Kim Harold, at first glance, might just seem like a project manager, deeply immersed in the intricacies of the architecture and engineering industry. But dig a little deeper, and you will uncover her world full of passions that go far beyond the drafting table. In a recent interview, Kim shared insights into her life outside of work, revealing her adventures and creative pursuits that shape her identity as much more than just a project manager.

Riding and Photography: A Perfect Blend  

Kim Harold, Project Manager

Kim’s twin passions — riding her Harley and photography — form the core of her life outside of work. These two interests, while seemingly disparate, blend seamlessly into Kim’s world. “If I’m on the back of the bike rather than riding my own bike, I can take lots of pictures,” she explained. Her love for photography took root in high school when she was part of the yearbook staff. This passion continued to grow, leading her to work with 101 The Fox radio station, where media passes allowed her to capture behind-the-scenes moments at concerts, football games and NASCAR events.

Her journey into the world of motorcycles began early, too. “I’ve been riding since I was a kid, and I got my license in 2005. I have ridden in 49 states so far,” Harold added. Her ultimate goal? Completing her list by riding through Alaska, her 50th state.

One of Kim’s most notable achievements is earning her “Iron Butt” patch — a testament to her endurance on the road. This patch signifies a grueling ride of 1,000 miles within 24 hours. Kim accomplished this feat on a trip from Phoenix, Arizona, back to Kansas on Route 66. But it’s not just about the destination for Kim; it’s about the journey and the stories that come with it.

One of her most memorable trips involved a 17-day trek covering the entire West Coast. Starting in Kansas, Kim and her companions traveled through Ohio, Sturgis, South Dakota, Seattle, Washington and down the A1A highway, before looping back through Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. This trip allowed her to complete the lower 48 states and capture thousands of photographs along the way.

Kim Harold – Using Photography as Relaxing Therapy

Kim’s photography goes beyond casual snapshots; it’s a way for her to document the history and beauty of the places she visits. “My favorite things to photograph are the backwoods, the back roads, old farms and historical architecture,” she continued. One of her favorite locations to photograph was Hawaii, where she had the unique opportunity to explore the island with a retired military officer, a neighbor of one of her clients. This adventure allowed her to experience and capture the diverse landscapes of the island, from rainforests to beaches and historical sites like Pearl Harbor.

For Kim, riding offers a form of therapy. “It’s my wind therapy. It’s a way to get away. It’s quiet, just the breeze of the wind,” Kim commented. This sense of freedom and peace is something she cherishes deeply.

Kim’s career path is as fascinating as her hobbies. She started in college as an interior design major but shifted to computer science while working in a computer lab. This change, influenced by her father’s background in manufacturing, led her to a dual major in computer science and engineering. Her first job out of college involved designing circuit boards for medical equipment, but a career shift brought her to an architecture firm where she designs with a different scale of precision.

Kim’s story is a testament to the rich, multifaceted lives that many project managers lead. Her passions for riding and photography not only enrich her personal life but also inform her professional perspective, truly making her more than an engineer. As she continues to explore new places and capture their essence through her lens, Kim Harold’s journey serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their passions wholeheartedly, both in and out of the workplace.