Ambassador Spotlight ‘Laura Minchk’

Welcoming our latest Brand Ambassador Laura Minchk from Colorado and Northwest Mountain Pacific, USA:

How did you get into surveying? I got into the Geospatial Industry back in 2017 when my boss at the time said he wanted to bring terrestrial scanning. I was only a few years into my surveying career, and he asked if I was interested in leading the efforts to bring this new technology to the Colorado offices and region. I told him I’d never done something like that before but was very interested and would give it my all. Boy, am I glad I said yes to that opportunity.

What are your plans as a Brand Ambassador? I didn’t learn about surveying until I accepted a job as a field assistant. I quickly fell in love with the work and the rest is history. I would like to be an advocate to help more people learn about surveying especially earlier in their education. I think many kids would truly love this industry if they only knew about it.
I would like to help educate more people about the industry as well as support and mentor others as they pursue their path to licensure.

Tell us a bit about what you do: I lead the Colorado and Northwest Mountain Pacific Geospatial team at Kimley-Horn, where we specialize in capturing a wide range of geospatial data—from expansive vacant fields in remote areas to bustling downtowns, airports, and extensive roadway corridors. Each project is unique, so we tailor our approach using a combination of advanced survey and geospatial technologies to meet client and project requirements.
Our toolkit includes conventional surveying equipment such as total stations, bases, and rovers, integrated with aerial, mobile, and terrestrial LiDAR systems. By leveraging these technologies together, we deliver highly precise, accurate data in an efficient and cost-effective manner—providing clients with the data they need to make informed decisions.

Anything else you’d like to add? I have been an active member of the local survey chapter since 2015, where I have served in leadership roles including Director and Secretary. Outside of my professional responsibilities, I balance the rewarding challenge of being a full-time working mother to two young children, ages two and four.
In my personal time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, and paddle boarding, as well as spending quality time with family and friends. One of my favorite family traditions is incorporating surveying into our walks by teaching my children to look for monuments. This simple activity has turned into an engaging “easter egg” hunt that keeps them energized and curious, fostering an early appreciation for the work I do.