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
Director of Landscape Architecture
Minneapolis, MN
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.
