News

WSB Grows Central Minnesota Presence With the Expansion of Baxter Office

The fast-growing design and consulting firm first established a presence in Baxter in 2015.

September 13, 2023

WSB, a design and consulting firm, announced the expansion of their office in Baxter, Minn. The firm has relocated to the Johnson Center located at 14275 Golf Course Drive. The 2,360-square-foot space represents WSB’s further investment in the central Minnesota region.

“WSB’s Baxter office is a vital part of our operations,” said Monica Heil, WSB’s vice president of municipal services. “Our Baxter team serves a large region of the state, and the infrastructure needs of the surrounding communities continue to grow. We’re excited for the opportunity to support the region, and our expanded office strengthens our presence and provides more visibility.”

WSB first entered the central Minnesota region in 2015 with the opening of their Baxter office. Over eight years later, the firm is proud to continue investing in the region. The strategic office expansion and location of the Baxter office is appealing because of its accessibility to local clients and staff.

The Baxter office will support the development of infrastructure for counties and cities in central Minnesota. WSB will continue to build their team and focus on project delivery in the area.

“We have strong existing relationships with partners and clients in the Brainerd/Baxter area,” said Paul Sandy, WSB’s municipal senior project manager. “This office space and expansion allows us the opportunity to continue working with existing clients while expanding our footprint in northern Minnesota to provide services to clients we may not have worked with in the past. In a place developing as quickly as Crow Wing County and surrounding jurisdictions, we are eager to continue building our resume in the region and providing our clients with cutting-edge solutions to support their infrastructure and asset management needs.”

WSB currently serves as the city engineer in the city of East Gull Lake and supports other cities in the area such as Brainerd, Baxter, Breezy Point, and neighboring jurisdictions throughout northern Minnesota.  With geographic presences in St. Cloud, Baxter, Duluth, and Fargo, WSB services all northern Minnesota through collective office expertise.

Since moving to Baxter in 2015, more notable projects in the Brainerd/Baxter area include WSB serving as the lead design firm managing design and construction quality for the Highway 371 Design Build project from Nisswa to Jenkins, the College Drive Reconstruction Project from County Road 48 to Quince Street in Brainerd, and the newly constructed Lyman P. White Park located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Brainerd.

WSB, Minneapolis-Based Design and Consulting Firm, Announces Acquisition of EST

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.

WSB Strengthens Leadership Team with Hiring of Waymon Votaw and Gordon McPhee

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.

Waymon Votaw
Vice President of Oil and Gas Operations
[email protected] | 346.661.5360

Gordon McPhee
Vice President of Digital Solutions
[email protected] | 513.288.0438

City of Hugo has been selected as a MRPA Award of Excellence recipient

The City of Hugo has been selected as a MRPA Award of Excellence recipient for the Lions Volunteer Park and Downtown Improvement Project. The award will be presented later this summer at a City Council meeting.

WSB’s design team collaborated with the City of Hugo and HCM Architects to engage in a comprehensive planning process aimed at transforming the existing downtown into an expanded civic space.  The project was completed in 2022 and features a fully redeveloped park with a wide variety of interactive features meeting a broad range of ages and abilities and includes event space, the Peder Pederson Pavilion, an inclusive playground, and athletic courts. It also includes an abundance of gathering areas surrounded by aesthetic landscaping that is irrigated through a stormwater reuse system. The new and redeveloped streets and trails greatly improve overall access to the park and the Hugo City Hall for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Zweig Group honors WSB with Marketing Excellence Awards

The Zweig Group, the leading research, publishing and advisory services resource for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, has honored WSB with two awards in marketing.

Every year, the organization offers an awards program that specifically recognizes outstanding work within the AEC industry throughout North America.

Award entries are judged by a team of marketing professionals and evaluated based upon overall creativity, messaging, results achieved by the campaign, and level of design.

WSB Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 2 | External Newsletter | Second Place

Twice a year, WSB publishes an external newsletter. For over 10 years, WSB has mailed a newsletter highlighting projects, innovations, techniques, and news. We feel there is still value in a well-done printed piece. Issuing a newsletter helps us tell our WSB story in a broader way than digital marketing.

