Leadership & Key Personnel · Est. 1992

The people who sign the report.

Licensed engineers, registered architects, certified inspectors and career field operators — most of whom have spent two decades or more in this industry. Accountability at Universal has a name attached to it.

Scroll to meet the team

Five groups · one standard

In Memoriam

Larry J. Mercardante

Founder & President Emeritus

Founder · 1946–2023

Larry J. Mercardante established Universal Testing & Inspection Services, Inc. in March 1992, following decades of professional experience, personal growth, and dedication to an industry he truly loved.

Larry began his career in 1968 with Municipal Testing Laboratory (MTL), a testing and inspection company. Throughout the 1970s, his exceptional work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence led him into management. In the 1980s, he was promoted to Vice President, where he played an important role in the company’s continued growth and expansion, including the opening of MTL’s Miami, Florida location.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Larry shared his knowledge and experience with the next generation of industry professionals as an Adjunct Professor of Material Sciences at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City, and later at the State University of New York at Farmingdale.

In early 1992, driven by passion, determination, and the support of those around him, Larry fearlessly founded Universal Testing & Inspection Services, Inc. His vision, leadership, professionalism, and commitment to excellence established the foundation upon which Universal continues to build today.

More than three decades later, Larry’s influence remains an important part of who we are. The values he instilled — integrity, hard work, professionalism, and dedication to doing things the right way — continue to guide Universal and the people who carry his legacy forward.

We honor Larry for his unwavering professionalism, dedication, mentorship, and lasting contributions to the industry, as well as the countless people whose lives and careers he touched along the way.

1968

Begins his career with Municipal Testing Laboratory (MTL).

1970's

Work ethic and commitment to excellence lead him into management.

1980's

Promoted to Vice President; opens MTL’s Miami, Florida location.

Late 1980's

Adjunct Professor of Material Sciences — The Cooper Union, then SUNY Farmingdale.

1992-2012

In between the “dash” of those years, there were many milestones—growth, setbacks, wins, losses, mentoring, moves, purchases, and countless opportunities for learning and personal growth.Through it all, each experience helped strengthen, shape, and reinforce Universal’s foundation—building it firmly down to bedrock.

Thank you, Larry, for your leadership, your friendship, and the enduring legacy you created.

02 · Executive Leadership

250 years of it, across the team.

Strategic direction, technical authority and quality assurance sit with the same people who came up through the field — not a layer above it.

Larry A. Mercardante

President / CEO

Larry A. Mercardante serves as President of Universal Testing & Inspection Services, Inc., bringing more than 34 years of experience and leadership across the construction materials testing, special inspection, and geotechnical and environmental drilling industries. A hands-on leader with extensive technical and operational expertise, he provides strategic direction and oversight of Universal's operations, client relationships, quality assurance, and organizational growth. His leadership is focused on operational excellence, technical expertise, client satisfaction, and positioning Universal for continued long-term success and growth.

Nelson Lopez

Vice President & Senior Technical Director

PE, MSI, CWI, ACI

Nelson Lopez brings more than 25 years of leadership and technical experience in construction materials testing, special inspection, and engineering. A Licensed Professional Engineer in New York and Florida, his expertise includes deep foundation systems, structural steel erection, vibration monitoring, and pre- and post-construction services.

Mr. Lopez provides technical and operational leadership for Universal's special inspection services, overseeing personnel, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and reporting to ensure consistent technical excellence across all projects.

Eshwar Kosuri

Principal Engineer

PE, BCEE

Eshwar Kosuri serves as Principal Engineer, bringing more than 40 years of experience in structural, geotechnical, environmental and civil engineering. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Kosuri has provided technical leadership and engineering expertise on a wide range of complex projects. As Principal Engineer, he provides senior-level technical oversight, engineering guidance, and quality assurance, supporting project teams and clients while ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence and professional practice.

03 · Project Management

The name on your project.

Technical directors, project leads and division superintendents who run field personnel, procedures, documentation and code compliance day to day.

Thomas Kispert

Technical Director / Project Lead

RA, ICC

Thomas Kispert is a Registered Architect with over 32 years of experience in architecture and construction. As Technical Director of Architecture, he provides expert oversight of special inspections, specializing in building envelope systems, fire-rated construction, masonry, concrete, reinforcing steel, and architectural components.

