An Expansion Story: WSB in Texas

Planting our roots in the Lone Star State

In 2017, we began expanding our operations into Texas. Since then, we’ve gained momentum and have been working closely with our clients to provide engineering, planning, environmental and construction services throughout the state to both the public and private sectors. In the four years since we first entered the Lone Star State, we’ve focused on establishing strong client and partner relationships, and learning how to best support their infrastructure needs.

THE FIRST STEPS

We set our sights on the Austin metro area to begin building a solid foundation. Our early-stage plan included three key factors: hiring talented staff, arming ourselves with local knowledge and taking a bold approach to how we position ourselves in a new, fast-growing market.

THE ACQUISITIONS

To help build our staff and gain local knowledge, we made two acquisitions: Austin-based Rogers Design Services and Houston-based Nathelyne A. Kennedy & Associates, Inc. Both acquisitions progressed our strategic growth goals and added to our momentum.

ROGERS DESIGN SERVICES (RDS)
WSB acquired Rogers Design Services in early 2018. In operation since 2007, the firm provided engineering services for infrastructure improvement projects for the state, county and local level in central Texas. Dan Rogers, founder and President of RDS, joined WSB as the Director of Transportation Design – Texas.

NATHELYNE A. KENNEDY & ASSOCIATES, INC. (NAK)
NAK was founded in 1981 by Nathelyne A. Kennedy. Since then, Nathelyne has built an impressive operation in Houston serving government, institutional and commercial clients with a suite of comprehensive civil engineering design services that cover all aspects of infrastructure. NAK maintains operations in Houston as WSB, supporting clients and projects throughout the market.

OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBERS

Our culture drives our results, and our staff are vital in shaping our success. We’ve made several strategic hires since first entering the Texas market. These new team members have helped share the WSB story and support the infrastructure needs of our clients throughout the state. Recently, we welcomed four new members to our leadership team in Texas.

STROUD EVANS, VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC GROWTH
Stroud’s extensive network will support WSB’s growth and operations throughout the U.S. His experience and expertise will help us meet the needs of our clients while maximizing market growth.

ROB BAILEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Rob has over three decades of engineering experience. In his role at WSB, he will oversee our transportation growth, support business development efforts and manage strategic transportation pursuits.

BRYAN HODGES, DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION DESIGN – TEXAS
Bryan is known throughout the Texas transportation industry for his planning, design and project management experience. As Director of Transportation, he will lead project management activities for TxDOT projects and support business development efforts in the Tyler, Texas area.

STEVE LINDSEY, DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION DESIGN – TEXAS
Steve’s experience extends through all phases of project development from feasibility studies to maintenance. Steve will lead project management activities with TxDOT and support business development efforts in the Austin, Texas area.

CHRISTIE SAENZ, SENIOR RIGHT OF WAY SPECIALIST
Christie leads WSB’s right of way projects in Texas by providing project management, acquisition and relocation services. She has over 25 years of experience in the right of way industry and has managed the acquisition of over 1,000 parcels throughout her career.

MELVIN HARRIS, DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING & INSPECTION
Melvin joins WSB with over 10 years of experience working on high-profile construction projects throughout Texas. In this role, Melvin works with our clients in the heavy civil construction market and supports construction inspection growth throughout Texas.

BUILDING WHAT’S NEXT IN INFRASTRUCTURE

We’ve welcomed the opportunity to support cities, counties, the Texas Department of Transportation, utility companies, contractors and energy clients since we began operations. We value strong relationships, collaboration and forward-thinking ideas and we’re looking forward to discovering thoughtful and creative solutions with our clients in the future.

CR 272 AT CROSSING OF BRUSHY CREEK
CITY OF CEDAR PARK
For years, the low water crossing at Bushy Creek had been closed due to flooding over half of the year. Frequent flooding prevented traffic flow for emergency vehicles, Cedar Park residents and also caused dangerous algae build up resulting in safety issues. To combat the flood prone bridge, WSB designed a low water, bridge class box crossing that channels high water under the bridge rather than over and removes the requirement for standard bridge railings. This innovative plan mitigated the street’s flooding issues, will keep the bridge open nearly all year and has ensured public safety.

