April 10, 2024

Participants of the 2024 cohort of Opportunity+ have successfully completed the training program and celebrated with a graduation in early April.

Minneapolis, Minn. – Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the graduation of the 2024 Opportunity+ cohort. Opportunity+ is a free workforce training and development program focused on preparing participants for successful careers as civil engineering technicians.

This free and fast-paced training program was founded with the intent to reduce and remove some of the barriers to a successful career as a civil engineering technician. As Opportunity+ celebrates its fifth year, it has grown into a robust program— reaching new audiences and diversifying the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.

“What makes Opportunity+ so unique is that it is driven solely to prepare the participants for a long-lasting career,” said Laura Rescorla, program manager. “We try our best to make this program accessible to anyone that is interested. This year, we transitioned to a faster-paced program to better accommodate those enrolled. We want each participant to be successful, and I am incredibly proud of this year’s graduates.”

The 2024 Opportunity+ cohort celebrated 11 graduates on April 4. The cohort underwent an efficient six-week training in various aspects required for civil engineering technicians. With both classroom learning and hands-on experiences, graduates are now well-equipped for a future in this industry with skills necessary to launch careers in surveying, construction materials testing and site inspection.

“Our goal is to constantly improve. We are always looking for new ways to lead the AEC industry, and we are especially invested in supporting members of our community,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “Opportunity+ is one way we can help those around us. We are building the program to better support the needs of our participants, and I am thrilled to see 11 successful graduates prepare for long-term careers. Civil engineering technicians are critical to our infrastructure. I am confident that each graduate now has the skills to make a positive impact on infrastructure— the places, spaces and systems that support our lives.”

WSB is committed to the growth of this program. The firm values increasing diversity and finding ways to be more inclusive. Opportunity+ continues to play an active role in expanding the reach of the AEC industry while preparing participants with knowledge to dive into positions as civil engineering technicians.

March 26, 2024

Combining digital construction management services with utility AI mapping and analytics will revolutionize the industry.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. — WSB LLC (“WSB”), one of the nation’s fastest growing infrastructure engineering and consulting firms, today announced a partnership with 4M Analytics, the nation’s leading subsurface Utility AI Mapping and Analytics Solution. This partnership will immediately support infrastructure projects across the U.S. with a focus on data integrity and real-time digital delivery.

“This partnership is going to address one of the most significant risks in our industry – utility conflict and coordination,” said Andy Kaiyala, WSB’s Vice President of Digital Construction Management and Controls. “4M Analytics brings much-needed nationwide improvement to utility conflict resolution, and they are doing it with cutting-edge AI and machine learning technology.  When combined with WSB’s capabilities and commitment to innovation, the partnership will have an immediate impact on the projects and communities we serve.”

WSB’s Digital Construction Management (DCM) service is advancing civil construction projects through model-based digital delivery using a full suite of services from construction modeling, to 4D scheduling to automated machine control.  With a firm understanding of the complexity surrounding today’s infrastructure projects, WSB is dedicated to creating efficiencies, streamlining processes and mitigating risk to drive improvements in the industry. This partnership adds data that completes WSB’s comprehensive DCM service and offers a solution that is unmatched in the industry.

Leveraging artificial intelligence, computer vision and change detection techniques, 4M Analytics synthesizes, digitizes and geo-locates millions of utility data sources into a single platform and visually validates each line using vertical and horizontal imagery dating back to the 1940’s. This enables ‘real-time’ access to the utility landscape for infrastructure projects through an intuitive user interface. The mapping resources will decrease the amount of time it takes to locate underground utilities for owners, civil engineering firms, general contractors, subsurface utility engineering firms, and many other utility stakeholders.

“WSB is an industry leader in using tools and technologies to improve the way we deliver infrastructure projects across the U.S.,” said Itzik Malka, 4M Analytics CEO. “With our commitment to best-in-class real-time utility data, this partnership will have a positive impact on so many projects by mitigating risk, reducing cost, and streamlining processes and scheduling.  We’re excited about what this will do for the industry and, most importantly, the improvements to projects that impact so many people.”

Under the partnership terms, WSB and 4M Analytics will work together to immediately bring subsurface utility data into the 3D digital twin models for the benefit of clients and their projects. 

March 14, 2024

Joining as senior director of municipal services, Hale strengthens the municipal division in the Minnesota/North Dakota region.

Minneapolis, Minn- Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the hiring of Jupe Hale. Hale has joined WSB as senior director of municipal services and will support the Minnesota and North Dakota region of the firm.

Based out of the Minneapolis office, Hale will lead complex projects and delivery of the municipal program.

“I am excited to be at WSB, and I am most looking forward to bringing impactful and positive change to the communities we serve,” said Hale. “I bring a unique perspective with a career in both the private and public sectors. I look forward to leveraging my experience to find the best solutions for our clients.”

