Colin L. Meisel, P.E.

Private Development Team Leader

Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I took a mechanical drafting class my sophomore year in high school. I really enjoyed it, so I asked my instructor if he knew where I could get a job drafting because I didn’t want to flip burgers. There was a senior in the class who had a job at a civil engineering firm, and he helped me get a drafting job there. So I guess you could say my career started when I was 16!

How long have you been with R/M?

Just over a year, but I’ve worked in northeast Wisconsin for the last 15 years or so, primarily focused on storm water, private development, municipal transportation projects, and pavement management plans.

What is the best part of your job?

I really like helping clients realize their projects. I enjoy the technical side of things, but I also enjoy talking to people and working with them to bring their projects to life. It’s amazing to watch an empty site transform into something incredible, or taking an old site and making it new again.

What do you think differentiates R/M from other firms?

The culture here is a lot different than what I’ve seen at other firms. The leaders at R/M really care about the people in the company and their career development. We care about our clients in the same way, and always look to develop long term relationships. In general, this company is all about establishing relationships. We want our people and our clients to succeed.

If you could go back in time and give your 18-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Not to take things so seriously. I was really a grinder when it came to school. I pushed myself really hard, especially through college. I’d tell myself to slow down a bit.

What are you up to when you’re not at work?

Typically, I’m working my second job as an unpaid Uber driver to my kids. We’re always headed to soccer practice, karate practice, piano lessons, guitar lessons… when I can, I try to fit in some fishing.

What is your favorite food right now?

That’s a tough one… but I really like Mexican food. Authentic Mexican food.