#WHYKE

Karl has been the President & CEO of KE since 2015, and has grown the company to new heights. His work ethic and dedication to doing things the right way, the #KEway for the Knobelsdorff customers and team members is the foundation of the recent years of success, and the success that is yet to come. Karl likes to take challenges head on, and has built the team to solve them all.

Karl and his family reside in rural Goodhue, MN and enjoy spending time together in the outdoors.

Shane is the longest tenured employee here at Knobelsdorff. He’s been a part of the growth since he graduated high school and began his electrical apprenticeship 20 years ago. After learning the ways of the electrical industry from the early days, to now teaching the younger generation of Electricians here at KE, Shane has become a great example for the Knobelsdorff brand and represents the #KEway.

Shane has a wife and 3 kids that he enjoys camping with, and he also likes to do projects around the house.

Melanie joined Knobelsdorff Electric in 2014 with 17+ years of accounting experience and 12+ years in human resources. Her formal education includes degrees from both MN State College SE Technical – Red Wing (AAS Accounting) and Metro State University (BA HR Management).

Melanie’s abilities to multi-task and adapt to the changing needs of a growing organization have helped her become an irreplaceable member of the Knobelsdorff team. She is also a Minnesota Notary and a member of SHRM.

When she’s not working, Melanie spends time with her husband Jermey and their son Zack on their sheep farm. As a family, they enjoy traveling to sheep shows, fishing, and hunting. Both Melanie and her husband are active in the Pierce County 4H and the Ellsworth FFA. They enjoy seeing their son Zack compete in wrestling, football, and track.

A native of Goodhue, Jeff joined KE spring 2020 with more than 15 years of experience in the renewable energy industry, completing construction in 13 states. Jeff graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Construction Management. With a focus on building relationships with our solar partners, Jeff leads the Energy team through preconstruction, execution and our O&M service offerings. Jeff also dedicates his time on forecasting and planning future work. Jeff’s fresh perspective has been instrumental in helping structure teams to handle larger energy projects.

In his free time, Jeff enjoys boating on Lake Minnetonka and biking through the trail systems of Minneapolis. Jeff is also a volunteer coach for the Minnetonka wrestling team. 

A business advisor with KE since 2019, Aaron’s outgoing personality and sense of humor is what makes him a true mentor to the team. His extensive background in the renewable energy market has allowed him to help develop and refine operating practices at KE and support company growth.

Aaron graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Construction Management. He has continued to build his professional acumen with plethora of continuing education courses focused in construction execution/design, business management and leadership.

Aaron is heavily involved in his family farming operation in Pine Island, MN and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Robert joined KE in 2019 as an Engineering Project Manager. His diverse background includes project management of Coors Brewery, Hershey’s, Dairy Farmers of America and BW Design Group and is a former rescue diver for the TN Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Robert has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Memphis and Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from Villanova.

Robert is a natural problem solver, always looking closely at every angle to determine the best solutions. At KE, Robert spends most his time leading projects, driving project management processes and methods, assisting with sales and new business, and can be seen pulling wire from time to time.

Robert’s son is currently serving active duty with the AirForce in Iraq. In his spare time, Robert enjoys fishing, boating and is a professional Scuba diving instructor. And when you talk to Robert, you will notice his “funny” accent, and no, he is not from around here. He calls Texas his home away from home.

Rich joined Knobelsdorff Electric in the fall of 2016 as our Automation Manager. Primarily self-taught, Rich has been in the technology field for 34 years, 24 of which were in industrial automation. His professional credits include Instructor, Applications Engineer, Sales Engineer, Project Manager, Controls Engineer, and Automation Manager. His experience ranges from machinery and robotic control to process control.

Rich’s diverse background in automation technologies, combined with his experience in sales, engineering, and management, gives him extensive knowledge of and capabilities within the entire automation project lifecycle.

Rich served in the United States Navy for eight years where he attended both technical and leadership training. During his service, he specialized in the Tomahawk Cruise Missile System during the Desert Storm era and was awarded two Navy Achievement Medals: Expert Marksman in rifle and pistol and Master Training Specialist. When he’s not working, Rich enjoys fishing, hunting, and making trips to the cabin.

Brandon has been a part of the KE team for over 15 years and has been a staple to the ongoing success. He is often seen with a dirty set of clothes from whatever job site he is on, and it seems to bring a smile to his face. His work ethic and experiences are shared with the team he has around him, showing the younger guys what it takes to bring success to the Knobelsdorff team and the customers we serve.

Brandon, along with his wife and four children enjoy spending time together outdoors and working on their farm.