Bret Weiss, WSB president & CEO, appointed to Gold Shovel Association’s Board of Directors

Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and CEO, was appointed to Gold Shovel Association’s (GSA) Board of Directors. GSA is a nonprofit organization committed to improving public and workforce safety and the integrity of buried infrastructure.

Weiss joins 14 fellow board members who have extensive experience and knowledge in the design, engineering, construction, community planning and energy industries across the nation. Together, the board members represent companies that are known nationally for safe operations and industry-leading utility and construction practices.

GSA’s Gold Shovel Standard (GSS) guides the organization’s belief that greater transparency in all aspects of damage prevention among buried-asset owner/operators, excavators, locators and contractors is essential to drive continuous improvement, and vital to ensure increasingly safe working conditions and communities. The organization seeks to raise the performance bar by providing tools and measurements that drive superior performance.

“I am thrilled to join GSA’s board of directors and believe strongly in their mission,” said Weiss. “The underground infrastructure that powers our communities is incredibly important and I look forward to working together to create positive change within our industry.”

GSA announced the expansion of their board in a press release earlier this month. The full announcement is available at https://goldshovelstandard.org/news-media/press-releases/

Q&A | WSB’s Founders

More than 25 years ago, a group of engineers early in their careers met for happy hour and decided to start something new. A firm that would be different than all the others and one that would focus on staff, clients and innovation. In this Q&A, founders Bret Weiss, Pete Willenbring and Ron Bray reflect on the early beginnings of WSB and what the future holds for our firm.

B – Bret Weiss, President & CEO

P – Pete Willenbring, Vice President

R – Ron Bray, Vice President

When you first formed WSB, what were your goals?

P: My goals were relatively simple and straightforward: To create a company that had internal and actively involved owners focused on hiring and retaining only the best staff, providing client service second-to-none, and creating a positive, supportive and fun work environment.

B: When we started, we were focused on creating a firm that focused on our staff and clients. We have spent a lot of time and energy achieving that goal, but also realized that there was a need for a firm that pushed outside of how others operated. For us, that involved looking beyond the established solutions toward using technology to create a better deliverable.

R: The formation of WSB was to establish a top-notch engineering company with great service, but with an emphasis on the value of its employees.

Did you anticipate this level of growth and success?

R: WSB was able to grow faster than we anticipated based on quality service, great employees with unique talents, and well-established client relationships. Our goal of 50 employees in five years happened much sooner than anticipated, which was great, and we’ve kept growing since then. I think that establishing a key management structure helped facilitate our continued growth.

P:  I anticipated our firm would grow to a level like other successful consulting firms in the Twin Cities.  I did not envision growth in some of the new service areas we have created.

B: I knew that if we wanted to be the firm of choice that we would need to grow and expand. Our goal was to be a long-lasting and independent consulting firm. In order to do that, growth is required to provide opportunities and resources to build the systems and structure that would support a larger firm.

Any advice for leaders now and for those who come after you?

B: Be unique. Too many businesses follow the lead of others and then become images of each other.  It can be very hard to differentiate. We have charted our own path and that will continue. It is not an easy road, but most anything we do in life that’s worth it requires hard work.

P: Although other management elements are important, the consulting business is about hiring and retaining staff that our clients and staff need and want to work with. This means they have not only technical skills, but interpersonal skills that allow them to fully relate to the client as well as fellow staff members. If you have staff with those attributes, you will be successful. 

R: Our focus on expanding our services and opening strategic office locations is key. At the same time, let’s remember what made us great was quality client service and an emphasis on the value and growth of our staff. It is very important to me that we remember to be humble.

What do you think WSB looks like in the future?

P: All that we know for sure is that it will change, and we need to be receptive to that.  This year is a prime example of how quickly things can change. Many of us may be working remotely in the future, and the way we deliver service to our clients will likely change as well. We will need to constantly stay nimble, reevaluate our markets, make sure we understand what our clients need and find the best ways to meet those needs.   

B: I don’t know for sure, but we will be larger, more diverse and a leader in our industry. The staff that we have been able to attract to WSB continues to be stronger every year. We are finding our stride in using and developing cutting-edge technology. This will help us broaden our reach and increase the locations that we serve.

