Three decades ago, Boston had a reputation for being one of the most car-congested cities in North America. The cause of Boston’s traffic woes was glaringly obvious.

In a hyperloop system, pods or capsules containing people or cargo zip down tubes placed above or under the ground at speeds of six hundred miles per hour or higher. This is twice as fast as most trains currently in operation in North America.

Carnegie Builders Group, LLC brings a hands-on style and extensive experience to both the New York and Miami real estate markets, splitting its resources between the two cities. The company continues to build on its established track record of commercial and residential development in New York, while solely focusing on high-end, multi-family residential projects in Miami, where partners Charles Ventimiglia and Norman Rijo see the best opportunities.

While many construction projects are unique, designing and building assisted living facilities, independent living units and other works for seniors requires more than in-depth expertise – it requires passion and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

Our planet’s fragility has never been more apparent, and alternative energy presents a way for homeowners to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact. But is that the only way? San Diego-based Elor Energy works with manufacturers and homeowners to improve home energy efficiency, reducing costs and raising home value.

For over 20 years, Boerne, Texas-based Westward Environmental, Inc. has helped clients by taking the confusion out of often-complex and challenging regulatory environments. Providing air/water/waste compliance, engineering, natural resources, geological, and health and safety services, Westward Environmental proudly and professionally serves mining, construction and aggregates customers with experienced environmental and engineering consulting knowledge.

Driven by passion, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to its customers, Live Wire has grown from a two-man operation to one of the finest electrical contractors in New York City, serving all five boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. The company today employs a staff of 100 +, with growth plans for the near future.

Starting a business at any time can and will be a major undertaking, with many businesses failing to find their footing within the first year and fading away. It takes a solid plan for any business to get up and running – even then things aren’t always going smoothly, the plan can at least keep a few wheels on the tracks.

You name it, Blackwater Electric Company does it.

When it comes to the functionality of buildings, Matern Professional Engineering, Inc. knows just how to put its clients’ comfort first. This 35-year-old industry professional takes care of everything related to the design and engineering of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection building systems, while also looking after the commissioning, the technology that drives it all, and much more. It comes as no surprise then that the company is growing.

There are not many commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors that typically respond to emergency calls within two hours in the bustling hub of New York City. Lane Associates can. In addition, this company remains at the forefront of the latest technology and earth-friendly applications, building automation, paperless reporting, fleet tracking, and much more.

Building Controls and Services Inc. (BCS) provides a unique blend of high-end HVAC system products and services that include Building Automation, Facility and Energy Management Systems, Mechanical Equipment, Security Systems, Expertise and Training, as well as a premier Service and Parts department to back it all up.

Human beings are fallible, and in an era driven by Big Data and the speed with which it’s analyzed and yields information, automation can eliminate most of the limits on human decision making. With this in mind, Command Alkon has developed a platform to digitize, integrate and optimize the entire heavy material supply chain of large construction projects.

What has been the single biggest change at V. Paulius & Associates (VPA) since Business in Focus last profiled the firm in December 2016? Sadly, it’s been the loss of company founder and family patriarch Vytautas “Victor” Paulius, says his son, Raymond Paulius, AIA, PP, LEED AP. Victor passed away in July 2017, the year the Allendale, New Jersey-based firm marked its 50^th anniversary.

Assura Windows and Doors, LLC., designer and manufacturer of impact windows and doors for the residential market, is headquartered in Pompano Beach, Broward County, Florida, slightly north of Fort Lauderdale. Assura’s Plant Manager Armando Barrionuevo describes how impact windows and doors “protect all that matters,” so families are safeguarded from injuries resulting from the impact of “high-velocity debris during a storm, by keeping the elements outside the home rather than inside.”

When looking at the construction industry, one thing is certain: there are not enough skilled tradespeople, yet the need for companies to build, erect, or renovate is growing by leaps and bounds. Heavy equipment and cranes are crucial for construction and operators are in huge demand. In comes Heavy Equipment Colleges of America with private education and training.

For a company that enters the industrial contracting industry, there are usually two paths from which to choose: specialize in one area and be the best around or build a wide knowledge base and offer your customer something broader. LMC Industrial Contractors sits comfortably somewhere between these two pathways.

360 Rail Services specializes in design/build projects for the railroad industry, operating as a full-service contractor out of Denver, Colorado. The company involves itself in every aspect of railroad service, including design and engineering, construction, maintenance, inspection and repairs, as well as operations like trans-loading and switching.

Northwest Excavating is sixty this year, and it has never been stronger. It has also been over a year since Robbie Groff took over as President from his father who built the company. This has not been without a few hurdles, as emissions standards in California are quite stringent. However Northwest Excavating is back on track after investing in new equipment and upgrades.

Is bigger necessarily better? While a relatively new and smaller company, Toronto-based ProPhase Ltd. has established a strong track record of providing the kind of quality electrical work seen from larger firms, minus the overhead and red tape. Through its professionalism and regard for safety, the company is now working to build energy independence in the Toronto area.