Hi! I’m Michael, an engineer and project manager living and working in New York City.
As an engineer, I excel at removing obstacles, collaborating technically with my team, and being a client-facing advocate, enabling seamless progress and successful project outcomes.
Design-Build Services for Accessibility Upgrades at Eight Stations
Contract A-37135 aimed to enhance accessibility for Americans with disabilities and upgrade existing conditions in eight train stations across New York City's boroughs. As the lead estimator for this project, my responsibilities encompassed coordinating the estimation process and overseeing its successful completion.
This undertaking presented a notable challenge due to its scale, involving eight stations spread across four boroughs. Initial information consisted solely of a 700-page document outlining required specifications. To convert these project requirements into actionable engineering drawings, my team collaborated closely with AECOM, our designer. Within a tight three-month timeframe, we transformed the provided specifications into comprehensive engineering drawings, enabling accurate cost estimation and the determination of the final contract value. Effectively, this project can be regarded as eight distinct contracts unified under a single endeavor. Also as part of the contract guidelines, it was imperative that 22.5% of the contract value and corresponding work be assigned to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) companies.
At the project's peak, my team at TC Electric comprised ten engineers, strategically stationed throughout New York City. Our concerted efforts were focused on addressing the estimation backlog, adapting to evolving contract requirements, fostering communication with subcontractors, and conducting weekly progress meetings. Additionally, I maintained regular correspondence with our sister company, MLJ Contractors, who served as the general contractor for the project. In this capacity, I liaised with MLJ's president, ensuring smooth collaboration between TC Electric and MLJ Contracting.
To facilitate streamlined progress tracking, I designed a user-friendly Excel sheet, meticulously monitoring each station's development, assigning tasks to team members, and documenting any encountered challenges or uncertainties. Subsequently, I integrated this comprehensive dataset into an estimation Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform. Finally, I presented the well-refined estimation to my supervisor, who added the final touches to the bid before its submission.
Ultimately, our joint efforts with MLJ Contracting proved successful, securing a contract valued at over $240 million. Notably, my team's scope of work encompassed $32 million, including personally managing subcontractors worth $13 million.
Client: Metropolitan Transit Authority Partners: MLJ Contracting, J-Track, Welkin Mechanical & AECOM Year: October 2021 - December 2021 Contract Length: Approx. 36 months
Projects of Projects
207th Mainline, Grand Concourse, & Mainline Track
While simultaneously leading the demanding A-37135 contract (Design-Build Services for Accessibility Upgrades at Eight Stations), I actively contributed to the estimating process of three other contracts, showcasing my ability to effectively multitask and support fellow estimators and project managers. Let's delve into the specifics of these contracts:
In collaboration with our sister company J-Track, the 207th Mainline contract aimed to address repairs resulting from Hurricane Sandy and implement new track interlockings. Along with sharing the load of completing our estimation process of material take-offs, I recognized the need to optimize scheduling, I developed a detailed Excel sheet, serving as a comprehensive timeline of General Orders (GOs) dictating when our team could work on the tracks. This simplified yet effective tool enabled us to strategically allocate work and track progress. Our collective efforts resulted in the successful acquisition of a substantial $78 million contract, with TC Electric's contribution amounting to $21.8 million, including $7 million allocated to subcontractors.
Similarly, for the Grand Concourse Line contract, another joint venture with J-Track, I assumed responsibility for TC Electric's estimating process and subcontractor outreach. Collaborating closely with an engineer, I navigated the complexities of estimating tunnel ventilation repair and antenna cable replacement along the Concourse Line. Our combined efforts led to the triumph of securing an $85 million contract, with TC Electric's share valued at $10 million.
Client: Metropolitan Transit Authority Partners: J-Track Year: October 2021 - December 2021 Contract Length: Approx. 36 months
Lastly, I played a pivotal role in the Mainline Track Replacement project, yet another joint venture with J-Track. Teaming up with our VP of Engineering and the general foreman, we orchestrated the estimation process and spearheaded subcontractor outreach. The contract's focal point involved the meticulous replacement of track and power cables within the 63rd Street tunnel. While our bid exceeded $150 million, regrettably, we did not emerge as the lowest bidder.
Throughout these diverse contracts, my unwavering commitment to teamwork and efficient collaboration shone through, aiding in the success of estimators and project managers. In parallel, I continued to lead the demanding A-37135 contract, seamlessly navigating the intricate challenges posed by multiple simultaneous projects.