R: WSB will continue to grow and expand into other market areas. At the same time, the business model will change and adapt to continue to be the leader in quality client service. Technology is advancing at a faster rate than ever, so the way we do business will need to incorporate this technology and the business model will need to change to stay on that leading edge.

What has been your biggest motivator over the past 25 years?

R: I would say it has been the energy of the folks at WSB. Energy just builds more energy and moves all of us to do better and be more competitive.

P: Getting new and interesting projects, and then working with our awesome clients and staff to provide the best service possible.   

B: I have always wanted to use the talents that I have been given to be the best I can be. When you start a company from nothing, there is a lot to grow and develop. I know that we can get better and striving to be the best for our staff and clients has always been my biggest motivation.  If we do those two things, everything else will take care of itself.

What are you most proud of?

B: A small percentage of startup companies make it to 25 years, and we did. We are focusing on the right things and it is paying off. I am so proud of the company that we have developed and the staff that make it so special.

P: Our staff and the helpful, engaged and supportive environment they create every day.

R: I am excited that I’ve had the opportunity to deliver somewhat complicated and controversial projects at a high level to our clients. Many of these projects have been recognized as award winning by our peers and that is something that really makes me feel proud – of our staff and our clients.

Any favorite memories you’d like to share?

P: They involve silly little things, like Don finding a good deal on RAM for computers, activities surrounding the acquisition and delivery to the office of our various pop machines and a fictitious issue Ron had with the State Board of Registration.

B: We held our first holiday party at the office and catered in Leeann Chin. Pete talked the deli downstairs into letting us use their ovens to warm up the food.  We did everything ourselves and at the end of the evening, we handed out our first WSB hats. I will never forget how excited we all were. It was like we were finally legitimate. 

R: I have a lot of favorite memories fortunately. I am always excited to think of our WSB Celebrations and annual picnics with our staff.

Was there a certain moment when you knew that WSB was going to be successful?

B: We couldn’t afford to fail, so we were confident from the very beginning.  Sure, there were some scary times and leading through a pandemic is one of them. However, there was never a time that I thought we couldn’t win. We have focused on our company and our staff and never compared ourselves to others.

P: I thought it would be from the beginning, but realized we had an opportunity to grow even more quickly when just a few weeks before we were to start the firm, the non-local owners of our previous consulting firm decided to replace the current CEO.  Clients work with who they know, like and have a relationship with. The firm they work for is a secondary consideration. This provided us with an enhanced opportunity to work for these clients.

R: In the fall of 1996, we were building a strong client list and the work started coming in. We felt more stable and I think that was when I knew we had something special going.

What is one misstep you wish you could erase?  What did you learn from that misstep and how did it help shape WSB and your career?

R: We were so busy and growing and things were going great, but we grew so fast and were all working so hard that we weren’t managing the company as well as we should’ve. As a group, we decided to step back and take the time to better understand what needed to be done and work to better understand our strengths and weaknesses at a leadership level. This was an important turning point and ended up setting the stage for future growth.

P: It was challenging to have multiple owners making joint decisions on everything. We learned from this and defined roles later on, but developing a structure, staying flexible and communicating with each other is very important.

B: I have always been very competitive and never shy away from conflict or a challenge. There have been a few times early in my career that I responded poorly to situations. I learned that there are times to talk smart and times where it is not warranted.  At the same time, that competitiveness and strong resolve to not let anyone push us around has driven WSB to be a successful, well respected firm.

Is it challenging to watch what you’ve built grow, change and move in different directions?

P: In terms of truly “challenging,” the most challenging times were during the early years when the firm was small. We were adding staff as fast as we could find them, the owners were not taking salaries and we had to quickly develop new service areas in order to compete in our marketplace. During these times, we were also fighting for market share against established firms with larger staff and many more service offerings.

B: Not at all. Our goal was to create a great firm that valued staff and clients. We have looked for opportunities over the years and change has been important to our success. We never had non-negotiable ideas for what the company needed to look like, so watching others helped us mold our company into what it is today, and it’s been very fulfilling.

R: I don’t know if challenging is the right word, but I would say it is exciting to see WSB take on some new life in various areas, both geographically and service wise.

How have your personalities worked together to build WSB?

