Real Opportunity: Exploring New Horizons
In our new Real Opportunity series, we explore the inspiring journeys of dedicated professionals who have made significant career transitions within Bolton & Menk. Each story highlights the personal and professional growth experienced through these changes. These first-hand stories showcase the supportive culture at Bolton & Menk and the opportunities for advancement and integration into new communities.
From Prairie Winds to Coastal Breezes
Jim Mertz, GISP – GIS Project Manager | Senior Associate
After spending more than 30 years in various locations across North Dakota, Jim Mertz made a significant move from Fargo, ND to Raleigh, NC in the spring of 2021. While the personal challenges of leaving behind friends and family were evident, Jim found the professional transition surprisingly smooth. He continued to work with many of his Midwest colleagues and clients, while forging new relationships in the southeast.
The move to Raleigh provided Jim with an incredible opportunity to expand his role. One of the key initiatives he promoted in the southeast was the vertical integration of additional services to existing clients. Historically, GIS was not a service offered by the firms Bolton & Menk acquired in the southeast, but with their strong regional presence, Jim and his team were able to quickly introduce GIS services, particularly from the Myrtle Beach location.
Building his own team of talented GIS professionals was a milestone Jim could not have imagined five years ago. He takes immense pride in the growth he has witnessed, not just in GIS, but across all work groups in the southeast. The move allowed him to be a part of this growth, something he will cherish for the rest of his career.
Jim’s advice to others considering a move is to talk to people who have already made the transition. There are big decisions like where to live and smaller ones like where to eat, but there is a wealth of experience in relocating within almost every market. Jim himself received invaluable help from Kyler Bender before his move, and there are over a dozen colleagues who have relocated to places like Colorado, North Dakota, and the Carolinas, all of whom can provide advice.
Real Opportunity and Warmth in the Carolinas
Tom Danielson, PE – Municipal Project Manager | Senior Associate
Tom Danielson began his career at Bolton & Menk in Mankato, MN in 2014. In 2016, he transferred to Chaska, MN, which allowed him and his family to be closer to their family support system. Moving enabled Tom to focus more on his career as they had relatives to lean on while starting a family. The strong foundation they built in Chaska directly led to the opportunity to move to Myrtle Beach, SC in 2023, a location they had always wanted to be.
Since relocating to Myrtle Beach, Tom and his family have been able to maintain close contact with their support system back in Minnesota. The strong foundation they established has allowed their family to flourish in a new region of the country. The culture at Bolton & Menk has been incredibly supportive of Tom’s needs as an employee, whether it was reducing hours to focus on personal matters, assisting in community involvement to help integrate into a new community, or adapting to new coworkers and office dynamics.
Tom still has great friends and mentors from each of his stops with Bolton & Menk. The company’s culture truly embodies the idea of being one office with long hallways, making it easy to stay connected despite physical distance. Experiencing multiple locations has been a blessing for Tom, and he has no regrets about his career transition journey. It has been nothing but positive experiences along the way.
A New Chapter of Growth and Career Transition Success
Nick Dylla – Senior CAD Administrator
After spending 23 years in civil engineering within the government sector, Nick Dylla joined Bolton & Menk in November 2021 as a senior engineering technician in the civil department in Mankato, MN. Over the next two and a half years, Nick gained extensive knowledge and advanced technical and professional skills as a civil designer. Having spent many years in this role, Nick always told himself, “If I’m going to make a career change, I’m going to teach what I do.”
After understanding the operations and processes at Bolton & Menk, Nick pursued a new opportunity as a Senior CAD Administrator in Mankato. This move allowed Nick to further his career by expanding his experience and enhancing his technical and customer service skills. Relocating to a different department has certainly enhanced Nick’s career, allowing him to gain a deeper understanding of operations and logistics while continuously pushing himself to a higher level.
In terms of quality of life, Nick feels well taken care of and fortunate to work for a company that is empathetic on both professional and personal levels. The excellent culture and supportive people he works with make a significant difference. Nick’s advice to others is clear: If you encounter or seek an opportunity that aligns with your personal and professional goals, do it. If you have the drive to improve, do it. Ultimately, do you want to look back and know you did everything possible to advance to the next level, or wish you had?
Bolton & Menk continues to grow in new services & locations. If you are interested in learning more about career transition opportunities in a new location or business division, please contact your supervisor or reach out to our Talent Management team. You can also view career opportunities on our website.
