FINDING A FUTURE PATH
Finding a future path through
FRIENDSHIP by Lisa Kochanowski, Assistant Director of Communication
government entities, and other engineering firms on new The friendship of a father
tank design, new tank construction, reconditioning,
figure helped a young man
painting, and inspecting water towers all over the nation.
find his purpose and become a leader at one of the largest
“As the Director of Business Development at KLM, I travel
structural engineering water
around to companies, municipalities, government entities,
tower consulting firms
and other engineering firms throughout the nation working
in the nation.
as a consultant to help with various water tower projects,” notes Novitzki. “Over the last four years, I have helped KLM
His journey Alumnus Michael Novitzki ’13, originally from Eagan, Minnesota, graduated from Holy Cross College with a major in business and a minor in communications and Spanish. Upon graduation, he took a position with Target Corporate in merchandising and finance. During his time with the company, he was recruited by an insurance/ investment firm and became one of the top producers for individuals of people with five years or less with the company in Minnesota. After three years he was burned out, and one of his mentors reached out to Shawn Mulhern,
grow to open up two new offices in Kansas City, Kansas, and New Lennox, Illinois. In his role, he is part of the strategic development team and has helped the company achieve double-digit growth since starting the position in April 2017. He implemented new systems and processes that helped achieve 33% revenue growth, is working to expand the firm’s national clientele, and is currently negotiating $10,000 to $1,000,000 contracts with municipalities, companies, government entities, and civil engineering firms nationally. He has served as an industry presenter at Rural Water events and the American
President, and CEO of KLM Engineering Incorporated.
Water Works Association event across the United States.
“Shawn was like a father figure to me when I was growing
“I really love working in this industry because I am able to
up. I used to help him with yard work when I was in middle
help communities provide safe drinking water around the
school and high school. He called me and asked me to come
country. I feel like I am truly making a difference. Also, I
work for him and to learn the business. I graciously
love hearing people’s stories and meeting new individuals
accepted. Shawn knew I would be a good fit at KLM, and
throughout the 11 states KLM currently operates in
knew based on my drive and work ethic I could help take
throughout the United States. I mean who can say one
KLM to the next level. I hope to carry on his legacy,”
night they could be in a council meeting in the middle of
said Novitzki.
a cornfield and the next night be in a suit and tie on local cable television,” said Novitzki. “I also love the aspect of
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According to Novitzki, KLM Engineering is one of the largest
building something, and at KLM we are in the process of
structural engineering water tower consulting firms in the
building something special. I enjoy all the hard work that
nation. They consult with companies, municipalities,
goes into scaling a business.”
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Connections | SPRING/SUMMER/FALL 2021