R: I tend to be optimistic, often pushing for extending outside of our existing limits. But this push and pull provided a good balance. We know how hard to push each other and we know when to back off. It’s been rewarding to see Bret leading us through and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.

P: The founding partners have different personalities and have had similar and different perspectives on the best way to run the company. For the most part, this was a good thing, but other times it created some challenges we needed to work through. I am certain that both our similarities and differences allowed all of us to grow and appreciate new ideas. It also allowed us to move in directions we otherwise would not have considered.

B: Many people have told me that they are surprised that our partnership has been so successful. We did not get in each other’s way and that has been the key.  Each of us is different, which added to our success.  Our different personalities and similar values allowed us to tackle many different problems and there always seemed to be someone that was passionate about an issue.

What’s the best trait of your fellow founders?

B: Ron is very positive and optimistic. He believes that anything can be achieved and is not afraid to provide encouragement. Pete takes time to have fun and to celebrate while being cost conscious.  He has always helped us watch our pennies.

P:  They are all dedicated to creating a company that is exceptional, are not afraid of long hours or hard work and truly care about our staff and clients.

R: Pete is very budget and spend cautious, but good in his expertise of water resources. Don was good at holding the office down and cranking out the work. Bret had a good reputation in the municipal market and worked hard to secure new clients and projects. Together, with my network and knowledge of transportation and construction, it was a great balance. Our individual skills came together to venture into new areas, gain clients and build workload.

What’s your all-time favorite WSB promotional item?

R: It was the hunting hats hands-down! People love them whether it be camo or bright blaze orange. Even if they didn’t hunt, they still like to wear them.

P: It may seem trivial, but over the years, it has been our high-quality WSB pen.

B: I have always loved our golf balls, but the plastic wine glasses might be the most popular.  The funniest have been the boxer shorts and golf socks.

You can only name one thing, what’s been the key to WSB’s success?

P: Our staff. Without their dedication and commitment to the company and each other we could not have done what we have.  

B: Drive. We have advanced our company for 25 years and we continue to look for ways to be the best we can be. 

R: Great employees!

If you could set-up a WSB office anywhere NOT in the US, where would it be and why?

B: This is not outside of the U.S., but I would probably say New York City so that I could be a little closer to my son and daughter-in-law. They have been living with us during the pandemic and it will be hard to have them go back to NYC. 

P: Vietnam. They are one of the most rapidly growing economies in the world, have a significant need for many of the services we offer, have a highly educated work force and opportunities in this area will only increase with time.  

R: Not even a consideration in my mind. I am fine sticking with the good ole USA.

WSB partners with State of Minnesota on COVID-19 testing support

WSB was selected by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to assist on an emergency contract to set-up and manage the logistics of the state’s no barrier COVID-19 testing sites.

The MDH began setting up Community Testing Sites and Events to help control the spread of COVID-19 this spring.  All testing is free and does not require insurance. There are currently nine saliva testing sites available with a growing number of future locations planned.

“We are honored and humbled to apply our skills and resources in different ways to support the health and wellness of our state,” said Andi Moffatt, WSB’s vice president of environmental services. “We believe it’s important to support our local communities and their infrastructure. Right now, public health is a priority and we will continue to work with the state and our local communities to help deliver these critical testing sites.”

The firm is currently providing project management, IT, site mapping and drone photography, visual documentation and information gathering, general logistics and fiscal management activities on behalf of the state.

WSB selected to lead the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Alternative Delivery General Engineering Consultant contract

This is the second consecutive GEC win for WSB.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they have been selected by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to lead the agency’s Alternative Delivery General Engineering Consultant (GEC) contract for a second consecutive term.

“The opportunity to work alongside MnDOT for the next five years through this contract brings a lot of excitement for our staff,” said WSB’s Alternative Delivery GEC program manager Jon Chiglo. “The GEC contract will allow us to support MnDOT on challenging projects throughout the state and we’re looking forward to assisting the agency as their go-to engineering partner.”

MnDOT’s GEC Master Contract Program supports their preconstruction design bid build project activities and services. Specifically, the Alternative Delivery GEC contract supports the alternative contracting framework and supplements MnDOT staff in a variety of roles.

