Nelson-Rudie Taps Retail Operations Pro for Growth Push on 50th Anniversary

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – February 23, 2026 – Consulting engineering firm Nelson-Rudie & Associates, Inc. is marking its 50th anniversary with a strategic move to supercharge its operations, appointing former retail executive Kelly Noel as its new Vice President of Operations. The appointment comes as the 100% employee-owned firm executes an ambitious growth plan, including the recent opening of a new Minneapolis headquarters, a new office in Hudson, Wisconsin, and a planned expansion into Kansas City in early 2026.

This series of investments signals a significant inflection point for the Minneapolis-based company, positioning it to scale its services and deepen its footprint across the Midwest. The addition of Noel, an expert in managing large-scale, complex operations, is a clear indicator of the firm's intent to build a robust operational backbone capable of supporting its next chapter of growth.

A Strategic Hire for a New Chapter

As Vice President of Operations, Kelly Noel will be responsible for streamlining firm-wide operations, enhancing collaboration across its diverse engineering disciplines, and enabling its teams to pursue new market opportunities in a sustainable manner. Her background is notably different from that of a typical engineering executive, bringing a valuable outside perspective to the firm.

Most recently, Noel held senior leadership roles at a major national retailer, where she oversaw engineering and store operations for a portfolio exceeding 1,900 locations. Her experience in leading large-scale capital programs and enterprise-wide operational initiatives for a high-volume, geographically dispersed organization provides a unique parallel to the challenges of a growing multi-state engineering consultancy.

Matthew Elhadad, President & CEO of Nelson-Rudie, highlighted the strategic value of her experience. “Kelly’s track record of scaling complex operations while strengthening the capabilities of high-performing teams is exactly what we need in this chapter,” Elhadad stated. “Her experience leading enterprise initiatives and large capital programs will enhance how we operate, elevate how we deliver for clients, and position us to compete at the level this moment requires.”

Noel's longstanding ties to the Midwest, including previous work in the Kansas City area, also align perfectly with the firm’s geographic ambitions, providing on-the-ground familiarity with key growth markets.

Fueling a Midwest Expansion

Nelson-Rudie's leadership reinforcement is directly tied to its physical expansion. The firm has outgrown its previous space, recently moving into a new, modern headquarters in Minneapolis designed to foster collaboration. This move was quickly followed by the establishment of a satellite office in Hudson, Wisconsin, extending its reach into the neighboring state and the St. Croix Valley.

The most forward-looking element of this expansion is the planned opening of a Kansas City office. This strategic move into a major Midwest economic hub is timed to capitalize on resilient growth in the region's non-residential construction and public infrastructure sectors. While the broader U.S. construction market faces headwinds, sectors like transportation, water systems, and commercial development remain strong, aligning with Nelson-Rudie's core competencies.

The firm's deep portfolio includes extensive work on prototypical projects for national retail and grocery stores, a segment that directly benefits from Noel's operational expertise gained in the retail sector. This synergy is expected to enhance service delivery for its national clients while providing a strong foundation for capturing new business in its expanded territories.

The Employee-Owned Advantage

Underpinning the firm's ability to attract top talent and pursue aggressive growth is its structure as a 100% employee-owned company. Nelson-Rudie transitioned from a traditional ownership model to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in March 2022, a decision that has become a cornerstone of its corporate identity and strategy.

In an industry grappling with persistent talent shortages, the ESOP model provides a powerful competitive advantage. It fosters what Elhadad calls an "ownership mentality" throughout the organization, where each of the 80+ professionals has a direct stake in the company's success. This structure not only serves as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining high-caliber talent but also promotes a culture of collaboration and long-term thinking.

For prospective leaders like Noel, the model signals a commitment to sustainable growth and a people-centric culture. “Nelson-Rudie has built a strong reputation for technical excellence and a culture that values performance, people, and leadership,” Noel said. “I’m excited to be part of the firm as we both enter our next chapter, and to bring my experience to a team that’s clearly poised for continued growth.” The ESOP ensures that the rewards of expansion are shared among the employees driving it, creating a powerful incentive for collective success.

50 Years of Engineering Excellence

Founded in 1976, Nelson-Rudie has built a five-decade legacy by providing a comprehensive suite of engineering services, including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and refrigeration. With engineers licensed across all 50 states and five Canadian provinces, the firm has served a diverse client base ranging from architects and developers to public sector entities.

Its project portfolio is a testament to its versatility, encompassing everything from complex ice rinks and aquatic facilities to medical clinics, senior housing, and multi-family developments. This diversification provides a stable base, allowing the firm to weather economic shifts by pivoting between sectors.

As Nelson-Rudie celebrates its 50th year, its recent moves are not just about getting bigger, but about getting better. The combination of seasoned operational leadership, a motivated employee-owner base, and a clear-eyed expansion strategy demonstrates a firm that is thoughtfully building upon its half-century foundation. By strengthening its operational core while expanding its geographic reach, Nelson-Rudie is preparing to meet the evolving demands of the engineering landscape for decades to come, continuing its impact on the communities and clients it serves across North America.