Stryker-Digital: Developing and Implementing a Winning Go-To-Market Strategy
As a consultant at Stryker-Digital, I had the unique opportunity to help create and implement an effective Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy for our digital services startup that took root in January 2023. We began with a simple but ambitious vision: to transform small and medium-sized businesses with little to no internet presence into formidable players in their local digital landscape.
Our Value Proposition and Messaging
Our unique value proposition revolved around delivering high-quality digital services at a cost-effective price point, offering a frictionless transition to the online space. Leveraging the power of successful client stories, we were able to attract and onboard new clients, establishing a strong reputation for Stryker Digital in the marketplace.
Market Segmentation and Targeting
We identified our target market as small to medium-sized businesses across diverse sectors. By strategically participating in local Facebook community groups, we built relationships, gained market insights, and identified potential clients. This enabled us to craft our services and messaging to resonate directly with their unique needs.
Pricing and Revenue Model
Understanding the value of predictable income for a growing company, we emphasized building a stable base of monthly recurring revenue. While we offered one-time services, the primary focus was on creating and maintaining websites, optimizing SEO, and managing Google Ad campaigns for consistent customer traffic. Thanks to our competitive advantage in pre-built website templates and outsourced labor, we could offer top-tier services at attractive price points.
Customer Experience and Brand Building
Influenced by the ethos of Apple Inc., we deeply understood the importance of customer experience and brand loyalty. We made it our mission to respond promptly and efficiently to every customer request and question. Our commitment to our clients was reflected in our brand messaging, highlighting the dedication and professionalism that Stryker-Digital embodies.
Our Results
Five months into implementing this GTM strategy, Stryker-Digital saw substantial growth. We successfully onboarded over 8 monthly recurring clients, generating a significant increase in monthly recurring revenue. In addition to this, we provided over 10 one-time service jobs, generating over $20,000 in total revenue.
Looking Ahead
Our journey thus far has shown the power of a well-crafted and implemented GTM strategy. It has driven our success and growth in the digital services market, but we will not rest on our laurels. As we continue to evolve, we will always aim to innovate, improve our services, and maintain a laser-sharp focus on our client’s needs and satisfaction.
In May 2021, TNT Carting & Demolition, a humble local waste disposal business with an untapped potential was purchased for a mere $180,000. This purchase was made by a team comprising my business partner (my co-founder at Financialfreedom101) and his college friend. I worked in the back office giving advice, helping run the books, providing organization processes, and support for their GTM strategy. The previous owner, an older gentleman, had never engaged in any marketing efforts; there was no website, no social media presence, and no marketing campaigns.
The primary clientele of the business at the time was a handful of established contractors and roofers, complemented by occasional word-of-mouth referrals. Their operations primarily involved providing 10-yard, 15-yard, and 20-yard dumpsters. We recognized that to scale, we needed to devise a GTM strategy.
Identifying the Target Market
Our journey to devise an effective Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy commenced with an intensive exploration of our prospective clientele. We acknowledged that our audience stretched beyond just contractors and roofers, encompassing homeowners, property managers, construction firms, and other entities generating substantial waste regularly. We created distinct personas to encapsulate the diverse characteristics of our client base:
Kevin, a roofing company proprietor handling 2-3 home renovations weekly.
Heather, a new homeowner enthusiastic about property renovations and clutter removal.
Tony, who operates a compact house-flipping venture, reliant on prompt waste management services.
Mary, a frequent user of our services due to recurrent basement leaks and storm-induced damage.
Grasping their key concerns, such as waste dump fees, service costs, and service delivery timing, was pivotal in customizing our services to cater to their specific needs.
TNT Carting & Demolition: A Go-To-Market Success Story
Service Differentiation and Value Proposition
Our key differentiators were competitive pricing and superior customer service. Despite our competition with larger franchise companies and smaller local dumpster businesses, our unique circumstances allowed us to significantly reduce overhead, thus enabling us to provide timely service at the lowest price point. We also made an effort to strengthen relationships with local larger waste disposal companies, providing them work when we could not handle the load.
Local Marketing and Community Engagement
Knowing the absence of any previous marketing efforts, we knew the direction we had to take. Our marketing overhaul started with creating a comprehensive website, teeming with customer reviews, images, services offered, backlinks, and more. We then embarked on optimizing our SEO and initiated marketing campaigns across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. We found our most significant success on Facebook, particularly within local community groups.
Furthermore, we expanded our network in the local waste management industry and formed a fruitful relationship with larger waste disposal companies. These steps propelled the growth of TNT Carting & Demolition from a modest $180,000 in 2021 to a remarkable $700,000 by 2023, a whopping growth of over 380%!
