News

30 Stories for 30 Years | Jason Amberg

This year marks an extraordinary milestone—WSB’s 30th anniversary! On October 3, we celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and the incredible spirit that defines our team. Since 1995, our journey has been shaped by bold ideas, transformative projects, and, above all, the people whose passion fuels our success. 

To honor this landmark year, we’re shining a spotlight on 30 remarkable stories. These stories celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff whose efforts have built WSB’s legacy. Join us as we look back, share memories, and toast to the next 30 years of excellence. 

Story 28 out of 30 

What is your first memory of WSB?

I first met Jay Kennedy and Pete Willenbring back in 1997 or 1998 when I was with Brauer and Associates. We met to discuss an opportunity for them to be our subconsultant to provide stormwater design for several athletic complexes we were designing at the time. We hit it off and began to routinely include WSB as our sub on many projects. As WSB grew, they also hired us to support their projects and we eventually merged with WSB in 2012 as the company’s very first acquisition.

What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?  

The expansion of service areas and regions across the county has been very exciting to me. This has expanded our opportunities to collaborate with team members, clients, and other external partners on a wide range of new projects types and delivery approaches.

What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?

I have way too many ‘favorite’ projects to pick just one. What is the most rewarding thing about any project is visiting a public space we’ve designed after it is completed and hearing all of the positive feedback from community members that use and enjoy these places. I’m also very proud of the amazing team we’ve built over the years.

What stands out to you about WSB’s culture and values?

I think the way we support each other through the many professional challenges combined with the way we celebrate successes puts WSB in a different league. While there may be times when things can get overwhelming, any time I’ve reached out to others for advice or assistance I’ve been welcomed with support from all levels within the company.

Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?

While many of our fantastic principals and leaders of the organization inspire me, I’d like to say that I’m also routinely inspired by people who are only a few years out of college. Over the past couple of years, people like John Owen, Kassidy Przymus, Kent TeVelde, and Tyler Powers have demonstrated a passion and talent for delivering creative results for the clients we serve. It is very rewarding to see them growing professionally with strong communication and organization skills.

If you could say one thing to all of our clients as we celebrate this milestone, what would it be?

Thank you for your trust in WSB! We wouldn’t be here without your support and the great work of our talented staff.

What does being a part of a company celebrating 30 years mean to you?

Since I also started my career 30 years ago, the parallel of WSB and my professional journey is a huge milestone! The fact that I’ve never left a firm in those 30 years makes this even more special to me.

What’s a WSB inside joke, phrase, or tradition that only people who work here would understand?

Talk like a pirate day.

30 Stories for 30 Years | Ryan Stempski

This year marks an extraordinary milestone—WSB’s 30th anniversary! On October 3, we celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and the incredible spirit that defines our team. Since 1995, our journey has been shaped by bold ideas, transformative projects, and, above all, the people whose passion fuels our success. 

To honor this landmark year, we’re shining a spotlight on 30 remarkable stories. These stories celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff whose efforts have built WSB’s legacy. Join us as we look back, share memories, and toast to the next 30 years of excellence. 

Story 27 out of 30 

What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?  

Empowering employees and giving opportunities to all that seek them.

What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?

PFAS WTPs for the City of Hastings. Providing every area of support from funding to outreach to design to construction (even PFAS legislation) to deliver clean drinking water to a community in need.

What do you think WSB does really well that more people should know about?

Provide the best solutions for clients even if that is different than what is best for WSB. A deep bench in numbers and variety of expertise available to get problems solved. Hydro Power solutions is a perfect example of engineering services that I didn’t even know we had but my client was in need, and we were able to quickly align that expertise in a stressful situation.

What keep you excited about working here?

Always pushing the norm and willingness to give the space to be great.

What does being a part of a company celebrating 30 years mean to you?

Stability

Fast forward 30 years – what do you think people will say about WSB’s impact on the world?

National go-to firm for real world engineering solutions.

30 Stories for 30 Years | Sri Satti

This year marks an extraordinary milestone—WSB’s 30th anniversary! On October 3, we celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and the incredible spirit that defines our team. Since 1995, our journey has been shaped by bold ideas, transformative projects, and, above all, the people whose passion fuels our success. 

To honor this landmark year, we’re shining a spotlight on 30 remarkable stories. These stories celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff whose efforts have built WSB’s legacy. Join us as we look back, share memories, and toast to the next 30 years of excellence. 

Story 26 out of 30 

What is your first memory of WSB?

My first memory of WSB goes back 11 years, when I joined as an intern. I was new not only to WSB but also to the United States. At the time, Amber Halverson from HR gave me a tour of the Golden Valley building and introduced me to most of the staff.

The next day, when I came into the office, I was surprised that everyone remembered my name and made a point to talk to me. It felt so welcoming and made me feel right at home. I also remember the welcome board at the front desk, which I wasn’t expecting.

