June 6, 2024

WSB was recently named a Hot Firm by the Zweig Group for the eleventh consecutive year. Our firm ranks 11^th on the 2024 Hot Firm List, a significant increase from our position last year at 43. This is one of our highest placements on the Hot Firm List, and we are incredibly honored to share this achievement.

Hot Firm #11

The list honors the fastest growing firms in the AEC industry in the U.S. and Canada. The chosen companies have surpassed both the economy and their competitors to emerge as frontrunners in their respective industries. Ranking is based on three-year growth in revenue, by both percentage and growth. 

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 2024 Elevate AEC Conference in September. 

View the complete list of Hot Firm winners.

May 14, 2024

The firm’s presence continues to grow nationally through the acquisition of AE Engineering, expanding leaders in the region.

Jacksonville, Fla. – WSB, a design and consulting firm, today announced expanded leadership in the southeast region. Roderick Myrick and Cory Nichols will support the firm in vice president roles as it grows in the southeastern U.S.

“As we integrate with WSB, I am excited for the opportunities available. Together, we can expand our resources and capabilities to better support our clients,” said Myrick. “When we combine our expertise, resources and talents— we will be a powerhouse in the southeast. I look forward to embarking on this journey with WSB and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

“This is an exciting step forward for our staff at AE Engineering and by joining WSB it will only increase our capabilities in the southeast region,” said Nichols. “We have begun collaborating on projects to make a positive impact on infrastructure. AE already has strong roots in this region, and I am eager to develop our services and connections with our clients as one team.”

The firm acquired AE Engineering, a high-growth infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida, in February 2024. With this addition, WSB is establishing itself as a national brand and elevating leaders in the region. Myrick is now vice president, strategy and construction engineering and inspection (CE&I), and Nichols is vice president, operations.

“When I first met with Rod, Cory and AE Engineering, I was stunned by the services they were providing,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “Seeing how they operate and the culture they built both internally and with their communities, I knew we would be a great match. I look forward to what we can accomplish together as we forge ahead.”

Through recent acquisitions, WSB has grown significantly in size and service offerings. The firm has over 1,250 staff across the U.S. in regions including California/Colorado, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and now the southeast. With each acquisition, the firm’s services continue to grow, now offering more than 50 complimentary services in engineering, construction, environmental and community planning.

May 10, 2024

The firm promotes staff to the director level to support expansion initiatives.

Oklahoma City, Okla. –Fast-growing architecture, engineering and construction firm WSB today announced the expansion of its Oklahoma leadership team. The design and consulting firm is building a national brand that supports critical infrastructure across the United States and is prioritizing elevating leadership in each region it serves.

WSB has strategically invested in the development of its staff to better support the needs of each community it serves. Several staff have been elevated to the director level across all regions of the firm including Colorado/California, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and the southeastern U.S. Recent promotions in the Oklahoma region include:

• Amber Freeman | Director, Project Management Office 
• Brent Frank | Director, Contract Administration  
• Brian Cales | Director, Water/Wastewater 
• Christopher Serrano | Director, Municipal Services  
• Darin Metzer | Director, Materials  
• Kevin Kriewall | Director, Contract Administration  
• Matias Mendez Larrain | Director, Geotechnical and Pavement Services  
• Peter Regan | Director, Strategy 
• Steve Allen | Director, IT Service Management  
• Tony Terrell | Director, Utilities Management   

WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology.  In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“We build what’s next in infrastructure— the places, spaces and systems that support our lives. Our top priority is to provide the highest-quality services to our clients, and we can do so with established leadership” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “There is a lot of potential in the Oklahoma region, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish together in this region with elevated staff. I am certain their guidance and expertise will support the firm and each community as we forge ahead.”

WSB was originally based out of one office in Minnesota. Over 28 years, the firm has continued to grow and expanded its footprint into the Oklahoma region last fall after the acquisition of EST. Today, the firm offers services in more than 50 complementary areas and has expanded its markets to support communities nationwide.

May 10, 2024

The firm is prioritizing the development of staff to support regional expansions.

Minneapolis, Minn. –Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of its Texas leadership team. The firm is one of the fastest growing in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. This is part of WSB’s aggressive growth strategy to build a national firm that supports critical infrastructure across the United States.

