News

WSB strengthens leadership amidst national expansion with strategic hire Corey Johnson

November 19, 2024
Johnson’s role at WSB is valuable as the firm supports clients across the country.

Orlando, Fla. — Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the strategic hiring of Corey Johnson. Johnson supports the firm as director of strategy for digital construction management (DCM).

With 25 years of industry experience, Johnson’s background and expertise make him an asset to WSB. From time as a consultant and solution engineer in civil, to managing design and construction teams, to establishing strong relationships with most Departments of Transportation (DOTs)— Johnson is well equipped to lead WSB to success.

“Corey has a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to provide practical-minded digital delivery,” said Andy Kaiyala, vice president of DCM. “His diverse technical skills coupled with his ability to collaborate with staff and clients is incredibly valuable. The strategic vision, mentorship and guidance Corey provides strengthens the group as we continue to grow.”

In this position, Johnson leads the national effort to expand the firm’s DCM service, prioritizing client engagement to accelerate the adoption of a model-centric future. Additionally, his background and strong relationships support the firm and increase brand awareness.

“I had worked with WSB in the past and always admired how they approached projects,” said Johnson. “WSB is progressive and is targeting the right things to solve real problems. From assembling a strong team to finding solutions for the communities we serve; I knew this would be a good fit.”

The firm first launched DCM in spring of 2023. Since then, the service area and team of experts continue to grow as the firm partners with national brands, raising awareness about the model-centric future for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. 

WSB honored with Zweig marketing excellence

July 12, 2024

The Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing and advisory services resource for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Each year, the organization offers an awards program that specifically recognizes outstanding work within the AEC industry throughout North America.

WSB was recently honored with five awards from the Zweig Group for 2024 Marketing Excellence. 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.

1^st Place in Brochure Design | Digital Lifecycle Brochure

WSB is a forward-thinking firm, and we value our innovative approach with advanced project delivery. The firm uses technology to remain a leader in the industry, and this is reflected in our marketing efforts.

Recently, WSB created an improved digital sales tool about the Digital Lifecycle. Our efforts to design an interactive presentation that uniquely caters to each audience was recognized by the Zweig Group and received first place in Brochure Design.

2^nd Place in Brochure Design | New Firm Overview

The WSB 2024 firm overview brochure is designed as a presentation folder that accommodates division collateral, one-pagers and additional marketing materials.

It also includes a cutout for holding a business card. This innovative folder can serve as a standalone piece or a leave behind. We received second place from the Zweig Group for this timeless and contemporary brochure presentation.

2^nd Place in Internal Newsletters | 2023 Year in Review

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.

The Year in Review helps us reconnect to our mission and reminds us of what we work together towards. It received second place in Internal Newsletters.

2^nd Place in External Newsletters | Nov/Dec 2023 Newsletter

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 and our growth as a firm. It received second place from the Zweig Group for External Newsletters.

3^rd Place in Advertising | MSHSL State Tournaments Advertising

We know that the future is what we make of it, and we value the bright minds of the next generation. This is why we chose to advertise in environments where the next great engineers are as a Minnesota State High School Sponsor.

00:15-second commercials ran during the live web-streaming of the 2024 Girls’ & Boys’ State Hockey and Basketball, as well as rotational courtside signage during the basketball tournaments. We received third place in Advertising.

To read more about the awards and view a full list of winners, please visit Marketing Excellence Award (zweiggroup.com)

WSB Awarded Special Achievement in GIS

August 2, 2024

WSB was recently awarded Special Achievement in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) at the 2024 Esri User Conference. This award is given to users around the world recognizing outstanding work with GIS technology. WSB was recognized for its work as a consultant supporting renewable energy organizations with implementing Esri GIS technology.

Esri is the global market leader in GIS software, location intelligence and mapping. The firm is honored to have received this prestigious award.

WSB partners with GoodVision to advance traffic safety and mobility

August 8, 2024
WSB is investing in the future of traffic control technology.

Minneapolis, Minn – WSB, a forward-thinking design and consulting firm, announced today
their partnership with European company GoodVision. This partnership is more than two teams joining together, rather, it signifies the join t effort of advancing the traffic industry.

WSB and GoodVision have been cooperating since 2021 in the traffic modeling domain.