SAM RAYBURN TOLLWAY SIGN REPLACEMENT PROJECT
NORTH TEXAS TOLLWAY AUTHORITY
The North Texas Tollway Authority needed to replace all ground mounted and selected overhead signs along main lanes, frontage roads, ramps and interchanges on a 16-mile stretch of the Sam Rayburn Tollway. Most of these signs were installed nearly 10 years ago and several panels had faded over time. WSB was contracted to review existing sign placement, appearance, and foundations. Using WSB 360, our team visually gathered data for each sign, creating significant cost savings and efficiencies.

THE FUTURE OF WSB IN TEXAS

The outlook in Texas is bright. It is one of the fastest growing states in the U.S., and WSB is well positioned to grow with it. We will continue to invest in the Texas region. We’ve been intentional about our hires, acquisitions and brand building – all have which led us to grow smarter. At WSB, we work differently. We are leading the industry in digital delivery methods, using cutting edge tools and hiring the industry’s best and brightest. We are well-positioned to support the infrastructure needs of our clients across our markets throughout Texas. As they say, everything is bigger in Texas and it’s the perfect time to partner with our clients to build what’s next.

“To take a risk and double down on growth, you need to have heart. I think every new hire, acquisition and client in Texas has understood that. We set our sights on supporting Texas’ infrastructure needs and we’re not letting our foot off the gas,” said Jay Kennedy, vice president of Texas operations. “We truly believe in the work we’re doing. Our communities understand this commitment and that’s what will continue to differentiate us in this market.”

WSB Announces Acquisition of Peaks to Plains Design

Acquisition expands WSB’s services to the western U.S.

Design and consulting firm WSB today announced that they have finalized the acquisition of Peaks to Plains Design, an award-winning landscape architecture, civil engineering and planning firm based in Billings, Montana. The acquisition represents progress towards WSB’s strategic growth goals and will help to strengthen the firm’s presence in the western United States.

Peaks to Plains Design was founded in 2003 by Jolene Rieck. The firm is known for their collaborative approach with clients from ideation to implementation. Significant market areas include parks and recreation, transportation enhancements and sustainable site design. Their portfolio includes work nationally, but their primary focus is in Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota.

“We are thrilled to add Jolene and Peaks to Plains Design to our WSB team,” said Bret Weiss, WSB president and CEO. “Our firm has expanded operations nationally, and Jolene’s impressive portfolio and experience will be a strong addition to our firm as we continue to expand in that direction.”

Rieck joins WSB as director of landscape architecture – western region. She brings 22 years of experience practicing landscape architecture and planning. She will merge the high-quality reputations of both firms to empower clients to advance their economic competitiveness, inspire creative placemaking and implement smart infrastructure to improved quality of life. She will help build business while providing leadership to the growing landscape architecture team. In addition, Rieck will be key in collaborating across WSB’s divisions and groups.

“We have been searching for the right person to help expand and lead our growing business and couldn’t be more pleased to have Jolene on our team,” said Jason Amberg, WSB’s director of landscape architecture. “She is well-respected within the profession and brings a wealth of creative talents and experience to WSB.”

Prior to joining WSB, Rieck served as the chief of planning and programs for North Dakota’s Department of Parks and Recreation. She was responsible for strategic leadership, natural resources, motorized and non-motorized trails, grants, planning and construction. She also was an executive staff officer with the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Rieck holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from North Dakota State University.

“I chose WSB because of their alignment with my firm in values, business goals and innovative thinking,” said Rieck. “I am excited to work closely with the team to build the places, spaces and systems that support our lives.”

In addition to Rieck, Gordon Lemmel joins WSB as a landscape architect from Peaks to Plains Design. Rieck and Lemmel will operate from WSB’s Bismarck, North Dakota office.

