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Usually, when we tell a beloved employee that we’d like to highlight them and their work in our quarterly newsletter we’re met with humbled excitement and this month was no different – at least on the humbled front. Besmir, aka Benny, aaka Miri, grumbled something about finding someone else who liked having their picture taken. Anyone that knows Miri is nodding with a smile…
So, when we say getting him to answer these questions was like pulling teeth, that’s an absolute understatement – so much that I had to step in and answer the same questions in tandem to make sure he wasn’t being too modest about all the incredible things he’s accomplished during his time at MKJ. And if you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with him, you know that’s not an understatement.
When did you first realize you wanted to work in engineering?
BA: I studied electric engineering in school because I was always working in construction and that’s the part that interested me the most, since it was the most technical. At the time, many people were scared to get into the tech field, so I wanted to learn more about it. Thankfully, it was the right choice.
JH: First! Before I even answer one question about “Benny” I need to clarify that after working with him for more than 10 years I recently learned that his actual name is Miri! Miri is naturally smart and when he came to MKJ, as a teenager for a summer internship as he was finishing college, we very quickly realized that in addition to having an excellent work ethic, he is solution-oriented and incredibly capable of handling any task we throw his way. He is naturally smart – with a capital S. Benny, I mean Miri, who I consider to be our actual first intern, is the model for every newbie that has passed through our door since. Every aspect of what MKJ designs, fabricates, tests, troubleshoots, and maintains, Miri has mastered, and now mentors others on.
What was your first job in the industry?
BA: MKJ was my first job in this industry, but working for my dad, doing roofing, was my first job ever. And if you think standing on a roof is dangerous, try working on the subway tracks.
JH: Miri is a first-generation immigrant from Albania, and his family has a roofing company. Coincidentally, like me, who also came from a family business, he decided to move on and find a path that not only utilized those skills but also forced him to grow personally and professionally. Miri came to MKJ while in school, and while I’m not sure if he was planning on engineering then, due to his model intern status, that’s how he finished.
How did you wind up at MKJ?
BA: I was just finishing college and had a connection there through my uncle.
JH: Miri’s uncle, Mike (Suri Dika), is a longtime colleague of mine and he asked if I would give him a job, so of course, just like everyone else’s family member – I said “yes.” I knew he was incredibly adept and smart from the get-go. He had an aptitude and seemed to enjoy the work he was doing, while also collaborating with the rest of the team. It was at a time in the beginning when MKJ was very small, and there were a lot of opportunities to grow and learn alongside Jon, Bjorn, Joe Petrucelli, and Neil – the experience akin to a pressure cooker of system’s integration education.
What do you love about your job?
BH: I love that there is a balance of work, where I’m not always in the office or out in the field. There’s also nothing that beats the culture at MKJ. The balance of learning and teaching also makes each day feel new, every project really is a collaboration with my coworkers, and we get to see the project we create fully come to fruition from bid documents to a fully implemented system. We’re not just pushing papers around, well… we do, but then we get to see a functioning product emerge from it.
JH: What? He loves stuff? I always joke that he’s my hardest staff member to please –he plays it so straight, yet Miri is the culture of MKJ. So much of his work ethos spills into the ether of our organization, first and foremost by modeling and instructing others on how to provide the outcomes our end-users and customers have come to expect on each project. He really is the hardest worker, and his ability to take humongous projects and drill them down into tasks, is at its core, what makes him a phenomenal project manager that customers, end-users, and staff members rely on completely. In an organization that has grown to over 50 in a few short years, it amazes me how truly appreciated he is by everyone. He is requested and sought after on the daily for instruction, guidance, and direction – all of which he provides by focusing on the immediate needs and the future planning that is required when you are part of an organization that is growing.
What is your favorite thing about working at MKJ specifically?
BA: ?
JH: Of course, he didn’t answer this! If I had to guess I would say that he is incredibly proud of the work he has completed on multiple iconic projects.
I would also bet on the friendships he’s made – truly MKJ is a unique place where our culture fosters relationships and lifelong friendships. Watching him take on more responsibility and expand his role at work while growing a family with his beautiful wife brings me so much pride and joy. I feel lucky to be part of his orbit.
What was your favorite project to work on so far?
BA:I love them all.
JH: Maybe the question we should have asked him is, “what project’s outcome surprised you the most?” Second Avenue felt like it may never end – as our biggest, ridiculously challenging, and most memorable projects to date. There was such a hard set of circumstances – having to solve problems in real-time because MKJ was responsible for adjusting and recalibrating the existing equipment and circuits, required to maintain proper operation with an expedited schedule to boot. No pressure there – except to make sure that this landmark NYC Subway line opened in time for a certain ex-governor to have his photo-op on New Year’s Eve! Just another day, or shall we say multiple overnights, on the job for Miri and Team MKJ!
LaGuardia Airport, which was one of our most exciting projects to date – a first-of-its-kind communication system at one of the largest airports in the US, was kind of a big deal. This was not your everyday audio communication installation. This was a never before seen- or heard, class A supervised, audio announcement emergency evacuation system, which MKJ designed and implemented a system utilizing it. Miri was essential to this project’s success.
What would your dream project be?
BA: I would love to work on something out of the country. A transit job in Europe would be an incredible learning experience – just to see how they do it differently.
JH: Boss lady says NO! We are keeping his butt on US tracks! Not to spill the beans and ruin the dream, but I’m sure they do it with a lot less bureaucracy and slightly faster! My dream for this superstar is for him to continue to learn and grow. He has mastered transit over the years and is currently slaying airports. His organizational skills are stellar and his ability to manage others through consensus and clear direction foretells a future of leadership – hopefully with and for MKJ….. actually, I will make sure of it.
Your favorite MKJ story?
BA: Can’t share.
JH: He definitely can NOT share! Hard no.
Jets or Giants?
BA: Giants
JH: Really?
Chocolate or Vanilla?
BA: Vanilla
JH: Seriously Miri? No chocolate swirl or sprinkles?!! Maybe a vodka milkshake?!!
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