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 9 out of 30
Alyson Fauske Senior Project Manager II Minneapolis, MN
What stands out to you about WSB’s culture and values?
People in our group aren’t just coworkers, they’re a work family. We really care about and support each other.
Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?
Morgan Dawley. His breadth and depth of experience is really helpful with regards to career and business development. Morgan is also a great leader and easy to talk to.
Even if you’re new to WSB, can you share about a moment that made you feel like “I belong here”?
When I first started at WSB and toured the office, I lagged behind the rest of the new hires because I ran into so many people I knew that were now coworkers.
Fast forward 30 years – what do you think people will say about WSB’s impact on the world?
WSB’s commitment to technology and growth will impact more people in many ways.
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 8 out of 30
Eddie Cullum Senior Recruiter Burnsville, MN
What is your first memory of WSB?
Walking into the Burnsville office on my first day and being greeted by Jesse Sievers! It was a very warm and welcoming environment!
What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?
The growth over the past 2 years has been amazing. The acquisitions and the national growth have been exciting.
What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?
Building the National Apprenticeship Program at WSB and partnering with Dakota County Technical College, St. Cloud Technical Community College, Houston Community College, and Paris Junior College. Through these partnerships, we’ve built out CAD tech, engineering tech, and survey apprenticeships. I’m also proud to be partnering with the Texas and Minnesota Department of Labor.
What stands out to you about WSB’s culture and values?
Two things: Forward Thinking and Optimistic Mindsets
Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?
Jesse Sievers
What do you think WSB does really well that more people should know about?
Community focused activities and providing staff flexibility, including work-life balance.
If you could say one thing to all our clients as we celebrate this milestone, what would it be?
Thank you for the support!
What keeps you excited about working here?
The people and the opportunities.
Even if you’re new to WSB, can you share about a moment that made you feel like “I belong here”?
The welcoming nature and professionalism of the employees.
What does being a part of a company celebrating 30 years mean to you?
Foundation.
Fast forward 30 years – what do you think people will say about WSB’s impact on the world?
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 7 out of 30
Steve Lindsey Director of Transportation Planning Round Rock, TX
What is your first memory of WSB?
I visited the Minneapolis office and met a lot of great people that were passionate about accelerating WSB’s growth in Texas. I knew then we would have the support we needed to be successful.
What is the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?
Opening the Round Rock office was a really exciting experience for me. It was symbolic of our commitment to growth, our clients, and our employees.
Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?
I have worked with Michael Skoviera for a long time, but I am still inspired daily by his commitment to our staff. His approachable nature and understanding of the personal side of our business, combined with his technical expertise, are a rare combination that make him an excellent mentor.
What do you think WSB does really well that more people should know about?
WSB excels at encouraging its employees to explore their passions.
If you could say one thing to all of our clients as we celebrate this milestone, what would it be?
Thank you for trusting us.
What keeps you excited about working here?
The inspiring people I work with on a daily basis and the culture of recognizing everyone’s contributions to WSB’s successes.
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 6 out of 30
What is your first memory of WSB?
Meeting Ms. Tonette Mitchell. On my very first day going into the Houston office for training, she greeted me with the biggest smile and with so much love. It made me feel like I made the right decision to switch careers.
What stands out to you about WSB’s culture and values?
The culture is what stands out the most. It’s very family oriented.
Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?
There are so many people, a few come to mind: Damascus Porter is a great leader. He trained me and allowed me to grow while still being able to be myself. He inspires me not only as a co-worker but as a brother. He was there for me when I lost my brother two years ago and I can’t repay him with any amount of money. Same goes for my guy AO. We started in training together. The first few days we tried to out dress the other when coming to the office. He’s another guy that’s a great leader and is doing tremendous things here at WSB. Then we have Misti Daigle. When I took over as the lead in the south, she made sure I had everything I needed to be successful in the field.
What do you think WSB does really well that more people should know about?
Damage prevention. I also see a lot of opportunities for growth and expansion in this field.