This enabled us to invest in a brand-new Kenworth truck and increase our dumpster count by 20, demonstrating our commitment to better serve our ever-growing customer base. This journey is a testament to the power of a thoughtfully devised GTM strategy and the importance of understanding and serving the unique needs of your target market.
UpperCampus
UpperCampus is an Educational Tech Startup that is revolutionizing the way high school and college students explore industries and career paths. As a dedicated member of the team, I spent over two years at UpperCampus, contributing to its growth and success in various capacities.
At the start of 2019, I joined UpperCampus as a Potential User/Interviewee, providing valuable insights to the founders based on my personal experience with the high school and college process. I shared feedback on the current outdated Naviance software, college outreach procedures, being used, and the limited resources available for exploring career paths.
Building on this foundation, in September 2019 I transitioned into the role of QA Tester, where I worked closely with the product team to gather feedback from testing the beta app. Through rigorous testing and collaboration, I contributed to improving the app's user experience, identifying bugs, and refining the content available. This involved engaging with management, employers, and outside students to shape the app’s educational platform features, UX, and content strategy.
Recognizing my dedication and passion for the company, I was then entrusted with the responsibilities of a Product Manager and Account Manager. At the start of Covid in March 2020, I helped in developing the state model for the app and expanding its reach to various regions. This included recruiting companies and states, with a notable achievement of securing a partnership with Connecticut's non-profit organization, AdvanceCT. Working closely with our CEO, we successfully launched CampusCT, a feature that catered to clients’ requests by incorporating an 'Internships & Jobs' section.
Throughout my tenure, I conducted extensive research and UX studies, leveraging feedback from our 75,000 student users to drive the design and development of new product functionalities. I had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned clients such as The LEGO Group, Infosys, and Stanley Black & Decker, understanding their unique product requirements and effectively communicating them to the engineering team. Our product team operated within a lean development and agile environment, I embraced daily stand-ups and weekly code releases, ensuring efficient progress and timely delivery of new features.
My experience at UpperCampus allowed me to excel as a versatile professional, demonstrating expertise in product management, account management, research, and UX. I am adept at translating client needs into actionable requirements and thrive in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
Design-Build Services Rehabilitation of Dyckman St. & Kappock St. Substations
Ultimately, the contract held an impressive value of $35 million, which incorporated $12 million allocated to subcontractors. Regrettably, our bid fell short by a mere $100,000 or a slender 0.29% of the contract value. Nonetheless, this outcome stands as a testament to my debut assignment's success, demonstrating my nascent prowess in the field of estimating.
Contract HH-19 (or HH-36) represented a unique amalgamation of two contractors, compounded by the added complexity of preserving the historical exterior of a substation. As the lead estimator on this project, I was tasked with navigating these challenges, while receiving invaluable guidance and support from our project manager and chief engineer.
The project entailed the upgrade of a backup power substation to achieve full power capabilities, in addition to the completion of interior work for four expansive garage bays dedicated to heavy-duty highway vehicles. Furthermore, our responsibilities extended to the meticulous installation of thousands of feet of power cables, the implementation of a new industrial-grade AC unit, and the resurfacing of 1,500 feet of the existing park path.
This assignment marked my debut at TC Electric, providing me with a valuable opportunity to acquire essential skills in general estimating and project management. Collaborating closely with our project manager, I undertook the critical task of meticulously dissecting the contract, ensuring that all the specified requirements were accurately captured. Simultaneously, I cultivated a strong and enduring relationship with our esteemed designer Dewberry Engineers, complemented by the expert guidance of our Chief Engineer.
Consequently, I assumed the responsibility of presenting the final price, comprehensive scope of work, and potential risks to our esteemed CEO. This exercise demanded an astute understanding of the project's intricacies and the ability to effectively communicate the nuances to key stakeholders.
Client: Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Partners: DewBerry Engineers Year: August 2021 - September 2021 Contract Length: Approx. 36 months
Passenger ID CCTV at 88 Stations
Contract C52072 encompasses the intricate design-build services for the installation of a new closed-circuit television-based Passenger Identification system across eighty-eight stations within the extensive NYC Transit subway system. The primary objective is to seamlessly integrate this cutting-edge system into the existing Physical Security Information Management System. This ambitious endeavor entails the installation of hundreds of CCTV cameras at ticket turnstiles, ensuring adherence to fare payment regulations and enhancing overall security measures.