Nathelyne A. Kennedy Receives Jerry Allen Courage in Leadership Award

The national award is given by the Zweig Group each year to someone working in the AEC industry who has made tremendous impacts through courageous leadership

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Nathelyne A. Kennedy was awarded the Jerry Allen Courage in Leadership Award by the Zweig Group. The Jerry Allen Courage in Leadership Award is given annually to one individual working in the architecture, engineering, planning or environmental industry who has made a tremendous impact on their firm through courageous leadership.

Kennedy is the founder, President and CEO of Nathelyne A. Kennedy & Associates, Inc (NAK), a Houston-based civil engineering firm. She was the first Black woman to receive an engineering degree from a college or university in Texas in 1959. WSB acquired NAK in 2019, and today, Nathelyne continues to audit drawings for the firm’s most complex projects.

“Nathelyne treats her staff with a lot of respect,” said WSB President and CEO Bret Weiss. “She invests in people of color to advance them in our industry, an area that is severely lacking and is continuing to work hard and show how important leadership is in our industry, regardless of who you are. I am so proud that she has been recognized by our industry for her extraordinary accomplishments.”

Nathelyne was named Houston’s Engineer of the Year in 2016 and remains the only female to ever receive the award. She has also been previously named Minority Business Woman of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“The most rewarding part is the people,” said Kennedy. “Knowing that we have been successful, not knowing if we could do it, and then we proved we could. It has given meaning to my life and I am so proud of what we have accomplished.

Nathelyne accepted the prestigious award in Denver, Colorado earlier this month, during the Zweig ElevateAEC Conference Awards Gala. The Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for firms in the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

Moving Past the 2021 Minnesota Drought

By Alyson Fauske, Sr Project Manager, WSB

2021 has presented a number of challenges to communities, not least of which was a major drought. Minnesota was faced with above-normal temperatures along with lower-than-average precipitation, resulting in one of the worst droughts seen in the area in the last 20-30 years.

As we move into fall and winter in Minnesota, leaders may be thinking that the worst of the drought is over and that they can move on to thinking about managing winter snow and cold. However, the ramifications of the drought are likely to continue into 2022. Below is a list of some of the ways the drought may have longer-term effects to communities.

Loss of saplings. Communities that implemented projects in 2021 that included planting saplings are likely going to find that many of them have not survived the year and are going to need to be replaced in the spring.
Mature tree loss. Due to the stress of drought, mature trees in the community may have suffered from pests or disease. These shade trees are a major resource to communities and may need to be treated or replaced.
Watering restrictions. Many communities implemented watering restrictions due to drought conditions. Irrigation systems that ran too often or for too long used more resources than necessary leading to reduced water availability for daily needs. This also resulted in concerned or confused residents that didn’t understand how or why these restrictions were needed for the good of the community.
Low reserves of community water supplies. In addition to increased watering demands for vegetation, valuable water was often lost through inefficient or defective equipment in many residents and businesses.
Well interference. Drought can often result in domestic or municipal wells running out of water. The MN DNR received significantly more calls this year than normal about dry wells that require them to investigate and often result in owners or municipalities incur repair costs.

Nearly all Minnesota cities experienced some or all these challenges this summer. As a result of the extreme stress put on local water infrastructure, the MN DNR has put together the 2021 Drought Assistance Proposal. This proposal includes a request for $13.3 million in funding to help cities address the effects of this drought.

WSB is tracking the funding package as it moves through the legislature and will be prepared to assist clients with grant applications for the fund as well as identify other funding opportunities that are tied to this effort.

Alyson is a Senior Project Manager in WSB’s Municipal Group and the City Engineer for the City of Minnetrista. With 20 years of engineering experience in the municipal industry, Alyson Fauske has built her career providing municipal engineering services throughout the Twin Cities.

[email protected] | 763.512.5244

The Three Key Benefits of Stream Restoration

THE CASE FOR PROTECTING AND ENHANCING FRESHWATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

By Luke Lunde, Professional Soil Scientist and Amy Anderson, Project Engineer, WSB

Rivers and streams are a dynamic mixture of water, sediment, aquatic organisms and riparian vegetation. The form of rivers and streams change over time as erosion, accumulation and conveyance of sediment occurs.

