NAIK CONSULTING GROUP, P.C. - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice President, New Jersey Operations
After graduating from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Building Engineering, Ms. Patel worked for 24 years at a well-known firm leading a program of over $600M with over 20 active highway, bridge, ITS, and Local Aid Projects.
Ms. Patel also has more than two decades of disciplined engineering experience in project delivery and results-driven business acumen, plus more than 25 years of experience in design and management for numerous State and Federal agencies, including NJ Department of Transportation, NJ Turnpike Authority, and several Local, Municipal Counties and Improvement Authorities.
At Naik Group, Ms. Patel leads a team of innovative professionals. Together, they are committed to partnering with clients and delivering long-term solutions for the transportation industry. What sets Ms. Patel apart is her passion to serve the industry and ability to bring out the best in her team as role model for change, diversity, and commitment to client value.
Ms. Patel, a polyglot, published researcher, and author, obtained her MBA from Ramapo College of NJ (Summa, Cum, Laude). Lastly, she is a member of the ACECNJ Executive Committee and actively participates in various other organizations. With her unique perspective and aim for excellence, Ms. Patel will continue to provide inspirational leadership as a Project Management Professional and a licensed Professional Engineer in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Mr. Schweppenheiser has over 30 years of excellence in the design and construction field. Today, he is directly responsible for the design,construction management and inspection of a diverse portfolio of projects, including heavy highway, transportation,utility and roadway improvements, and bridge rehabilitation.
As for which project he's particularly proud of, Mr. Schweppenheiser says "every project"-so long as it's to the satisfaction of the client. "Many projects have challenges and that's what drives us - finding unique solutions to overcome those challenges on a day-to-day basis."
Mr. Schweppenheiser is stationed in Naik Group's Edison, New Jersey office where he assists with operations, formulates business development plans and oversees strategic planning. With his close relationships in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania he will continue his expertise with Naik while maintaining these relationships to resolve project questions.
Mr. Schweppenheiser obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Old Dominion University and is a Registered Professional Engineer in New Jersey.
When he's not in the office, Mr. Schweppenheiser enjoys outdoor activities like fishing and golf, as well as spending time with family.
Mr. Soliman has 28 years of experience in the administration, management, design and construction of complex rapid transit and commuter rail projects and construction.
Currently, Mr. Soliman heads up Naik's Rail & Transit Project Management/Construction Management division as Department Leader. He is responsible for its strategic growth, management, and operations. In this role, Mr. Soliman has successfully grown the PM/CM Department from a headcount of 5 engineers to more than 60 engineers in just over 3 years by securing multi-million-dollar, prime contracts, with major NY/NJ transportation agencies such as MTACC, NYCT, NJT and TBTA.
He is also responsible for strategic recruiting of key industry professionals and ensuring client satisfaction with large and small accounts. He has overseen project delivery efforts for private and public sector organizations with experience in rail systems design and construction; project funding and FTA reporting; project controls and contract packaging; strategic planning and alternatives analysis and accelerated project delivery.
Moe brings extensive depth and knowledge of transit systems and facilities, including shops and yards, underground and elevated stations, vertical transportation systems, fare collection and railroad operating systems and procedures. Prior to joining Naik, Moe spent 18 years with MTACC and New York City Transit as construction manager and was responsible for several large, complex rail and transit projects. Moe managed economic and conceptual engineering studies that evaluated transit and functional design criteria, revenue generation, agency policies, system enhancement opportunities, technical innovations, and physical feasibility.
He has a Master of Science in Construction Management from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, and a Bachelors and Master of Engineering from City College of New York. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in New Jersey and New York.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Director of Survey
With nearly five decades-worth of diversified experience in the Land Surveying Profession, Mr. Richard Baron's skillset includes: boundary, hydrographic, topographic, structural, riparian, cadastral, construction, and Right of Way (ROW) and GPS surveys as well as horizontal and vertical control for photo computation. "Surveying is a big part of the design effort," he says, citing the joys of working outdoors and solving geometry challenges that go along with land surveying. "We provide the best quality service and information to expedite the design process and streamline each project."
