Guy Amatangelo, President, Mariani & Richards Inc

In an interview with Invest:, Guy Amatangelo, president of construction company Mariani & Richards Inc, discussed the company’s growth and challenges in the restoration industry, noting how the past 18 months have culminated in “an explosion of activity.” Amatangelo also highlighted the surge in demand for skilled tradespeople. “It is an ongoing effort to engage younger generations in the trades and increase interest levels.

Over the past year, what major changes have you seen at Mariani & Richards, and how do they reflect broader shifts in the restoration industry?

If we confine the discussion to the past year, I would say the major change we have seen is a tremendous boom. There has been a lot of consistency in our sector over the years, with certain periods seeing repetition in project types and clients. However, what distinguishes the past 12 to 18 months is the sheer volume of work. We are experiencing a level of activity I have not witnessed in 20 years. There is a significant amount happening, with many old facilities being restored for new uses. There is also a reinvigoration of efforts to construct new buildings in locations that had remained stagnant for a long time. 

Post-COVID, there was a brief lull where everyone was waiting for conditions to normalize. Over the past few years, we began to see recovery, but the past 18 months have culminated in an explosion of activity. We are currently operating at maximum capacity in several areas. In the past six to seven weeks alone, we have hired approximately 20 people, and if 15 more qualified candidates were available, we would hire them as well. The industry faces a challenge in maintaining a properly staffed workforce, particularly with skilled tradespeople. Some local trade unions are struggling to attract enough new workers to meet demand and replace those retiring. It is an ongoing effort to engage younger generations in the trades and increase interest levels. The work is certainly available, and with many exciting projects on the horizon, we remain highly optimistic about the coming years.

How are you attracting talent in your industry and what initiatives are in place to attract talent for your company?

There are a combination of efforts in place. The majority of our employees come from local trade unions, which conduct independent recruiting. While this has yielded some success, the most effective method has been referrals from current employees. When a worker recommends a friend, relative, or acquaintance, the success rate is nearly perfect. These individuals typically fit well within the company and become long-term employees. In contrast, traditional recruiting through the unions has a success rate closer to three out of 10. Some candidates explore the trades but quickly realize it is not the right path for them. However, when someone is referred by a trusted source, they often feel a sense of accountability. They want to make a good impression and uphold the reputation of the person who recommended them. These individuals frequently become some of our best employees.

We consistently encourage our team to spread the word and generate interest in the trades. There is a strong effort to educate younger generations about the viability of a career in construction. Many of our employees have highly rewarding careers, both financially and personally. In the past, there was an overwhelming focus on higher education as the only viable career path. However, we believe that for those with a passion for construction, this industry offers a fulfilling alternative. It provides a platform for individuals to pursue what truly matters to them.

Mariani & Richards was recently involved in repointing the historic First United Presbyterian Church in Braddock. What impact did that project have on the local community?

That project involved the renovation of a former church building, spearheaded by community leaders in Braddock who sought to revitalize the area. Braddock has faced challenges, with many abandoned properties and the community experiencing economic hardship. However, this initiative aimed to repurpose old structures into useful spaces. Our team cleaned and repointed the building, transforming it into something new and functional. The project was successful, and our workers enjoyed contributing to it. The community was very pleased with the outcome. Just a few years prior, the lot was overgrown with trees, bushes, and tall grass, obscuring the building. Now, it stands as a point of pride for the neighborhood. 

There are many similar communities around Pittsburgh waiting for investment and development. With the right leadership, funding, and vision, these spaces can be revitalized into valuable assets. Projects like this demonstrate the potential for historic preservation to breathe new life into underserved areas.

We have had a very long-term, multidecade relationship with the Diocese of Pittsburgh, so we have been involved in the restorations of many churches. Some of them are particularly noteworthy. Additionally, we work extensively with local universities, including the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University. We do a tremendous amount of work for all those institutions.Those kinds of places hold great significance for large segments of the community, and when we have the opportunity to work on them, we put a great deal of pride into it. The same applies to libraries. Buildings that carry a lot of history and meaning for the area and the region over the years are the ones that excite us the most.

What makes Pittsburgh a great place to live and do business in?

I am very proud of the city because I believe its people are genuine, honest, and generous. Many people in this town, if you need help, will be there for you. They will offer assistance and be the first to step forward. It is a place with a small-town feel — everyone here seems like someone you know. We all share a lot of common experiences and history. 

As far as a place to visit and get excited about, we have great colleges and universities, as well as leaders in the healthcare and technology sectors. Pittsburgh has really distinguished itself in those areas. The University of Pittsburgh has people doing incredible work in the medical field. Carnegie Mellon is a leader in robotics and artificial intelligence. It is a place where young talent in technology and medicine is arriving in large numbers.

Additionally, many neighborhoods are being reinvigorated with young people from all walks of life moving in and establishing new traditions. Yet, this blends well with the old traditions that we continue to uphold. It is a place where outsiders who visit usually feel very welcome and are greeted with open arms. Those of us who have been here for a long time are very proud of it and protective of it. You could argue that if you have someone from Pittsburgh in your corner, you are going to do OK. We look out for each other, protect each other, and we are a tough group of people.

What are the key strategic goals for Mariani & Richards over the next 12 months?

We are involved in multiple ongoing projects that we will continue to complete over the next six to 12 months, as some are multiyear projects that have been in progress. We remain committed to those while also seeking new opportunities. Several projects have been on hold since COVID, with developers waiting for the right conditions. That time has now come. The next 12 months will see a continued boom in restoration work, and we hope to be at the forefront of that, involved in many of these projects. Our team is constantly maintaining existing relationships and building new ones so that we remain leaders in this field. We take great pride in being the most knowledgeable group in what we do, and we strive to share that expertise with all our clients. We expect a tremendous amount of work over the next year.