Rural and urban surface water runoff and pollution make rivers and streams among the most degraded ecosystems, leading to impaired water quality, biological condition and aquatic habitat. Restoration involves returning a stream or river to a natural shape and condition, so it is well suited to convey water and sediment supply from the watershed.

Restoration projects take many forms and encompass many goals, but three of the most common are to improve water quality, mitigate habitat loss to protect fish and wildlife, and increase the public’s ability to use the channel for fishing and other recreational activities.

Along the way, people access rivers and streams as a means of transportation, hydroelectric energy, recreation and more. We rely heavily on rivers and streams as a water source. That’s why keeping them healthy is so important through watershed protection and restoration.

An added benefit of protection and restoration is that it contributes to sustainability. Rivers and streams provide spaces for water to flow in the event of severe weather like a flood. Communities that have well-maintained channels that have connections to its floodplain have built resiliency into their infrastructure systems so they’re more prepared when faced with extreme weather events.

We work closely with our clients on restoration projects that result in an improved habitat for people, animals and fish populations not only at a project site, but further downstream as well. When the protection and enhancement of water quality is considered as part of a watershed approach or a community’s larger infrastructure planning, the benefits are numerous.

IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

Rivers and streams are important public resources, and the quality of the water in them may determine how they can be used. Many areas along rivers and streams have highly erodible banks. Erosion causes nutrient loading to the river or stream, and when these nutrients are transported downstream, they impact water quality throughout the entire system.

When we improve water quality, we reduce loss of riparian habitat and protect aquatic wildlife living in and around rivers and streams, including fish, insects and plants. Taking actionable steps towards improvement results in an increase of aquatic wildlife populations or species diversity. Improving water quality and habitat make an already valued water resource even more valuable to the public.

MITIGATE HABITAT LOSS

Rivers and streams are critical habitat for wildlife, both in and out of the water. Erosion can make riverbanks unstable and decrease water quality and clarity. Stabilizing stream banks addresses these issues. During a recent restoration of the North Fork of the Zumbro River in Wabasha County, MN, we installed a toe wood structure along the riverbank to create an in-stream habitat for both fish and the aquatic insects to improve access to their food source. The toe wood structure will help maintain and enhance game fish populations and stabilize eroded streambanks.

INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY

Wildlife and people must be able to access rivers and streams to make use of them. By addressing water quality and mitigating habitat loss, accessibility is improved. Now, wildlife can utilize a restored, sustainable aquatic resource while at the same time improving public use for fishing, hunting, swimming and other recreational activities.

Luke Lunde
Luke is a Minnesota Professional Soil Scientist in WSB’s Environmental Natural Resources Group, and he has over nineteen years of natural resource and environmental review experience. Luke’s experience includes soil survey mapping, geologic hazard assessments, karst feature mapping and mitigation plans, wetland delineation, wetland banking, wetland mitigation, habitat restoration, invasive species management, grant writing, erosion control compliance site management, habitat restoration, invasive species management, natural resource planning, environmental permitting and compliance, for numerous projects throughout the Midwest.

Amy Anderson
Amy has over nine years of professional experience in water resources engineering, specializing in stream restoration and watershed management. Amy’s experience in stream restoration spans the project cycle, from surveying and design through construction observation and post-project monitoring. Amy has been the primary author or co-author of Surface Water Management Plans for two separate municipalities (West St. Paul and North St. Paul) and one watershed district (Valley Branch Watershed District) in the metro area and has presented to citizen’s groups, municipal committees, and city councils on surface water management and planning.

The Power of Partnerships in Economic Development

COLLABORATING TO SUPPORT THE NEXT BIG ECONOMIC DRIVER.

By Kim Lindquist, Director of Community Planning & Economic Development, WSB

Partnership is critical to successful economic development. Whether it’s working with cities, counties, private utility companies, developers or other private and public sector stakeholders, finding ways to share information, resources, collaborate and unite around a project ensures communities are ready and able to fully capitalize on development opportunities.