What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?  

When I started, WSB had about 150 staff members. As the company grew, the most exciting change I’ve seen is the big investment in technology. It shows up everywhere through automation, better collaboration tools between offices and with outside staff, and giving employees the tools and resources they need to do their jobs more easily.

What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?

As WSB grew, the need for information security also grew. I started taking on information security projects, and I’m proud to have been the first information security professional at WSB. From the ground up, I helped build our information security program. This included creating security policies, setting up endpoint detection and response tools, introducing multi-factor authentication, launching security awareness programs, and developing vulnerability management programs, among other efforts.

I feel proud of how far we’ve come, and at the same time, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to keep improving. I know no company is ever 100% secure, but I am always looking for ways to strengthen our defenses and protect WSB against evolving threats.

Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?

Two people who have influenced me the most at WSB are Jeremy Kilbo and John Mackiewicz.

Jeremy is very empathetic and always focuses on people’s strengths, making others feel valued and supported. He balances being smart and hardworking while also taking the time to listen and guide. I’ve learned a great deal from him, and even today I still reach out for his advice.

John had big impact on my career in a positive way. When I showed interest in information security, he gave me the chance to work on those projects. He also saw the company’s need and created a dedicated information security role, which I was able to step into. I continue to learn from him every day—he is strategic, visionary, and bold, and he inspires me to keep growing.

What keeps you excited about working here?

What keeps me excited about working at WSB is the culture and the constant growth. The company invests in both people and technology, giving me the chance to keep learning and take on new challenges. I feel supported and inspired by the leaders I work with, and WSB’s focus on employees and its vision for the future make me look forward to work every day.

What does being a part of a company celebrating 30 years mean to you?

Being part of WSB’s 30-year milestone makes me feel proud and grateful. It shows the company’s stability, vision, and care for its employees.

30 Stories for 30 Years | Antony Atencio

This year marks an extraordinary milestone—WSB’s 30th anniversary! On October 3, we celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and the incredible spirit that defines our team. Since 1995, our journey has been shaped by bold ideas, transformative projects, and, above all, the people whose passion fuels our success. 

To honor this landmark year, we’re shining a spotlight on 30 remarkable stories. These stories celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff whose efforts have built WSB’s legacy. Join us as we look back, share memories, and toast to the next 30 years of excellence. 

Story 25 out of 30 

What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?

While there is no project in particular that stands out, I have been so proud to collaborate with Native American communities and highlight the breadth of services WSB provides that individual Tribes can utilize to strengthen sovereignty and further support their citizens. From energy enhancements to safety planning and infrastructure improvements, WSB has supported Tribal development all over the US.

What keeps you excited about working here?

The continued growth and opportunities that are associated with the tangerine chevron. I have been blessed to work with such amazing and talented teammates on so many impactful projects. I can’t wait to see where we go next!

What does being a part of a company celebrating 30 years mean to you?

Participating in this 30-year milestone is a significant honor. It reflects the extensive effort, collaboration, and commitment that have contributed to establishing the company we take pride in today. I am grateful to share in this moment and look forward to what the next 30 years has in store.

What’s a WSB inside joke, phrase, or tradition that only people who work here would understand?

Sidewalk jokes. I know it sounds random but ask anyone that has worked with the Safe Streets for All planning team. We love a good sidewalk joke!

30 Stories for 30 Years | Allison Whitsitt

This year marks an extraordinary milestone—WSB’s 30th anniversary! On October 3, we celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and the incredible spirit that defines our team. Since 1995, our journey has been shaped by bold ideas, transformative projects, and, above all, the people whose passion fuels our success. 

To honor this landmark year, we’re shining a spotlight on 30 remarkable stories. These stories celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff whose efforts have built WSB’s legacy. Join us as we look back, share memories, and toast to the next 30 years of excellence. 

Story 24 out of 30 

What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?  

Going from being Oklahoma focused to the opportunity in representing WSB and our Emergency Management mission across the entire footprint of the company – and beyond.

What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?

Hazard Mitigation Plans – constructing our documents opens the door for our communities in a way that no other report can. It provides opportunities for our partners to transform their communities by way of mitigation via federal funding dollars not available any other way.
I also love the FDOT Hurricane Response project – pulling together so many facets of WSB to engage in the response and recovery after a devastating event gives us an opportunity to make a difference in the communities we live in.

What stands out to you about WSB’s culture and values?

Support. Unwavering support and encouragement.

Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?

Jon Chiglo. And that’s not a suck up. I admire how Jon is tough, demanding, and pushes us hard, but under it all, he is kind and actually funny.
Jay Kennedy – Jay is an incredible mentor. From the jump Jay has provided encouragement, support and insight.

If you could say one thing to all our clients as we celebrate this milestone, what would it be?

