News

City of North St. Paul Honored with Concrete Paving Award for 7th Avenue East Project 

February 10, 2025

The 7th Avenue East Project in North St. Paul recently received a Concrete Paving Award in Category 7 for City New/Reconstruction. This prestigious award underscores the complexity and significance of the project, which involved extensive preliminary work, design, construction, surveying, materials testing and construction observation. WSB was proud to support the project, and the firm’s comprehensive involvement spanned from inception to completion, showcasing its expertise and dedication. 

This project was part of a larger effort to revitalize downtown North St. Paul, aligning with a long-term vision aiming to rejuvenate the area. The project included the construction of a new water main, storm sewer, and brand-new concrete pavement roadway with sidewalks, lighting and landscaping. Notably, there were several complex challenges, including utilities crossing an 88-inch storm sewer and the need for vibration monitoring due to a medical manufacturing facility immediately adjacent to the project. 

This award is a significant honor as it highlights a major urban project for the City of North St. Paul to revitalize the community and accommodate future growth. The 7th Avenue East Project not only improved infrastructure but also enhanced the character of downtown North St. Paul, attracting residents and businesses and supporting the city’s vision for the future. 

Close collaboration between the City, Eureka Construction, Inc., Curb Masters, Inc., and WSB was integral to the project’s success and the achievement of this award.  WSB is honored to be a part of the collaborative team, together with all project stakeholders, where the combined talents and expertise from all culminated in the successful delivery of this award-winning project for the City of North St. Paul.  

Brian Glaser Promoted to Director of Design Technology at WSB

March 13, 2025
The firm is elevating internal leadership to enhance its design technology group.

Houston, Texas — WSB, a fast-growing design and consulting firm, today announced the promotion of Brian Glaser to director of design technology.

In his new role, Glaser will oversee company-wide design technology initiatives, driving innovation, collaboration and revenue generation. His leadership will be instrumental in enhancing internal collaboration between design technology and operation teams, ensuring continued delivery of cutting-edge solutions to clients.

John Mackiewicz, vice president of technology, states, “Brian’s promotion is a testament to his dedication and innovative mindset. His ability to foster strong relationships and drive technological advancements makes him the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that under his leadership, WSB will continue to be at the forefront of design technology, scaling up our capabilities.”

With almost two years of service at WSB and nearly 15 years of industry experience, Glaser has shown outstanding technical excellence and remarkable relationship-building skills that have significantly contributed to the firm’s success.

“I am eager to take my knowledge and success from my previous role and bring it to the director position,” stated Glaser. “Taking the successes from various areas throughout our division and implementing them in other aspects is critical as our group continues to expand. I look forward to fostering internal growth at WSB while supporting the needs of our clients and software partners.”

With Glaser’s leadership, WSB will continue to lead the industry in innovation, rapidly expanding design technology capabilities and greater collaboration within its teams and with clients.

This strategic move aligns with WSB’s commitment to excellence and the goal of driving growth amidst its national expansion. The firm now operates from offices in 10 states, with projects across the U.S.

WSB Welcomes New Vice President of Traffic Modeling and Planning

March 18, 2025
Josh Maus joins WSB, prioritizing collaboration across various divisions and regions.

Minneapolis, Minn. — Fast-growing design and consulting firm WSB today announced the hiring of Josh Maus as vice president of traffic modeling and planning.

With nearly 25 years of experience in the AEC industry, Maus brings a wealth of expertise in traffic operations and analysis. Throughout his career, he has made notable contributions to several significant projects in Minnesota, and his vast background with the private sector makes him an asset to the firm.

“We are excited to welcome Josh to WSB,” said Travis Wieber, vice president of transportation. “His extensive experience and industry reputation will be invaluable as we continue to grow and elevate our traffic modeling and planning divisions. Josh is a great cultural fit for our team, and we are confident that his leadership will drive us to new heights.”

In this role, Maus will oversee traffic modeling for all regions as part of the firm’s nationwide initiative. He will also lead transportation planning efforts in the Midwest region. There are many overlapping elements between these divisions, and having a leader integrate them allows WSB to deliver cohesive and superior results for clients. Maus will encourage collaboration among the groups—enhancing the capabilities and performance of WSB.

“I am thrilled to be part of such an innovative and forward-thinking firm,” said Maus. “WSB’s commitment to investing in technology and looking ahead to future opportunities is truly inspiring. I look forward to working with this talented group of professionals and contributing to WSB’s growth.”

WSB has doubled in size over the last two years through acquisitions and organic growth. The firm provides services throughout the nation, with offices in various regions including Minnesota/North Dakota, Oklahoma/Texas, Colorado/California and the Southeast.

WSB welcomes Tara Dresen as Chief Human Resource Officer

April 7, 2025

Dresen will enhance organizational culture and talent acquisition as the firm expands nationally.

Minneapolis, Minn.— WSB, a fast-growing design and consulting firm, today announced the appointment of Tara Dresen as its new Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO). Dresen brings a wealth of experience and expertise in human resources and recruitment, and she will play a pivotal role in supporting the firm’s growth and enhancing its organizational culture. 

