Matt Edwards, Principal, Kimley-Horn

In an interview with Invest:, Matt Edwards, Principal at Kimley-Horn, talked about the firm’s collaborative nature that exceeds client expectations, why Charlotte’s pro-growth leadership and focus on public infrastructure makes it the place to be, and how they partner with small and disadvantaged business enterprises to foster mutual growth.

What have been the key milestones for the firm in the Charlotte area over the last 12 months?

Zooming out a bit, we have recently expanded with the launch of two offices. Our growth has been remarkable, and as Charlotte expands, so do we. One office is situated in Fort Mill, South Carolina, just south of the North Carolina border, while the other is in Greenville, SC, marking our presence in the upstate region. These additions have been pivotal in serving our clients better.

One specific project that highlights our regional impact is the development at Charlotte Airport (CLT). It serves as a crucial economic driver, ranking as the fifth busiest airport in the country. With American Airlines here, passenger volume continues to surge and is expected to break records this summer. Our involvement in expanding the fourth parallel runway underscores our commitment to facilitating direct flights to the Pacific Rim.

This expansion is proof of our dedication to serving clients beyond expectations. We are not just witnessing growth; we are actively contributing to the region’s development.

How has Kimley-Horn played a role in driving Charlotte’s growth? 

One notable project we have been involved in is the Innovation District, also known as the Pearl, in collaboration with Atrium Healthcare. This project marks the launch of the first medical campus in Charlotte, a significant milestone for a city without a medical school. Working on this project has been both exciting and fulfilling.

What sets us apart is our turnkey approach and our ability to serve as a one-stop shop for most services. We are able to provide a wide range of services under our umbrella, thanks to our collaborative nature and diverse expertise across various disciplines. Whether it’s public infrastructure, private development, or landscape design, we have the capabilities to meet our clients’ needs at a high level.

Having a local presence in Charlotte since the mid-1990s has also been instrumental, as it has allowed us to build strong relationships with the city and its stakeholders. These relationships, coupled with our reputation and brand in the market, have positioned us as a trusted leader capable of delivering complex projects like the Innovation District.

Currently, the project is progressing well, with two buildings already under construction. It is exciting to witness the skyline of Charlotte expand as we contribute to the city’s growth and development. We look forward to seeing the continued progress of this project over the coming years.

How would you characterize the current economic conditions in Charlotte?

Economic conditions are favorable, and the leadership in Charlotte is pro-growth, which is evident in the city’s expansion efforts. The airport’s role as an economic driver further reinforces this trajectory, ensuring continued growth in the foreseeable future.

Charlotte’s focus on public infrastructure, like the blue line light rail, showcases its commitment to future development. Looking ahead, plans for expanding commuter lines east-west and northward will not only address community needs but also encourage densification along these transit routes.

One of Charlotte’s strengths lies in its adept management of growth, unlike the sprawling development seen in other cities like Atlanta. Charlotte has shown an ability to control and manage growth effectively, a trend likely to persist in the future.

What are some current challenges within the industry and how do you strategize to address them?

Recruiting, particularly college hires and graduates, poses a significant challenge for us, both across the company and specifically in Charlotte. As we continue to experience rapid growth, expanding into different states and launching two new offices in Charlotte, our hiring practices are under review. Maintaining our high standards without compromising quality talent acquisition is paramount, especially considering our commitment to serving clients at a consistently high level, with 90% of our business stemming from repeat work.

On the economic front, one of the challenges we face is the need for interest rates to loosen. Despite anticipation, this has not materialized yet, with potential ramifications for accessing capital and completing deals, particularly in sectors sensitive to interest rates. However, we see this challenge as an opportunity to pivot towards markets that are thriving, while remaining attentive to those affected by interest rate constraints.

Charlotte’s ongoing expansion presents both challenges and opportunities. Public infrastructure, particularly regarding water and sewer, is a significant hurdle, with permit issuance hindered by a lack of sewer infrastructure in certain areas. Yet, we view this as an opportunity, as investment in infrastructure presents avenues for growth and engagement.

Moreover, Charlotte’s status as a rapidly growing location, attracting an average of 105 new residents daily, underscores its appeal and economic vitality. With an influx of young professionals and talent, coupled with favorable economic and leadership climates, Charlotte remains an exciting and promising place for continued growth and opportunity.

What are some of the firm’s intentional long-term strategies aimed at solidifying its leadership position in the industry?

We have already established ourselves as a leader, maintaining our position as a Fortune 100 best place to work for 17 consecutive years. Moving forward, our long-term strategy revolves around staying the course. Exceptional client service is at the core of everything we do, driven by the high expectations our clients have of us.

Being privately held is a fundamental aspect of our identity, and we are steadfast in maintaining this status. We believe in providing ample opportunities for career growth, empowering individuals to seize opportunities as early in their careers as they desire. We thrive on hiring go-getters, individuals who are proactive and ambitious, and we actively support their development into leadership roles.

Leadership is cultivated at all levels within our organization, emphasizing a grassroots approach where leadership emerges from practical experience. We recognize the importance of preserving a small-company feel, even as we grow. By establishing smaller offices, no more than 50 people, we foster personal connections and relationships, which are essential to our culture. Maintaining this intimate atmosphere enables genuine interactions and ensures that every individual feels valued, even as we continue to expand.

How does your collaborative approach contribute to project success and client satisfaction?

The Innovation District Pearl was an incredibly intricate project. It involved relocating roads, water and sewer lines, as well as major power lines serving regional areas. Handling such complexities requires a comprehensive collaborative approach, leveraging our in-house expertise across various disciplines.

Platforms like Zoom and Teams played a crucial role in facilitating collaboration, allowing us to stay connected and aligned with all stakeholders involved. Our approach was not only to be intentional but also to prioritize exceptional client service. This meant understanding our clients’ schedules, and expectations, and anticipating their next steps.

By proactively addressing potential challenges, we were able to serve our clients effectively, ensuring smooth progress throughout the project. Our emphasis on anticipation rather than reaction allowed us to stay ahead of the curve and deliver results that exceeded expectations.

Could you discuss your efforts in partnering with small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises to facilitate their growth?

I have been in Charlotte for quite some time. I recall navigating through the challenges of the Great Recession here in Charlotte. Despite my passion for private development, opportunities in that sector were scarce during that period. This led me to transition to the public sector, where I engaged in various projects like sidewalks and greenway developments.

Even during those times, Charlotte had requirements for minority business enterprises (MBE), disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE), and women-owned business enterprises (WBE). Over the years, we have established strong partnerships with corporate entities, spanning about 15 to 20 years. These relationships have been instrumental in our ability to collaborate on public sector projects.

We often partner with these firms, and sometimes, our roles may shift based on the contract type. While we primarily act as partners, there are instances where we serve as subcontractors. Regardless, this collaborative approach has been a cornerstone of our operations, fostering long-term relationships and enabling us to navigate various project landscapes effectively.

What is your outlook for the next two to three years and your top priorities within this time frame?

Exceptional client service is our cornerstone, considering that 90% of our business comes from repeat clients. Being privately held and practice-led, our focus is on the individuals who directly serve our clients. Our secret lies in smoothly transitioning client relationships to the next generation while maintaining our service excellence.

We stay ahead by recognizing market trends and growth areas, whether it is in more spacious green fields or urban infills. This foresight helps us strategize internally to align with market directions. Moreover, we prioritize developing leaders internally to meet the demands of expanding offices across different regions.

It is an exciting journey, witnessing the ever-changing skyline of Charlotte. Being strategically located in a region with high demand further fuels our optimism. We are blessed with ample opportunities for growth, and I am eager to see where this journey takes us next.