On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the millions of Americans who have worn a U.S. uniform, including the many who continue serving their country long after returning home. For Mark Richardson, that calling to serve has taken different forms throughout his life—first in the U.S. Army, and now through land development projects that are shaping one of the nation’s most influential military regions.
But before he was leading Timmons Group’s Hampton Roads offices and delivering major land development projects across Virginia, Mark was a young soldier who felt a calling to serve his country.
Mark joined the military right after graduating high school, so soon that he actually turned 18 during boot camp. He served with the 82nd Airborne in the aftermath of the first Gulf War.
The experience was transformative—and nearly life-ending just as his service was coming to a close. The night before his unit was scheduled to leave Iraq, Mark was struck by a Humvee while he was sleeping. Miraculously, he survived with no lasting injuries and was safely delivered home.
After completing his military service, Mark was prepared to experience life as a veteran. With support from the GI Bill, he returned home and pursued degrees in civil engineering and building construction at Virginia Tech. That’s where he discovered his passion for land development, a profession that would allow him to improve communities and support economic growth in his backyard.
Since his career began, Mark’s résumé has grown to include over two decades of experience in all aspects of the land development design industry. As principal in charge of the Hampton Roads offices, Mark’s involvement in projects ranges from implementing effective foresight at project inception through certification of construction completion.
But Mark’s military background isn’t just a line on his résumé—it has continually shaped the work ethic and ‘serve first’ leadership styles that define him today in his role as a regional leader and land development civil engineer.
“The benefit of being a veteran is that it teaches you discipline and adaptability early on,” Mark said. “Those values guide you throughout your life.”
Mark joined Timmons Group 12 years ago when the firm’s presence in Hampton Roads was just beginning as a team of six people working to establish a footprint in a rapidly growing economic hub defined by military installations and industrial infrastructure.
“When I first got to Timmons Group, we were a small team,” Mark shared. “Our goal was to grow, not only our service offerings but also the clients we served.”
Today, that office is 50 people strong and has contributed to some of the area’s most recognizable projects. From the new Virginia Beach City Hall to a suite of logistics facilities supporting the Port of Virginia, Mark’s team has designed and managed key facilities in the Hampton Roads region.
“We’ve done a little of everything, like municipal buildings, industrial expansions, commercial retail, healthcare facilities, and multifamily communities,” Mark says. “That’s the best part of a growing office. Everyone gets opportunities to do work that matters.”
Hampton Roads is home to one of the largest concentrations of military personnel and veterans in the country, and Mark sees his work in the office as an extension of his service. That community influence, discipline, teamwork, and diligence instilled in service members is a core leadership approach that Mark employs with the teams he leads.
One of the things Mark appreciates most about his role today is the increasing number of fellow veterans joining Timmons Group. With nearly 50 veterans throughout the firm, Timmons Group works closely with retired personnel and active reserves to provide standout support for individuals who serve our country. (Read more about Chris Rogers on our Raleigh stormwater design team, who serves in the Marine Corps Reserves.)
“We do a Veterans Day video every year, and I remember when I joined 12 years ago, it was a much smaller number of us,” Mark said. “Now we have veterans representing many military branches and backgrounds across the company. It’s uplifting.”
For Mark, Veterans Day is a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off and that support for veterans must continue into the next chapter of their lives. His story reflects something we see across our company: Veterans continuing to strengthen the communities they once protected. Whether advancing critical infrastructure, designing neighborhoods for a growing population, or helping cities prepare for the future, their commitment to service lives on.
“Everyone who has served or is serving should be thanked. It’s a tough job that many people don’t fully understand. But they’re there when called upon, and that’s very admirable,” Mark says.
This Veterans Day, we proudly recognize Mark and all the veterans across Timmons Group—and in the communities we serve—for their courage, leadership, and continued contributions.