This newsletter focused on the work we have done across the country. Our growth has been significant both in our staff, offices, and projects. Click here to view the newsletter.

2022 Year In Review | Internal Newsletter | Third Place

Since 2009, WSB has published our annual Year In Review. This publication recaps the previous year and is distributed at our firm’s annual celebration. The goal is simple – to tell the story of WSB to our staff. In recent years, we have grown significantly both in staff size and geography. The stories of how we are building what is next in infrastructure across the country are important for our staff to hear. It helps us reconnect to our mission and reminds us of what we work together towards. Click here to view the 2022 Year in Review publication.

The complete list of Marketing Excellence Winners can be accessed here: Marketing Excellence Award (zweiggroup.com)

Newsletter | Volume 5 | Issue 1 | 2023

WSB hires Jerel Rackley as Director of Transportation Design

Rackley will focus on strengthening business development and project management in the Austin metro and throughout the state of Texas.

July 25, 2023

Austin, Texas, – Design and consulting firm WSB announced today that Jerel Rackley has joined the organization as director of transportation design. Rackley will be based in the firm’s Round Rock office. Here, Rackley will support the firm while focusing on business development and leading project management for projects throughout the state of Texas.

The strategic hiring of Rackley shows the firm’s continued investment in the state of Texas and will help WSB foster current and future client relationships. The addition of Rackley to WSB’s leadership will grow an even stronger presence in the state— allowing the firm to support communities with their infrastructure needs. Rackley is an asset to the firm because of his background in both rural and urban roadway design and his strong bonds with Texas clients.

“Texas transportation has so many markets, and we are looking forward to Jerel’s knowledge and connections to bring WSB into a new space— both geographically as well as different types of projects,” said Rob Bailey, president of transportation in Texas. “We look for talented engineers and strong communicators, but it can be difficult to find both qualities in one person. Jerel is the rare combination of being exceptional at both, and I know he will bring a positive impact to our business.”

Rackley has over 21 years of experience as a roadway design engineer in Texas, specifically in the Austin metro. Some of his recent and most notable projects include the $650 million Oak Hill Parkway project, as well as the I-35 Capital Express South project. Additionally, he has close ties with the Austin District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

“I was drawn to WSB because of the people and their philosophy,” said Rackley. “WSB focuses on innovation and advanced project delivery to best serve clients. We look beyond the horizon and prepare for the future. I admire this about WSB and look forward to supporting the firm and our clients.”

WSB first established an office in Texas in 2017. The firm has since expanded to five offices throughout the state. The Round Rock office is the most recent office expansion, opening in June of 2023.

WSB continues Texas growth with opening of the firm’s fifth Texas office.

The design and consulting firm’s Texas expansion is part of their strategic growth plans.

August 1, 2023

Design and consulting firm WSB, announced today the expansion of their Texas presence with the opening of their new office in Tyler, Texas. The firm has signed a lease for 2,227 square-feet in the Pruitt Place Office at 1015 Pruitt Place, No. 102. This office opening in Tyler signifies a continuation of WSB’s geographic growth strategy.

“We take pride in our developing firm and the expanded growth in the Texas region,” said Jay Kennedy, WSB’s vice president of Texas operations. “Texas has a variety of large infrastructure projects on the horizon. We look forward to the opportunity to support the state’s infrastructure needs in a larger capacity.”

The firm first established a Texas presence in 2017. Six years later, WSB has successfully launched five office spaces in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Round Rock and now Tyler. WSB is a fast-growing firm and will continue to invest in the Texas region.

WSB develops infrastructure across the country in the government, commercial and energy markets. They are a leader in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, and continue to serve each project and community through advanced project delivery and innovation.

“With new spaces comes new opportunities,” said Bryan Hodges, director of transportation design in Texas. Hodges is based in the Tyler office and leads the firm’s presence in the Tyler area. “The opening of the Tyler office allows us to further establish our presence in Texas. This additional office provides even more communities and clients with our expertise and innovation to aid their infrastructure projects. With the Tyler office, we can continue to build for the future.”

The firm already has a presence in the Tyler area. Recently, WSB was selected to provide General Engineering and Project Management Services for the City of Tyler Capital Improvement Plan. These projects will include street improvement, traffic engineering and drainage improvements. Additionally, WSB has completed a city-wide traffic-signal inventory.

