Matthew C. Bissett is our Chief Executive Officer and President of Atwell. He has been with the firm for 27 years, starting his career as an Atwell intern. During that time, he has distinguished himself as someone who is deeply committed to growth, business diversification, and driving the strategic goals of our company, while supporting our colleagues and clients.
In this interview, Matt reflects on Atwell’s growth in 2025 and the firm’s vision for 2026.
Reflecting on 2025, what moments do you feel best captured the evolution of Atwell’s business this year?
It’s been an exciting year for the Atwell Family of Companies. We’ve experienced significant growth, around a 20 to 30 percent increase in net revenue over the prior year, continuing our steady 15-year trend of double-digit growth. When we set our 2025 business plan, our focus was clear: invest in our people and strengthen our ability to grow alongside our clients. Every major decision we make ties back to two guiding principles: solving client problems and creating opportunities for our team.
One of the most transformative steps we took this year was our integration with Manhard Consulting. From the start, we saw strong alignment in culture, expertise, and client relationships. That partnership has already expanded our data center mission-critical work, deepened our relationships with clients, and enhanced our capabilities in renewable energy design.
We have also continued to prioritize organic growth while expanding our team through strategic hiring and professional development. Personally, having been with Atwell since 1998, it’s fulfilling to see so many of our people grow their careers here.
Atwell has had a monumental year in terms of growth. The Manhard Consulting acquisition was Atwell’s largest ever. What has been the biggest impact of this integration, both culturally and strategically?
The success of the Manhard integration comes down to alignment and cultural belief. Both firms share the same philosophy of supporting people, providing strong leadership, and creating opportunities for growth. That cultural connection made the partnership feel natural from day one.
Don Manhard Jr.’s approach mirrors ours: building lasting client relationships, solving complex challenges, and helping people advance. Together, our teams are expanding into new markets, strengthening technical expertise, and deepening relationships with national clients.
This integration has broadened opportunities for everyone and is a great example of what happens when two like-minded organizations come together. The result is one stronger, unified team with the ability to deliver more, grow faster, and make a greater impact.
As we look to 2026, how do you see Atwell continuing to balance organic growth and strategic acquisitions?
For me, organic growth is where I put most of my energy. It’s the part of the business I’m the most passionate about. I love bringing new talented professionals into the Atwell family. Helping people see how they can grow their careers here while being part of a supportive and innovative culture is incredibly rewarding.
Organic growth will continue to be a key focus for us. It’s simply the best way to grow: by developing people, deepening client relationships, and expanding our technical expertise. We now have more than 2,100 team members, and sustaining that momentum means staying aligned with our clients’ goals. Each year during business planning, we look closely at our clients’ growth strategies to make sure we’re adding resources and capabilities that help them succeed.
With new and expanded offices in Raleigh, Nashville, Reno, Chicago, and Southern California, what lessons have we learned about successful geographic growth?
Everything starts with our people. Our priority is to support the talented staff we already have by giving them the resources, leadership, and tools they need to succeed. We want every team member to have a clear roadmap for growth and the confidence to pursue bigger opportunities. Our focus this year has been on ensuring our teams have the proper leadership backing, technology, and operational support. When our people feel equipped and empowered, they start to think bigger about their clients, the projects they can take on, and the impact they can make. That confidence allows us to pursue larger and more complex projects than ever before.
How has Atwell’s diversification across areas like data centers, industrial onshoring, and energy helped strengthen our position in a changing market?
Major investments today are centered on technology. Companies like OpenAI, Amazon, Meta, and Google are driving data infrastructure and creating opportunities for firms like Atwell.
We’re deeply engaged in mission-critical industries that combine complexity, innovation, and scale. Projects like data centers leverage our full expertise, from land development and utilities to energy infrastructure. Our utility partnerships give us an edge in site selection, grid analysis, and power planning. Our teams also model energy solutions, from natural gas to renewables, optimizing performance and sustainability. What’s most rewarding is seeing our multidisciplinary teams collaborate seamlessly to solve client challenges. That unity and shared purpose define who we are at Atwell.
How does innovation, through tools like Power BI, Chat GPT, or digital project management, support Atwell’s growth and ability to stay ahead of client needs?
We’re using AI tools like Power BI, ChatGPT, and digital project management systems to improve how we manage projects and make real-time decisions about staffing, resources, and budgets. Strong financial management allows us to reinvest in our people and continue growing the firm. Our goal is to give every project manager the insight and tools to operate like the president of their own business, understanding costs, value, and performance at every stage.
Looking ahead, AI will play an even bigger role in bridging workforce gaps and streamlining complex work. By leveraging innovation, we can empower our teams and deliver smarter solutions for clients.
The launch of The Atwell Gives Foundation was a major milestone. What inspired its creation, and what impact do you hope it will have?
The Atwell Gives Foundation was created from our belief that success is about more than growth. It’s about giving back and creating opportunities for others.
Launched this year, the Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education and youth development. Our partnership with Science Olympiad, where we serve as the first title sponsor of its Urban Schools Initiative, is helping expand STEM access for underrepresented students.
By inspiring young people to explore science, technology, engineering, and math, we’re helping shape the next generation of innovators, and perhaps future Atwell team members. It’s a reflection of who we are: driven by purpose, grounded in relationships, and committed to building a brighter future.
What excites you most about where Atwell is headed in 2026?
As we finalize business planning, we’ll target investments where they’ll have the greatest impact, whether that is through hiring, internships, or expanding in key markets.
We expect strong growth in data centers and energy, continued momentum in renewables, and new opportunities in high-growth regions, such as Texas. While residential markets may face some challenges, demand remains steady in the Sunbelt states.
Opportunities aren’t slowing; they’re shifting. We’re focused on deepening relationships with current clients and building relationships with emerging clients and industries that are driving investment in the years to come.
Atwell’s strength has always been in adapting and growing alongside our clients. When we build those relationships and help our partners succeed, we create new opportunities for our teams as well, and that’s what keeps this work meaningful.