With over 30 years of industry experience and having worked in both public and private sectors across the U.S., Hale has strong connections in the area and provides valuable insight into an owners’ perspective. Jupe is the 2024 President of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA-MN) and has also served as an instructor at the University of Minnesota for over ten years in the Construction Management Program. 

“Jupe’s knowledge of the municipal market and our city clients will greatly benefit the WSB team and allow us to better support our clients,” said Monical Heil, vice president of municipal services. “His expertise strengthens our municipal program, and his leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand. Adding Jupe to our leadership team allows us to take what we are doing well in this region and bring that to other parts of the country.” 

WSB continues to grow a national presence through recent acquisitions. The firm has expanded into the south and southeastern regions, now with offices in ten states across the U.S.

March 12, 2024

Newly hired, James Bainbridge brings financial expertise to the firm as it expands its markets across the country.

Minneapolis, Minn – WSB, a forward-thinking design and consulting firm, announced today the hiring of James Bainbridge as chief financial officer (CFO). This strategic decision supports the fast-growing firm as it nationally expands its services to new markets.

With 15 years of finance and accounting experience and previous work as a CFO, Bainbridge is well poised to assume the responsibilities of this position. His knowledge and background supporting fast-growing companies will benefit WSB as the firm continues to be one of the most rapidly growing in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.

“We take pride in providing high-quality services to our clients and supporting them with technical excellence,” said Bret Weiss, president and chief executive officer (CEO). “We are establishing WSB as a national brand, and to do so successfully, we need business excellence as well. James’s financial expertise, history and adaptability allow us to better serve our clients and staff. He fits well with the culture of our firm which will allow WSB to continue to successfully expand into new and exciting markets.” 

In this role, Bainbridge oversees all financial functions of the firm nationwide as the firm continues to grow both organically and through acquisitions.

“WSB is a leader in the industry, and the fast growth creates opportunities and excitement for staff and clients,” said Bainbridge. “I am fascinated by the services WSB provides and the positive impact they have on the communities in which we live and do business. I look forward to lending my knowledge and being part of the build out as we forge ahead.”

WSB recently acquired two firms in the past six months. As CFO, Bainbridge will support the firm’s growth plans as it continues to grow across the U.S.

March 12, 2024

New leadership promotions announced to support regional expansions.

Minneapolis, Minn. –Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of its Oklahoma leadership team. The fast-growing firm is building a national brand that supports critical infrastructure across the United States.

WSB recently added three new vice president roles in the Oklahoma region, with others across the operating regions of Minnesota/North Dakota, Texas Colorado and the southeastern U.S. The firm operates 10 offices throughout Oklahoma including Antlers, Tulsa Lab, Ardmore, Lawton, Moore, Norman, Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Durant. The three new vice president promotions in Oklahoma are:

• Mike Vahabzadegan – executive vice president
  • Oversees strategy across the nation and Oklahoma region
• Caleb Austin, vice president of transportation
  • Operational focus for transportation in the Oklahoma region
• Gary Evans, vice president of construction
  • Operational focus for construction engineering & inspection in the Oklahoma region

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. This acquisition brings 11 offices and more than 170 employees into WSB across the Southeast. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

 “We are establishing WSB as a national brand to better support communities across the U.S.,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “As we elevate and strengthen our leadership team in Oklahoma, WSB is better equipped to provide high-quality services to our clients, and our staff has improved guidance and mentorship to fulfill these responsibilities.”

 Founded in 1995, 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.

March 12, 2024

New leadership promotions announced to support regional expansions.

Minneapolis, Minn. –WSB, an industry-leading design and consulting firm, today announced the expansion of leadership in its Colorado region. The firm is one of the fastest growing architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) firms in the nation and is establishing itself as a national firm that supports infrastructure— the places, spaces and systems that support our lives.

This year, WSB added one new vice president role in Colorado, with others across the operating regions of Minnesota/North Dakota, Texas Oklahoma and the southeastern U.S. WSB currently operates 4 offices in Colorado in Denver, Westminster Colorado Springs and the Centennial Lab. The new vice president promotion in Colorado is:

• Paul Jesaitis, vice president of transportation
  • Oversees construction engineering & inspection in Colorado

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. This acquisition brings 11 offices and more than 170 employees into WSB across the Southeast. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“I am excited to promote leaders across the firm, and I am certain elevating leadership in Colorado will have a positive impact on the communities we serve and the services we provide,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “There is a lot of potential in the Colorado region, and this promotion only enhances our commitment to growth and our dedication to our clients. With increased leadership across the nation, we will continue to forge ahead.”

Originally founded 1995, WSB was based in Minnesota. The firm continued to expand its markets to several regions across the U.S. and first entered Colorado in 2017.  After acquiring EST in the fall of 2023, 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.

March 11, 2023

New leadership promotions announced to support regional expansions.

Minneapolis, Minn. – Today, WSB, one of the fastest growing architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) firms in the nation, announced the expansion of its Minnesota and North Dakota leadership team. WSB is building a national firm that supports critical infrastructure across the United States.