“The GEC is an important contract that will allow WSB to continue to work closely with MnDOT on solving some of our state’s most vital infrastructure challenges,” said WSB’s president and chief executive officer Bret Weiss. “WSB has taken many steps to diversify our service offerings and become a trusted transportation engineering firm in Minnesota. I’m proud of our partnership with MnDOT and look forward to supporting the agency and the state through this GEC.”

WSB was previously awarded the Alternative Delivery GEC contract in 2016 and has supported MnDOT on nearly $1 billion worth of transportation infrastructure projects through the contract. These projects, some of the largest and most significant in the state, include the Twin Ports Interchange in Duluth, Willmar Wye, Interstate 94 between Maple Grove and Clearwater, Interstate 35W north of Highway 36, TH 14 between Owatonna and Dodge Center and Highway 52 between Cannon Falls and Zumbrota.

25 stories for 25 years | Bryon Amo

On October 5, 2020, WSB will celebrate our 25th year in business. Since 1995, we’ve added new service areas, expanded our reach and served our communities.  Throughout our tenure, our dedicated staff has been a constant.

In honor of our 25th year, we’ll be highlighting 25 stories of the people behind the projects.

Story 9 of 25

Bryon Amo, Sr Engineering Specialist | Joined WSB in 1996

What has been the most memorable moment in your career at WSB?
I often think back to our second summer as a company. There were not many of us and we had a lot of projects going on. I remember an average day consisted of covering construction projects in St. Cloud, Monticello, Laketown, Richfield, Inver Grove Heights and Rosemount. All this work throughout the state, with three Project Managers! We’ve grown so much since then – in staff, geography and technology.

What is one thing you want to tell the future leaders of WSB?
WSB is about innovation and technology – it always should be, but please do not forget that our foundation is built on the relationships that we develop and maintain. We are a people company and that is what makes WSB special.

What about your work gives you energy?
Every day, I am able to solve problems and approach new challenges. I enjoy keeping our projects running smoothly. Very seldom are any two days alike, and I thrive on that.

How has WSB supported your career goals?
I have been given many opportunities to work on projects and have been placed into roles that have really challenged me. I am very grateful for the trust that our leadership has in me to represent WSB on large, sometimes difficult and remote projects. 

Why do our clients continue to work with us?
I think our clients continue to work with us because we genuinely care and we have since the beginning. We care about our clients, our projects and the communities we live and work in.

25 stories for 25 years | Kory Bonnell

On October 5, 2020, WSB will celebrate our 25th year in business. Since 1995, we’ve added new service areas, expanded our reach and served our communities.  Throughout our tenure, our dedicated staff has been a constant.

In honor of our 25th year, we’ll be highlighting 25 stories of the people behind the projects.

Story 8 of 25

Kory Bonnell, Environmental Compliance Specialist | Joined WSB in 2016

We believe in building what’s next in infrastructure – how do you live that value in your work?

Being bold allows us to continue to grow and bring new ideas to our clients. By continuing to encourage our staff to be creative, bring different solutions to the table and because WSB encourages a no-fear mentality, we are reframing the status quo and the answers of “this is what has always been done.” By harnessing the knowledge of our incredible team, we will continue to be at the forefront of our industry and valued by our clients because we are going to be bringing solutions to the table in a completely different delivery approach.

What WSB value do you connect most with? (Bold, Visionary, Authentic, Passionate, Optimistic)

I would have to say bold. I think that this has been one of the best visions to come out of WSB in recent years. When you hear the word “bold” it is not always met with a welcomed gesture. To be bold is to push the limits, to force yourself to be uncomfortable. To be bold is to take ownership and accountability. Thinking about different ways to do things and not being fearful of trying something new, putting yourself or your business in a new arena; if it doesn’t work out, you forge ahead until the next idea does. Here at WSB, we are constantly looking for how we can better develop our staff to meet the needs of our clients. Being bold allows us to work with clients to develop out-of-the-box solutions that demand creativity and passion.

What is one thing you want to tell the future leaders of WSB?

With the growth trajectory and the way the organization is set up, our staff now has unlimited opportunities for leadership in this organization. Being committed to WSB will allow us to continue to push the limits, think outside of the box, and recognize the work put in along the way. It’s exciting to think that in 25 years, we all could have the opportunity to be an active participant in developing what our business will look like in the future.

Why do our clients continue to work with us?

