with quiet consistency, deep technical skill, and a kind of calm that makes the rest of us feel like maybe, just maybe, we’ve got this.
And now? He’s officially Stephen Koffer, P.E.
Yep—he passed his Professional Engineer exam. No shortcuts, no drama—just years of work, study, sacrifice, and staying the course. We know how much it took. We know how hard it was. And we couldn’t be prouder.
Stephen, you may doubt yourself more than you should. But we never do. Your presence makes our work better, our team stronger, and our days a little funnier. We’re lucky to have you—and your hair exactly as it is… not actually.
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“Stephen has saved the day for me multiple times, whether it be Package 1 or helping out with Package 2 projects. He’s the MVP for me when it comes to taking one for the team. ultimate team player and the hardest worker. Whether it be flirting with the CCM or whipping out his geeky tools, he always makes our jobs easier and ensures they go smoothly.” – Anaan
“Stephen is the best, most thorough, kindest person to work with. Suppose you need to know when the next EE2CS alarm will ring, ask Stephen. In that case, he’ll tell you the exact minutes and even seconds left for the alarm buzzer – master timekeeper, master notes maker, annoying when editing dwgs – all lines must match-everything must be centered! Ugh! Love working with him.” – Savni
“Stephen is my personal electrical expert, number 3 on my speed dial, always there to help and is the hardest worker around. If you need anything done, he’s your guy.” – Musa
“One of my favorite Stephen moments has to be how he never lets me forget about my old-school wired headset with a microphone. Every time I hop on a Teams meeting, he sees an opportunity to turn my desk into a McDonald’s drive-thru. He’ll casually walk by, place an order for a burger and fries, and keep moving like its completely normal. It always cracks me up, and honestly, at this point, I should start asking if he wants to make it a combo.” – Fortesa
“Oh man, don’t we all just simply love Stephen. Silly yet brilliant, he’s always ready with a joke to make you laugh, but he’s also someone you can truly count on. His quick wit and big heart brighten every moment, whether in the office or out in the field. A sheer joy to have around, Stephen never hesitates to lend a hand, crack a ridiculous joke, or come up with the smartest (and sometimes silliest) ideas. And of course, we can’t forget his signature greeting to us—raising his hands to form the Albanian Eagle (he must have some Albanian in him!)” – Lenny
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To all the new babies, graduates, work anniversaries, engagements, and weddings: C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S. We see you, we celebrate you—and yes, we’ll be quietly stalking the photos on social.
As for the long weekend—please enjoy it. Wear sunscreen. Opt for the nitrate-free hotdog if that’s your thing. And if you find a quiet moment—maybe with your feet up and a beverage in hand—think a kind thought about someone else. A co-worker. A neighbor. Or that person on your commute who gives you the same nod every morning like clockwork.
Living in New York reminds us, daily, that we’re part of something shared. Just as our transit systems connect boroughs and neighborhoods, it’s what we do—for one another—that really moves things forward.
At MKJ, we don’t say “family.” We just do it—community, family, peeps, whatever you want to call it—we’ve got each other’s backs. In work, in life, and in all the spaces in between, it’s how we show up that defines who we are.
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