News

WSB Announces 2021 Staff Promotions

WSB is excited to announce our newly promoted staff. As a growing company, we are dependent on the continual development of new talent and leadership. We are fortunate to have such strong and committed leaders that have chosen to invest their careers with us. We are proud to promote these staff to their new roles and are confident that their best years are ahead of them.

Principal

Justin Hansen – Director of GIS Services

Senior Associate

Ben Barker – Right of Way Specialist
Bill Alms – Project Manager
Bob Haseman – Chief Engineer of Houston
Bob Slipka – Sr Landscape Architect
Carl Osberg – Director of Structures
Dan Rogers – Director of Transportation Design – Texas
Diane Hankee – Project Manager
Eric Eckman – Project Manager
Karne Newburn – Corporate Counsel
Lisa Beckman – Sr Right of Way Specialist
Liz Weber – Director of Financial Planning
Mike Molitor – Sr Project Manager
Shibani Bisson – Sr Project Manager

Associates

Adam Jessen – Project Manager
Brandon Nguyen – Sr Project Engineer
Dallas Westerlund – Project Manager
Dan Pfeiffer – Director of Public Engagement
Dustin Tipp – Project Engineer
Eric Breitsprecher – Project Manager
Heather Jones – Project Analyst
Jason Kreger – Civil 3D CAD Manager
Jayson Honer – Project Manager
Jeremy Honga – Professional Land Surveyor
Laura Rescorla – Project Engineer
Marc Drouin – Project Engineer
Nate Osterberg – Pipeline Inspector
Nick Preisler – Project Engineer
Trevett Cullers – Executive Assistant
Val Brennan – Marketing Communications Manager

WSB places #58 on Zweig’s Hot Firm List

WSB was recently named a 2021 Hot Firm by the Zweig Group for the eighth consecutive year. The list honors the fastest growing firms in the AEC industry in the U.S. and Canada.  Firms are ranked based on three-year growth in revenue, by both percentage and dollar growth.  WSB ranks #58 on this year’s list, climbing 14 spots from 2020.

Hot Firm #58

The Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for firms in the AEC industry.  The Zweig Group’s awards programs recognize and celebrate top AEC industry firms in several categories.  Winners will be recognized at the 2021 Elevate AEC Conference in November.

View the complete list of Hot Firm Winners.

WSB to deliver first set of paperless design plans to the Minnesota Department of Transportation

The multi-dimensional designs are for the Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River project

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they will deliver the first set of fully digital paperless design plans to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).  The paperless plans will be delivered later this summer for the Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River project.

“The 3D Design Model has allowed us to see the design in a whole new light. We are able see design changes on the fly that provides MnDOT with greater flexibility in the decision-making process,” said MnDOT’s Darren Nelson, Highway 169 Redefine – Elk River project manager.

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.

For the project, WSB advanced the methods and procedures used to implement a Building Information Modeling (BIM) design approach. The approach will result in improved project cost, better risk management and improved quality. The BIM model is built from available data and is highly accurate. The model creates a seamless workflow from design through construction and will import information to the field digitally resulting in efficiencies and better communication.  Once construction is complete, the project is left with an as-built, accurate model that can be used for asset management in the future.

“As engineers, we are motivated by the opportunities to design infrastructure projects that support our communities and this project is no exception,” said Jon Chiglo, WSB’s chief operating officer. “It’s very rewarding to partner with MnDOT to shape the way our entire industry will deliver projects. Based on the benefits, digital delivery is the future and it’s exciting that WSB is leading these efforts.”

To date, the combination of the 3D BIM Model, 4D Model and 5D Cost Structure within a digital design environment has led to many cost savings and benefits even before construction has begun. The true, virtual representation of what will be built has allowed stakeholders to easily review the project impacts.

MnDOT received special funding to convert Highway 169 from the Mississippi River to 197^th Ave. to a freeway system through Elk River. The project will convert four at-grade intersections into interchanges and will modify the access of the Highway 169 and Highway 10 interchange. WSB is responsible for delivering the final design.

