Joseph Amendolara

When Joseph Amendolara returned to his alma mater to speak with students, he shared his keys to success of passion, perseverance, and problem-solving -- all of which have guided him as he built one of the top companies within the niche industry of electric switchboard manufacturing. From attaining his goal of attending NYU Tandon for mechanical engineering, when it was then known as Poly, to earning his first job out of college as a sales engineer, Amendolara has kept his signature drive and commitment to following his dreams.

Combining his engineering expertise with his exceptional people skills, Amendolara worked for Siemens as an industrial market manager for 10 years before running his own business. After purchasing Electrotech Service Equipment Corporation with his savings, he turned the smallest company into what is now the largest, financially successful company within the electric switchboard manufacturing industry, with projects across New York including buildings at NYU Tandon and Hudson Yards, and a Jet Blue airline terminal.

He tells aspiring engineers to “persevere and keep moving forward” in their educational and career goals. “You have to listen and absorb, and be passionate [about your work]. It was here [at NYU Tandon] where I learned to think analytically and solve people's problems.”