WSB was recently named a finalist for the 2021 MN Tekne Awards in the Digital Transformation category. The Tekne Awards are presented by the Minnesota Technology Association each year to shine a spotlight on Minnesota’s science and technology community by honoring innovation across numerous industries.

WSB nominated TH 169: Redefine Elk River. The Minnesota Department (MnDOT) received special funding to convert Highway 169 from the Mississippi River to 197^th Avenue into a freeway system through the City of Elk River. WSB was contracted to provide the final design for the project, which included converting four, at-grade traffic intersections into interchanges and modified highway access. The design needed to be iterative and flexible, and we needed to provide real time quantities to stay on budget.

In October 2021, the WSB team delivered the first set of fully digital paperless design plans to MnDOT. Historically, the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) industry has been paper-heavy with many DOTs across the nation still requiring traditional plans. The transition to paperless is impacting the entire AEC industry, including DOTs, general contractors, and civil engineers.

The Tekne Awards Gala was held virtually in mid-November, drawing in the state’s most influential business, educational, and government leaders to celebrate the state’s science and technology-based economy. WSB is honored to be named a finalist in one of 13 categories that span a wide range of leading-edge technologies. The awards were chosen based on business impact, innovation, outcomes and judge discretion.

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.”

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.

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.  

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.”  

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.

Design and consulting firm WSB announced today the promotion of Jim Mill to director of development – west region. In his new role, Jim will lead operations and oversee business development efforts for the firm’s development work throughout Colorado and the western U.S.

Jim joined WSB in 2018 after 15 years of running his own business and has been instrumental in the firm’s growth in Colorado. His office, based in Denver, CO, currently has staff supporting work in land development, water resources, traffic, survey, and environmental compliance. 

“Jim has the ability to take an idea and make it a reality,” said Monica Heil, WSB’s vice president of municipal services.  “Our clients continually leverage Jim for his skills and abilities in design, master project coordination and value engineering. He has a passion for building the correct teams to support our clients and deliver the best value, budget, and timeline for all his projects.”

Jim has over 35 years of experience in development. Prior to his time at WSB, he was president of Legacy Engineering, Inc. He started his career as an Engineer in Training (EIT) with a local Denver engineering firm.

“Over the last three and a half years, WSB has been an exceptional place to exercise and grow my skills in business while establishing a strong foundation in Colorado,” said Jim.  “I am excited to take on additional responsibilities and build off of this foundation to expand in all facets of our business.”

Beyond his responsibilities in development, Jim will help lead and mentor staff throughout the region from the Denver office.

In honor of WSB’s 26^th year in business, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our past and share the history of why our anniversary is so important.

In October 1995, the founders of WSB made the decision to leave the firm we were with after they stopped investing in technology, staff and clients. When you remove the tools that are necessary for your team and client success, the impacts are significant. For us, it was the push we needed. We came together to create a new type of firm, one that is centered on passion, optimism, and a bold vision to be the most authentic firm we can be. We have spent the last 26 years developing that mission, focusing on solid client relationships, encouraging staff to be curious and determined, and consistently pushing to be at the forefront of our industry.

When I look back, WSB has become much more than the firm we originally set out to build, and that is because of each staff member, client and partner we have worked with over the years. We believe in delivering what’s next for our clients. We live our mission and we work together during good and more challenging times to support our communities. I am grateful for how our relationships have stayed consistent and have helped us work together to navigate the past 18 challenging months.

Every year on our anniversary, we celebrate all we have accomplished, and look forward to the future. We have built a supportive culture that puts clients and people first – and that’s important to celebrate. WSB will continue to invest in our staff, our clients, and cutting-edge tools, because that is the commitment we made nearly three decades ago. I want to take today to celebrate, and I look forward to finishing 2021 strong, and welcoming new opportunities for partnership and new connections in 2022.