We believe in a constant commitment to sustainability and look for energy saving opportunities on all our projects: Andrew J. Solano of Emtec Consulting Engineers

“With a recent branch opened in Newark, New Jersey, we have plans to open multiple branches in various states in the near future.”

Engineering design consultants are essential to many businesses because they offer unique expertise in the planning and execution of engineering projects. The consultants are typically experts in their fields, whether it’s civil, mechanical, electrical, or any other engineering discipline. Their specialized knowledge allows them to bring a high level of expertise to a project, ensuring that the design meets industry standards and regulations. Many engineering design consultants work on projects around the globe, giving local initiatives a worldwide perspective. This global experience can help guarantee that designs are both effective and compliant with international best practices. Globally there are various consultants delivering outstanding services, but Emtec Consulting Engineers stands out from the rest.

In 1981, Emtec Engineers was founded by Andrew R. Solano and three other partners. They recognized a demand within the nuclear industry and took the opportunity to create a corporation. Emtec led the way as one of the first companies to bring multiple disciplines—mechanical, electrical, and plumbing—under one roof, which in turn gained attention from local architects in design work. Small residential work grew into commercial projects, and by 1984, Emtec had landed their first major job with Mutual of America. By the late 80’s Emtec had expanded, signing contracts with fortune 50 and 500 companies, leading Emtec nationally beyond New York State.

In conversation with Andrew J. Solano, Managing Partner of Emtec Consulting Engineers

Q. As a leading consulting engineering firm, what are Emtec’s key focus areas?

Emtec is a consulting engineering firm that specializes in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, fire alarm design engineering, commissioning, and energy services. Emtec augments its specialties in code compliance and is highly conversant with New York State/City and International Building Code (IBC) requirements. Sustainability is a core objective of Emtec’s operations, as we continue to shape buildings into more productive and efficient spaces while keeping an eye on the future impact their footprints have on the world.

Setbacks are a part of every growing business. Tell us about a few roadblocks and learning lessons that helped Emtec grow through the years.

Embracing change and learning to adapt is a critical part of managing setbacks. In 2020, the entire nation was affected by the Covid pandemic, and Emtec Engineers was not immune to the impact. Major projects were shut down, work paused, and we had a team of professionals that were all coping with the unavoidable changes that were imposed on office-based businesses. Management structured a flexible plan that allowed for design work to continue remotely once industries reopened, and taking every necessary step to keep the staff safe and maintain progress. While this was a major obstacle, we look back now and recognize the strengths we gained by establishing a balance between our customer and employee centricity.

Q. What strategies do you have in place to encourage innovation in your company?

Emtec has spent years cultivating a positive and ambitious work culture. We believe in the development and mentorship of young engineers, as they represent the technical expertise of tomorrow. We reiterate the importance of field training and teaching our staff each part of the process. This has always encouraged our engineers to act innovatively as they think outside of their silos but within end-to-end processes.

Q. Tell us, what’s next for Emtec Consulting Engineers?

Emtec is looking to continue expanding its operations and team. With a recent branch opened in Newark, New Jersey, we have plans to open multiple branches in various states in the near future. Our company is evolving into a new chapter; we’re focused on expanding our capabilities, helping our team members with upskilling, and continuing to bring value to our clients and customers.

Q. Is there anything you want to add before wrapping up?

Mid-size businesses in today’s world survive because of mutually respectful relationships embed in a partnership approach with all stakeholders involved and a focus during every step of a project on the customer experience. We have and will continue to make a difference in the communities in which we work and help build. Our track record is firmly embedded in the core principles of integrity and accountability, with the best yet to come.

Meet one of the leaders behind the success of Emtec Consulting Engineers

Andrew J. Solano, Managing Partner

For over 40 years, Emtec has specialized in a spectrum of engineering needs, offering high-quality services coupled with a technical approach to clients’ mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) requirements. Emtec has established a strong foothold throughout New Jersey, New York (Long Island and Queens), and the Tri-State area, designing multifamily developments, healthcare facilities, and industrial warehousing and distribution facilities. Constantly working to stay ahead of the curve, Emtec has also built a niche in engineering and design expertise in film studio facilities in Jersey City, Brooklyn, and New York. For over 14 years, Andrew J. Solano has been establishing Emtec Consulting Engineers as a partner of choice through his work, relationship management, and knowledge in the space. His role as head of business development contributed to the growth of the corporation and brand significantly, expanding the company’s footprint beyond New York into New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Missouri. Recently made partner at the firm, Mr. Solano has taken on the added responsibilities of office over-site, employee relations, and mentoring junior engineers. He is an emerging leader influencing Emtec’s corporate culture as the “place to be”—establishing a workplace fostering ownership and interdependence surrounded by hardworking professionals across disciplines.

Mr. Solano has great pride in carrying on the business with the team that his father Andrew R. Solano built on the basis of mutual partnership. Now together with his father, additional partner Andrew Saggese the “three Andrews” are leading the team with a keen focus on strengthening relationships with clients by acting as an extension of the team and aligning with clients’ goals from the outset, reaffirming long-lasting relationships.

Andrew J Solano plays a critical role in effectively collaborating with all project stakeholders, from the owner, architect, civil engineer, or general contractor, to ensure responsiveness and smooth project management through execution. Ensuring optimal reach within the industry, Mr. Solano is an active member of many networking groups on Long Island, including LIBI, HIA, LIREG, and USGI. In 2021, Andrew J. Solano was an honoree for the Long Island Business News Real Estate, Architecture, and Engineering awards, winning the “Rising Star” in Engineering award. Andrew is a graduate of Marist College. He resides in Massapequa, NY, with his wife and three children.

“Our interactive and common-sense approach is easily communicated to all members of the design team, which translates into realistic solutions for every project.”