2019 Ones to Watch: Matthew Yandoli, AKF Group

Name: Matthew Yandoli, PE

Title: Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager

Company Name: AKF Group

Year that you entered your current field? 2008

Who or what do you attribute to your success? 

I attribute a lot my success to my parents and my upbringing. They always emphasized the importance of education with the combination of diligence and integrity. My wife and I have been together for over 16 years and she has always been there for me. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Finally, I also have to thank AKF for my engineering success. Throughout the past 11 years I have learned and still continue to learn so much from their amazing staff. They have allowed me to grow in any direction I chose with continued support.

What advice can you offer to someone who is interested in a career in your industry? 

Definitely stick with it. It can feel a little overwhelming throughout college and especially afterwards when looking for the right job but this industry is very exciting and constantly offering different opportunities with so many new projects. It’s well worth all the hard work to be given the chance to be involved with some of those projects.

How have your life experiences impacted who you are professionally? 

Several of my life experiences have taught me to never give up and always stay consistent with my work. I’ve always been into fitness and exercise. I ran in two NYC Marathons and this year I’m competing in my first bodybuilding competition. My experience with these hobbies have taught me that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. I try to always keep the same mentality with anything I do, especially at work. 

What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? 

As far back as I can remember, my parents took my brother and me out to dinner on Saturday nights. It was hands down the highlight of the week. Since my father always worked late during the week, this was his chance to hang out with all of us and at the same time eat some amazing food. We usually went somewhere Italian and my father went all out ordering anything and everything for appetizers, entrees, and dessert. My brother and I really felt like kings on a weekly basis.