One of the standout complexities of this contract lies in the logistical challenge of orchestrating our team's movement, as we had to transition to a new station every week, with a mere three-day window to complete our work. This necessitated meticulous planning and choreography to ensure smooth execution across the vast network of stations spanning four boroughs.
Amidst these demanding logistical considerations, I capitalized on a conceptual estimating approach, harnessing the power of data to streamline our engineering team's efforts. By leveraging this innovative approach, we successfully reduced the time spent on estimating by an impressive 75%, empowering us to devote greater focus to solving the intricate logistical challenges associated with rapidly transitioning our operations to new stations and effectively managing our equipment.
Throughout the contract's lifecycle, my team and I encountered an appreciable degree of ambiguity within the product requirement document. In response, we proactively generated over 100 requests for information (RFIs) to seek clarification and ensure that our design and pricing efforts aligned with the project's expectations. Our dedicated team, comprising the project executive and a project engineer, consistently navigated these complexities, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to delivering precise and comprehensive solutions.
Regrettably, despite our concerted efforts and the significant value associated with the contract, amounting to $50 million with over $25 million dedicated to subcontractors, we fell short of securing the contract due to a lower bid. It is worth noting that the contract also presented an additional goal, requiring a specified percentage of work/cost allocation towards Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) of 15%, Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE) of 15%, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB) of 6%.
Client: Metropolitan Transit Authority Partners: N/A Year: January 2022 - March 2022 Contract Length: Approx. 30 months
Professional Development
Since graduating in May 2021, I have devoted myself to continuous learning, completing a comprehensive set of 16 courses totaling over 200 hours of lecture. My commitment to growth and education is unwavering.
Among my recent accomplishments, I completed an intensive three-part course focused on Excel Business Intelligence, encompassing Power Query, Data Modeling, and Power Pivot & DAX. This course provided a deep understanding of the Power Excel landscape, equipping me with the skills to utilize powerful business intelligence tools such as Power Query, Power Pivot, and DAX. I gained expertise in connecting and transforming data, performing table transformations, merging and appending queries, and more. Additionally, I delved into database design, data modeling, and the utilization of DAX language and Power Pivot for effective data analysis.
Furthermore, I have undertaken six comprehensive courses in Product Management, spanning various critical areas. These courses include an all-encompassing product manager bootcamp, advanced topics on vision, strategy, and metrics for product managers, technical product management, building product strategy and roadmap, and a hands-on course utilizing Jira software. Through these courses, I acquired essential knowledge in the product lifecycle, lean and agile product development methodologies, scrum and kanban frameworks, customer issue analysis, market analysis, competitor evaluation, customer interviews, use cases and user personas, minimum viable products (MVPs), epic spec sheets, key performance indicators (KPIs), and more.
In addition to my focus on product management, I have also pursued coding proficiency through two coding classes. One involved a SQL boot camp, where I gained proficiency in PostgreSQL and PgAdmin, exploring SQL syntax, aggregate functions, advanced queries, logical operators, JOIN commands, and database creation. The other class, HarvardX CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Python, provided a comprehensive understanding of Python programming, covering functions, variables, conditionals, loops, exceptions, debugging, libraries, APIs, input and output files, regular expressions, and object-oriented programming.
Lastly, I have immersed myself in five Real Estate courses, focusing on Real Estate Financial Modeling, Multifamily Real Estate Investing, and Real Estate Acquisitions. These courses equipped me with the ability to build robust financial models, evaluate property values, predict capital expenditures, analyze loans, account for private seed loans in real estate development, and calculate potential rental income.
Through my dedication to ongoing education and my diverse skill set in areas such as product management, coding, and real estate, I am well-prepared to take on new challenges and contribute value to dynamic and innovative teams.
Financialfreedom101.blog
Financial Freedom 101 was born in the summer of 2019, originating from the humble setting of a basement, where my partner and I embarked on a mission to share our financial knowledge with friends and family. What began as a small blog has blossomed into an incredible journey of growth and discovery for both the blog and its creators. As we navigated through college and our professional lives, we gained invaluable insights and life lessons that we eagerly share on our platform.
Our primary objectives at Financial Freedom 101 are:
Educating high school and college students about financial literacy and the challenges they may encounter in life.
Providing alternative techniques to generate multiple streams of income and save money.
Sharing our personal experiences and failures on the path to achieving financial freedom.
The inspiration for our blog stemmed from our own transition from high school to college. After spending two years in the market, we realized how traditional education often fails to address crucial aspects of the real world. Financial Freedom 101 aims to bridge this gap, empowering teenagers and young adults with essential financial knowledge.
