Joe LaRocco

joe larocco

Career Profile

Joe is an accomplished and results-driven Senior Manager and Executive Leader with over 36 years of experience in railroad facility operations, construction management, and global water
technology innovation. Joe is known for delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, building
cross-functional teams, and expanding international operations. He is recognized for exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning abilities in high-pressure, multi-stakeholder environments.


Core Strengths:

  • Facility maintenance and operations at one of the world’s busiest rail facilities (1M+
    commuters daily)
  • Leadership of $240M–$20B infrastructure and construction projects
  • Expertise in utilities, MEP systems, and large-scale infrastructure integration
  • Strong budget, financial, and resource management
  • Team building and cross-functional coordination
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement

Professional Experience

President | North America Water Technology (NAWT Collar)
2019 – Present
Founded NAWT Collar in 2019 during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a temporary closure,
successfully relaunched in 2022, expanding from an East Coast startup into a multicontinental water technology enterprise serving North America, South America, Africa, and
beyond.


Key Achievements:

  • Expanded territory from East Coast U.S. to encompass North America and Canada,
    then globally.
  • By 2024, established operations in Israel, Ghana, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
  • In 2025, expanded into South America—including Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Brazil.
  • Directed diverse projects including:
    o Washington, D.C. & Ghana: Well installations (video testimonials produced).
    o Alaska: Glycol system installations prevent algae formation.
    o Chile: Proposals for water treatment in paper mills, municipal systems,
    irrigation farms, and manufacturing facilities.
    o Brazil: Leading negotiations on a major contract serving a city of over 20
    million residents.
  • Received high-profile client testimonials, including from the Minnesota Twins
    Stadium for improving heat exchanger performance.

Senior Project Manager | Related Companies
2013 – 2019
Oversaw major components of the Hudson Yards Project, a $20 billion mixed-use
development—the largest in the Northern Hemisphere.


Key Responsibilities & Accomplishments:

  • Directed construction of a 100,000 sq. ft. train maintenance facility beneath a 10-acre
    steel deck supporting 20 million sq. ft. of real estate.
  • Managed MEP systems, including fire suppression, APSensing, lighting, drainage, and
    power infrastructure.
  • Supervised contractors and subcontractors to ensure compliance with project, safety,
    and quality standards.
  • Oversaw a DC substation system (7 × 13.2 KVA transformers and 2 satellite stations)
    supporting critical life safety systems.
  • Coordinated around-the-clock operations over an active 30-track railyard with 360
    drilled caissons.

Senior Field Representative (CM) | LIRO Engineering
2009 – 2013
Served as Construction Manager for the $8 billion East Side Access Project.

  • Managed daily operations with 11 inspectors overseeing infrastructure, electrical
    substations, drainage, and civil construction.
  • Directed micro tunneling operations (12 runs of 60-inch tunnels).
  • Ensured compliance with federal funding standards, CPRs, CWPs, and SWPs.
  • Oversaw retaining wall and foundation construction throughout project zones.

President & COO | Thermasip Co.
2007 – 2012
Led operations for a structural insulated panel (SIP) manufacturing and installation
company.

  • Managed manufacturing, supply chain, and workforce of 20+ employees.
  • Oversaw construction of manufacturing facilities in Manila, Philippines and
    Kurdistan.
  • Directed design and build of prefabricated projects, including a two-story motel.
  • Spearheaded international expansion to Haiti, Curaçao, and other markets.

Facilities Manager | Long Island Rail Road (Penn Station)
1992 – 2007
Oversaw daily operations and capital improvements for LIRR facilities within Penn Station,
NY, one of the busiest rail facilities in the world.

  • Managed engineering, maintenance, and infrastructure projects across 2M sq. ft. of
    facility space and 23-acre repair yard.
  • Supervised 450+ Amtrak personnel supporting LIRR operations, traction power, and
    infrastructure systems.
  • Oversaw multi-discipline capital projects: tunnels, substations, pumping stations,
    escalators, elevators, and utilities.
  • Authored and implemented facility maintenance and capital improvement
    programs.
  • Prepared and presented project and budget reports to senior MTA/LIRR management.

Earlier Roles:

  • Staff Engineer (1989–1992): Managed capital construction, oversaw Amtrak
    collaborations, and developed LIRR’s first Roadway Worker Protection Policy.
  • Electrical Inspector (1982–1989): Led inspections for Reynolds Channel Bridge,
    substation installations, and 25-mile rail electrification.

Education and Certifications

  • CPMM – Certified Professional Maintenance Manager
  • OSHA 30-Hour Safety Certification

Professional Affiliations

Association of Facilities Engineering (AFE)

  • Chapter 4 President (2001–2005)
  • Regional Vice President (2005–2009)
  • Current President, Chapter 80 – New York City
  • President-Elect (National Level)

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