Kevin Marshall, PE, LEED AP has served as a mechanical engineer at Wold for 28 years. He has nearly 35 years experience in architecture engineering and extensive expertise tailoring building solutions to each client's visions while meeting each building type's functional needs. Kevin grew up in Marshall, Minn. and attended Macalester College in St. Paul with a core focus on math and physics. He then transferred to Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and earned both a BA and a BS degree in mechanical engineering.
Kevin brings a straightforward approach to communication and problem solving that always puts client interests first. As building technology rapidly evolves, Kevin works with his collaborative team at Wold to collect cohesive data and determine effective solutions.
Prior to his time at Wold, he worked at a mechanical consulting firm and solidified his ambition to work in a full-service, client-focused collaborative environment that allows him to make a positive impact in the communities where he works.
“People are our greatest resource. I am passionate about empowering our team to achieve greater project outcomes.”
How does your personal experience influence the planning and design of education, government and healthcare environments?
Simple things work best and have the best chance of continuing to work into the future. The need to improve the energy performance of our built environment drives an ever-increasing rate of change in technology. From my own experiences, I understand the desire our clients have to ensure they are making wise investments in their buildings. It is all about finding the right balance of new technology to keep pace with our changing world while not getting ahead of our skis.
If you weren't an engineer, what would you be doing?
I got lucky and fell into a career niche that leverages my personal strengths and provides a very creative outlet for me to use them. One universal trend throughout engineering education is that job opportunities aren’t always clear following graduation. If I couldn’t be an engineer, I would be a builder. The more complicated projects, the better.
My wife and I celebrated 28 years of marriage this past October. We currently live in South Minneapolis near the lakes and have two children that recently graduated from college. Our son, George, is currently living in Atlanta pursuing a career as a video editor/motion graphics designer. He works at Overtime Elite, a company focused on creating an alternate pathway for high school-age students to get into the NBA.
Our daughter, Gayl, recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire and has remained there to make up for her COVID-altered college experience. She has been trained in the ariel arts since she was in kindergarten and currently teaches ariel arts at a local yoga studio.
Tell us about one of your personal and/or professional role models.
My dad has always been my personal and professional role model. One piece of advice he gave me was, “Sometimes it is better to ask forgiveness than for permission.” Though I can’t recall what it was originally in reference to, I have extrapolated the intent to guide nearly everything in life. In hindsight, it was a little odd coming from him since he served as chief judge in the 5th judicial district.
What are three words to describe yourself?
The three words that best describe me are “alive,” as I am a recent cancer survivor, “dependable” and “compassionate.” I assume people are going through a more difficult time than me and always ask how I can help.
What advice do you have for new professionals in the industry?
Your career is a long game. Make sure your beliefs align with the culture of the company at which you work. The rest will work itself out.
What do you do in your spare time/what are some hobbies you enjoy?
I enjoy renovating and maintaining my home. Our house in south Minneapolis was built in 1905 and has been ignored most of its life. It has been a long road to update for modern conveniences and stay ahead of Father Time and Mother Nature.
I also completed a marathon when I turned 50. I can’t say running is a real passion, but I had to prove I could do it (in under 4 hours!)
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
I’d tell my 21-year-old self to travel before you can’t. The responsibilities of life have a way of taking over.
What type of music is on your workplace playlist?
I enjoy all kinds of music – it is best to have all moods and occasions covered. I do, however, lean into classic guitar-oriented rock. Alvin Lee has long been a favorite guitar hero. It was late in his career, but I had the good fortune of seeing him live at the Cabooze Bar in Minneapolis in 1983.
What's a fun fact about yourself that many people may not know?
Though my last name is the same as the town I grew up in, there is no family connection to the town’s founding. However, a lesser-known fact is that I lived on Lyon Street in Lyon County. That is not nearly as fun of a fact, though.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I want to visit every National Park in the lower 48 and truly take the time to hike, camp, and fully experience what each park has to offer.
To learn more about Kevin, his experience and insights, visit here. Our Focal Point series provides a behind-the-scenes look at the talented team members that bring our work to life.