THE BENEFITS OF BUSINESS ATTRACTION

Over the past decade, we’ve seen more economic development projects target Minnesota communities, but turnaround time from the request for information (RFI) to final selection of a site often means stakeholders must be prepared to respond quickly. These projects can bring in new goodpaying jobs, improved quality of life for residents, a larger tax base and numerous other amenities and benefits, making them attractive to community members and local leaders alike. But without full stakeholder engagement in economic development planning, communities may miss their opportunity to secure an advantageous project.

BUILDING THE RIGHT TEAM

A great example of the power of partnerships in economic development is a major data center that was pursued by the city of Lino Lakes, MN. When the RFI was released, local leaders were interested in securing the project to grow jobs, tax revenue and opportunities for their residents. However, the information needed for the RFI was not easily accessible or in one place – and the turnaround time was tight. WSB joined in the effort, tapping into our relationships with partners that included city officials, Greater MSP, Anoka County and Great River Energy to compile the required data.

While the city ultimately lost out on the project, that doesn’t mean it was a failure. Instead, thanks to our collaborative efforts, there is now a site in Lino Lakes that is shovel ready, and the city can explore and pursue additional projects. Furthermore, building and maintaining these partnerships for potential projects down the road can have a huge impact on a community securing the right economic development opportunity when it arises.

MEETING THE NEEDS OF A COMMUNITY

Also important to consider, is that even if a project sounds good on paper, if it doesn’t meet the needs of the community, then it’s of little value. Diverse viewpoints and organizations bring a variety of perspectives to the table, which is key to ensuring maximum gain from a project as well as public support. Whether it’s repurposing a building or piece of land, constructing new housing to meet growing demand or restructuring zoning ordinances to attract significant investment, the bigger and more complex the project, the more nuances there are to consider. More collaboration can foster positive public opinion, better anticipate and overcome obstacles, correctly identify the needs of the community and secure the best possible outcome to promote growth and prosperity.

From strategic planning to final implementation, collaboration is key to the success of any economic development initiative. Our goal in every economic development project at WSB is to make the process seamless for our external and internal partners. We build and nurture meaningful relationships that benefit communities and people across Minnesota, Texas, Colorado, Arkansas and North Dakota, and it’s rewarding to see those efforts come together through the power of partnerships.

Kim is a planning professional with over 30 years of experience overseeing a variety of complex planning projects. Kim worked in high growth communities working with developers and the public on entitlements for residential development and business attraction to the city.

[email protected] | 763.287.8303

Jim has over 25 years of experience in economic development, including both redevelopment and greenfield development projects. Most recently, Jim was the State of Minnesota’s Business Development Representative for the Twin Cities metro area, responsible for attracting new businesses to the State and assisting businesses in expanding their current locations.

[email protected] | 763.762.2846

WSB Promotes Val Brennan to Director of Marketing

Design and consulting firm WSB announced today that Val Brennan has been promoted to director of marketing. In her new role, Val will oversee the WSB brand, all brand assets and will support both internal and external content development.

Val joined WSB in 2017 and has over a decade of experience executing and developing strategic marketing and communications plans. She will focus on telling WSB’s story by developing and directing marketing efforts, focused on increasing the value and performance of WSB’s brand and services.

“Val has been with WSB for four years, and has helped us transform our marketing efforts,” said Ben Maurer, WSB’s vice president of marketing and communications. “She has done an incredible job building out our brand and helping to set a new bar for our industry. I am excited to see what she has in store for us.”

Val approaches projects with the audience in mind and understands the importance of small details. She will drive marketing efforts through corporate collateral, advertising, media relations and overall messaging.

“I believe strongly in authentic marketing and communications tactics,” said Val. “I am excited to continue to collaborate with my team to find successful solutions that focus on the end user, and the experiential aspects of our brand.”

Supporting a Cleaner World Through Resiliency

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY STRATEGIES.

By Amy Fredregill, Sr. Director of Sustainability and Brigid Lynch, Geomorphologist/Climatologist Hazard Specialist, WSB

With the release of the 2021 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, the need for businesses, governments, and civilians to accelerate their efforts to build greener economies and avoid a global climate crisis is clear. Businesses and all levels of government are seeing increased climate risk along with demand from customers and community members to find innovative solutions that reduce emissions in energy, transport, and other industries.

