Kyle Blank

“Kind and thoughtful leader who cultivates the best in others through empathy, drive, and collaboration”

Hometown: Alexandria, Minnesota

Fun Fact About Yourself: I collect TaylorMade golf club headcovers and wanted to connect with others who shared the same interest, so I started the Facebook group “TaylorMade Vault Headcovers.” I originally thought it might get to 100 people, but I have grown the group to just shy of 6,000 people from around the world. What started as a personal hobby has grown into a global community where people are brought together by sharing their collections and learning from one another over a shared passion for the hobby of collecting headcovers and the game of golf.

Undergraduate School and Major: North Dakota State University | B.S. in Civil Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Emmons Olivier Resources | Civil Engineer

What has been your favorite part of the Twin Cities so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA?

Since moving to the Twin Cities in 2017, I have enjoyed many things about living here, but my favorite part has been the strong sense of community throughout the metro area. With so many different cultural backgrounds represented, I’ve loved being immersed in diverse perspectives, learning from others, and seeing how the Twin Cities has created opportunities for people to showcase what makes them unique. I believe this is what makes it such a great place to earn an MBA. The supportive culture and access to a wide range of industries and organizations allow us as students to learn not only in the classroom, but also directly from the community and business leaders within them. This environment encourages curiosity, connection, and real-world learning that meaningfully enhances the MBA experience.

Carlson MBAs spend a year in hands-on Enterprise programs for Consulting, Branding, Ventures, and Funds. Which program do you intend to enroll in? What excites most about your Enterprise program?

I am excited to take part in the Carlson Brand Enterprise. I am most excited about this opportunity because it allows me to work with local companies on active challenges they are facing. The hands-on nature of the program will push me to apply classroom frameworks to live business problems, collaborate closely with teammates, and deliver insights that have a tangible impact. I was especially drawn to the Brand Enterprise for the chance to strengthen my storytelling, customer insight, and strategic thinking skills while helping brands make more informed, customer-centered decisions.

Aside from your classmates, experiential learning, and location, what was the key part of the Carlson MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?

My goal is to pivot from one career to another, and a key reason I chose the Carlson MBA was its strong track record of helping students successfully complete that goal. Carlson is not only a place where career pivots are possible, but where they are actively supported and encouraged through the entire curriculum. Seeing the success of students and alumni who have transitioned into new industries and functions gave me confidence that I could do the same. That proven history, combined with Carlson’s structured support system, made it clear that this was the right environment for me to pursue a meaningful and successful career pivot.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

My biggest accomplishment in my career so far was contributing to the design of the Owámniyomni (Turbulent Waters) project. Our civil engineering team at Emmons Olivier Resources (EOR) partnered with Dakota Tribal Nations to support the restoration of Owámniyomni, a sacred site along Ȟaȟa Wakpá (Mississippi River) near St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis that was returned to the Dakota Nation. Our design honored the Dakota’s historical vision by working with the site’s natural landscape to guide water flow through natural features, minimizing the use of pipes and other manmade elements. I am excited to see this project come to life in 2026, when restoration begins and this important history back and preserved for future generations.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far:

My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been committing to start. Making the decision to change careers and return to school required stepping away from a path where I was comfortable and confident, and choosing instead to pursue growth through uncertainty. While the decision was initially frightening, it was also incredibly exciting, as it opened the door to new ways of thinking, learning, and leading. Fully committing to the MBA experience has pushed me to challenge assumptions, develop new skills, and engage more intentionally with my classmates, coursework, and professional development opportunities. The commitment to take the leap, trust the process and stay curious has been the foundation of my growth as an MBA student.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?

My best MBA memory so far has been how close our first- and second-year classes have gotten and that was on full display at this year’s Friendsgiving. Bringing all of us students together highlighted the strength of the Carlson community and the value of learning alongside people with diverse career paths and backgrounds. Sharing time outside the classroom emphasizes how much we grow from one another, not just academically, but personally and how meaningful it is to be part of a supportive and bonded cohort.

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