WSB’s use of technology in their services has made the firm a leader in the Architecture,
Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Over the next three years, WSB will invest in
GoodVision as well as traffic analytics project efforts, support and education. In turn,
GoodVision will focus on enhancing these solutions, implementations and support. This
partnership propels the industry forward even more.

“A partnership between WSB and GoodVision aims at creating a powerful technology and
implementer collaboration in North America,” said Daniel Stofan, GoodVision CEO. “Both
companies are heavily investing in the improvement of the traffic industry and aim to excel by
implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to address current traffic analytics needs with
local traffic expertise and support.”

This partnership is leading the traffic industry, implementing AI to address current needs in the
areas of traffic analysis, transportation safety and active traffic management. Deliverables
include turnkey traffic solutions to support clients, ITS solutions, preventing congestion and
increased safety. WSB’s staff of subject matter experts can use the data and insights provided
by these solutions to create a tailored consulting service for each client. This joint effort is
shaping the future of traffic monitoring and analytics.

“Not only does this innovative technology progress the industry, but it also creates safer and
more efficient communities,” said Gordon McPhee, Vice President of Digital Solutions. “Using
AI, this service provides instant detection of roadway incidents with automated responses. This
increases overall safety and builds a safer community.”

Additionally, this service improves productivity and cost savings through real time automation.
By implementing this system, clients reduce the heavy workload for their staff and create a
more efficient work environment.

WSB and GoodVision are committed to serving communities around the world. This partnership and technology-driven service make that possible. Together, WSB and GoodVision will provide clients with the opportunity to implement traffic monitoring and data analytics into their practices, furthering the advancement of the industry and building safer communities.

WSB strategically hires controller to support national expansion

August 13, 2024
Brian Hotovy’s financial expertise well-positions the design and consulting firm as it continues to establish a national brand.  

Minneapolis, Minn. – Fast-growing firm WSB today announced the strategic hiring of Brian Hotovy. Hotovy joins the firm as controller and is based out of headquarters in Minneapolis.

As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 20 years of progressive experience leading accounting and finance teams, and over 10 years specifically in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, Hotovy is an asset to the firm and well-prepared to support rapid growth.

“Brian is well-established, and his experience working in accounting and finance in the AEC industry is extremely valuable,” said James Bainbridge, chief financial officer. “His knowledge and guidance will help shape WSB as we expand both organically and through acquisitions. I look forward to the future of this firm with Brian on our team.”

Hotovy’s hiring enables the firm’s growth and scale. In this role, he will focus on consolidated reporting and developing the firm’s financial processes to support continued growth. His expertise and industry experience supports the firm’s growing footprint.

“The culture at WSB is outstanding, and I’m excited to provide insight as we continue building a presence from coast-to-coast,” said Hotovy. “I look forward to the continued development of our accounting division and am eager to position our staff and clients for success. The sky is the limit.”

WSB acquired two firms in the last year, doubling in size. The firm continues to offer over 50 complementary services to clients across the United States to build what’s next in infrastructure— the places, spaces and systems that support our lives.

WSB named a 2024 Fast 50 Honoree

August 15, 2024

Each year, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal gathers information on firm’s based in the Twin Cities and creates a Fast 50 List. The List is a ranking of companies that have shown significant growth over a period of time. It was recently announced that WSB is an honoree on the List, making it one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Twin Cities.

The awards program will take place on Thursday, October 24, at U.S. Bank Stadium. This is when official placements on the List will be announced. An alphabetical list of 2024 honorees can be found at MSPBJ.

Newsletter | Volume 6 | Issue 1 | 2024

WSB strengthens Texas survey team with new director

August 21, 2024
The firm strategically hires leadership to facilitate expansion in the south.

Houston, Texas – Design and consulting firm WSB announced today the strategic hiring of Michael Hodgkinson. Based out of the firm’s Houston office, Hodgkinson joins WSB as director of survey operations.

Hodgkinson has a strong background in the industry with over 30 years of experience in survey. His close relationships with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other industry leaders are valuable to the firm as it continues to grow nationally.

“Michael was selected for this position for a variety of reasons,” said Brad Oswald, director of survey. “He comes to WSB with a wealth of industry knowledge, and his relationships in the region will help us expand our service offerings throughout the state. I’m really excited to watch our division thrive under Michael’s leadership.”

