As 2025 draws to a close, I’m reflecting on an incredible start since launching Martin Design Group. Starting a business from the ground up is no small feat. In fact, some of my earliest pieces of advice from peers and mentors were to consider buying an established company. But with focus, perseverance, and the support of a fantastic network, we’ve turned vision into reality, deciding to start from the ground up! This year has been about building strong foundations and positioning MDG for long-term impact in airport engineering, forensic facility investigations, roadway design, and site development across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Here are some of the key highlights that made 2025 unforgettable:
- Official Launch with Certifications in Place: We successfully navigated the process to secure federal and state certifications as a veteran-owned small business; established the company with the MN Secretary of State and the MN Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design. These credentials have opened doors to new opportunities and reinforced our commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions, honed through years of service in public infrastructure, with the precision, and dedication, and responsibility of working with public infrastructure. I personally took the opportunity to receive my PE license in two additional states (Iowa and Illinois) with two more on the horizon.
- Building a Resource Network to Support Us: Early in the year, we assembled a rock-solid support network—Banker (First Resource Bank), Accountant (Petros Family Tax), and Insurance provider (Kraus-Anderson). These professional services form the backbone of what we need to stay compliant and ensure sustainable operations from day one. We were invited to serve on the MnDOT Small Professional/Technical Small Business Executive Committee. This is an incredible opportunity to help shape our network, but more importantly, to pave the way for future small businesses by advising MnDOT on key challenges small businesses face when engaging MnDOT on professional/technical contracts.
- Crafting Our First Business Plan: With the support of the Small Business Development Center, we developed our first comprehensive business plan, which proved to be a pivotal step. It guided our strategy and gave us confidence in the 12-month outlook for financials. It also played a key role in securing SBA financing, providing the capital needed to invest in tools, marketing, and growth.
- Winning Our First Clients and Contracts: The real excitement came from delivering value to clients. We signed agreements with three forensic engineering clients, applying our expertise in facility assessments to help property owners make informed decisions and scope proper repair efforts. We also secured one direct contract with the State of Minnesota to investigate deteriorated building conditions. We have supported four airports in the state with cost analyses that launched their capital projects and are positioned as a subconsultant with another major airport for ongoing support. We are also assisting as subconsultants on preliminary design for an upcoming MnDOT highway project. These are exciting steps that align perfectly with our core strengths in aviation and infrastructure.
Looking back, 2025 was about proving that a small, specialized firm can make a big difference—whether through forensic insights that empower property owners, precise financial planning, and assistance in launching airports’ capital projects, or infrastructure planning that stands up to Minnesota’s demanding conditions and future growth needs. As we head into 2026, we’re energized and ready for more: expanding our team, pursuing larger projects, and continuing to serve with integrity and innovation. Thank you to our clients, partners, and supporters who’ve made this year possible! If you need expert civil engineering services—airport, roadway, site design, or forensic—let’s connect. Here’s to building stronger infrastructure together!
