WSB places #43 on Zweig’s Hot Firm List

June 2, 2023

WSB was recently named a 2023 Hot Firm by the Zweig Group for the tenth consecutive year. The list honors the fastest growing firms in the AEC industry in the U.S. and Canada. The chosen companies have surpassed both the economy and their competitors to emerge as frontrunners in their respective industries. Ranking is based on three-year growth in revenue, by both percentage and growth. WSB ranks #43 on this year’s list.

Hot Firm #43

The Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for firms in the AEC industry. The Zweig Group’s awards programs recognize and celebrate top AEC industry firms in several categories.  Winners will be recognized at the 2021 Elevate AEC Conference in November.

View the complete list of Hot Firm winners.

WSB Fargo Expansion: Investing in the Future of North Dakota’s Infrastructure and Communities

May 31, 2023

By Jess Karls, Director of Transportation Design

WSB’s investment in North Dakota represents an exciting opportunity for current and potential clients in the region. With the opening of the new Fargo office, we have shown our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that benefit the local infrastructure and surrounding communities. This investment will enable WSB to expand its services, leading to the execution of more projects and improved project delivery.

WSB’s investment in North Dakota is particularly meaningful to me and why I chose to join the firm. The firm’s emphasis on using cutting-edge technology to shape projects and the positive impact our final products deliver to communities is one of the reasons I am excited to be part of WSB. I look forward to what the future holds for the new Fargo location.

Meeting Community Infrastructure Needs

One of the key benefits of WSB’s investment in North Dakota is the opportunity to work on projects that positively impact the local community, like Trunk Highway 10 and 75. Projects that help with the flow of traffic, support small businesses and improve the lives of residents while supporting our clients is a top priority. We listen to the community’s needs and desires and are eager to work with local and state governments to help improve infrastructure.

This expansion also presents exciting long-term prospects, including the potential to work with tribal, cities, counties, utilities and Department of Transportation (DOT) organizations.

Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent

The Fargo team will help WSB’s comprehensive services grow, providing clients in Western Minnesota, along the North Dakota border and even South Dakota with access to many experts. The new location is strategically placed in the same community as North Dakota State University to attract new talent into the workforce. Our commitment to positively impacting communities through building what’s next in infrastructure can inspire and retain talent who see the value in this work.

Why WSB

What sets WSB apart from other firms is our commitment to fostering an environment that supports engineers and problem-solving. This approach leads to advanced project delivery and innovative solutions. By taking educated risks, we are not afraid to be the first out the door and deliver innovative solutions to our clients.

By listening our clients’ needs and recruiting and retaining top talent in the industry, we are well-positioned to deliver innovative solutions that benefit local infrastructure and surrounding communities for many years to come.

Jessica brings 15 years of experience in roadway design and ROW planning. She brings expertise in innovative design that minimizes environmental impact, improve safety and mobility, while balancing construction costs, constructability, and service life of the project. Her comprehension of design and leadership abilities empowers design teams to work efficiently, while providing an elevated level of quality. Jessica will focus efforts on driving growth and expansion in our North Dakota market and will be based in our Fargo office. She will also support the entire Transportation division and help manage large scale transportation projects.

[email protected] | 701.400.4552

TxDOT selects WSB for Comprehensive Engineering Consultant (CEC) Services Houston District

The firm is selected to deliver $10 million in engineering services over four years

May 23, 2023

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they have been awarded a contract by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Houston District as a prime provider of Comprehensive Engineering Consultant (CEC) services.

“We welcome the opportunity to support the Houston District’s engineering needs,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and chief executive officer. “This is our first large-scale contract with TxDOT’s Houston District, and we see this as a significant advantage because we have the opportunity to shape the way infrastructure projects are delivered in the Houston community. As a firm, we lead the industry in in digital delivery across the country. We’re looking forward to bringing a more innovative, collaborative approach to design and engineering services for the state of Texas’ infrastructure needs.”

Through TxDOT’s Professional Engineering Procurement Services (PEPS) division, the CEC contracts are solicited through an RFP process and use qualification-based selection to procure services. PEPS mission is to obtain the most qualified consultants to deliver effective solutions for Texas. The division has $1.35 billion allocated for consultant services in 2023 alone.

