Bret Weiss, a Lead[ing] Engineer

Bret Weiss, P.E. (BCE 1987), has served as President and CEO of WSB Engineering since 2000. Weiss joined the Minnesota Chamber in 2010. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2017 and has been a member of the Foundation Board since 2019. He was elected by the Minnesota Chamber to lead the Board of Directors as the 2021-22 Chair. He has also played an instrumental role in the Chamber’s Leadership Minnesota and Leaders Lab programs. Weiss has also served on the Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles.

On a guiding philosophy…
I’ve always tried to stay true to myself, remain authentic and take a bold approach to my work. Some people look for an immediate return on time or an investment. I’ve tried to put my energy into what I believe in and let the rest take care of itself. I say yes to almost everything because it opens up my world. I have grown so much just by being willing to be vulnerable and willing to show up.

On leading Minnesota…
I have always been a “homer.” I believe strongly in the state of Minnesota. The combination of our Minnesotan work ethic, smarts, and dedication positions our companies and our people for success. My philosophy has been to do the right thing for Minnesota, and if you do that, good things are going to happen. We will be presented with more opportunities, which should create more growth for our businesses and our state. I was honored to lead the Minnesota Chamber as the Chair of their board. Business is the engine for Minnesota. I will continue to be passionate about finding ways to support businesses in their growth and success.

On the benefits of a wide perspective…
Keeping an open mind and having a wide perspective on opportunities and challenges is needed in leadership. It allows you to stay nimble and adjust to make the most of what’s in front of you and your business. A narrow view or approach can limit what success looks like. As engineers, we’re trained to remove challenges and risks; with an open mind, we’re more likely to see what’s coming and can manage and mitigate to ensure we’re on the best path.

On what engineers bring to the table…
For years, engineers were executives, thought leaders, the ones everyone went to. Some say we have relegated ourselves to being the executors of ideas; when somebody wants something done, they come to the engineers after decisions are made. What I hope I bring to the table is that we engineers are thought leaders. All the innovation and creativity and the amazing things that happen in this world—they are driven by engineers. There is a role for engineers to be leaders, not just the executors of ideas. What I loved about being the chair of the board of our state Chamber was the opportunity to shine a light on all the impact we have as engineers. The largest companies in the state are represented on the Chamber’s Board, to lead that group and collaborate with those leaders for a year, I think that changed how some view engineers. I am hopeful people realized that having an engineer’s perspective on statewide business was a welcome addition to driving our economy forward and growth for Minnesota.

On preparing the next generation of engineers and leaders…
Stay curious. Ask a lot of questions and learn from those around you. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and look for that advice from people outside your business. Use and continually build your network. The world is full of like-minded people—curious, fun, outgoing, and wanting to succeed. We can help one another be successful. I have gained so much by being curious and networking with fellow leaders inside the industry and outside. It has given me confidence, courage, and new insight to lead WSB, and I’m confident it will help the engineers of the future.