In her new role, Dresen will oversee all aspects of WSB’s human resources strategy, including talent acquisition, employee development, performance management and organizational culture. She will collaborate closely with the leadership team to align human resources practices with business objectives and support WSB’s mission to build what’s next in infrastructure. Dresen will focus on attracting and retaining top talent in the industry, enhancing team member engagement, and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. 

“We are excited to welcome Tara to WSB,” stated Bret Weiss, president and chief executive officer (CEO). “Her extensive experience in human resources is invaluable and makes her an excellent addition to our firm. We are confident that Tara will significantly contribute to supporting WSB’s growth and enhancing our organizational culture.” 

A seasoned human resources professional, Dresen’s expertise includes accelerating growth through strategy and people alignment, transparent cultures and talent analytics. She has held significant roles in various organizations, including Global Vice President of Talent Planning & Attraction at Trimble, Global Head of People at CBRE and CHRO at TwentyEighty.  

“I am thrilled to join WSB and contribute to the firm’s continued success,” said Dresen. “I look forward to working with the talented team at WSB to enhance our HR practices, support our employees’ growth and development, and foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation.” 

This strategic move aligns with WSB’s commitment to excellence and the goal of driving growth amidst its national expansion. The firm now operates from offices in 10 states, with projects across the U.S.  

Major Milestone Achieved in EPA Grant Funding

September 18, 2024

WSB’s Sustainability Division has successfully helped secure $5 million in EPA grant funding for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin. This funding will enhance building efficiency, develop and install 1MW of solar electricity infrastructure and increase local workforce capacity for renewable energy on Tribal lands.

The application, developed in collaboration with the Tribe’s Grants Administrator, was selected as one of 33 recipients from a competitive pool of over 100 applications. This success highlights the comprehensive and compelling nature of the proposal, which demonstrated significant potential for advancing the Tribe’s goals of energy sovereignty and reducing negative environmental impacts.

The funding is expected to open new possibilities for the Tribe. WSB looks forward to supporting future Tribal clients in their pursuit of sustainability goals.

For more details on the grant awards, please visit the EPA’s official announcement.

WSB invests in Arkansas office, elevating training and evaluation standards

September 27, 2024

The firm announces a new office in the state to better support communities in the region.

Conway, Ark. – Fast-growing design and consulting firm WSB today announced the opening of a new office located at 1335 Covington Pk Dr, Conway, AR 72034. This facility is set to serve as a hub for advanced training and operator qualification (OQ) of third-party contractors, underscoring WSB’s commitment to enhancing service quality and safety in pipeline operations across the state.

The new facility will primarily focus on the specialized training and evaluation of fusion processes essential in polyethylene (PE) pipe installations — a critical component in modern pipeline infrastructure. The facility is equipped to conduct comprehensive training on a variety of techniques such as manual butt fusion, hydraulic butt fusion, socket fusion and the use of electro fusion tees and couplings. This hands-on approach ensures that third-party contractors across Arkansas are well-versed in pipeline construction and maintenance techniques.

Beyond third-party contractor evaluation, the new space is designed to better support how the firm’s inspection staff are trained and evaluated. Moving away from traditional computer-based knowledge assessments, the facility features workstations that simulate real-life scenarios. This practical training environment allows staff to sharpen their skills effectively, ensuring they are well-equipped to uphold and surpass the stringent standards required in pipeline inspection and safety.

“This space represents a transformative leap in our training capabilities,” said Rick Bradway, distribution utility inspector. As master evaluator, Bradway will be critical in overseeing the facility. “By simulating real-world scenarios, we can ensure our staff not only meet but exceed the rigorous standards required in our industry today. It’s about building a future-ready workforce that can tackle any challenge with confidence.”

The establishment also reaffirms its long-term commitment to the Arkansas community. WSB has worked on several projects throughout Arkansas since 2020. Investing in this region allows expanded service offerings in more than 50 complementary areas to better contribute to the state’s infrastructural development.

WSB promotes Kelly Selman to oversee the firm’s Texas transportation and construction engineering and inspection efforts

October 2, 2024

As senior vice president, Selman will lead WSB’s transportation and construction engineering and inspection divisions in Texas

Melissa, Texas – Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that Kelly Selman has been promoted to senior vice president of Texas. Selman, who previously led WSB’s transportation efforts throughout Texas, will now oversee and manage both the transportation and construction engineering and inspection (CE&I) divisions.

As senior vice president of Texas, Selman will oversee the firm’s growing portfolio of public and private transportation and construction clients. His role aims to strengthen and expand the firm’s transportation and CE&I services and solutions throughout the state. For years, WSB has been delivering engineering services in Texas, but the elevated role for Selman will help to support the fast growth within the region, strengthen existing and new client relationships, and build on the firm’s local expertise.   

“In 2023, we gained an industry infrastructure leader in Kelly Selman,” said Jon Chiglo, chief operating officer at WSB. “The experience, leadership and drive that Kelly brings to WSB has quickly enhanced our offerings in Texas. I am confident that Kelly will elevate our CE&I services in Texas and lead our strong teams.