“TxDOT’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable and integrated transportation systems align well with our capabilities and expertise,” said David Balmos, WSB’s vice president of strategy. “Our technical approach, deep bench of in-house expertise, approach to project management and our resumé of notable design and engineering projects will be vital to TxDOT’s long-range transportation plan.”

In addition to the CEC contract, WSB provides engineering services to TxDOT for the I-10 Inner Katy project, a $1.2 billion program to reconstruct five miles of urban freeway in Houston.

WSB strengthens Texas presence with the opening of its fourth Texas office in Round Rock

The fast-growing design and consulting firm established a presence in Texas in 2017 and has since expanded to four offices with an additional space opening soon.

May 16, 2023

WSB, a design and consulting firm, announced the opening of their new office in Round Rock, Texas. Just north of Austin, the establishment of this office allows WSB’s presence to grow in the area and further invest in the region. The new 4,500-square-foot space is located in La Frontera Plaza.

“Texas is the fastest growing state in the U.S.,” said Steve Lindsey, WSB’s director of transportation planning. “With new developments and increasing growth— Williamson County’s infrastructure needs support, and we have the innovation and capabilities to deliver. We’re excited for the opportunity to continue to service the region, and we especially look forward to increasing our connections within the Williamson County community.”

WSB first entered Texas in 2017 with the establishment of their Austin office. Nearly six years later, the firm is proud to continue investing in the region. The strategic office expansion and location of the Round Rock office is appealing because of its accessibility to local clients and staff, and it is conveniently placed where the work is needed.

The Round Rock office will assist with the development of infrastructure in the fast-growing region—expanding the firm’s services across the government, commercial and energy markets. In doing this, WSB will continue to build their team and support advanced project delivery in the area.

“We recognize that Round Rock is a key part of Texas’ booming economy, and we’d like to continue supporting that growth,” said Jay Kennedy, WSB’s vice president of Texas operations. “Not only do we welcome the opportunity to work with new and existing clients, but we look forward to the potential that this location has to offer. In a place developing as fast as Williamson County, we are eager to focus on work in the region and help bring cutting-edge solutions to support modern infrastructure.”

WSB has been working in the Williamson County community for years supporting the cities of Georgetown and Cedar Park with their infrastructure needs. Additionally, WSB continues to work on the high-profile Corridor J project and CR 201.

WSB expands survey team leadership in Minnesota and Colorado

Expansion of leadership will delineate strategic business development efforts across the firm’s markets

May 4, 2023

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they have expanded their survey team leadership. Brad Oswald has been promoted to Director of Survey and Pete Helder has been promoted to Director of Survey Operations, Minnesota. The new leadership structure allows for more focus to elevate the firm’s survey operations throughout offices in Minnesota, Colorado, Texas, North Dakota and expansion across the nation.

“The promotion of Brad and Pete within our survey team is significant for our growth trajectory,” said Kyle Klasen, WSB vice president of survey and digital delivery. “Both Pete and Brad have worked closely to build and expand our service offering across the markets we serve. Their work ethic and leadership skills have not only helped build our internal teams but has driven new business through their commitment to innovation and client service.”

Oswald first joined WSB in 2021 as director of survey operations. Throughout this time, he’s established the firm’s subsurface utility engineering (SUE) service, grown the WSB survey footprint in Colorado and has led many large-scale American Land Title Association (ALTA) land survey projects. In his new role as director of survey, Oswald will guide the overall strategy for the firm’s survey team and will coordinate survey efforts across the country.

“Every infrastructure project across the nation is based on survey measurements,” said Oswald. “Strong data is the foundation of any project and the way we operate at WSB is unique to the industry. We believe in the combination of expertise and cutting-edge tools to deliver better projects. I’m looking forward to expanding our footprint while working with our clients to provide this crucial data, efficiently and effectively.”

