Forty Under 40: Kevin Jensen

Kevin Jensen is proud to have started his engineering firm in 2015, when he was in his 20s, just five years after graduating from Harding University with a degree in mechanical engineering. Working for Benchmark Group in design, his mentor Bill Reynolds, an engineer with 35 years of experience who was retiring, suggested they start Forward Engineers together. The company offers accessible design engineering services in Northwest Arkansas and Fort Smith.

An Eagle Scout, Jensen joined the U.S. Navy Reserve as a civil engineer corps officer in 2013. He’s now a lieutenant commander and led a Navy Seabees detachment in Afghanistan in support of a special operations task force in 2018. After returning, he bought out Reynolds’ part in the business.

With a slow, steady, sustainable growth, the company now has five full-time employees. Working to hire good designers and engineers, Jensen is focused on the growth of the business, client relations and administrative duties.

“I’m very deliberate about what I do,” he said. “I don’t do anything too lightly.”

Jensen believes effective communication comes from assuming good intentions on both sides of the conversation.

In 2020, the Rogers native fulfilled a childhood dream of getting his pilot’s license and is part of the Fly OZ Flying Club at Thaden Field. He’s working on his instrument rating.

Jensen served the city of Rogers for five years on the library board, as well as on the Rogers Board of Adjustments and the Planning Commission for seven years. He’s always looking for an opportunity to run for city office.

Sponsoring community events including Shop with a Cop, Jackrabbit 5K and Bikes, Blues & BBQ, Jensen also volunteers at his church. In his off time, he enjoys spending time at home with his family.