Real Opportunity: New Places, New Possibilities
Many of our team members have discovered new opportunities by relocating within Bolton & Menk. Whether it’s moving closer to family, embracing a new work group, or seeking a fresh challenge, these transitions have opened doors to personal and professional growth. In this edition of Real Opportunity, we’re spotlighting three employees who successfully embraced change.
Forging a Path in North Dakota’s Frontier
Cody Christianson, PE, ENV SP, Transportation Project Manager | Principal
Cody Christianson has experienced the benefits of relocating within Bolton & Menk not once, but twice.
Cody’s journey within Bolton & Menk demonstrates the benefits of relocation. He joined the company in 2019, working in Burnsville, MN, but transitioned to the Minneapolis location in 2021 to focus on his passion for urban core projects. The move allowed him to work closely with clients, reduce commuting stress, and create a better work-life balance, using his transit time for personal and professional growth.
In 2023, Cody relocated again, this time to Fargo, ND, to support his aging parents and be closer to family. The Fargo office had a timely need for a transportation project manager, aligning perfectly with Cody’s skills and career path. This move expanded his professional scope, enabling him to enhance active transportation services in North Dakota and Greater Minnesota while maintaining ties with the Twin Cities Metro area.
Both relocations significantly improved Cody’s quality of life, offering proximity to family, a smaller city environment, and professional growth. He encourages open communication with supervisors about relocation, noting that Bolton & Menk’s supportive leadership and office network can facilitate seamless transitions. Cody’s story highlights how strategic relocations can lead to fulfilling career advancements and personal enrichment.
Real Opportunities in the Tar Heel State
Jacque Thompson, PE, Municipal Project Engineer | Associate
In 2021, Jacque Thompson moved from Minnesota to North Carolina to assist Bolton & Menk’s expansion into the Southeast. She helped integrate the Midwest culture with the newly acquired locations in Raleigh, NC, preserving their values while introducing Bolton & Menk’s customs.
Jacque continues to work with new locations in the Southeast, guiding them to act as one company with a standard company culture across regions while embracing each office’s individual culture. The relocation included moving Jacque and her husband to the Southeast, where they enjoy warmer weather, new adventures, and have started a family in a place they look forward to raising their son.
The move allowed Jacque to expand her network both within Bolton & Menk and externally, as well as learn new technical skills related to the new region. Bolton & Menk offers the opportunity to stay with the company while providing individuals and their families with the chance to explore their options.
While any change takes some adjustment, relocating can open new doors. She encourages anyone with an interest in living somewhere else, working in a different region, or trying something new to take the leap.
Relocate to Elevate
Derek Olinger, PE, Municipal Project Manager | Principal
Derek Olinger’s move from Mankato, MN to Rochester, MN marked a clear transition from his previous role to new responsibilities. Although similar opportunities existed in Mankato, the change in location helped fast-track his career. He found that stepping into a new environment brought fresh challenges and visibility that weren’t as accessible in a familiar setting. Derek sees relocation as a practical way to grow professionally, offering momentum and perspective that can be hard to gain by staying in place.
Derek’s experience highlights the benefits of considering relocation to accelerate professional growth. He encourages others to explore this option at some point in their careers, as it can provide a fresh perspective and open doors to new possibilities.
Our team members are proving that relocation can be a powerful catalyst for growth. Their stories reflect the supportive culture and flexibility that make Bolton & Menk a place where people can thrive.
Ready to explore your own path forward? Check out our current openings and see where a career at Bolton & Menk can take you.
