Over the course of his career, Mark Padula has worked for several small to medium-size engineering firms and says he has seen both “the good and the bad” when it comes to customer service.

As he developed his reputation as an engineer, Padula realized many of his clients were repeat customers. He also had past clients contact him after he moved on from previous employers. He started thinking that he could provide clients with his own unique brand of customer service.

In March 2018, Padula went to SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties and told his mentor, “I think I can do this. Can you help me bring the dream to life?”

A year later, he founded Padula Engineering Company based on his unique brand of customer service, summarizing his mission on the company’s website with the following quote:

“Get the individual attention you deserve while working with someone who will know your project inside and out.”

The Path to Success

Padula knew he wanted to create his own company, and he had the technical expertise and connections to do so. At the same time, he also knew he needed guidance to learn and understand the business side of this endeavor. Fortunately, through the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Padula learned about SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties. Intrigued, he reached out to SCORE and in March 2018, he scheduled his first session with a SCORE mentor.

How SCORE Helped

Since his introduction to SCORE, Padula has worked with a wide range of mentors, co-mentors, and subject matter experts. These SCORE volunteers included Wilson Chu, Steve Crumrine, Carl Caruso, Richard Lee, Ted Nichols, and John Hess. Padula attributes much of his success to each of these individuals as they have provided him different insights and important advice in areas of planning, marketing, funding, organization, and more.

On May 1, 2019, Padula Engineering Company opened its doors for the first time in a small office in the Borough of West Chester. Padula hit the ground running with several client engagements and a consulting agreement with his previous employer.

The business took off and finished 2019 with strong revenues for a startup. Crumrine and Hess continued to mentor Padula through the start-up.

“I view SCORE very much like they are my Board of Directors, with Steve Crumrine and John Hess as Co-Chairmen,” said Padula. “No matter what I may be thinking about, I know I can reach out to Steve and John and bounce it off of them. Before I know it, they are on it. They give me great advice and bring in SCORE mentors with specific expertise in whatever topic we may be discussing. Knowing Steve and John are just a phone call away gives me great confidence, and I know I am never in this alone. Along with their expert advice and knowledge, Steve and John share their wisdom and friendship with me. I am humbled by their kindness and hope one day I can be like Steve and John and become a SCORE mentor.”

Padula will share his success story and be honored by SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties at its virtual awards celebration on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 12 PM. Click here to register.

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