This is the first time the firm will offer survey services of this scale in Texas, and Hodgkinson will be instrumental in its growth. In his position, Hodgkinson will oversee survey operations and business development throughout the state. He will primarily focus on building the firm’s team in Texas and expanding into new market spaces, such as municipal, renewables and energy markets, in the south and southeast regions.  

“I see potential for growth at WSB, both internally and nationally,” said Hodgkinson. “I am passionate about building and strengthening operations. I look forward to applying my experience in my new role to support the firm.”

Strengthening the firm’s Texas presence will support national expansion. After doubling in size through two acquisitions in the past year, the firm has increased its service offerings and reach across the United States.

WSB elevates leadership in the Southeast

August 27, 2024
Amidst national expansion, the design and consulting firm strengthens leadership in the newly expanded region. 

Jacksonville, Fla. – Fast-growing design and consulting firm WSB today announced the expansion of leadership in the Southeast region. This is part of WSB’s aggressive growth strategy to build a national firm that supports critical infrastructure across the United States.  

The firm acquired AE Engineering, a high-growth infrastructure firm based in Jacksonville, Florida, in February 2024. Through this acquisition the firm has gained several offices throughout Florida, Geogia and North Carolina.

“Infrastructure is booming in the southeast, and in turn so has our growth,” said Rod Myrick, Vice President of Strategy & Construction. “We have many leaders in this region who have been driving forces of our expansion. These individuals represent our firms dynamic, strong core of difference makers that support our clients, and I’m proud to recognize promotions throughout the region.”

WSB has elevated several leaders within the southeast region to support its newfound growth. Promotions in the southeast region include:

• Andres Atehortua | Director, Contract Administration
• Ricardo Baraybar | Director, Contract Administration
• Udin Dwarica-Ogeer | Director, Quality Assurance
• William Glennon | Director, Contract Administration
• Eduardo Hernandez | Director, Contract Administration
• Van Mason | Director, Contract Administration
• Julian McKinley | Director, Contract Administration
• Christopher Nolen | Director Contract Administration
• Michael Russo | Director, Materials
• Christopher Sweat | Director, Contract Administration

“I am thrilled for our firm to support more communities across the nation,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO. “The southeast is heavily investing in infrastructure, and AE Engineering has built phenomenal relationships with communities throughout the region. As we forge ahead together, I am excited about the expanded services we can bring to the southeast. Our teams have been collaborating across various divisions to provide the best services for our clients while building what’s next in infrastructure.”

Founded in Minnesota in 1995, the growth of WSB has been significant. With offices in various regions including Minnesota/North Dakota, Colorado/California, Texas/Oklahoma and now the southeast, the firm supports communities across the nation. Today, WSB offers services in more than 50 areas, to seamlessly integrate planning, design and implementation.

WSB expands leadership team with strategic hire in Colorado region

August 30, 2024

George Prien will support multiple divisions across the firm as director of data integrity

Denver, Colo. – WSB, design and consulting firm, announced today the strategic hiring of George Prien. Based out of the firm’s Denver location, Prien has joined as director of data integrity.

With 16 years of industry experience, Prien’s expertise lies in data analysis and management. Prien has a background in both GIS and survey, making him well-equipped to support the firm as director of data integrity.

“George’s talent and technical experience in the industry is impressive, and he has been a staple in the energy division for years,” said John Gerlach, vice president of energy utilities. “With connections in Colorado and Houston and a diverse background, he will support our firm well. I am confident with George’s leadership we will continue to advance technology in the energy sector, providing even better services for our clients.”

In this role, Prien works in the energy utilities division— driving technology and data integration into the energy space. Working alongside WSB’s GIS and survey teams, he will oversee the integration of these services. This supports the firm’s initiative to remain an industry leader through advanced project delivery.

“I love building teams, and I have a passion for data,” said Prien. “To combine both interests and support a firm that is already well-established with diverse services is incredibly exciting. I appreciate that WSB is technology driven and the forward-thinking vision embedded in their culture. There are endless opportunities at WSB, and I look forward to my role in helping this firm forge ahead.”

With two acquisitions in the last year, WSB has doubled in size. The technology-driven firm continues to expand services in regions across the country and lead the industry.