Mr. Baron's deep knowledge of the trade also enables him to utilize the appropriate technology to successfully meet the needs of each individual project. He has been responsible for managing survey services in the office and field including record research for boundary surveys, record keeping, data processing, traverse adjustment, writing legal descriptions and reports, subdivision design, plotting, field data collection, calculations, the preparation of base-mapping, and client relations.
He is also well-versed in the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), sub-aqueous bottom profiling equipment for Hydrographic Surveys, Aerial Photogrammetry/LIDAR and Drone surveys, 3D Laser Scanning and precision electronic total stations in conjunction with electronic data collectors and traditional as well as digital level equipment.
Through his work, Mr. Baron hopes to inspire the next generation of up-and-coming engineers and surveying specialists, including his son, Joe, who also happens to work for Naik Group. "He's been outstanding," Baron says. "He's pursuing licenses and stays on top of the new technology- it's a lot to keep up with and he's certainly doing that."
Whenever he's not on the clock, Mr. Baron keeps busy by spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoys woodworking and restoring old vehicles. "It's always nice to have a challenging project to bring into fruition."
Mr. Goldstein has been an integral part of the company's evolution. Not only is he a dynamic finance executive with more than 35 years of experience, but he also happens to be Naik Group's key authority on all-things finance, including accounting, information technology, and human resources.
Mr. Goldstein, a native New Yorker, and Queens College alum, is known for being a strategic thinker and meticulous team leader. This is evident in his ability to build strong business relationships, improve processes across functions, advise on all aspects of operations, and establish accounting systems. His career is filled with instances where he enhanced profitability, decreased costs, and bolstered efficiency. In addition to developing innovative financial management and accounting solutions, Mr. Goldstein negotiated advantageous vendor contracts and credit/debt agreements.
"I think what differentiates our firm from others is our people," Mr. Goldstein says. "Sanjay really values his team. I've known him just as long he's had this firm, and his management style has made Naik Group a positive environment to work."
When it comes to recreation, Mr. Goldstein is a big believer in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You will likely catch him in his off hours enjoying the outdoors, spending time with his grandchildren, playing pickleball, or listening to an eclectic playlist of rock hits.
When Mr. Naik was growing up, the sight of new roads, highways, buildings, and bridges cropping up in his hometown always piqued his interest. Not only did it signify opportunity, but it inspired him to construct something for society that would stand the test of time. This passion led to a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at NJIT and, subsequently, several leadership positions at esteemed private sector firms.
Indeed, Mr. Naik's professional experience has crossed state lines. From New York to New Jersey, from Arizona to North Carolina, he gained invaluable technical and entrepreneurial expertise. By 1997, he was ready to launch his own venture, The Naik Group. From day one, this family-oriented business embodied core tenets that Mr. Naik values and personifies, including honesty, dedication, positivity, and an unwavering commitment to clients.
"We achieve every objective the client thinks about whenever they conceive of a project," he says.
Today, Naik Group remains unmatched when it comes to providing comprehensive full-service Construction/Program Management and engineering services. The firm also wields the latest technology and innovative techniques for each assignment.
In addition to supporting his colleagues, Mr. Naik remains a distinguished and active member of the industry. As an outspoken advocate and trusted voice in the field, his peers often look to him for visionary guidance. Among the groups Mr. Naik has led:
Southern New Jersey Section of the American Society of Highway Engineers
Professional Engineering Society of Mercer County
American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey
American Council of Engineering Companies of New York Metro
Mr. Naik has also received accolades for his achievements and unique level of commitment:
Member Recognition Award - American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey
Entrepreneur Engineer of the Year - Society Indo-American Engineers and Architects
Engineer of The Year - Professional Engineers Society of Mercer County
Outstanding Professional Engineer - New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers
For The Naik Group, time well spent goes beyond high-concept engineering projects. You can also catch the organization lending support to various charities and fundraising events, including Toys for Tots. "We always stay engaged," Mr. Naik says. "We want to do our part to make the community better."