This year, WSB added a new vice president role in Minnesota/North Dakota, along with others in the Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and southeastern regions of the firm. WSB currently operates nine offices between Minnesota and North Dakota including headquarters in Minneapolis, Baxter, Burnsville, Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Bismarck and Fargo. The new vice president promotion in Minnesota/North Dakota is:

• Peter Muehlbach, vice president of strategy
  • Oversees transportation, construction engineering, & inspection strategy for the Minnesota/North Dakota region

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. This acquisition brings 11 offices and more than 170 employees into WSB across the Southeast. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“We are incredibly excited about elevating our next generation of leaders in Minnesota and North Dakota. We are strategically investing across the country to grow our impact,” said Bret Weiss, president & CEO of WSB. “The acquisition of EST and AE and the subsequent growth of our leadership team is a testament to our commitment to meet the demands of our nation’s growing population and build the resilient, sustainable infrastructure of tomorrow.”

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.

March 11, 2024

New leadership promotions announced to support regional expansions.

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

This year, WSB added four new vice president roles in Texas, with others across the operating regions of Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma, Colorado and the southeastern U.S. Currently, WSB operates ten offices in Texas including Dallas, Austin, Houston, Round Rock, Tyler, Melissa, Paris, Arlington, Texarkana and Sulphur Springs. The four new vice president promotions in Texas are:

• Kelly Selman, vice president of transportation
  • Operational focus for transportation in the Texas region
• Brad Martin, vice president of construction
  • Operational focus for construction in the Texas region
• Tracey Friggle-Logan, vice president of strategy
  • Oversees construction engineering & inspection strategy in the Texas region
• Buddy Williams, vice president of strategy
  • Oversees construction engineering & inspection strategy in the Texas region

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. This acquisition brings 13 offices and more than 170 employees into WSB across the Southeast. With the addition of these two firms, WSB now operates with more than 1,250 employees across the U.S.

“There is a lot of potential in Texas, and I look forward to further building our leadership in this region,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “Texas is heavily investing in its infrastructure, and WSB is an industry-leader that can support their commitment to growth and improvement. With an expanded leadership team, we are rooting ourselves in their communities and building connections to take their infrastructure to the next level.”

WSB was founded in 1995 and its growth over the last 28 years has been significant. The firm first entered the Texas market in 2016. After acquiring EST in the fall of 2023, the firm’s ties in Texas have only been strengthened when it added five new offices in the area and many staff. Today, WSB offers services in more than 50 areas, to seamlessly integrate planning, design and implementation across the nation.

February 28, 2024

Johnson’s addition elevates the firm’s national presence and operations across the country.

Oklahoma City, Okla. – Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the strategic hiring of Rick Johnson. Johson has joined WSB’s leadership as vice president of operations and is based out of the firm’s Oklahoma City office.

In this role, Johnson will support Jon Chiglo, WSB’s chief operating officer, in leading operations across the firm with a primary focus in Oklahoma. He improves operations, furthers project management and will integrate design and construction aspects in all regions moving forward. His guidance helps the firm build an even more consistent approach in its operations.

“Throughout his career, Rick has excelled in project management,” said Chiglo. “He has an extensive network in Oklahoma, and his local leadership ensures that we sustain our commitment to clients in the region. Rick’s collaborative efforts, attention to detail and ability to provide high-quality services make him very valuable to WSB and the future of this firm.”

Johnson holds 27 years of industry experience with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (DOT), including many years on leadership. Throughout his career, Johnson has lead project delivery and design. Some notable projects include the I-244 Arkansas River tri-bridge and State Highway 51 Cottonwood Creek accelerated bridge construction (ABC).

“I have a long history supporting projects throughout Oklahoma and the region,” said Johnson. “Seeing the growth, potential and drive WSB brings to the table made me very excited to join the firm. I look forward to supporting operations across WSB as we continue to forge ahead.”

WSB is growing across the U.S. supporting communities in every region. The firm acquired EST Inc. in fall of 2023 and recently acquired AE Engineering in early 2024.

February 21, 2024

Each year, the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers (MnSPE) recognizes an outstanding individual with the Young Engineer of the Year Award. The recipient is selected based on their achievements of a licensed MnSPE member under the age of 35. We are proud to announce Rachel Scheu, Graduate Engineer, was selected as the 2023 recipient. Rachel was awarded this honor at the MnSPE Luncheon Awards on February 21.

Rachel was selected as the 2023 Young Engineer of the Year award for a variety of reasons. She supports municipalities with any civil engineering needs they may have, and she demonstrates many technical and soft skills. Rachel’s leadership among her peers also makes her an excellent choice. Not only did she serve on our internal LEAD committee, but she is also a member on the MnSPE Board of Directors and leads the Young Engineers committee group.

This is a great accomplishment for Rachel early in her career, and we are proud to have her on staff.