The primary strategy to prepare for the future includes increasing energy and water efficiency and creating renewable energy plans while simultaneously managing the impacts that have already reached us, like an increase in extreme weather events.

Renewables and the economy.

Companies and consumers are becoming more selective of who they choose to work with and purchase from, focusing on carbon footprints and those committed to renewable goals, driving growth, and encouraging companies to be innovative. The future of renewables is booming and will ultimately reduce cost and risk, meeting the wants and needs of the consumer. Local governments are also strategically transitioning their operations to be more climate friendly, including securing renewable energy.

Developing predictive tools.

In response to extreme weather events and changing demands, WSB is developing a GIS-based tool to help businesses and government entities strategically transition their operations to renewable energy sources. The tool adapts to client needs and allows them to select which renewable sources should be included in their renewable plans. The tool is predictive, incorporating climate change projections that will affect energy production and operations in the future, and integrates cost and benefits of different sources of renewable energy technologies.

The new tool produces energy production calculations, climate risk assessments and suitability rankings. This data helps companies identify where the risks lie, so they can achieve their future goals, make informed decisions, and come up with solutions to achieve those goals.

The future of renewable energy.

According to the International Energy Agency, renewable energy currently makes up 26% of the world’s electricity, but that share is expected to grow to nearly 30% by 2024. As the demand for renewable energy sources and strategies grows, we have the unique opportunity to support a greener world, reduce cost and risk and meet customer demands.

Amy Fredregill
Sr Director of Sustainability
[email protected]

Brigid Lynch
Geomorphologist/Climatologist Hazard Specialist
[email protected]

WSB Hires Julie Thiel to Lead the Firm’s Human Resource Efforts

Julie will focus on driving best in class human resources practices, and creating a culture of inclusion, leadership and collaboration at WSB.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Julie Thiel has joined the organization as their vice president of human resources. Thiel joins the firm’s Golden Valley office where she will lead WSB’s human resources efforts and also joins the firm’s executive committee.

Thiel has more than 25 years of experience leading talent programs across multiple industries and is known for helping organizations amplify their current talent, build an attractive work culture and develop the next generation of authentic leaders. She will focus on driving implementation, developing actionable solutions, and creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration at WSB.

“As we attempted to understand and navigate this tight talent market, Julie was an obvious choice, her experience with attracting, retaining and engaging staff is unmatched,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and CEO. “Our company is rapidly growing, and Julie came in at just the right time. The effects she will have on her team and this company will be felt immediately.”

Most recently, Thiel was vice president of talent management and the human resources lead for post-merger culture integration at Schwan’s Company in Bloomington, Minn. Throughout her career, she has held multiple leadership roles focusing on recruiting, learning, talent development, organizational development and diversity. She was recognized as one of the 2020 Top Women in Business by Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal.

“I am thrilled to join WSB at such an exciting time and to lead, mentor and impact all teams across the company,” said Thiel. “We are growing at such a rapid pace; I am ready to solidify and develop our human resources efforts to best support this growing team.”

Recruitment and retention are major goals for WSB as they continue to expand throughout the United States. As part of WSB’s human resources team, Thiel will focus on fostering the company culture, maintaining an inclusive workplace, developing strong leaders and managing recruitment strategy.

WSB ranks #47 on the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal’s Fast 50 list

On Thursday, October 28, the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ) announced their 2021 Fast 50 List, an exclusive ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the Twin Cities. This marks the first year that WSB was included on the list with a revenue growth of 24%. WSB is the only engineering firm to make the list landing at #47.

The Fast 50 awards recognize the region’s 50 fastest-growing, privately held, for profit companies. To be eligible for the Fast 50, companies must show year-over-year revenue growth for each of the past three completed fiscal years, be headquartered in the Twin Cities 24-county metro area and have revenue of at least $1 million in the first fiscal year.

Read our Fast 50 Profile .