Our clients work with us because we develop deep relationships with our clients based on their needs. They know that we are here to support them and that they can trust us to provide a solution-based approach. Deep relationships, delivering an excellent work product and offering some of the best minds in the industry is what keeps our clients coming back. They understand that they are our top priority.

25 stories for 25 years | Jeff Feulner

On October 5, 2020, WSB will celebrate our 25th year in business. Since 1995, we’ve added new service areas, expanded our reach and served our communities.  Throughout our tenure, our dedicated staff has been a constant.

In honor of our 25th year, we’ll be highlighting 25 stories of the people behind the projects.

Story 7 of 25

Jeff Feulner, Sr. Landscape Architect | Joined WSB in 2015

What do you think is special about celebrating 25 years as a company? 

Twenty-five years is a major milestone for any organization but being able to maintain a constant presence and continuing to grow within a competitive industry is truly impressive. To me, what is more significant than the number of years, is all the accomplishments that WSB has achieved during that time.  Starting small and growing to become an industry leader with over 500 employees, while not losing focus of the original values and culture, is remarkable.  While 25 years is an impressive milestone, I feel that the best is yet to come as we continue to innovate, explore new opportunities and expand our service areas.

In what ways have you been able to grow professionally at WSB?

One of the reasons I came to WSB was to work on different types of projects, expand my knowledge base and become more well-rounded as a landscape architect. I felt like I was getting one-dimensional in my previous position and knew that WSB could offer the variety of challenges that I needed.  WSB has given me the opportunity to work on exciting projects in park and recreation design, natural restoration, transportation, urban design, solar energy and many others.  The variety of projects and wealth of experience found within our organization is amazing and increases my excitement for the profession every day.

What WSB value do you connect most with? (Bold, Visionary, Authentic, Passionate, Optimistic)

While I feel that I connect with all WSB’s core values, the one that rises to the top for me is optimistic.  I know that any project or task has an effective solution, and I enjoy working collaboratively with everyone at WSB to put those answers together.   I’m positive that we can help our clients each and every day, and I look forward to those opportunities and challenges.

Why do our clients continue to work with us?

In simplest terms, I believe our clients choose to work with us because we get “it” done.  Every client has a different “it” that they bring to us, but I think they recognize that WSB has the skills, knowledge, experience and curiosity to consistently deliver creative results.  As we continue to perform with positive outcomes, our clients know that they can trust WSB to help them in any capacity.

25 stories for 25 years | Shibani Bisson

On October 5, 2020, WSB will celebrate our 25th year in business. Since 1995, we’ve added new service areas, expanded our reach and served our communities.  Throughout our tenure, our dedicated staff has been a constant.

In honor of our 25th year, we’ll be highlighting 25 stories of the people behind the projects.

Story 6 of 25

Shibani Bisson, Municipal Sr. Project Manager | Joined WSB in 2000

What do you think is special about celebrating 25 years as a company?

I have been with WSB for 20 years and throughout those 20 years, there has been a consistent message of caring for our staff, a culture of support and the notion that we are all in this together. Given the uncertainty in our world right now, it’s because of these values and positive culture that I am certain that WSB’s values will continue to stay true beyond 25 years. The visionary ideals of our current and future leaders make celebrating 25 years very special and I am confident that we will continue to grow successfully because of this.

What WSB value do you connect most with? (Bold, Visionary, Authentic, Passionate, Optimistic)

I think WSB’s culture and way of doing business has always been authentic. It’s been a constant and has set us apart. Recognizing each of our staff’s strengths, having an open-door policy, supporting career paths and encouraging people to be themselves creates a positive and rewarding work culture.

Why do our clients continue to work with us?

I think our clients continue to work with us because they recognize we are committed to building relationships and trust while doing what is in their best interest. Integrity is very important to me and a core value that’s been instilled at WSB. I think acting with integrity contributes to retaining our clients.

Q & A – Mike Rief

Mike Rief is our Senior Vice President of Construction Services. He plays a critical role on our construction team by driving projects forward through his leadership. In this Q&A, Mike reflects on his experiences at WSB and shares his vision for the future.

Q: You’ve been with WSB for almost 15 years. What aspects of WSB make you excited about work?