WSB is not just an engineering firm, we are a family of people who love the places and spaces where we work and live, and pour everything we have into the work we do there. It’s not a job for us, it’s an honor to serve our partners.

What keeps you excited about working here?

Opportunity

Even if you’re new to WSB, can you share about a moment that made you feel like “I belong here”?

The day the acquisition was announced, I sat in a conference room with the WSB team and they wanted to learn everything they could about what my group does. They were truly excited about what we had to offer – even though my group didn’t already exist in the makeup of WSB. They wanted us to not only exist but thrive and that was evident from the jump.

What does being a part of a company celebrating 30 years mean to you?

I was part of Meshek, which celebrated 35 years and that was incredible to me. That a woman owned, small business had created a space in this universe to not just exist but was “THE NAME” in Oklahoma meant a lot to me. Being involved as WSB celebrates 30 years brings the same pride. It’s not easy, and 30 years is a remarkable accomplishment.

30 Stories for 30 Years | Steve Byrd

This year marks an extraordinary milestone—WSB’s 30th anniversary! On October 3, we celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and the incredible spirit that defines our team. Since 1995, our journey has been shaped by bold ideas, transformative projects, and, above all, the people whose passion fuels our success. 

To honor this landmark year, we’re shining a spotlight on 30 remarkable stories. These stories celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff whose efforts have built WSB’s legacy. Join us as we look back, share memories, and toast to the next 30 years of excellence. 

Story 23 out of 30 

What is your first memory of WSB?  

My first memory was “oh my I am to old to maybe have to look for a different job”. People are scared of change especially at my age, boy was I wrong. The first memory after the merger was this is something special. The tools that WSB has are very impressive. You can teach an old dog new tricks and it has been nothing but a learning experience from that day on.

What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?  

So many strangers treating you like they have know you for 30 years. The welcoming we all have had is very good. WSB does not want anyone to fail, if you do they have the tools to help you keep on tract and grow.

What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?

I have a few different hats I wear. I market to the clients in SE OK for our road designers and bridges teams as well as the Tribes in the area. Makes me proud to be able to send a project RFP to someone and they get the job. WSB is the consultant at two airports and we maintain the CIP program for them to get the funds to build projects. I spent 25 years working on Department of Defense airfields across the country and I like to see these small airports get funds and use them to support the small towns where they are located.

What stands out to you about WSB’s culture and values?

First thought is how different two states like Minnesota and Oklahoma are in our people and daily lives and how WSB has combined both cultures and values to blend those two groups of people with ease. Life here in Oklahoma is much different than the cities were WSB was born but somehow we all share the same goals to grow WSB and we find out we have so much in common. It’s fun to talk to someone there and tell them it’s cold here when its 30 degrees and they are at -2.

Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?

Jay Kennedy was one of the first I spoke to and he was impressive to speak to. Made you feel like you matter in the big picture. David Smith hired me back in 2014 and I learned so much from him and became close friends along the way. He will always be considered a transportation book of knowledge.

What do you think WSB does really well that more people should know about?

How they support the people who work for them. How they treat the client as a friend and not just someone paying them money. If you need something just ask – it gets done. The support they give us to make our clients feel we are the best is second to none. Many companies that are not as large as WSB have no personal touch to their employees they are just a number on a spreadsheet. That type of contact shows thru to the client and it matters to everyone.

Fast forward 30 years – what do you think people will say about WSB’s impact on the world?

They did it right. Did not sell out for profits over pride. Made sure they kept every promise along the way. Never stepped on the little guy while growing.

30 Stories for 30 Years | Lisa Beckman

This year marks an extraordinary milestone—WSB’s 30th anniversary! On October 3, we celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and the incredible spirit that defines our team. Since 1995, our journey has been shaped by bold ideas, transformative projects, and, above all, the people whose passion fuels our success. 

To honor this landmark year, we’re shining a spotlight on 30 remarkable stories. These stories celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff whose efforts have built WSB’s legacy. Join us as we look back, share memories, and toast to the next 30 years of excellence. 

Story 22 out of 30 

What is your first memory of WSB?  

Brian B. – he was so fun to meet and so positive about the company.

What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?  

The right of way group growth.

What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?

The Xcel MNEC 345kV transmission line project – it had over 900 owners.

What stands out to you about WSB’s culture and values?

Family and health over everything.

If you could say one thing to all our clients as we celebrate this milestone, what would it be?

WSB is the best company to work for; I have worked at three other engineering companies and WSB is by far the best!

30 Stories for 30 Years | Eddie Hernandez

This year marks an extraordinary milestone—WSB’s 30th anniversary! On October 3, we celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and the incredible spirit that defines our team. Since 1995, our journey has been shaped by bold ideas, transformative projects, and, above all, the people whose passion fuels our success. 

