18/07/2026
KMB Academy – This Isn't Goodbye
Starting the KMB Academy has been one of the proudest achievements of my business career.
It wasn't just about teaching young people how to use tools or build things. It was about giving them confidence, purpose, life skills, and someone who believed in them. Seeing them grow week by week reminded me why I wanted to create the Academy in the first place.
What most people didn't see were the countless hours behind the scenes. The planning, paperwork, administration, searching for sponsors, organising resources, and trying to keep everything moving while also running a business during one of the toughest economic periods our industry has faced.
I gave it everything I had.
But eventually, it became too much. As much as it hurts to say, I have to be honest with myself. Right now, my focus needs to be on rebuilding Kiel Marshall Builders. Without a strong business behind me, I simply can't continue supporting the Academy the way these young people deserve.
That decision hasn't been easy. It feels like putting a dream on hold.
But this isn't the end.
The KMB Academy will be back. When it returns, I want it to be stronger, better supported, and able to make an even bigger difference in the young people. Sometimes, taking a step back is the only way to make sure you can move forward again.
To every young person who came through the Academy, thank you for trusting me. You reminded me why this mattered so much.
To everyone who supported the vision—whether you donated, encouraged us, shared our story, or simply believed in what we were trying to achieve—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support has meant more than words can express.
This chapter may be closing for now, but the story isn't over.
We'll be back.
Thank you, everyone, for believing in the dream.
— Kiel Marshall