If you could say one thing to all our clients as we celebrate this milestone, what would it be?
We are the best in the business.
Fast forward 30 years – what do you think people will say about WSB’s impact on the world?
That this fast-growing company made a big impact in several different spaces in construction.
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 5 out of 30
Faye Gillespie ROW Project Manager I St. Paul, MN
What do you think WSB does really well that more people should know about?
I have always felt as though WSB values their employees. They have really prioritized creating an environment where employees FEEL valued, and that is SO important. Happy employees provide better results!
If you could say one thing to all our clients as we celebrate this milestone, what would it be?
Just watch where we are going next!
What keeps you excited about working at WSB?
The people I work with are really what drives me to feel excited to go to work every day. We have a cohesive, fun group who can count on each other. Work hard, play hard!
What does being a part of a company celebrating 30 years mean to you?
Celebrating 30 years really puts us in the sweet spot – we are still a young-ish company in terms of being exciting, up and coming, and creating momentum, but we also have a solid history demonstrating longevity, dedication and experience. This is the perfect age!
Fast forward 30 years – what do you think people will say about WSB’s impact on the world?
In 30 years, people will look back and say, “WSB changed the landscape of the engineering field.” They will say this because we are going to be willing to embrace technology, develop new ways of doing things and creative new services. We are forward thinking, and we will be remembered for that.
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 4 out of 30
Amber Adams Grants & Funding Program Manager Remote
What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?
It is exciting to see the growth of our company throughout the U.S. We are adding excellent talent and building our capacity across regions and service areas. I’m also excited about the adoption of innovative technology through the use of AI and the expansion of committees and groups into other states.
What stands out to you about WSB’s culture and values?
My favorite core value of WSB is authenticity.
What keeps you excited about working at WSB?
I am excited to be here because I feel like I have an opportunity to build a national program that can help us foster relationships and grow business across multiple service areas. I want to know that I have opportunities to be heard, respected, and excel in my career. I believe that I have that here, and I am excited for what is to come.
Even if you’re new to WSB, can you share about a moment that made you feel like “I belong here”?
I absolutely loved the welcome kit when I first started! I also sincerely appreciate the summer gifts, recognitions, growth opportunities, and unexpected birthday cards. I believe these special touches are such a great way to let people know that they are important to the company.
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 3 out of 30
Jay Kennedy Vice President, Municipal Austin, TX
What is your first memory of WSB?
Getting the opportunity to meet with all four of the founders to talk about a potential role for me within WSB.
What’s the most exiting change you’ve seen at WSB?
When we decided to build our brand outside of the upper Midwest by launching first into Texas, then Colorado.
What stands out to you about WSB’s culture and values?
The forward-looking, aggressive approach we continually take towards growth. We encourage staff to grow with the company, and help them make it happen.
What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?
The Historic District Project in Mahtomedi: It is a large portion of the city and had antiquated utility and drainage systems, along with narrow roadways and substantial White Bear Lake frontage. We created a plan for it in 2008 and completed sections of it in phases over a 12-year period. The transformation in the neighborhood is incredible.
Neiman Sports Complex for MPRB: This was project we worked on with Brauer and Associates (before they became part of WSB). The complex is located on the Fort Snelling property and presented a number of design and coordination challenges to get it completed. The complex has baseball, softball, and soccer fields, all of which are high quality and designed to be ready for play very quickly after rainfall events.
Buda Bond Program Management: This project stands out to me because it was our first significant project win in Central Texas. We prevailed over some tough, well-established competition and have served the City very well. The City staff rave about our work to other cities, and we are viewed as a go-to firm for them.
Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?
Bret Weiss. Bret hired me and taught me how to be a consultant and the importance of understanding the business side of our company. He has also inspired me to take on new, challenging opportunities that have made me better and had a positive impact on WSB!
What do you think WSB does really well that more people should know about?
Finding better ways to solve traditional problems.
If you could say one thing to all our clients as we celebrate this milestone, what would it be?
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you, and for placing your trust in us!