Selman took on the role of vice president of transportation at WSB in 2023, concentrating his efforts on addressing the state’s infrastructure needs. Prior to joining WSB, Selman spent nearly six years at EST as Texas regional manager and 32 years at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in a variety of roles including area engineer, director of operations, director of TP&D, and district engineer of Dallas.

“WSB is advancing our industry and changing the way we deliver for our clients,” said Selman “This is the perfect opportunity to take our expertise in 3D design in Texas.  I’m thrilled to be leading these two key areas for WSB and I’m excited to support more clients across the state.”

As division lead for the firm’s transportation and CE&I teams in Texas, Selman will oversee WSB’s bridges and structures, roadway design, traffic engineering, transportation planning, right of way, transit planning and intelligent transportation systems, construction management, survey, materials testing services and more.

Selman is replacing Brad Martin, vice president of construction at WSB.  Martin retired on September 27. “On behalf of WSB, I would like to thank Brad Martin for his commitment, leadership and contributions to our firm,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO at WSB.  “From the moment he joined WSB, he was a dedicated leader to our staff and a committed consultant to all our clients.  On behalf of all our staff and leadership, we wish Brad nothing but the best in retirement.”

Orion Solar Belt Project: Powering the Future with Google’s Largest Solar Investment

October 23, 2024

We are excited to be part of the Orion Solar Belt project, a remarkable 900 MWdc solar power-plant that recently began commercial operations in Texas. Our team contributed to this project by conducting the survey and providing full civil, hydrology, and pile plan design for this initiative.

As Google’s largest solar energy investment to date, this project will power the company’s data centers in Ellis County, Texas, and plays a vital role in their commitment to achieving carbon-free energy by 2030.

Notably, this project included Google as a primary off-taker and complied with the domestic content provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, enabling them to secure an additional 10% investment tax credit. It utilized 1.3 million American-made solar modules from First Solar, domestic steel from Gerdau Steel in Midlothian, Texas, and components from Nextracker Inc., predominantly produced in the U.S.

For more information, visit: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/google-backed-orion-solar-belt-farm-opens-in-the-us/ar-AA1sDOXm

WSB opens new office in Orlando, establishing strong roots in the southeast region

November 7, 2024

As the firm continues to nationally expand, WSB is prioritizing its investment in the southeast.

Orlando, FL — WSB, a rapidly-growing design and consulting firm, has opened a new office located at 6220 Hazeltine National Dr., Suite 116, Orlando, FL. This strategic move marks a pivotal moment in the firm’s nationwide expansion efforts, reflecting a commitment to growing roots in the vibrant Southeast.

The firm wants to emphasize its commitment to the local communities it serves. This location enhances the firm’s ability to provide exceptional services to clients in the region and strengthens its brand presence across the southeastern United States.

“Opening our office in Orlando is a crucial part of our national growth strategy,” said Chris Nolen, director of contract administration. “We are thrilled to extend our expertise and services to the region and look forward to strengthening our relationships with the local community.”

WSB is prioritizing the needs of the communities it serves while expanding brand awareness from coast to coast. The new Orlando office is a testament to the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.

The firm first entered the southeastern region in early 2024 after acquiring AE Engineering, a high-growth transportation infrastructure engineering firm based in Jacksonville. Since then, the firm continues to grow and supports projects nationwide. 

WSB, Minneapolis-Based Design and Consulting Firm, Announces Acquisition of Meshek & Associates, LLC

November 12, 2024
Meshek’s footprint strengthens WSB’S presence in the southern U.S. 

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. — WSB LLC (“WSB”), one of the nation’s fastest growing infrastructure engineering and consulting firms, today announced the acquisition of Meshek & Associates, LLC. (“Meshek”), a specialized civil engineering firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The strategic addition of Meshek will strengthen WSB’s service offerings and presence in Oklahoma.  

“WSB is evolving into a national brand,” announced Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and CEO. “Oklahoma is making significant investments in its infrastructure, boasts a growing economy, and ranks among the top states for job creation, which gives us access to a robust talent pool. Meshek enjoys an excellent reputation and is an ideal fit with our culture and entrepreneurial spirit. We are excited to expand on their success by providing additional services.” 

The acquisition of Meshek brings three offices and more than 50 employees into WSB. Combined, WSB now operates over 50 offices with more than 1,500 employees nationwide to serve its clients across the government, commercial and energy markets.  

“WSB is a robust and expanding company that aligns perfectly with Meshek and our clients,” stated Brandon Claborn, CEO of Meshek. “For many years, we have been dedicated to providing top-tier service to our clients. By joining WSB, which shares this unwavering dedication, we are excited to gain additional expertise and resources to serve our clients and enhance their strengths and achievements by offering additional services.”   

WSB and Meshek will work together to develop a single go-to market approach as WSB in early 2025. This represents WSB’s third acquisition in the last 13 months. In September 2023, the firm acquired Oklahoma-based EST, a 350-person transportation infrastructure engineering firm and in February 2024, WSB acquired Florida-based AE Engineering, a 180-person construction, engineering and inspection (CE&I) firm.

Morrissey Goodale advised Meshek & Associates in connection with the transaction.