I really enjoy the people I work with not only in the Construction Services Division, but throughout WSB. We have a lot of talented, motivated and passionate people and it’s fun to draw from their excitement and energy in our daily work, pursuit of work and development of plans and projects.

Q: So far during your time at WSB, what has been the most memorable moment?

There have been many memorable moments during my time, but a couple that stand out are the collapse and reconstruction of the St. Anthony Falls 35W Bridge. That project presented a lot of firsts for WSB. We were brought in to provide two to four staff for Contractor Quality Assurance. Because of our efforts, we eventually had more than 50 staff providing field support in the construction of the $234M project. We had a great team who delivered the contract administration, inspection, testing and documentation. We worked 24/7 for nine months through one of Minnesota’s coldest winters to successfully deliver the project. The other memorable moment, still very special to me, is winning the 2012 TH 90 Dresbach Bridge and Interchange Contract Administration and Oversight. This project was a significant milestone for our firm.

Q: How are our clients involved throughout the construction process?

Involvement varies significantly depending on the client. Every project is unique, and we take that into consideration. We welcome client involvement and engagement as part of our process. We work to find a balance with the client to ensure their needs are met and that they are satisfied with the administration of the project, the final product and resident perception.

Q: Our culture drives our curiosity. How does curiosity drive the construction team?

The people who are most successful in the construction industry are problem solvers by nature. That creates a certain level of curiosity in the way we perform our jobs. We ask questions and are not afraid to ask why and provide recommendations on better ways to address a challenge. It’s our staff’s curiosity that drives our innovation and improvements. We are constantly pursuing improvements to our process and the way we work and this has been the foundation of many enhancements throughout WSB.

Q: How do you think WSB stays innovative and inspired in times of uncertainty?

I think in some cases, it’s the uncertainty that creates the inspiration and innovation. Our staff is good at finding opportunities to expand services or develop new technologies. If you look back to the Great Recession, our firm grew by adding new services and exploring new markets. We’ve faced uncertainty recently when navigating the challenges surrounding COVID-19, but I’ve admired the ways our staff are identifying new ways to perform their work, deliver projects and stay engaged.

Q: What makes our construction services offerings unique?

We offer a broad range of services that complement each other. We also have become specialized in the areas of Contract Administration, Surveys, Pipeline, Environmental Compliance, Project Controls, Geotechnical, Materials, Pavements and Geohazards. All of these service areas work together by sharing knowledge, resources and lessons learned. We have strong relationships with all divisions in WSB and work collectively to deliver projects.

Q: How do you think our construction services are set up for future success?

We have become very competitive over and continue to meet the needs of our clients. We are making significant investments in our staff, training and technology. We are investing in other service offerings, new markets and new industries. Continuing to evolve and explore new markets both geographically and from a service offering perspective will help position us for continued success in the future.

Q: What are you most excited for in 2020?

2020 didn’t start the way we had hoped. The COVID-19 situation has created some uncertainty for everyone in all industries. Moving forward, I’m most excited for our season to progress and our staff to get out on projects. How we do work in the future will look different to us and it’s exciting that we are able to help define what that will look like.

Q: Inspiration is paramount to our work at WSB. What inspires you?

I draw inspiration from a lot of different areas. First, I tend to be a little competitive so, I enjoy the pursuit for projects. I also draw inspiration from our staff. Seeing our staff experience success, solve a problem or learn something new is a motivator. After 30 years in the industry, I’m still learning and sharing knowledge with others and it is really rewarding to have others do the same with me. Seeing staff, clients and contractor partners get excited about their jobs is something that should inspire all of us.

Q&A – Andi Moffat

Andi Moffatt is our vice president of Environmental Services. She has been with WSB since nearly the beginning and has had the opportunity to watch the firm grow throughout the past two decades. In this Q&A, Andi shares her insightful reflections and offers her perspective on the future.

Q: You’ve been with WSB for nearly 23 years. How has the company changed since the early days?

A: Well, we all used to fit in the same room for a meeting! We’ve grown so rapidly. During our first hiring boom, I remember looking around and thinking there were so many new faces. Something that I realize now, but maybe didn’t know back then, was that every time we had this influx of significant growth, the leaders acted. These seasons of growth spurred positive changes for our firm – like the WSB Way. I saw this again in our rebranding process, where we updated our values, but still stayed true to who we were. Our growth has positively forced us to take an introspective look at ourselves. 

