Jun 26, 2018
It is with mixed emotions that we say good bye to two pillars of M/E Engineering. Both Joe and Cal have been integral in the growth and success of the firm for many years, Joe from the very beginning. They have embodied the core values of integrity, professionalism and a sense of community for both M/E as well as the communities we all live in. They have both worked hard their entire careers and have earned the chance to take some time to enjoy life and not be burdened with chasing the next project and the deadlines associated with completing it.
The two are truly kindred spirts. To say that they made work fun would be an understatement. With these two guys there is always one more story, one more party, one more laugh. All would agree that their employee-centered approach to work has made the difference in the success of M/E Engineering. When we think back about the departure of Joe and Cal, we won’t be thinking about a colleague or boss leaving, but rather a trusted friend. For us at M/E, that is a testament to the legacy each of these extraordinary men have left on each of us.
We wish them the best as their adventures continue beyond our office walls. We are certain there will be a steady stream of laughter as they spend more of their time with family and good friends. These two certainly deserve the best life has to offer.
Joe Straub
Joe Straub is one of the four founding Partners of M/E Engineering, incorporated in 1991
BSEE, U of R 1976
In 2003, Joe opened and managed the Schenectady office and then the Syracuse office in 2004. With the support of the company and the desire to expand M/E into new territory, Joe and his family settled in Schenectady in 2006. In retirement, the Straub Family is looking forward to returning to the Rochester area.
Joe believes wholeheartedly in the value of good employees and shares the same beliefs with his partners about how important it is to treat your employees well, as they are the backbone of any successful company. Offering flexibility and kindness has always been important to Joe. "… I do consider you all (M/E Employees) as part of my family. I respect and appreciate the hard work and effort that all of the M/E employees put in, day in and day out, to create a quality product…and that is the reason we survive and thrive in this very competitive business."
Noteworthy Projects:
Since helping to grow the Schenectady Office he has been responsible for many notable projects including the Proctors Theater Renovation and Expansion; the Marquee District Plant in downtown Schenectady that now distributes hot and chilled water to over 20 customers and the $100M St. Peter's Health Partners Samaritan Tower. Joe also managed the Health Alliance Hospital Renovations at the Margaretville, Broadway and Mary's Avenue Campuses; East Orange Surgery Center Renovation; Global Foundries Administration Building; Tribune Media Center; and wood chip boiler plants in the Adirondack Region including Ausable CSD, Wanakena Ranger School and the Wild Center of the Adirondacks.
Joe looks forward to being able to travel more now that he will be back in Rochester where he has a network of friends and family. He and his wife Mary and their family look forward to spending more time together and planning their trip to Yellowstone National Park next spring. Retirement for Joe also means landscaping projects, and cheering on the Bills at home games!
Cal Puffer
Cal Puffer joined M/E Engineering in 1996
BSME, RIT 1976 and MBA, UB 1983
Cal has been brightening up the M/E office for over 2 decades. He believes that M/E is a great American success story and feels privileged to have been a part of that success. He shares in the belief that the key to the firm's success is due to the competence and integrity of the leadership, diversification of the client base and most importantly, the interest in employee welfare. "We have strived to be an employee oriented company as we know that our employees are our most important resource."
Noteworthy Projects:
Cal was responsible for the opportunity to expand the company on a national level with the award of gaming, hospitality and entertainment projects. These included the Seneca Allegany and Niagara Casinos; Scarlet Pearl Casino, D'Iberville, MS; Jung Hotel, New Orleans, LA; Downstream Casino, Miami, OK and Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, NY. His other notable projects include the Erie Community College City Campus, Prudential/Guaranty Bank Building and Norstar Bank Building.
Cal looks forward to having time and the freedom to pursue his hobbies and interests. This will include hanging out with family and friends, playing lots of tennis, spending time in Hilton Head and cheering on the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills.
