Bill Catania
Co-Founder / CFO
Bill is originally from Chelmsford, Massachusetts. He graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering with a special emphasis on construction management.
In his 35+ years in the construction industry, Bill has extensive experience in equipment sales, mechanical contracting, project management, estimating, utility management, engineering, accounting, purchasing, and office management. Bill has managed all aspects of multiple projects in health care, biopharmaceutical, institutional, commercial, and industrial facilities.
Bill’s responsibilities include engineer and contractor support, estimating, sales, submittals, purchasing, logistics, accounting, human resources and office management.
Outside the office, Bill spends time in the gym, golfing, traveling, and with his wife and two children.
Bob Trahan
Co-Founder / COO
Robert Trahan is originally from St. Albans, Vermont. He graduated from Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts, with an associate degree in mechanical engineering with a special emphasis on energy systems.
Bob has over 30 years’ experience in the industry and prior to establishing MIofNE with his business partner, Robert worked as a sales engineer/project manager for 25 years for major mechanical contractors in the New England area. Throughout his career, and as the chief operating officer of MIofNE, he has used his engineering background to design and manage hundreds of mechanical projects through completion. He has always been persistent and dedicated to completing a job and satisfying the customer.
Robert is in constant contact with local code officials, updating them on the scope of active jobs in their jurisdiction, along with sharing their local code requirements with our mechanical contractor customers.
Bob’s responsibilities include contractor support, field supervision, code compliance, safety, coordination between trades, commissioning and owner training.
Outside of work, Robert is an avid golfer and enjoys the wilderness and great outdoors, including snowboarding, hiking, camping, kayaking, hunting, and fishing. Robert also enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.
Paul Battaglia
President
Originally from Hyde Park, Massachusetts, Paul earned his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology.
With more than two decades of industry experience, Paul initially entered mechanical construction as an IT professional before quickly transitioning into operations and executive leadership. Over the course of his career, he held key management roles at prominent regional mechanical contractors, serving as Vice President of a $100M+ HVAC business unit and later as President of a leading mechanical firm. His expertise spans complex market sectors, including life sciences, mission-critical facilities, healthcare, high-rise residential, and industrial construction.
As a Partner at Mechanical Innovations of New England, Paul focuses on business development, long-term strategic growth, and upholding the firm’s commitment to best-in-class operational excellence.
Outside the office, Paul is an active youth sports coach and enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and three children.
Company History
Ed Waldman
Waldman Sales
Mechanical Innovations of New England, LLC was founded in 2011 by Bill Catania and Bob Trahan. Having spent years working as valued employees within the industry, Bill and Bob shared an entrepreneurial drive to chart their own course and build something lasting on their own terms. Driven by that ambition to be their own bosses, they joined forces, secured their initial product lines, and quickly established a reputation for reliability and hands-on technical knowledge across the region.
The company’s true turning point came with the strategic merger with Waldman Sales. For decades, Ed Waldman had served as New England’s undisputed go-to authority for fuel oil equipment, renowned for deep technical acumen and steadfast client loyalty. Uniting under one banner allowed Mechanical Innovations to build directly on Ed’s foundation, pairing established expertise with energized service, broader territory coverage, and expanded support capabilities.
Today, Mechanical Innovations of New England stands as the region’s premier manufacturer representative for mission-critical fuel oil handling systems and tank storage solutions. Building on this strong heritage, partner Paul Battaglia leads the firm into its next chapter—modernizing operations, broadening core manufacturer relationships, and preserving the standard of technical excellence first established by Ed Waldman and championed by Bill and Bob.