In 1974, Barkan Properties was established as the real estate development arm of The Barkan Companies. That business is operating throughout New England today as Barkan Properties LLC under the leadership of John and Peter Barkan. In 1981, seeing the need for professional management services, Mel established Barkan Management Company to serve condominium associations, rental apartments, senior housing and small office buildings throughout New England.

Mel received both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Subsequent to military service, he was awarded a University Fellowship and attended the Harvard Graduate School of Design. In 1988, Mel was personally recognized as an honoree by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as one of a small group of “alumni who have founded companies in Massachusetts that have made a significant contribution to the economy of our state and the nation.”

He has served on the Boards of The Park School, The Children's Museum, The Institute of Contemporary Art, The Fuller Museum and Beth Israel Hospital where he is a Lifetime Trustee. Mel currently serves on the audit committee of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and as the Governor’s appointee to the Advisory Board to the Comptroller of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.