WE ARE
One Of New York’s Newest & Fastest Growing
Public Works General Contractors.
MLJ Contracting performs public works projects for client agencies in the New York City area. As General Contractor, we provide customer agencies with a single point of contact to manage all facets of the construction process. Founded in 2018, MLJ Contracting has grown rapidly, managing a total portfolio of work in excess of $1.4 billion. The company’s success can be attributed to the unmatched passion and talent of its leadership and project teams in nurturing strong relationships with business partners and agency clients.
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Strong relationships are built on a foundation of success made possible by fostering a passion for excellence in every interaction, at every level of the organization. Our formula for success:
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A winning bid approach based on a dependable and realistic estimating process
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Project management utilizing a shared vision for success and the collective talents of the industry’s most highly qualified team members
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Support from a powerful network of business partners (subcontractors and suppliers)
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A firm commitment to doing whatever it takes to deliver on our promises to our clients
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​This approach enables us to deliver world class service and build value for our clients and business partners.
We Are Experienced
Our talented team brings to MLJ a wealth of global experience. We have been educated in universities throughout the United States and around the world, and we benefit from previous experience garnered at a wide range of companies – from small entrepreneurs to industry giants.
Years of Industry Experience
22%
42%
18%
19%
Education
Built on a solid foundation of
0-5yrs
6-10yrs
11-25yrs
25+yrs
We Are Diverse
MLJ is privileged to employ many talented and respected individuals from around the globe.
“Our leadership is accessible and supportive – responsive to emails and phone calls when needed. When issues are escalated, management encourages staff to extend themselves and propose well-informed solutions.”
OUR LEADERSHIP
Richard Ocken
President
Richard Ocken is the co-founder and President of MLJ Contracting where he has day-to-day responsibility for all company activities. He brings more than 30 years of experience in public works construction as a Heavy Civil Contractor, Construction Manager and Public Agency Executive. Mr. Ocken managed a wide range of Public Works projects including the South Ferry Terminal, Montague Tube, connection of Four Manhattan Shafts of City Water Tunnel #3 to the distribution system and the Harbor Lights Program. Mr. Ocken was also the founding Deputy Commissioner of the Infrastructure Division of the New York City Department of Design and Construction. Mr. Ocken earned a Master’s in Management from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and a BS in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Jorge Silva
Vice President
Jorge Silva is a Vice President with MLJ Contracting, leading the estimating team for several bids and responsible for managing a portfolio of projects including the rehabilitation of the Brooklyn Bridge Arches and Towers for the NYC DOT. Mr. Silva’s experience includes managing crews performing highway/bridge improvements, as well as resolving design issues, value engineering, submittal document preparation and overall project management. Prior to joining MLJ, Mr. Silva was an Operations Manager and Project Manager for projects such as the construction of a new stair entrance at Grand Central Terminal, replacement of the Medford-Everett Bridge in Boston, construction of three new train stations in Connecticut and rehabilitation/replacement of several bridges in the New York area including the Palisades Parkway helix ramp entrance to the George Washington Bridge. Mr. Silva holds a BS degree in Civil Engineering from Farmingdale University, Farmingdale, NY.
John Ventimiglia, PE, DBIA
Vice President
John Ventimiglia is a Vice President of MLJ Contracting, responsible for managing projects of all sizes and levels of complexity, including providing input to the estimating team and overseeing the project managers throughout construction. He has 28 years of experience in public works construction as an Operations Manager and Project Manager, much of which has been spent on MTA station projects. Prior to MLJ, Mr. Ventimiglia was Operations Manager and Project Manager for various large subway station enhancement projects including the South Ferry Terminal rehabilitation and the Enhanced Stations Initiative, among others. Mr. Ventimiglia graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a BS in Civil Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of New York.
Fatmir Kastrati
Vice President
Fatmir Kastrati is a Vice President at MLJ Contracting, bringing to MLJ 28 years of experience in public works construction as an Architect and Project Manager, including multiple NYCT station projects. Prior to joining MLJ, Mr. Kastrati managed the Enhanced Station Initiative for the Design/Build rehabilitation of 5 stations for the MTA NYC Transit, Flood Mitigation at the Hugh L. Carey and Queens Midtown Tunnels for the MTA Bridges and Tunnels and station finishes for the 72nd Street Station on the Second Avenue Subway. Mr. Kastrati earned a BS in Architecture from the University of Kosovo.
Iovino Enterprises
MLJ Contracting is a member of the Iovino Enterprises' (IE) family of companies. IE is the parent organization to a family of companies that perform construction services for both public and commercial clients. We leverage the power of IOVATION to accelerate our company’s success by utilizing the management services provided by Iovino Enterprise Partners (IEP). IEP provides vital support services such as finance, information technology, human resources, and legal as well as the opportunity to benefit from the experience and best practices of our affiliate companies. Our management team can thus focus on providing the best service to our clients, strengthening relationships with our business partners, and offering the best working environment and opportunities for growth for our team members.
Please visit the IE website for additional details at www.iovinoent.com.
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