Helder has been with WSB for over 25 years as principal and survey group coordinator. Throughout his tenure, he’s managed the firm’s survey crews and was at the forefront of leading the firm into the renewable energy market. In his new role as director of survey operations, Minnesota, Helder will direct WSB’s survey efforts across Minnesota and will lead the firm’s renewable survey efforts across the country.

“The art of surveying goes back to ancient times and is one of the single most important assets in civil infrastructure project planning,” said Helder. “With the large investment in renewable energy across the nation, WSB is well-suited to deliver accurate, precise and technical survey data for our clients.”

Both Oswald, Helder and WSB are recognized across the industry as a go-to firm for survey services. WSB’s survey services include design, boundary, right of way, 3D laser, asset management, construction staking, environmental compliance and SUE. More information about WSB’s survey services can be found here.

Brad Oswald
Director of Survey
[email protected] | 248.686.4745

Pete Helder
Director of Survey Operations, Minnesota
[email protected] | 612.363.6952

WSB grows North Dakota presence with the relocation and expansion of Fargo office

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

May 3, 2023

WSB, a design and consulting firm, announced today that they have expanded their Fargo office to the TAB 42 professional office building on 4207 28^th Avenue South. The 4,500-square-foot expansion represents a continuation of WSB’s geographic growth strategy.

“We’re proud to invest in the areas where we live and work,” said Travis Wieber, WSB’s vice president of transportation. “We’re looking forward to bringing the full range of WSB’s expertise to the area. As a full-service design and consulting firm, we’re capitalizing on our local leadership, investing in technology to create efficiencies, and changing the way our industry develops infrastructure projects through digital delivery.”

WSB, which provides engineering, community planning, environmental and construction services to the public and private sector, established a Fargo presence in 2017, their second WSB location in North Dakota. WSB first entered the North Dakota market in 2014 with the opening of their Bismarck office.

The Fargo area market has experienced steady growth with increasing infrastructure needs. Expanding the firm’s local presence will allow them to better serve the area through innovation, expertise and advanced technologies.

“WSB has deep roots in Minnesota and looks forward to expanding Fargo,” said Jessica Karls, WSB’s director of transportation design. “We have strong relationships with partners and clients in Fargo and throughout North Dakota. We look forward to bringing innovative, comprehensive solutions to the clients we serve.”

WSB’s Fargo office expansion represents an investment in the region, as well as with local clients and partners. The Fargo office will support full-service infrastructure needs throughout the government, energy and commercial markets.

Bret Weiss, WSB President & CEO, named a Most Admired CEO

May 1, 2023

The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal has announced that Bret Weiss, WSB’s President & CEO has been named one of the Most Admired CEOs of 2023. This award recognizes the outstanding professional accomplishments and the involvement in communities of Twin Cities business leaders.

Weiss is well-deserving of this award. His years of leadership and vision have guided him to be the business leader he is today. Throughout his tenure, he has remained committed to finding solutions to support the growth of WSB and has lent his expertise and leadership skills to our industry and business community.

Weiss will accept this honor in September during the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO award ceremony.

Click here to read the full article.

WSB Ranks #178 on Engineering News Record’s Top 500 Design Firms List

April 28, 2023

WSB is honored to be ranked #178 on Engineering News Record’s (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms. This is the 11^th consecutive year WSB has been ranked on the list, and we are proud to be included.

Each year, ENR completes an annual survey that ranks companies throughout the United States according to the revenue for design services performed. Covering topics such as business management, design, construction methods, technology, safety, law, legislation, environment and labor, ENR provides industry professionals with information to do their jobs more effectively.

Since WSB’s inception, we have dedicated ourselves to the value of strong relationships, collaboration and forward-thinking ideas. We aim to discover innovative solutions that look beyond the needs of today’s infrastructure and prepare us and our clients for the future.

WSB staff and their ambitious ideas and work ethic are what allows this company to continue to thrive. We would like to thank our staff for their diligent efforts and for advancing WSB and the industry. We look forward to continued partnerships with clients and building what’s next in infrastructure.

More information on ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms List is discussed in the article. https://www.enr.com/articles/56351-2023-top-500-design-firms-power-through-inflation

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.

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.