To honor this landmark year, we’re shining a spotlight on 30 remarkable stories. These stories celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff whose efforts have built WSB’s legacy. Join us as we look back, share memories, and toast to the next 30 years of excellence. 

Story 21 out of 30 

What is your first memory of WSB?  

My first memory of WSB is working together with Andy Kaiyala and his team on a pursuit in Florida when were still AE Engineering.

What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?  

I am excited about how WSB embraces technology.

Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?

Rod Myrick is a true visionary and I am inspired by how he is always looking ahead.

If you could say one thing to all our clients as we celebrate this milestone, what would it be?

Thank you for your support, this wouldn’t be possible without our partnerships.

What keeps you excited about working here?

How we are supported and trusted by upper management. I feel empowered to continue delivering for WSB.

What does being a part of a company celebrating 30 years mean to you?

That this is a successful company and will continue being successful.

30 Stories for 30 Years | Kendra Fallon

This year marks an extraordinary milestone—WSB’s 30th anniversary! On October 3, we celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and the incredible spirit that defines our team. Since 1995, our journey has been shaped by bold ideas, transformative projects, and, above all, the people whose passion fuels our success. 

To honor this landmark year, we’re shining a spotlight on 30 remarkable stories. These stories celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff whose efforts have built WSB’s legacy. Join us as we look back, share memories, and toast to the next 30 years of excellence. 

Story 20 out of 30 

What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?  

I grew up in the Twin Cities just down the road from River Park adjacent to the Mississippi River in Brooklyn Park. I went to preschool near the park, had my high school graduation party there, and spent a lot of my childhood biking to and playing in River Park. A few years back I had the opportunity to assist our landscape architecture group with securing grant funding for the redevelopment of River Park and completing the drainage design. Getting to work on a project so closely tied with the neighborhood and community I grew up in was so rewarding and was such a full circle moment in my career.

What stands out to you about WSB’s culture and values?  

The balance of opportunity and support provided to staff. I have been given opportunities for growth and challenged to take on additional responsibilities that pushed me outside of my comfort zone and have elevated my career at WSB, but I have always felt that my managers and leadership have my back and are there to provide support when needed. Both aspects are needed to foster healthy growth for staff.

What keeps you excited about working here?

Our Water Resources team is such a collaborative, talented group of people, I feel lucky to get to be a part of it!

What’s a WSB inside joke, phrase, or tradition that only people who work here would understand?

When I started, new employees had to stand in front of the whole company and be introduced and interviewed by Bret at their first all staff meeting. Quite the experience for us stereotypical, somewhat introverted engineers!

30 Stories for 30 Years | Laura Rescorla

This year marks an extraordinary milestone—WSB’s 30th anniversary! On October 3, we celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and the incredible spirit that defines our team. Since 1995, our journey has been shaped by bold ideas, transformative projects, and, above all, the people whose passion fuels our success. 

To honor this landmark year, we’re shining a spotlight on 30 remarkable stories. These stories celebrate the dedication and talent of our staff whose efforts have built WSB’s legacy. Join us as we look back, share memories, and toast to the next 30 years of excellence. 

Story 19 out of 30 

What is your first memory of WSB?  

I interviewed via video call with the water resources group when I was living in Pennsylvania, pre-pandemic, before video interviews were so common. I remember nervously setting up my interview corner (thankfully I didn’t know until a lot later that my face was projected on a big screen in a conference room!), wondering if this job and company could be a good fit. I was impressed by the variety of work that the group did and grateful they were willing to take a chance on me and see the value in a few years of non-standard experience I had after college (including AmeriCorps and working overseas).

What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?  

I had the huge privilege of developing and running the Opportunity+ Training Program for almost 5 years. I got to take Bret’s vision to create new pathways into our industry and bring it to life. I developed relationships with non-profits that work with job seekers, cities/counties/companies that had similar hiring needs as us, and experts within WSB. Together, we built a program that broke down the barriers for people to enter our industry, provided hands on training, and connected graduates to careers at WSB and with hiring partners. I loved connecting with participants and the program itself was a lot of fun! It was immensely meaningful both personally and professionally.

What do you think WSB does really well that more people should know about?  

We tackle problems that directly affect people’s lives by tapping into the combined passion and expertise of our staff. We design terrific intersections and flood mitigations measures for example, because we have people that geek out about roundabouts and hydraulic modeling respectively. Because we’re excited about the work we do and the impact it has, we do it really well!

Even if you are new to WSB, can you share a moment that made you feel like “I belong here”?

When I applied to be a water resources engineer at WSB, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to use my degree and be an engineer or do something else entirely. A couple years later, when I was chosen to lead what became the Opportunity+ Training Program, I got to combine numerous areas that I was passionate about – engineering, teaching/training, and pursuing justice – without ever leaving WSB! That – combined with the amazing people I get to work with every day – are what solidified that WSB is the place for me.