Matt Olson, PE
Chief Innovation OfficerMatt Olson is the firm’s first innovation officer, developing an office that emphasizes a culture of innovation, collaboration and speed to value.
Most recently, Matt Olson served as vice president and managing director of the firm’s Telecom Group, helping utility clients develop networks supporting their entire organization — helping them understand how to manage information; design systems in 3D models; and design multimillion-dollar, utilitywide fiber and wireless networks. Olson’s 20 years of experience includes the development of industry-leading information management systems allowing for fast, cost-effective and holistic document management.
In the community:
Matt and his forward-looking outlook support local organizations, including:
- Cub Scout Pack Leader
- Community Advisory Board of KCUR-89.3 FM, the Kansas City affiliate of National Public Radio, member
- United Way — Tocqueville Society, member
What inspired you to pursue your career?
From a very young age, I was destined to become an electrical engineer. There are photographs of me at 2 years old, assisting my grandfather with wiring tasks during our house remodel. I had a habit of gathering scrap parts and ingeniously incorporating them into my toys. Although my experiments sometimes led to the demise of numerous 12V battery chargers — often left out in the rain — my passion for building and creating never waned. This enthusiasm persisted through high school and college, cementing my conviction that electrical engineering was my calling.
What’s the coolest part of your job?
I believe the most remarkable and rewarding aspect of my job lies in the opportunity to interact with pioneering creators within the organization. Facilitating these connections — whether by linking individuals to the resources they require, advocating for additional support from their leaders or showcasing the value of their work to others — is immensely fulfilling. It is these moments of collaboration and empowerment that truly make my role worthwhile.
How do you and your team make the world a better place?
We constantly propel our firm toward excellence by embracing innovation and rejecting complacency. By continuously elevating our standards and striving for improvement, we not only enhance our own performance but also consistently deliver outstanding projects for our clients. Our commitment to challenging the norm and pursuing excellence is the driving force behind our success.