Over the past year, I’ve spent a good deal of time traveling across the country, meeting with clients, partners, and business leaders in regions experiencing rapid economic growth. There’s a common thread in the communities that are gaining momentum; they are intentional about investing in innovation, developing their workforce, and building a high quality of life for people who live and work there. 

I am president and CEO of WSB, a Minneapolis-based, high-growth civil engineering and consulting firm founded in 1995. We’re proud to be headquartered in the Twin Cities, a region with a strong legacy of business leadership and ingenuity. At the same time, we are expanding well beyond Minnesota, and we’re seeing firsthand how other markets are positioning themselves for the future and where we have opportunities to lead here at home. 

The architecture, engineering, and construction industry is evolving quickly. Advances in technology, data, and automation are changing how we design infrastructure, deliver projects, and serve clients. At WSB, we’re investing in technology, building in-house capabilities that we believe differentiate us, and bringing in top talent from across the country to support our growth. That approach has fueled our expansion into new geographies and markets, but it has also sharpened our perspective on what it takes for a broader business community to thrive. 

As Minnesota works to remain competitive and accelerate its growth, we need to collectively focus on a few key areas. 

First, we must continue to invest in business and innovation.  
High-growth markets aren’t waiting for change to happen; they’re driving it. They are attracting private investment, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating environments where companies are encouraged to experiment, scale, and evolve. In our space, that means embracing digital delivery, investing in emerging technologies, and rethinking traditional approaches to infrastructure and development. Minnesota has a history of leading and has a strong foundation, but we need to rediscover our roots and double down on making this a place where innovation is expected and truly supported. 

Second, we need to rethink how we educate, train, and develop our workforce.  
The reality is that the pace of change in our industries is outpacing traditional education models. The most successful organizations are not just hiring talent; they are developing it in real time. That means stronger partnerships between industry and education, more hands-on training opportunities, and a greater emphasis on learning on the job. At WSB, we’ve seen the impact of investing in our people, not just in technical skills, but in leadership, business development, and innovation. Expanding that mindset across our business community will be critical to building a workforce that is ready for what’s next.  

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Finally, we need to attract and retain more people in Minnesota.  
Growth markets are growing in part because people are choosing to move there. They offer opportunity, affordability, and a quality of life that draws talent from across the country. Minnesota has a compelling story to tell, but we need to be more aggressive in telling it and backing it up with policies and investments that make it easier for people to relocate and build their careers here. Talent drives growth. Without it, even the strongest businesses will struggle to scale. 

The good news is that we are not starting from scratch. Minnesota has long been home to innovative companies, strong institutions, and a business community that values collaboration. But the landscape is changing, and standing still is not an option. 

The lessons we’re seeing across the country are clear. Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of deliberate choices by businesses, by educators, and by policymakers to invest in the future. We must share our stories, find solutions to our collective challenges, and make sure that we are heard. It is very easy to focus on our individual businesses, but we must also take time to help develop a business environment that encourages opportunity and growth. 

I encourage my fellow business leaders to lean in, to invest in innovation, to commit to workforce development, and to help make Minnesota a magnet for talent and opportunity. I hope those with political influence realize that we have a strong business community that is committed to our communities, but we need help to compete against other states and countries. We can do this, but it will take trust and collaboration. Together, we can shape the next chapter of economic success for our state.