With a short September and many Monday holidays, we only had one Meet the Team Monday for this month, so we’ve combined our September and October profiles into one. In this installment of our Meet the Team wrap-up, you’ll meet a varied crew, from office staff to site workers to those who mostly are on the road. But what they all have in common is a great work ethic, a dedication to their craft and a passion for progress. Let’s meet some of the Gramercy team!

Mehmood Khilji, Accounts Payable

Mehmood recently joined the Gramercy team to handle our accounts payable. He is a dedicated accountant with a natural talent for numbers. He comes from a family deeply rooted in the field of accounting, as both of his parents and his two older sisters are also accountants.

Originally, he embarked on a career in computer science, but after two years, he decided to pursue accounting, a field where his skills truly shine. Currently, he is continuing his studies in accounting at Baruch College in Manhattan.

Mehmood was born in Pakistan and moved to Canada at the age of three before relocating to New York at the age of six, making him a well-traveled individual with a diverse background. Outside of work and academics, he enjoys spending his spare time at the gym, playing basketball and video games, and cherishes moments with his girlfriend, Gina, whom he met during a business class at school.

Mehmood says he appreciates the strong sense of teamwork he’s found at Gramercy and enjoys the collaborative atmosphere that exists between the field and the office. Mehmood has proven himself to be a valuable colleague and we are grateful to have him as a part of our team.

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Anthony Daniels, Driver

Anthony Daniels, a dedicated Teamster who has been driving for Gramercy for approximately one year now.

He was recommended to us by his father, who owns a highly successful garbage business. Growing up around that business, Anthony always had a fondness for working with trucks.

In addition to his love for trucking and hard work, Anthony proudly sports multiple tattoos, including a large cross on his arm, which was his first and serves as a touching remembrance of his beloved grandfather and the deep love he had for him.

He also proudly displays the Kenworth logo, which symbolizes his unwavering dedication to driving. Anthony says he enjoys his work at Gramercy primarily because of the people he works with. He even hopes to retire from here someday. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his brother.

Thank you, Anthony, for being a valuable part of our team. 

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Roberto Mirabal, Driver

Roberto is a dedicated Teamster who has been driving for Gramercy for approximately one year. Hailing originally from the Dominican Republic, he joined the team through the guidance of his father-in-law, Santos, who was a mechanic at Gramercy for many years.

Roberto is happily married. He met his wife back in the Dominican Republic and today they are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl who will be celebrating her first birthday on Christmas Eve.

When asked about his job, Roberto said he appreciates the constant activity and staying busy, but his least favorite aspect is dealing with New York City traffic. We couldn’t agree more! Thank you Roberto for staying safe and being an integral part of our team!

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Nicanor and Beatriz Merchan, Asbestos Handlers

We usually write one-on-one “Meet the Team” profiles, but we couldn’t resist introducing this dynamic duo together – Nicanor and Beatriz Merchan.

Both Nicanor and Beatriz are skilled asbestos handlers. Nicanor joined the Gramercy team in 2004, coming from the Union Hall, while Beatriz has been with us since 2019. However, their experience in asbestos removal extends much further, with Nicanor starting in 1988 and Beatriz in 2006.

Nicanor was drawn to asbestos work due to its attractive benefits and pay, while Beatriz, always having an interest in construction, saw it as a great way for women to break into the construction industry.

Their journey together began 40 years ago when they met in high school in Ecuador, and they’ve been happily married for 38 years. They are proud parents to four children, two boys and two girls, and they also have four wonderful grandchildren, also two boys and two girls! During their spare time, they enjoy doing things together, like shopping, hiking, and immersing themselves in the beauty of nature.

One of their most significant asbestos projects took place on Hart Island. When asked about their profession, they emphasized that construction can be complex, requiring realistic expectations and prioritizing safety. Notably, Beatriz mentioned that Gramercy is the best company to work for.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Beatriz and Nicanor for their unwavering dedication and hard work over the years. Your beautiful marriage and family serve as an inspiration, and your partnership is a valuable asset to our team. Thank you both for being an integral part of our organization.

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Walter F. Guerrero, Local 78 Asbestos Handler

Walter has been a dedicated asbestos handler at Gramercy for the past three years. He was recommended to us by our asbestos supervisor, Daniel Sanguirema.

Originally a carpenter specializing in both commercial and residential construction, Walter decided to transition into the environmental field due to the benefits it offers. He is happily married and has been blessed with a 16-year-old daughter.

One of his most significant asbestos projects involved working at LaGuardia Airport. What Walter enjoys most about his work is building decontamination units, where he can utilize his carpentry skills to the fullest.

In his leisure time, he’s an avid volleyball player and enjoys saltwater fishing. Walter’s valuable piece of advice for everyone is to “pursue your goals, and you’ll reach your dreams.”

We sincerely thank Walter for being an essential part of the Gramercy team.

Check out some of our Meet the Team profiles from this past summer.