Q: What has been one of your favorite memories in your tenure at WSB?

A: I can’t just pick one. I have two – one lighthearted and one serious where I truly learned the impact of the work we did. For the fun one, WSB’s original running club signed up for the Reindeer Run around Lake Harriet. When race day came, Pete Willenbring, one of the founders of WSB, was Santa and a group of us were his reindeer. We had to run and carry a very heavy wooden sleigh around the lake. The sleigh wasn’t very light or streamlined for being designed by an engineer!

On a more serious note, the I-35W bridge collapse and what it meant for infrastructure throughout the nation was a touchstone moment. We were all hands-on deck until that project was completed, with staff being on the project 24/7. If you weren’t out in the field on that project, you were back in the office holding down the fort. It’s moments like these that show who we are as a firm – a group of people who will pull together when faced with a challenge. 

Q: You lead our firm’s environmental services – what about this work excites you and keeps you coming through the door every day?

A: I love that we are here to help our clients and communities solve complicated issues. Whether it’s cleaning up a contaminated redevelopment site, solving a flooding problem as we manage significant rain events, or restoring a trout stream to its original state – we’re working with our clients and partners to solve these complicated problems and it’s very fulfilling.

Q: We’re very client-focused at WSB, but we’re also very staff focused.  Why do you think this is important?

A: At our core, we were founded to be a company that can be better. If I look back to how we’ve grown, we’re still in many ways living this belief.  It’s how we show our authenticity – in the way we treat each other, treat our clients, and the way we do our work. We hire authentic, driven and collaborative staff to continue to drive this mission forward.

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest disruptors on the horizon for our industry? 

A:  This one was tough for me to answer, but I think it will be about adjusting our approaches for some of the big infrastructure issues that are on the horizon. We’ve experienced more 100-year rain events, more flooding, and more invasive species infiltrating our waterways. Some of the tried and true techniques that we use to solve infrastructure issues aren’t going to be relevant in the future. It’s going to take some creativity and innovation to determine the best approach and what’s going to make the most sense for the environment that we’re living in. The future is unpredictable, but it’s important to start having these conversations now. 

Q: How do you position your teams to be at the forefront of some of these disruptors?

A: I think fostering an atmosphere where questions and creativity is encouraged is important. Giving space to ask questions and creating a safe environment where it’s okay to fail helps us to create resiliency. Resiliency is going to better position us to tackle these big disruptors. Recently, I asked some of the young professionals we have on staff for some ideas on projects. They had great ideas I had not considered. It’s so important to leverage all the knowledge that’s available throughout our company.

Q: We were founded on the understanding that culture drives results – how do you think that translates to WSB today, nearly 25 years later?

A: Culture truly drives results and if you don’t tend and care for your culture it can change in ways that can hinder your results. When we have discussions at the leadership level it ultimately comes down to deciding what’s best for the staff and company. Businessman Richard Branson said it best, “The way you treat your employees is how they will treat your customers.”

Q: What do you wish you could tell your younger self when you first started your career?

A: I’d tell my younger self to soak it all up – soak up every opportunity and know that mistakes are okay and inevitable. I remember being so worried about messing up to the point that I wouldn’t take any chances. It’s okay to make mistakes if you own it and you learn from it. I would also tell myself not to feel intimidated by upper management. At the end of the day, we’re all just people.

Q: You’re seen as a mentor to many in WSB – why is mentorship important?

A: I just did an informational interview with a young gentleman who is currently in college. He was so thankful for having an opportunity to ask career questions. He asked how he could thank me, and I told him to pay it forward. When he’s been in his career for 20 years, take the time to sit down with someone on the cusp of their career and answer their questions. I think no matter where we are in our careers, we all still need guidance. Connecting with a mentee helps me learn and be better in my career too. It’s hard to know what’s going on with your team unless you’re really connecting with them.

Q: What does WSB look like in 5 years? 10 years?

A: We look like change. That’s what we’ve always focused on. We will continue to focus on our staff because that’s the core of who we are, and we want WSB to be a great place for everyone who works here. We’re always reaching, striving and changing. In five years or ten years, we’re still changing and innovating and it’s exciting to think about.