News: Construction Design & Engineering

Company Profile: Corporate milestones Q & A with Andrew Matses, president at M.C. Andrews Co., Inc.

Andrew Matses

What milestone are you celebrating in 2022?
MCA is celebrating 25 years in business.

What thoughts or emotions come to mind when you think about this milestone?
During the last 25 years, and my prior experience since my youth as the son of a long time general contracting family, I have waded through some very challenging times, as well as some very lucrative times. I have witnessed continuously fluctuating economies, which prove to be very impactful to the construction industry. However, the one thing that sticks out to me, is the lack of individuals coming into the trades, which equates into the major lack of hands-on experience.

What inspired you to start your firm?
I grew up working in a family owned union, general contracting firm, founded by my father in 1954. We primarily performed large public projects, and it is through this environment that I learned much of what I know today. I enjoyed the act of construction and found it very rewarding. However, I found the typical mentality and practices within the public arena contrary to what I was taught and how I wanted to run my business. I learned through “the school of hard knocks,” and performed every task imaginable. The approach I was pursuing was more of a team effort and within the private marketplace, where I could control all risk factors. It is here where we excelled, coupled with a team approach with our staff and clients.

What are some of the firm's greatest accomplishments since inception?
MCA has completed projects for some of the most prominent corporations and businesses throughout New England, but some significant projects I often recall are the corporate software division for EMC in Cambridge, the numerous banks we have built for many of the major banks in New England, the numerous projects we performed for The Hilltop Steakhouse, and the many projects at renowned educational institutions we completed. Recently, we have grown into some specialty areas, such as the cannabis industry, one which has proven to keep things fresh.

How has your company evolved over the years?
MCA started doing much of its work in the public arena, self performing the majority of work with our own forces. As the economy and industry has changed over the years, so have we. We now self perform a small percentage of the actual field work, allowing us to focus on the management and procurement of our projects.

What is it like working at your firm?
Working here at MCA, in my opinion, is fun. We have a total team approach. If our employees do not share the same attitude, they do not work here. I was brought up to do whatever it takes and that is my philosophy. Hard work and ethics is how we perform and both my staff and I find this approach very rewarding while developing a comradery that reflects in the results of our projects.

What is one of the funniest memories in the history of your firm?
One memory that I often speak of took place when we were in the thick of the New England banking expansion. I was negotiating the award of a local banking project that I thought was a done deal. To my surprise, the bank decided to hire another contractor, and when I asked why, I was told that one of the board members didn’t like that I didn’t have socks on. That takes the cake for a reason for not getting project, but I am an avid fisherman and I do not wear socks with my boat shoes. No loss though, we had a good laugh anyway.

What’s your vision of the company in the future?
My vision for MCA is simple; continue our old school, hard work, personal service attitude until my son, Drew, can continue our family legacy for a third generation.

What project are you most proud of?
I don’t have one project that I am most proud of, because I take every project very personally and in most instances become lifelong friends with our clients. Our complete focus on oversight for our clients has proven to be a unique formula that has worked for us, and one that will contiunue for generations to come here at MCA.

Andrew Matses is the president of M.C. Andrews Co., Inc., North Andover, Mass.

MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering

Nobis Group awards Robinson and Moreira STEM scholarships

Concord, NH Nobis Group, a 100% employee-owned consulting firm specializing in engineering and environmental solutions across the Northeast, has named the recipients of its 2025 STEM Scholarship: Andie Moreira of
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

October is Careers in Construction Month, and rarely has it been more consequential. According to our chapter’s national parent organization, the construction industry needs to attract half-a-million new workers in the coming year to meet demand. Addressing that need is a huge job, but we at ABC MA are trying to do our part.
The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

In recent years, the life science industry has witnessed a shift in how companies operate and innovate. One of the key driving forces behind this transformation is the emergence of incubators and co-working spaces specifically tailored to meet the unique budget and schedule needs of startups.
The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

When it comes to corporate interior spaces for both commercial and industrial projects, partnering with a design-build firm with in-house interior design services can offer clients many benefits. Unlike traditional delivery methods where interior designers operate independently from the design and construction teams, often creating a longer project timeline as cost negotiations and revisions ensue
Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

The answer is “Yes!” While January marks the official new year, many businesses view September as a fresh start. This makes summer an ideal time for commercial property owners to schedule long-term electrical maintenance projects.