WSB is committed to elevating leadership within the firm. Recently, WSB has promoted several staff to the director level across all regions including Texas, Colorado/California, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma and the southeastern United States. Director promotions in the Texas region include:

• Brandon Sparkman | Director, Transportation Design  
• Carla Easton | Director, Municipal Services
• Dale Routon | Director, Human Resources  
• Ed Souri | Director, Geotechnical Services  
• Josh Golleher | Director, Materials  
• Loyl Bussell | Director, Structures  
• Michael Bostic | Director, Contract Administration  
• Mykol Woodruff | Director, Contract Administration 
• Nolan Harvey | Director, Municipal Services  
• Richard Harper | Director, Contract Administration 
• Shawn Napier | Director, Civil Site Development 

WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology.  In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“Texas is heavily investing in their infrastructure, and it is an exciting time to support its communities and the infrastructure surrounding them,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “We are leading the industry through revolutionary technology and the incredible expertise of our staff. With an expanded leadership team, we are building on our commitment to this region. I am confident these promotions will support our clients and staff to provide the highest-quality of service.”

Founded in Minnesota in 1995, the growth over the last 28 years has been significant. The firm first entered the Texas market in 2016, and after acquiring EST in the fall of 2023, the firm’s ties in Texas have only been strengthened. Today, WSB offers services in more than 50 areas, to seamlessly integrate planning, design and implementation across the nation.

May 10, 2024

The firm announced new leadership promotions at the director level to develop growing regions and service offerings.

Minneapolis, Minn. – Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of its Minnesota and North Dakota leadership team. The firm is one of the fastest growing in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, and additional leadership will support WSB’s initiatives as it continues to expand its geographic footprint from coast to coast.

WSB is developing leaders from within, creating a strong foundation to move the firm forward. Several promotions were made at director level in the Minnesota/North Dakota region, along with others in Colorado/California, Oklahoma, Texas and the southeastern U.S. Some recently elevated staff in the Minnesota/North Dakota Region include:

• Jess Karls | Senior Director, Transportation Design  
• Jesse Sievers | Director, Talent Acquisition 

Through an aggressive growth strategy, WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology. In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“As we continue to establish WSB as a national firm, we are excited to bring recognition to staff at the director level in each of our regions,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “We have been serving communities in the Minnesota/North Dakota region since we founded WSB in 1995, and our staff continues to raise the bar each year. I know this next level of leadership will only improve the services we already provide, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish with their mentorship and expertise.”

When WSB was founded in 1995, the company had five staff, one office and three services areas. Today, the firm offers services in more than 50 complementary areas, employs more than 1,250 people and has expanded its markets to support communities nationwide.

May 10, 2024

Building the next level of leadership strengthens the firm as it continues to build a national presence.

Denver, Colo. – Fast-growing design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of leadership in its Colorado region. The firm leads the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry while establishing itself as a national firm that supports infrastructure— the places, spaces and systems that support our lives.

WSB recently promoted several staff to directors across all regions including Colorado/California, Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and the southeastern U.S. With an expanding footprint, more service offerings and increased expertise throughout each region, the firm is eager to elevate the next level of leadership. Recently promoted to directors in the Colorado/California region include:

• Mark Andrew | Director, Contract Administration  
• Richard Zamora | Director, Geotechnical Services  
• Saeed Sobhi | Director, Traffic  

Through an aggressive growth strategy, WSB is expanding into new markets and geographies while continuing to make strategic investments in cutting-edge tools and technology.  In fall of 2023, WSB acquired EST, a respected civil structural and construction engineering consulting firm with offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and California. In addition, WSB announced in February 2024 the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“Now more than ever, we are committed to not only the growth of our firm, but also the growth of our staff,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “I am excited to develop additional leadership throughout each region of the U.S., and I know these elevated directors will provide a strong foundation for our staff moving forward. With their guidance, I am certain we will continue to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

WSB, headquartered in Minnesota, was founded in 1995. Since then, the firm has expanded its markets and service offerings to meet the needs of its clients. After recent acquisitions, the Colorado region was strengthened even more. Today, the firm offers services in more than 50 areas, employs more than 1,250 people and has expanded its markets across the U.S.

May 9, 2024

WSB is proud to announce our newly promoted staff. Annually, we recognize the staff who display leadership, determination and expertise in their field. Each staff member consistently brings different elements of our values, results and leadership into their work.  We are dependent on the continual development of new talent and leadership to build our success and support our growth.  We are fortunate to have such strong and committed leaders at WSB that have chosen to invest their careers with us.  Each of the staff members below have made a commitment to the company, clients and each other to lead by example and help us improve each day. Congratulations!

