The First 40 Years: The Origins of Arora Engineers

In celebration of our 40th anniversary year, we sat down with Manohar (Mike) L. Arora, MS, PE, founder of Arora Engineers (Arora), to reflect on the firm’s origins. From humble beginnings to a globally recognized infrastructure solutions powerhouse, Mike shares the principles and decisions that built the foundation for four decades of exponential growth.

The Power of One Decision

In January 1971, after working on his immigration plan and paperwork for over a year, Mike Arora arrived in America with eight dollars in his pocket, which was all the exchange money he was permitted to bring.

He left behind a middle-class life in Moga, Punjab, one of six children raised in a family where education was prized and opportunity required sacrifice. He had earned his bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the Karnataka Regional Engineering College, Surathkal (now the National Institute of Technology), married his wife Adarsh, and welcomed his first son, Manik. But he knew his future would be limited if he stayed.

How $8, a Dream, and Relentless Persistence Built Arora

“I was self-motivated to get ahead in America, the land of opportunity — a land of immigrants,” Mike says. “With an engineering degree in hand, I was determined to make my dreams come true.”

That steady, unshakable determination would become the foundation of Arora. This year, the firm celebrates 40 years in business. But its origin story began long before 1986.

The Power of Engineering

“In those times, there were only two professions that looked rewarding: engineering or medical doctor,” Mike recalls. His father encouraged the engineering path, and it quickly became more than obligation.

“Engineering was my passion. I always felt engineering can make a difference for the progress of humanity,” said Mike.

After arriving in the United States, Mike worked wherever he could, first in a fast-food restaurant, then at the DuPont company. He earned admission to Penn State’s graduate engineering program and completed his master’s degree while working full time.

He later joined a consulting engineering firm and then the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), including four transformative years in Saudi Arabia helping build a new military city in the desert. “It made me realize that anything is possible,” he says.

That experience stayed with him: the understanding that with hard work, persistence, and good engineering, even the most challenging projects can be accomplished, and this mindset would shape the foundation of the company he would later build.

The Power to Build Something of Your Own

“I believe taking risk is essential to maximize reward,” he says. In 1986, Mike made the daring decision to form his own engineering firm. Arora began modestly, first in the basement of his home, then in a 600-square-foot office in Media, Pennsylvania. Six or seven people, one computer, and a few drafting boards.

In those early years, Mike did everything: “I wore many hats: marketing, preparing proposals, working on projects, surveying, invoicing, client contact, even delivering contract documents personally.”

Mike’s wife, Adarsh Arora, joined the company in the late 80’s also wearing many hats supporting accounting, HR, and many other tasks. She subsequently helped grow those departments with additional staff and resources to ensure the company’s continued success.

Many firms, he was told, do not survive more than a few years. There were long hours and some uncertainty, but Mike stayed focused on his formula for success:

“Love what you do + Take risks + Work hard + Give back.”

Throughout his career, Mike remained deeply involved in professional societies, including the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Society of American Military Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and the National Fire Protection Association.

He attended seminars, conferences, and industry events, committed to learning, improving, and contributing to the engineering profession. That dedication strengthened both his technical perspective and the firm he was building. Growth came steadily, not through shortcuts, but through quality work and strong relationships.

“When clients discovered that our product and services were top level, they built more and more confidence in Arora,” Mike explained.”

Reputation grew one project at a time. Trust became the foundation. And over time, that foundation proved strong enough to last.

The Power of People

If smart risks built the firm, people sustained it. “Employees are our greatest assets,” Mike says repeatedly. Much of that philosophy traces back to his father, who ran a retail store in India.

He taught me how important customers are: professional services, good quality product, and customer care.”

Mike applied those same principles internally: “We treat employees with respect and consider them part of the Arora family. Job satisfaction is key.”

As the company grew from Media, PA to our current 26,000 SF Chadds Ford, PA headquarters, then to offices across the U.S. and overseas, this commitment to quality and respect remained constant.

Arora’s reputation was not built on a single project. It was built on consistency.

The Power of Transition

In 1993, Mike’s eldest son, Manik K. Arora, joined the firm after graduating from Drexel University with a degree in electrical engineering. He began in the field at Philadelphia International Airport, learning firsthand how infrastructure performs in real-world conditions.

Mike empowered him early. “I was giving him more opportunity to run the business,” Mike says. “He took that challenge.”

In 2003, Mike’s younger son, Raj, also joined the company. Like his brother, Raj started in the field, working at the airport before helping open Arora’s Newark office. He later relocated to New York City, supporting the firm’s continued expansion. After nearly a decade with Arora, Raj chose to pursue opportunities outside the firm, taking on executive leadership roles at Jensen Hughes where he currently serves as CEO.

In 2006, Manik Arora was named President & CEO of Arora Engineers, the same year Mike was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers and stepped into the Chairman role.

The transition marked more than generational change. It coincided with a dramatic evolution in technology.

“When I started in 1986, word processing was a big thing,” Mike laughs. “Now technology, computers, AI, everything is progressing so fast.”

 While the tools may have changed, our mission has not. Engineering remains about solving complex problems, serving our clients, and delivering infrastructure that performs long term.

The Power of 40

Forty years in business is no small milestone, especially in professional services.

“When I started, people told me companies don’t last more than two or three years,” Mike says. “To stay in business, to handle difficult situations, it’s not easy.”

From a basement office to 600 square feet in Media. From a condo in Chadds Ford to a global footprint. From typewriters to AI.

From one engineer wearing every hat to a 400-person multidisciplinary infrastructure solutions powerhouse with offices across the globe.

“Forty years… it seems like yesterday,” Mike reflects. “It has been a fun ride. I’m so proud.”

What makes him proud is not just the growth, but the people: the employees who built their careers here, the clients who placed their trust in the firm, and the next generation now leading it forward.

From eight dollars and a dream to a nationally ranked ENR Top Engineering Firm Rethinking Infrastructure® for the next generation.

“It has been a pleasure to see the company going where it is going,” he says. 

The Power of 40 is not simply about longevity. It reflects a company built by people who love what they do, work hard, take responsibility, and believe in giving back to the communities we serve.

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