Our investment blog focuses on delivering content that emphasizes the importance of understanding assets and liabilities, market trends, debt management, interest rates, real estate, career paths, competition, goal setting, failure, and much more.
To date, our impact has reached over 140 countries, attracting 216 subscribers, garnering over 40,000 views on 114 posts, and welcoming 28,000 visitors. The engagement from our audience is evident, with 167 likes and 18 comments on our content.
On a daily basis, my partner and I collaborate to produce fresh and engaging content for our subscribers. We continuously explore new topics, challenge ourselves, and discuss strategies to grow and monetize our brand through subscriptions, referrals, and ad revenue.
Financial Freedom 101 remains a testament to our dedication and passion for empowering individuals with financial knowledge. We are proud of the impact we have made thus far and are excited for the journey ahead.
Design-Build Services Canarsie Tube Rehabilitation and Core Capacity Improvement
In terms of AutoCAD work, I had the opportunity to recreate manufacturing drawings. One notable example was the Third Rail Jumper Cable Brackets, which can be seen in the adjacent image. I depicted the assembly and provided specifications. Additionally, I gained hands-on experience during fieldwork, witnessing the installation of the brackets.
Throughout the internship, I actively participated in team meetings and had the chance to work on live tracks. I contributed to the smooth operation of projects, including overseeing deliveries and monitoring dust levels on platforms. These experiences provided valuable insights into the practical aspects of electrical engineering.
Overall, my internship at TC Electric provided a comprehensive understanding of contract documentation, submittals, AutoCAD design, and fieldwork. It allowed me to develop my skills and make meaningful contributions to the team's success.
Contract P-36437, known as the Canarsie Tunnel Rehabilitation and Core Capacity Improvements project, addressed extensive water damage caused by Superstorm Sandy with a budget of $502 million. The project encompassed tunnel rehabilitation, structural upgrades, and restoration of power, lighting, signals, and communications components. Notable achievements included successfully restoring the flooded tunnel, reconstructing it within a 15-month shutdown, and installing new electrical substations. Led by Judlau Contracting, Inc., the project was delivered on schedule, introducing enhanced accessibility and improved core capacity to the station.
During my internship at TC Electric in the summer of 2019, I was assigned to this contract and worked closely with the team at the Canarsie Job site, gaining exposure to various aspects of the electrical engineering field. I quickly integrated into the office environment, collaborating with everyone on the team.
My responsibilities began with tasks like transferring spare parts specifications onto an Excel sheet, which involved reading through extensive contract documentation. I also learned about redlining and made annotations on contract drawings. As the internship progressed, I took on more significant assignments.
One of my notable projects involved closing out the Wesco Contract. I meticulously compared equipment lists, ensuring that all ordered items were received and accounted for. I also participated in creating submittals and managing the process from transferring data to Excel sheets to obtaining quotes from vendors.
Client: Metropolitan Transit Authority Partners: Judlau Contracting & J-Track Year: May 2019 - August 2019 Contract Length: Approx. 48 months
Tradition, History, and Way of Life
Through my global adventures, I've immersed myself in diverse cultures, discovering the beauty of tradition, history, and ways of life. From Japan's fusion of tradition and modernity to Europe's captivating architecture, and the vibrant tapestry of the Caribbean islands, each destination has unveiled unique insights into our world's cultural mosaic.
About Me
I'm an engineer at heart, driven by my passion for problem-solving and understanding how things work. As a kid, I would dismantle gadgets just to put them back together with improvements. That curiosity and drive for continuous improvement have stayed with me throughout my career.
Professionally, I thrive on tackling the toughest challenges and proactively identifying and solving issues before they arise. My diverse background in tech start-ups, engineering, finance, and real estate has shaped my career path and fueled my desire for innovation.
Outside work
In my free time, I embrace a diverse range of activities that fuel my passion for personal growth and exploration. I strive for physical well-being through fitness pursuits, continuously expand my knowledge of financial markets and investments, and enjoy experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, always eager to explore and try new foods. Additionally, I actively engage in networking events and keep an eye out for potential commercial real estate opportunities.
When I seek leisure and relaxation, you'll often find me hiking to witness breathtaking views, indulging my love for travel and exploring different cultures, avidly following Formula 1 races, hitting the slopes for exhilarating ski adventures, unwinding on sandy beaches, immersing myself in the world of car shows, and cherishing quality time with my friends and family. These diverse hobbies and experiences bring balance and joy to my life outside of work.