Generations of Problem Solvers
MEC Contractors-Engineers delivers technical expertise for speedy, efficient construction
In 1973, Joe Miorelli, a trained civil engineer, left his career as a consultant to NASA and decided to launch his own company, now called MEC Contractors-Engineers (MEC), a general contractor and civil and structural engineering firm based in Florida.
His wife, Helen Miorelli, worked alongside him as the bookkeeper and accountant, and in 1980, their son Luke Miorelli, who also studied as an engineer, joined the company. The family business ran smoothly until an unexpected crisis.
In 1987, at the age of 60, Joe suffered a serious stroke, brought on by a clot that was dislodged during a surgery on his leg. Suddenly, the seasoned engineer was unable to speak well or do calculations; he had to relearn how to write from scratch. Luke and his mother worked together to try to carry on the business while also caring for Joe.
Helen would come to work, but as her mind was always focused on the welfare of her husband, the responsibility of the business and its employees fell mostly to Luke. At the time, the company employed about 15 people, including an engineer, a draftsman, an estimator, a superintendent and a number of carpenters.
Luke rose to the challenge to become President of MEC and one of the top forensic engineers in the state. In 1992, his sister, Lisa Neal, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Florida, took over as company treasurer and handled accounting when Helen retired.
The Third Generation
MEC is different from competitors because it combines general contracting with professional engineering services. Lisa’s sons, Gary and Joe Neal, now work alongside Luke as leaders in the family business, set to take over when he eventually retires. Gary is a structural engineer and Joe is a civil engineer.
“I went down the [structural engineering] path because I had so many family members as role models,” Gary says. “I felt like we were very much problem-solving people, so if I went down that path it would open up my options.”
Out of college, both Gary and Joe worked in corporate engineering jobs for five years, earning their professional engineering licenses. Gary decided to join MEC five years ago. Two years later Joe followed, realizing that he and his brother shared the same mindset and goals.
Luke’s nephews each run a division of the business. Gary is Vice President of the MEC office in West Melbourne, Florida, and Joe is Vice President of the office set up three years ago in Orlando to better serve clients in Central Florida.
Technical Expertise for Increased Efficiency
Luke, Gary and Joe use their expertise to provide engineering services but also to help guide their clients to smarter, more efficient solutions for day-to-day construction issues. Their technical approach gives clients multiple options, allowing them to make informed choices based on a number of complex factors. This level of service means that jobs run smoothly and that clients benefit from projects that maximize speed and financial efficiency.
“With this commercial work, we’re always focused on getting things done as quickly and efficiently as we can so our clients can start to make money sooner,” Joe says.
MEC works for a wide range of clients, from day care centers to retail stores. These clients include Wawa, Life Storage, Amazing Explorers Academy, Kiddie Academy, Cumberland Farms, RaceTrac, Dunkin’ Donuts, The Goddard School and others. The firm currently has four day care centers under construction, and four more will start within a few months’ time.
“We have a lot of day care clients that need a project done quickly because while we’re in construction, they start getting enrollments,” Joe says. “When we give them a date they can open, they end up telling their clients that, too.”
Growing with Clients
MEC employs 38 people and currently takes on midsize commercial projects with a six-month construction schedule. As this client base continues to expand, MEC plans to continue to grow as a partner.
“The next generation is coming into the workplace, and we’re trying to connect with them and be the contractor they go to for everything they need to help them grow,” says Joe, referring to private-owner clients his company strives to support through its specialized expertise.
To do this, the company offers a full range of supporting services, including site selection, due diligence, budget setting, engineering and construction—giving its clients sound, solid advice on every aspect of a project and its timeline. “To us, it’s about the long-term success of both [our business and the businesses of clients],” Joe says.
A Seasoned and Collaborative Team
The team maintains a common vision and goal—work hard and please clients. Although Gary and Joe have different clients, they continuously bounce ideas off each other as part of their problem-solving practice.
In addition to his forensic engineering expertise, Luke acts as one of the top expert witnesses for water intrusion in the state of Florida, and Gary and Joe lean on him for his decades of experience. The company also benefits from the experience of new team members who have worked in the industry for more than 30 years.
“We’ve brought on some experienced project managers and other professional engineers,” Joe says. “We have some younger guys training under them, with the common goal of working together and learning from each other. Everyone rallies together to get things done.”
A Strong Company Culture
Gary and Joe nurture their employees by guiding them but also giving them freedom to grow. They offer the tools employees need to create their own paths, including professional education through conferences and classes, and promote employee growth by supporting the acquisition of additional licenses, such as professional engineer, general contractor and inspector, and other designations.
The leadership also tries to nurture a family-friendly culture. For example, they take team members out for lunch or happy hour on special occasions and allow for flexible schedules to accommodate employees with busy family lives.
“Family comes first, and everyone understands that,” says Joe, who is married with a 2-year-old son and a baby daughter on the way.
Joe’s brother-in-law, Andrew Farrell, recently joined the business to take over responsibilities from Lisa, who is set to retire soon. And it is likely that Andrew is not the last family member who will join MEC to carry on the family tradition.
“The kids already say they want to be workers, too,” says Gary, referring to his young nephew and his own sons, ages 5 and 4.
Given the team’s diverse expertise and proven ability to overcome challenges by standing together, it’s likely this multigenerational family business will continue to grow and thrive for many years to come.