2010 - Few volunteers have been as involved with the Collaborative as Joe Matje, Project Engineer at Bruce E. Brooks & Associates.  He has volunteered on eleven projects and now serves on the Board of Directors.

Through the Collaborative, Joe has been able to help nonprofits with the nuts and bolts of sustainability. He utilizes his expertise in construction engineering, building systems, and energy use to help nonprofits renovate and construct new buildings that are energy efficient and have well-functioning mechanical systems, like heating and air-flow. “I try to not get too complicated but make simple and basic recommendations for the clients that will have big impacts for their dollars,” says Joe.

When Joe first moved to Philadelphia, he got involved with the Collaborative as a way to meet other professionals who were working in the city. As Joe became more established in Philadelphia and his career, he continued volunteering out of a desire to help community groups. “I volunteer because of the opportunity to donate my time and to listen to people’s stories. I really like meeting the clients who always have unique and interesting stories.  I also get to see new neighborhoods.”

Joe has especially enjoyed conducting energy audits for Legal Aid of Southeastern PA and Libertae.  According to Joe, the client learns about energy efficiency, while he gets to try new things and gain experience with an emerging engineering service.  The clients are particularly interested in learning about the economics of energy efficiency and use the energy audits to apply for tax credits and government grants. “I am good at talking to people without sounding like an engineer,” remarks Joe.
 

Joe was elected to the Collabortive’s Board of Directors earlier this year and is now getting to learn another side of nonprofit operations.  “The Collaborative is very successful and doing what we do well. I just want to find a way to help all those who want help,” says Joe.

In addition to his pro bono work with the Collaborative, Joe volunteers to teach 7th and 8th graders through Future City, which seeks to encourage students to enroll in engineering courses when they are in college. He also works with the ACE Program at the Community College of Philadelphia which prepares high school students for college courses and careers with a focus on architecture, construction and engineering.

Growing up Joe excelled at math and science and learned about the construction business from his family members.  He majored in mechanical engineering at Villanova University. His career has allowed him to combine his theoretical knowledge of engineering with his construction experience.

When Joe isn’t working or volunteering, he likes traveling with his wife and two daughters, age 2 and 6, and enjoying his South Philadelphia neighborhood.