WSB is a forward-thinking firm that provides engineering, community planning, environmental and construction services. With 17 offices throughout the United States, the firm continues to expand their reach and build what’s next in infrastructure.

WSB expands Houston presence with the relocation and expansion of office

April 26, 2023

The fast-growing design and consulting firm first entered the Houston market in 2019 and will open two additional offices in Texas this year.

WSB, a design and consulting firm, announced today that they have expanded their Houston office to the Energy Tower professional office building on 11700 Katy Freeway. The over 6,000-square-foot expansion represents a continuation of WSB’s geographic growth strategy.

“The Houston community and surrounding areas are investing heavily in their infrastructure and WSB’s offerings are well suited to support these needs,” said David Balmos, WSB’s vice president of strategy. “We’ve seen an increasing interest from our clients and partners in our digital delivery services. Our approach to project delivery is disrupting the industry and the Houston area needs a more innovative approach to infrastructure development.  It makes sense to expand our operations and presence in the area.”

WSB, which provides engineering, community planning, environmental and construction services to the public and private sector, established a Houston presence in 2019 through the acquisition of Nathelyne A. Kennedy and Associates (NAK). Since then, the firm has invested heavily in strategic hires and has grown their local expertise substantially.  

The counties surrounding the Houston area recently approved more than $3 billion for projects related to infrastructure improvement. As a firm that focuses on providing advanced project delivery for the government, commercial and energy markets, WSB will bring a forwarding-thinking mindset to their client’s project approaches.

“Our expertise, combined with our innovation is what differentiates us from others in the market,” said Jay Kennedy, WSB’s vice president of Texas operations. “We look forward to continuing our strategic expansion plans across the state of Texas through our commitment to building what’s next in infrastructure.”

WSB first entered Texas in 2017 with the establishment of their Austin office. Since then, the firm has established a presence in Dallas and will also open offices in Round Rock and Tyler later this year. The Houston office will support full-service infrastructure needs throughout the state.

WSB Promotes Steve Nelson to Director of Water/Wastewater

April 28, 2023

Nelson’s background in community enhancing, sustainable solutions will guide the firm’s innovative approach to water/wastewater solutions.

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Steve Nelson has been promoted to director of water/wastewater. In his new role, Nelson will lead and grow the firm’s water/wastewater team, support business development and lead the firm’s biological filtration and water/wastewater innovation efforts. Nelson joined WSB last year as a senior project manager and since then has worked to elevate the firm’s water/wastewater services throughout Minnesota.

“Steve has over 30 years of water and wastewater industry experience,” said Monica Heil, WSB vice president of municipal services. “His deep understanding for clients’ operational needs is unmatched and his ability to apply his subject matter expertise with our staff will allow us to continue to deliver innovative water and wastewater solutions across all our markets.”

Throughout his tenure, Nelson has led several successful water and wastewater projects and has made several industry contributions. He has led the development of water treatment plant design and renovations, water treatment plant process optimizations, filter maintenance evaluations and biological treatment. He played a leadership role in the Approval of Biological Treatment in Minnesota and helped the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) develop its protocol for Biological Pilot Testing.

Regarding PFAS contamination, Nelson served as the primary contributing author of the report for the Minnesota Attorney General, for several east metro communities and continues to help communities with PFAS related planning and removal. Nelson served two multi-year terms as the chair for the Minnesota AWWA Research Committee, and currently serves on the AWWA Water Utility Council (WUC).

“WSB is providing industry leadership in customer focused environmentally friendly solutions like softening, biological filtration, and PFAS removal.  Such solutions are imperative to protecting our natural resources and supporting sustainable communities,” said Nelson. “The engineering behind water/wastewater will only become more valuable as our communities’ face water related demands. I’m looking forward to taking on a new leadership role at WSB and believe in the firm’s commitment to building what’s next in infrastructure. It’s this kind of approach that will better arm our communities for the future.”

WSB’s water/wastewater services include wastewater treatment facility design, expansion and rehabilitation, water studies, system modeling and analysis and more. More information about WSB’s water and wastewater services can be found here.