What keeps you excited about working at WSB?
Growth and change, and the people I work with – across the organization, as well as our clients.
Can you share about a moment that made you feel like “I belong here”?
When I was trusted to transition into a difficult client situation a year after I started. It wound up being successful, and we still have a relationship with the client today.
What does being a part of a company celebrating 30 years mean to you?
Personally, it means a great deal to me because I have been part of it for 28 years. It means that we have accomplished what we set out to do, which is to create a company and a culture that is focused on our staff and our clients.
What’s a WSB inside joke, phrase, or tradition that only people who work here would understand?
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 2 out of 30
Earth Evans Director, Water Resources Minneapolis, MN
What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?
I’ve worked on a few large-scale transportation projects over the last several years and I really enjoy working as a part of a team on the designs. Gathering input from multiple disciplines has been a great learning experience and I think lends itself to a better product.
Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?
Ted Witkowski. When I first met him, I was really nervous to ask him questions or frankly to even get near his cube. But he was the guy you went to that always had an answer and remembered everything he ever built. He begrudgingly trained our entire Water Resources group, would drop everything to help out, and I sure miss him.
What do you think WSB does really well that more people should know about?
We genuinely want to help clients solve problems and are invested in finding solutions.
What keeps you excited about working at WSB?
The teams I work with and incredibly talented staff in Water Resources. We’ve built a very supportive culture where staff are willing to help hit deadlines, problem solve, commiserate, and celebrate accomplishments.
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 1 out of 30
Kyle Wewetzer Field Services Manager Denver, CO
What is your first memory of WSB?
My first memory of WSB was seeing their table set up at a career fair inside of the TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota. I was able to secure an interview with WSB, and I was sitting in the lobby at Golden Valley when Bret Weiss walked by and chatted with me for several minutes. At the time, I had no idea who he was, but the front desk receptionist later explained that he was the CEO and one of the founders of the company. I remember being taken aback by how friendly and down to earth he was. Fast forward to the end of my fall semester, and Bret Weiss ended up speaking at my graduation ceremony at the University of Minnesota Civil Engineering Building. Bret was a very motivated speaker, and afterward even put up with my parents asking him about the company.
What’s the most exciting change you’ve seen at WSB?
The most exciting change I’ve seen at WSB was the update of the brand. Going from the maroon triangle to the tangerine chevron and then seeing the new brand distributed was exciting. WSB’s brand – more than just the logo – was refreshing and easy to adapt to and continues to help drive the culture within the company as well as with our clients.
What project(s) are you most proud to have worked on?
I am most proud to have worked in Maine for Summit Utilities providing inspection to their natural gas system expansion in 2018. I spent six months living in Maine, working closely with the client, developing relationships and leaving a lasting impact. I oversaw a team of two additional inspectors, working throughout the state providing inspection on contractors constructing the natural gas distribution pipeline delivering natural gas to 1000s of homes and businesses. We are currently deeply connected with Summit Utilities in Arkansas now and I am providing support with similar services as I did in Maine. I have even reconnected with some of the individuals I met while there.
Who is someone you’ve worked with at WSB that has really inspired or influenced you?
John Gerlach has been an inspiration in both my personal life and my career. John approaches each obstacle with an enthusiasm and expertise that motivates those around him. His understanding of the field, paired with a dynamic leadership style, turns challenges into opportunities. John offers supportive guidance and has a knack for simplifying complex ideas. His mentorship has shaped my approach, encouraging me to strive for excellence each day. John has brought perspective into pipeline inspection and expanded a single service into an entire division and expansive network across the nation.
Each year, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal compiles its Fast 50 List, spotlighting Twin Cities companies that have demonstrated remarkable growth. WSB was recently recognized as one of the honorees, ranking among the region’s fastest-growing private firms.
The official order of the Fast 50 will be revealed at an awards event on Thursday, October 23, at U.S. Bank Stadium. Meanwhile, an alphabetical list of the 2025 honorees is available on MSPBJ.