Principals

• Ben Barker | Director, Right of Way
• Brad Martin | Vice President, Construction
• Buddy Williams | Vice President, Strategy
• Caleb Austin | Vice President, Transportation
• Chad DeMenge | Director, Contract Administration
• DJ Sosa | Senior Project Manager
• Gary Evans | Vice President, Construction
• Jeremy Kilbo | Director, IT Operations
• Karne Newburn | Vice President and General Counsel
• Kelly Selman | Vice President, Transportation
• Kevin Kriewall | Director, Contract Administration
• Liz Weber | Director, Financial Planning and Analysis
• Loyl Bussell | Director, Structures
• Mike Vahabzadegan | Executive Vice President, Strategy
• Paul Jesaitis | Vice President, Transportation
• Paul Poynter | Director, Structures
• Rick Johnson | Vice President, Operations
• Tracey Friggle-Logan | Vice President, Strategy

Senior Associates

• Amber Freeman | Director, PMO
• Brandon Sparkman | Director, Transportation Design
• Brent Frank | Director, Contract Administration
• Bryan Pittman | GIS Lead
• Carla Easton | Director, Municipal Services
• Chris Serrano | Director, Municipal Services
• Darin Metzer | Director, Materials
• Ed Souri | Director, Geotechnical Services
• Eric Grow | Controller
• Gordon McPhee | Vice President, Digital Solutions
• Jay Adams | Proposal Coordinator
• Jenn Edison | Sr. Project Manager
• Josh Golleher | Director, Materials
• Kathy Hurst | PMO Manager
• Laine Peitzmeier | Project Manager
• Mark Andrew | Director, Contract Administration
• Mark Barrett | Senior Director, Geotechnical Services
• Matias Mendez | Director, Geotechnical and Pavement Services
• Michael Skoviera | Technology and Design Team Manager
• Mike Bostic | Director, Contract Administraion
• Mohamed Elyazgi | Project Manager
• Mykol Woodruff | Director, Contract Administration
• Nolan Harvey | Director, Municipal Services
• Pete Regan | Director, Strategy
• Raffi Dermendjian | Project Engineer
• Richard Zamora | Director, Geotechnical Services
• Saeed Sobhi | Director, Traffic
• Sarah Rohne | Director, Human Resources
• Shawn Napier | Director, Civil Site Development
• Steve Allen | Director, IT Service Management
• Tony Terrell | Director, Utilities Management
• Trevett Cullers | Executive Business Partner
• Valerie Brennan | Director of Marketing

Associates

• Ananna Anu | Engineer II
• Angellia Points | Senior Project Manager
• Brian Cales | Director, Water/Wastewater
• Brian Mielke | Senior Right of Way Specialist
• Christie Saenz | Area Manager, Right of Way
• Colin Schultz | CDOT Coordinator
• Dale Routon | Director, Human Resources Operations
• Haley Corbit | Field Services Supervisor
• Hamideh Etemadnia | Senior Transportation Modeler/Engineer
• Isabel Panek | Professional Engineer I
• Javier Garcia | Project Manager
• Jennifer Mullins | Design Technology Manager
• John Bradford | Senior Project Manager
• Jordan Gedrose | Landscape Architect
• Jose Sandoval | Senior Design Manager
• Kory Bonnell | Director, Environmental Compliance
• Kyle Stender | Senior Project Manager
• Mallori Fitzpatrick | Professional Engineer I
• Mark Watson | Director, Materials
• Matt Indihar | Senior Project Manager
• Misti Daigle | Lead City Ambassador
• Nickie Stephenson | Sales Enablement Manager
• Paul Sandy | Sr. Project Manager, Municipal
• Ranuel Ortiz | Area Manager, Municipal
• Reddy Erra | Design Team Lead
• Richard Harper | Director, Contract Administration
• Rob Reed | Sr. Structural Engineer
• Ryan Earp | Director, Public Engagement
• Shannon Heitmann | Senior Design Manager
• Tyler Purdom | Engineer

May 2, 2024

Engineering News-Record (ENR) has recognized WSB in the Top 500 Design Firms List of 2024. WSB is honored to have ranked #134 on the list moving up 44 places from last year. This is the 12^th consecutive year WSB has been included on the list.

Each year, ENR completes an annual survey that ranks companies throughout the United States according to the revenue for design services performed. Covering topics such as business management, design, construction methods, technology, safety, law, legislation, environment and labor, ENR provides industry professionals with information to do their jobs more effectively.