WSB named one of the Top 175 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune

WSB is honored to be named one of the Top 175 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune – ranking #28 on the top Midsize Employers list.  For eight years, we have received this prestigious honor, recognizing the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health and satisfaction.

We are extremely grateful to our WSB team who inspire each other to discover thoughtful and creative solutions for our clients.  Together, we look beyond the needs of today to the opportunities of tomorrow. From the beginning, we’ve been firm believers that culture drives results and we’re proud of our staff who continue to help us forge ahead. We want to take a moment to publicly thank our staff for strengthening our culture.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to creating an environment where our staff feel valued, have fulfilling work and feel like they belong.

Newsletter | Special Edition: Celebrating 25 Years

Bret Weiss, WSB president & CEO, 2020 recipient of ACEC MN’s President’s Award

Bret Weiss, WSB’s President and CEO, was presented the 2020 President’s Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies – Minnesota Chapter (ACEC MN). 

Weiss’ involvement in ACEC MN extends beyond their annual membership program. His extensive background in engineering and leadership in the Minnesota business community has created many opportunities for a strong partnership to be forged. Weiss is committed to the advancement of infrastructure to support our communities and it’s through a commitment to strong partnerships and collaboration that this work is possible. 

The President’s Award recognizes an individual annually who has made a significant contribution to ACEC MN’s organization.

WSB raises over $100,000 for local community charities

The consulting firm’s WSB Gives program has raised nearly $500,000 since 2012.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they have raised $104,895 for local charities as part of their annual WSB Gives program, surpassing last year’s donation by over $25,000.

The WSB Gives program supports local community organizations throughout the firm’s office locations in Minnesota, North Dakota, Texas and Colorado.  The donations benefit several organizations including Second Harvest Heartland, Channel One Food Bank, Friends in Need Food Shelf, 360 Communities, Catholic Charities, Houston Food Bank, Operation Sandwich, Food Bank of the Rockies, , Austin Food Bank, Every Meal and more.

“Supporting those in need throughout the communities we serve is more important now than ever,” said WSB’s president and CEO Bret Weiss. “Everyone has a little more against them right now and despite it all, we rallied and raised a record high. I am so proud of our staff’s commitment to charitable giving and am truly humbled by their generosity.”

WSB Gives is part of WSB’s overall charitable giving program called WSB Cares. This year, WSB staff contributed to WSB Gives through volunteering, cash donations, nonperishable food and clothing donations, a virtual auction and a raffle.

Since 2012, WSB has partnered with the Engineering CEOs of Minnesota to compete against one another in the annual food drive. This event is an opportunity for the industry to focus their competitive spirts on raising money for those in need. Collectively, the group has raised over $272,000 this year and nearly $2 million since 2012 for over 40 charities and food shelves.

Four WSB staff members pass Professional Engineer exam

WSB is pleased to congratulate four team members who recently passed their Professional Engineer exam in Minnesota. The Principles and Practice of Engineering exam is an examination required to become a Professional Engineer in the United States. To become licensed, engineers must complete a four-year college degree, have at least four years of relevant work experience and pass two intensive competency exams.

According to the Society of Women Engineers, only 13 percent of engineers in the workforce today are women. We are proud to announce that three of WSB’s newest Professional Engineers are women.

Congratulations!

Kendra Fallon, PE

Kendra Fallon is part of WSB’s water resources team where she assists in the design, implementation and review of stormwater systems. She joined WSB nearly three years ago and has a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Civil Engineering with a focus on Environmental Engineering.

Mallori Fitzpatrick, PE

Mallori Fitzpatrick joined WSB’s transportation team nearly six year ago.  In her role, she focuses on traffic impact studies, analyzes crash data, forecasts traffic volumes, as well as signing, striping, and lighting design plans. She also writes Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) reports and model traffic simulations.

