Member Spotlight: Dan Melvin

 

Professional Background

Current Role & Company: What is your current position, and what does your company specialize in?

Principal Engineer and Founder of Melvin Engineering. The firm is a boutique civil engineering consultancy focused on providing thoughtful, well-executed site civil design for private development clients.

Career Path: How did you get started in commercial real estate, and what led you to where you are today?

I began my career in civil engineering, working on land development projects throughout Charlotte. Over the years, I advanced into leadership roles, eventually serving as Principal at a large multidisciplinary firm. In 2025, I launched Melvin Engineering to return to my roots: direct client engagement, purposeful design, and hands-on project delivery.

Area of Expertise: What are your key areas of expertise in commercial real estate (e.g., development, brokerage, construction, finance, legal, etc.)?

Site civil design for private development projects, including site planning, grading, storm water, utilities, and entitlements.

Notable Projects/Deals: Can you share a project, transaction, or initiative you’re particularly proud of?

I’ve led civil design for several transformational, master-planned developments in Charlotte—projects that redefined underutilized areas and involved complex public-private coordination.

Industry Insights: What’s one trend or challenge in commercial real estate that excites or concerns you?

One that excites me is the increasing focus on infill and adaptive reuse. There are challenges, but it’s also where sound engineering and planning can make the most impact.

 

Involvement in NAIOP

Role in the Association: What is your role within NAIOP Charlotte, and how long have you been involved?

Served as President in 2024. Member since 2016.

Why You Joined: What motivated you to join NAIOP?

Civil engineering is just one piece of the development puzzle. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of what others in the industry were focused on. NAIOP provides an opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives and remain connected to the broader industry.

Value of Membership: How has being a member of NAIOP benefited you personally and professionally?

NAIOP has been a great forum for exchanging ideas and staying current on development policy. It’s also been invaluable for building professional relationships.

Advice for New Members: What advice would you give to someone considering joining or getting more involved?

Get involved and show up consistently. It doesn't take very long to be recognized as one of the regulars at events.

Favorite Event/Initiative: What is your favorite event or initiative within NAIOP and why?

The State Conference in Pinehurst is always a great time.

 

Personal & Fun Insights

Best Piece of Advice: What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?

Be the kind of person others enjoy working with. Skills matter, but relationships and attitude often make the biggest difference in getting things done.

Book/Podcast Recommendation: What’s a book or podcast that has influenced your career or leadership style?

The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday. It's a great reminder that the hard path is often the right one. That perspective has stuck with me through some pivotal career decisions.

Favorite Way to Unwind: How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

My two toddler boys keep me plenty busy outside of work, but when there’s a quiet moment, I enjoy getting outside for a run or bike ride.