MKJ IS NOT PERFECT

MKJ IS NOT PERFECT

I have a secret….  

One which my contemporaries would not encourage me to ever admit, but here we go….  MKJ is not perfect.   

There I said it. Wow… E X H A L E  I feel 1000 pounds lighter –

At MKJ and in my personal life (all the same, actually) mistakes, accidents, and mishaps are celebrated… Okay, we aren’t actually throwing a party, but as a group we’re able to huddle, process and pivot.  For me, the practice of engaging M + A’s, as I now refer to them, began with the accidental break of something precious to me.  With pieces of broken ceramic in my hands, I stood over a little boy with giant tears, who knew he erred, and in that moment, there was really only one choice- compassion.  I’m not saying I wasn’t heartbroken, mad, or disappointed – but my willingness to step back, take a walk around the block (which I did twice), breathe, think, and process – allowed me to clear space for what that loss would make space for. I revisit that moment of clarity often.  

By letting go of the broken pieces, I gained a much deeper appreciation of what was at stake and what was important, with objectivity moving forward.

This concept, ridiculously hard at times, requires absolute commitment. M+A’s show up when you least expect them – tables tip over, contracts can be vague, designs may not comply, communication is murky, people F@%# up… But in all situations, MKJ and I (all the same, actually) are focused on elevated outcomes that are respectful, honest, smart, and fair- creating space for forward momentum.   

The best value of any mistake is what can be learned. 

The business principle that has served me above all others is to work with and for like-minded individuals and businesses.  If you’re reading this missive… we vibe.  

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches – a shout out and nod to my brilliant staff who run at mistakes with vigor, problem-solving and pirouetting through their mistakes with dignity.  Learning and creating processes that allow us to “best practice” the mistake into oblivion.  A nod to my customers who have grown with MKJ – for your commitment to solving problems in both directions – and our loyal and remarkable vendors who spend their days creating products that elevate our outcomes. 

With gratitude and best wishes to you all… O N W A R D! 

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

ROCKSTAR OF THE MONTH: 
LENNY RUSSI

How did you wind up at MKJ?
LR: I was referred to MKJ by Osman, great coworker, and even better friend. He was convinced that I was wasting my talents and time, and insisted that I join the MKJ team. I took his advice, and I am very happy I did.  

JH: I remember hiring Lenny without actually meeting him based on incredible feedback from those he interviewed with. The first time we actually met he had to climb out of a communication cabinet, to meet me. Sometimes you just know when someone is going to be a perfect fit to your organization… Lenny is that someone.

 
What was the best career advice you ever received?
LR: If you want to be on time, get there 5 minutes before.

JH:  In NYC 5 minutes early takes a lot of work!  


Best project experience–  why?
LR: MKJ project at Court Square. This was the first project that I was completely involved in. I worked directly with the client TC Electric.

JH: As the story goes…  someone had to go to India for an extended period of time where without hesitation Lenny stepped up and pushed in completing the necessary programming, pretesting, site surveys and anything above, below or in between.
 

Can you share your technical experience – you’re sort of a gentle legend in the office for being able to figure things out…
LR: Challenge Accepted!! It is really satisfying when a challenge presents itself and even more so when we get to resolve the issues.

JH: When I sit with managers to review assignments a common refrain from me is “Lenny can’t be at three places at once.” After the last newsletter I was approached by five or more staff members who clearly felt Lenny needed to be an acknowledged ROCKSTAR. Smart, capable, this guy runs at problem solving.  

Describe your dream project?
LR: In an ideal world, I believe the best project is the one where everyone involved is in sync. 

JH: I love this aspiration – not to boast, but MKJ has a lot of opportunities for you to live this experience.  MKJ’s experience and knowledge of the NYCTA’s low voltage infrastructure coupled with the ability to work time and again with the most experienced Electrical Contractors serving the transportation market…  as far as dreams go… you’re closer than you think!
 

Best MKJ memory?
LR: Watermelon eating contest, MKJ parking lot party 😁🍉
 
JH: OMG! That is on my list of TOP 5 BEST MKJ MEMORIES! Mergim eating the watermelon will forever live rent free in my brain! He ate the rind! 
 

MKJ EMPLOYEE UPDATES

Over at MKJ we are in full-blown nesting mode! Esteemed Project Manager’s Rucha and Savni are due any second… no longer on platforms or in communications rooms these first-time mommas-to-be are not focused on baby booties (blue btw) but rather are busy preparing their project teams for every single thing that will be required.  

Their baby shower on October 26th was more than just another reason to set up a bar and gorge on an enormous buttercream topped cake! It was the realization that our amazing family is growing – that college graduates hired to do this weird sort of engineering… who grew into communications or network experts, whilst getting married, buying their first home and so on, becoming mentors and training others are continuing on their life’s path with MKJ… The work we do at MKJ id intentionally cooperative, team based, outcome focused in every single way.  When we say family, we actually mean FAMILY. 

MORE BABIES, GRADUATIONS, HOMES:  

• Tae and Brandon are soon-to-be fathers, with babies due in January and March, respectively.  (more cake)

• Mohammed is graduating college in December – another much needed E.E.!  

• Tae and Aldwin are new homeowners!… New Jersey is getting more interesting daily! 

• Volen Ivanov started his college career at SUNY Stony Brooke! 

• Belated Graduation Shoutouts to Salah, Luis and Ben!