Power Players Spotlight: Meet Mark KnudsenWhat is your approach to helping clients meet their renewable energy goals?
“Early involvement is key. My approach is about connecting clients with the right KWRE team members who can move their projects forward. Many of these opportunities start with survey requests, like when someone asks for an ALTA, and that’s when I ask the leading questions to uncover if it’s part of a renewable energy development. While most of my direct project work is on the residential side, I’m always looking for ways to bridge my clients to our renewable energy expertise when the opportunity arises.”
What is your favorite source of renewable energy and why?
“Solar, which is mainly because I have it on my own home and understand it the best. That said, I’m most intrigued by battery storage and Bloom Energy Cells, especially their mechanics and how they work. Renewable energy is an evolving and fascinating space.”
What project is your favorite and why?
“One that stands out is a battery storage project in Daly City, near the Cow Palace, where my colleague pulled me in late on a Friday night to help with a challenge they were facing. The site had an extreme grade differential, which made the design challenging and the solution rewarding. I’ve also enjoyed learning about floating solar projects—although I haven’t seen one in person. On those projects, the site is intentionally flooded, and the panels float when the water is high but sit on the ground when it’s drained. It’s a clever use of space and engineering.”
What’s your favorite solution to a challenge you’ve faced?
“Keeping an open mind. I try to think through every possible option and listen if someone else has a better idea. The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Sometimes the real win is the time you save because spending a little more can save significant time on some projects, which can be more valuable when you factor in construction loans or project deadlines. We’ll often ask, “How much does each week of delay cost?” Time savings can be the real win.”
Why are you passionate about renewable energy?
“Because it’s a necessity. In the South Bay, the number one issue for mission-critical and tech projects is available power. I don’t see renewable energy as a “nice to have”—it’s essential. The explosion of AI and tech in the last five years has only increased the demand. Every big tech company needs reliable power.”
Outside of KWRE, what are your favorite hobbies?
“Fitness and family time. I invest in fitness and love the challenge during both training and the race. I’ve competed in multiple Spartan races and have one coming up.”
What are you currently reading?
“Emails. Honestly, I don’t read books for leisure. I focus on technical reading—things that intrigue me, like information on new stormwater products. That’s where my attention goes.”
What’s been your favorite moment at KWRE?
“I can’t point to a single moment but there was a time, probably our second year, when we were attending a lot of conferences and I felt like we’d “made it.” Not necessarily the top leader in the space yet, but people knew who we were and there was brand recognition. It was exciting because KWRE was built from the ground up. We built a brand-new book of business, established a foothold in the market, and proved that our level of service works. The investment paid off—clients kept coming back. That’s the KWRE way.”