Laura Rescorla, PE

Laura Rescorla is part of WSB’s water resources team where she designs storm water systems and protects natural resources. In addition to her work as a civil engineer, Laura also leads WSB’s technical career pathway program called Opportunity+.

Philip Schanilec, PE

Philip has been part of WSB’s construction services team for four years.  He specializes in bridge construction, most recently assisting on the 35W River Bridge Replacement project in Burnsville, MN. He has assisted on several large-scale projects throughout the state including the TH 75 project in Moorhead and the Steele County Bridges Design Build project.

WSB hires Melvin Harris to grow construction services in Houston area

Harris will lead the firm’s construction efforts in Texas.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Melvin Harris is joining the organization as their director of construction engineering and inspection. Harris joins the firm’s Houston office where he will lead WSB’s efforts to build a strong construction inspection team in Texas.

“Melvin is technically solid and a significant strategic hire for our firm,” said Jay Kennedy, WSB’s vice president of Texas operations. “His experience working with the Texas Department of Transportation, his construction management knowledge and bridge inspection and management skills will set a foundation for growth and will allow us to expand our services to clients in the Houston area and beyond.”

Harris joins WSB with nearly ten years of experience working on high-profile construction projects in Texas. Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to work with the Texas Department of Transportation on large-scale infrastructure projects including the Grand Parkway Project and the US 290 Corridor Project.

Most recently Melvin held the position of Director of Construction Service Operations for Aguirre and Fields. During his tenure, he grew the team from 30 to 50+ members, standardized several inspection processes and implemented a safety program.

“I’m excited to join a firm with so much momentum and opportunity behind them,” said Harris. “My goal is to build a technically solid team that focuses on elevating the services we provide for our clients. The opportunities are endless and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for WSB’s construction services in Texas.”

As part of WSB’s construction team, Harris will support WSB’s clients in the heavy civil construction market. He will focus on the firm’s operations while working to strategically support growth. As a consulting engineering firm, WSB provides transportation planning and design, water/wastewater utility work and community planning services throughout the state of Texas.

WSB launches second Opportunity+ cohort

The targeted workforce training and development program aims to diversify AEC industry.

Design and consulting firm WSB today announced that the company has launched its second Opportunity+ cohort. Opportunity+ is the firm’s workforce training and development program designed to prepare participants for long-term careers in the civil engineering industry. The program, first launched in January 2020, is a free and fast-paced training course led by experts at WSB.

“We have a responsibility as leaders in the AEC industry to build diversity and opportunities for all people interested in civil engineering,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and CEO. “I am thrilled to kick-off our next cohort and introduce our participants to the world of construction materials testing and surveying.”

From January through April, eight program participants will receive accelerated training through evening and weekend sessions. The flexible schedule allows participants to continue working during the day while completing the hands-on program. Upon completion of the program, Opportunity+ participants will be trained in surveying and construction materials testing – two high-demand positions in civil engineering.

“Even though my dream was to pursue a career in an engineering-related field, I never had the opportunity after finishing my GED,” said Salvador Santibañez Sánchez, a member of this year’s Opportunity+ cohort. “I’m ready for a career change and I see this training as a great opportunity to put me on the right path of what I believe is my true calling, where I can use my skills and learn new ones.”

Nine cohort members completed the first Opportunity+ training class and received their certificates. WSB hired two program participants from the first Opportunity+ cohort. Through hiring partners and WSB’s own hiring practices, the intent is to place every cohort participant interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering following completion of the program.

“I’m looking forward to launching our second cohort not only to help provide access to rewarding careers in the industry, but also to continue our efforts to build a more diverse workforce,” said Laura Rescorla, WSB engineer and program manager of Opportunity+. “It’s been a rewarding experience and we have another impressive cohort eager to explore new possibilities that may not have been accessible to them in the past.”

Program partners include Emerge Community Development, Eastside Employment xChange, City of Minneapolis, City of Saint Paul, Hennepin County and Ramsey County.