About

Menna Engineers & Associates

Menna Engineers and Associates was founded in 2002 in South Philadelphia by its Principal, Christopher J. Menna, Sr., P.E.  For 15 years, the firm operated as a part-time sole proprietor firm.  During that time, its principal was still working full time for a handful of employers, as well as teaching part-time as an Adjunct Professor for the Community Colle of Philadelphia.  Throughout this period of time, a large and diverse client base was built.  Several additional state licenses were obtained as well.  Through an extensive network of subcontractors, client base and reputation expanded into the Latino. Muslim, and Asian Communities.  At the end of 2017, the decision  was made to go all in as a full-time consultant.  From that point, we never looked back.  In 2018, we established an office in Manayunk and have remained there since.  In 2022, we will be converting to an LLC business.

At the time of this writing, Mr. Menna offers approximately thirty years of experience.  While there are competitors, few can offer a comparable background.  He is one of the last graduates of Spring Garden College, the school of choice for regional constructors, surveyors, and engineering technologists, while it was in operation.  He has worked on projects ranging from a few thousand to $60 million dollars in value.  Over the years, Mr. Menna has earned good report and exposure interacting with almost every public and quasi-public agency in the Philadelphia Region.  He is particularly known for his patience to deal with extremely complicated and/or dangerous project situations.  Many clients have appreciated his ability to explain project details and/or services at a level that they can understand.  Additionally, this firm has provided assistance to clients that have had no one left to turn to, providing solutions and a level of comfort where none existed before.  Today, many clients remain loyal and trust no other firm.  In fact, many agency employees, whether inspectors or examiners, recommend this firm.  A recent survey on the streets of Philadelphia found that approximately 8/10 times, this firm was the first one called to mind for engineering or inspection services.

Much of the firm’s success, as well as that of its principal, stems from involvement in professional societies and non-profit groups.  These groups served as proving ground where it was Ok to try things out and learn from mistakes.  Skills such as logistical planning, time management, project management, public speaking, grant writing, advocacy, and other business-related skillsets were cultivated while serving in these groups.  Relationships and friendships grew from this involvement, providing exposure and travel opportunities to learn from others locally, nationally, and internationally.

When our background is challenged or questioned, one only needs to do a simple internet search.  Scores of hits showing positive accomplishments will result every time.

In 2022, we celebrate our 20th Anniversary.  We look forward to all of the continued challenges, projects, and relationships that lie ahead!

Meaning of Our Logo

Main Graphic Credit by Nicholas Menna – Nephew and Part-Time, Professional Graphic Artist.

Within the calculator display window, lies the Philadelphia Skyline.  This is our home.  Most of our work is here but radiates outward.  This is represented by the outer circle around the calculator.

A simple calculator is depicted.  This is done on purpose;  A calculator is a tool only.  The answers that it provides are only as good as the data inputted.  It serves as reminder that we use tools only as needed to a point.  We do not rely on fancy software or tools.  The human mind and judgment always prevail.

The calculator also hints that a sound and practical answer is available if one should choose to do business with us.

The graphic is intended to be simple and comforting.

The words that surround our logo were specifically chosen to highlight our experience and the way that we provide business solutions.

Dedication

First – To My Parents

Frank S. Menna and Irene P. Menna

Without you, I would be nothing.  Thank you for allowing me to build and create with Legos all over the house.  Ditto for Lincoln logs and erector sets as well.  Thank you for allowing me to have a model building table in the cellar for many years.  Thank you for allowing Frank and I to have a model railroad display that took up half of the basement for many years.  Thank you for allowing me to do home repairs on your house, experimenting and getting better each time.  Thank you for allowing me to do science experiments in the cellar, too.  Let us not forget having my own room despite having two older brothers, model planes and spaceships hung from the ceiling, and loads of books.  By doing this, you let me discover the world of science  and engineering.  It is through your encouragement, patience and understanding that I owe much off my success to.

Dad – before you died, you told me to use my talents to help other people.  I have done so and will continue to do this in honor of both of you.

Irene P. Menna
1931-2013

Mom would be raised in a small house with 7 sisters and a brother.  She excelled in public school and graduated Southern High School for Girls in 1949.  She graduated with a scholarship but was not allowed to go to advanced schooling by her old-fashioned father from Italy.  Mom became a secretary at Secretary at Freeman’s near Drexel University and worked her way up to Executive Secretary.  She would leave  her job to become a full-time mother in 1966.   Married in 1965, she would give birth to Frank in 1966, Anthony in 1968, and me in 1971.  She would become a good homemaker until I was about 14.  Then, she began to work part-time as an aide at Stephen Girard School.  Mom would also become a paid baby sitter for many years, too.  She lived a good life, was an excellent cook, religious, and very loyal to her husband and children.  Mom loved the Phillies, just like her mother.

Frank S. Menna
1932-2009

Dad would be raised in several small houses in South Philly, moving around  as conditions changed.  His father died when he was two, so he never knew his own father.  His sister, Agnes, died  as a young woman in her twenties.  Dad would have two older brothers – Tony and Joseph.  Uncle Joe would serve in World War Two.  Dad had to leave school at the end of  tenth grade to begin working and to support his mother, Margaret.  For one year, he worked at Strutters and Dun as a Machinist, 1950-51.  In 1951, he got a job at General Electric  in southwest Philly.  In 1949, Dad was an innocent bystander in a shooting and nearly died.  He recovered in Old Pennsylvania Hospital for several weeks.  The timing was good, as new procedures to save lives were now in place from World War Two.  Because of the shooting, he lost his spleen and had permanent staples for stitches his whole life.  When the draft for  the Korea came about, he was rejected due his  past injury.  Dad would rise through the ranks at G.E., to become a master machinist, developing the capability to work with all types of metals on big machines such as drill presses, lathes, and  brakes.  He specialized in assembly mechanisms – able to assemble complex breakers comprised of hundreds of parts.  He became a troubleshooter and teacher for GE’s vacuum and nuclear breakers.  At one point he had an accident in the 1980’s where he lost 1-1/2 fingers.  After recovery and plastic surgery, he returned to work and continued working some 15 more years with only 8-1/2 fingers.  He was a favorite of the engineering staff and was sought after for his knowledge and skills.  He put in 46 years of service at GE.  Besides  that, he worked part-time at the nearby gas station.  He enjoyed the simple things in life.  He loved to talk and visit people.  In his  retirement, he would make the rounds in the neighborhood, often giving out many bananas.  Because of him, many people still eat bananas every day.  He had the uncanny ability to recognize faces of people he knew some 50-60 years later.  He  loved movies, fishing, and dancing.  Dad was known as one of south philly’s mayors.  He  was always  cool and never raised his  voice.  He is remembered as a very good father.

Second – To Our Deceased Designers

Christopher Falkenstein

Ruben Johnson

Sponsored Charities

Cradle of Liberty Council, BSA – Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware Counties, PA
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
Preservation Alliance of Pennsylvania
Temple University – Philadelphia
Villanova University – Philadelphia
Chestnut Hill College – Philadelphia
Delaware Valley Engineers Week – Philadelphia
Chapel of the Four Chaplains, Philadelphia
Shawmont Home and School Association – Philadelphia
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and School – Philadelphia
Scouts 147 BSA – Philadelphia
KLove Radio
WHYY  – Philadelphia
Philadelphia Zoo
The Franklin Institute – Philadelphia
Friends of Treasure Island – Pipersville, PA
ASCE Foundation – Reston, VA
Friends of the Wissahickon – Philadelphia
Archbishop John Carroll High School  Radnor, PA