Dan Karayeanes

Project Manager — CMT Services

ACI, NICET, NETTCP, ICC, NYSHMA, RSO

Dan Karayeanes brings over 23 years of experience in special inspections and materials testing across building, infrastructure, airport, and transportation projects. As Lead Inspector, he oversees field personnel, technical procedures, quality control, and project coordination. He holds multiple ACI, NYS, NYSHMA, and NICET certifications and is approved to perform services for numerous New York public agencies.

Rifat Emre

Assistant Project Manager — CMT & Specialty Services

ACI

Rifat Emre brings over 12 years of experience in construction materials testing, special inspections, and engineering. He specializes in concrete and soil testing, applying extensive field expertise to ensure quality, compliance, and consistency across construction projects.

Nikolay Vasilyev

Project Lead

PE, MSI, CWI

Nikolay Vasilyev is a licensed NYS Professional Engineer with extensive experience in special inspections, materials testing, and construction quality assurance. As Project Lead, he oversees field operations, inspection personnel, technical documentation, and project compliance. His PE, MSI, and CWI credentials provide a strong technical foundation for managing complex construction projects and coordinating with project stakeholders.

Rabin Pandey

Project Lead

MSI, CWI, ACI

Rabin Pandey is an experienced special inspection and materials testing professional with over 18 years of expertise in construction inspection, quality control, and project coordination. As Project Lead, he oversees field operations, inspection personnel, technical documentation, and compliance with project requirements and applicable codes. His MSI, CWI, and ACI credentials provide a strong technical foundation for managing complex construction projects.

Robert Morley

Drilling Division Superintendent

Robert Morley brings over 29 years of experience in geotechnical and environmental drilling operations. As Geotechnical Drilling Division Supervisor, he oversees field crews, drilling operations, equipment, safety, and project coordination, ensuring work is performed efficiently and in accordance with project specifications and industry standards.

04 · Business · Administration · Scheduling

Everything behind the crew that shows up.

Growth and quality management, contracts and billing, dispatch and daily coverage across New York and Florida. The reason a request becomes a technician on site.

A · Business Development / Marketing

Alessandra Ripley

Director of Business Development / QMS

ACI, NYSHMA, IAS, RSO

Alessandra Ripley brings over 17 years of construction industry experience in safety, special inspections, and materials testing across residential, multifamily, academic, and commercial projects. As Director of Business Development and QMS, she leads strategic growth, client development, and service expansion while overseeing the company's Quality Management System, proposal strategy, agency relations, project coordination, and marketing initiatives.

B · Administration

Loriann Mercardante-Egan

Accounts Manager

Loriann Mercardante-Egan serves as Accounts Manager, overseeing key financial and administrative functions that support the company's daily operations. She manages client accounts, billing coordination, account records, and internal processes while working closely with project teams and clients to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and responsive service.

Louise Kuefner

Lead Administrator

Louise Kuefner serves as Lead Administrator, overseeing the company's key government contracts, administrative staff, and billing operations. She leads contract administration, coordinates project and personnel requirements, and ensures accurate, efficient billing and administrative processes.

C · Service Scheduling

Randee Monteforte

Service Coordinator / Florida Operations Lead

ACI, Troxler, Drone

Randee Monteforte brings over 20 years of service coordination, dispatch, and field operations. As Service Coordinator and Florida Operations Lead, she oversees daily scheduling, field personnel, and project assignments while coordinating client needs and supporting the efficient delivery of services throughout Florida. On the technical side, she maintains American Concrete Institute (ACI) field and laboratory certifications, Troxler Gauge Operator, and aerial drone support.

John Perrone

Dispatching / Service Coordinator

ACI, Troxler

John Perrone brings over 30 years of construction industry experience, with extensive expertise in field operations, dispatching, and service coordination. He oversees daily scheduling, field personnel, and project assignments, helping ensure efficient operations, timely coverage, and responsive client service. On the technical side, he maintains American Concrete Institute (ACI) field and laboratory certifications and Troxler Gauge Operator.