Since WSB was founded 25+ years ago, we have committed to continuous growth not only in the communities we serve but across the nation. Our strong values, collaboration, dedication to our relationships and forward-thinking ideas have positioned us to grow each year. We aim to discover innovative solutions that look beyond the needs of today’s infrastructure and prepare us and our clients for the future.

WSB staff and their bold ideas and resilient work ethic are what allow this firm to thrive. We would like to thank our staff for their diligent efforts and for advancing WSB and the industry. We look forward to continued partnerships with clients and building what’s next in infrastructure.

The addition of Votaw and McPhee will improve WSB’s capabilities and opportunities for staff and clients.

September 28, 2023

Design and consulting firm WSB announced the expansion of leadership within their company. Waymon Votaw has been hired as vice president of oil and gas operations, and Gordon McPhee has joined as vice president of digital solutions. The addition of these roles place WSB in a strong position as they continue to advance infrastructure. 

“Bringing Waymon on our team to oversee operations will strengthen our Oil and Gas division immensely,” said John Gerlach, vice president of oil and gas. “Waymon has an extensive background in the development and asset management of water, energy and power infrastructure and his leadership skills are unmatched. I look forward to seeing Waymon’s positive impact on the Oil and Gas division and our clients.”

Votaw will focus on day-to-day work of the division, finding ways to improve efficiencies and better manage our system and projects. In addition, he will support the firm’s efforts to provide career development pathways and professional opportunities for staff within the Oil and Gas division.  

“I was struck by WSB’s core values: bold, visionary, optimistic, passionate and authentic,” said Votaw. “I apply those qualities to my work, and once I saw them— I knew I wanted to be part of the environment they have at WSB. I am excited to support our clients and staff in this position.”

McPhee is another addition to WSB. As vice president of digital solutions, he will focus on creating, integrating and executing strategy and solutions to advance technology in all our service areas.

“Gordon has a wide variety of industry experience, and his broad background in engineering and knowledge in technology is critical to the growth and development of WSB,” said Jon Chiglo, WSB’s chief operating officer. “He is a valuable asset to our team. His capabilities will continue to strengthen our digital presence throughout our entire firm— improving the overall experience, results and value for our projects and clients.”

“I look forward to the challenge,” said McPhee. “Technology is the future and finding more ways to implement that into a company that is already leading the industry in that area is very exciting. I always want to work toward the next project, and I really appreciate that WSB strives to stay ahead of the curve.”

The fast-growing firm continues to expand its reach across the country. Through the hiring of multiple high-level positions, the firm has welcomed many new faces to leadership with innovative ideas to move business forward.

EST’S STRONG FOOTPRINT SOLIDIFIES THE FIRM’S GROWING PRESENCE IN THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN U.S.

September 20, 2023

WSB, one of the nation’s fastest growing Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) firms, with 17 offices across five states, today announced an acquisition of EST, a comprehensive engineering firm based in Oklahoma City, Okla. The partnership represents progress towards WSB’s strategic growth goals and will strengthen the firm’s presence in the southern and western United States.

EST’s depth and knowledge in transportation, construction engineering and inspection (CE&I) and municipal infrastructure expertise complements WSB’s service offerings and expertise. EST also brings years of experience working closely with state departments of transportation and across the government market.

“WSB is growing from a position of strength,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and chief executive officer. “We are strategically adding new capabilities that complement our existing service offerings and expertise. EST is an outstanding firm with a strong culture and entrepreneurial spirit. Together, we’re now able to offer our clients new services and even deeper expertise through shared learnings and best practices, reinforcing the value of a partnership with WSB.”

WSB has significantly expanded its geographic footprint, acquiring 19 offices across four southern and western states, and has grown its talent base, adding more than 350 employees. The combined strength now gives WSB 36 offices nationwide and more than 1,100 employees to better serve its clients in the government, commercial and energy markets.

“WSB and EST are an excellent match in many ways,” said Michael Vahabzadegan, EST’s president and chief operating officer. “Our cultures align significantly, and so do our business goals. Our operations will integrate well and will provide us with more access to talent, technology and approaches to better serve our clients and partners.”

WSB and EST will work together to develop a single go-to market approach as WSB in the coming months. This is WSB’s third acquisition in the southwest. In September 2019, the firm acquired Houston-based Nathelyne A. Kennedy & Associates, Inc., and Rogers Design Services in 2018.

GHK Capital Partners LP (“GHK”) completed a majority recapitalization of WSB in August 2023. This acquisition of EST is WSB’s first in partnership with GHK and establishes a scalable, national platform to expand across the US critical infrastructure consulting space.