Frequently asked questions.
General FAQs
Q: Who is WSB?
A: WSB, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, is an industry leading design and consulting firm specializing in engineering, community planning, environmental and construction services. Their staff of over 1,500 improves the way people engage with communities, transportation, infrastructure, energy and our environment. WSB offers services in a wide range of complementary areas that seamlessly integrate planning, design and implementation from 50 offices located across Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas, North Dakota, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, California and Arkansas.
Q: Why are you doing this now and what prompted it?
A: Now was the right time to pursue a partner to help accelerate our growth. This partnership represents an improved market position throughout the U.S. and broadens our geographic footprint. Our culture and approach to serving clients is a differentiator for Agbara and this strengthens that commitment. WSB shares our commitment of putting people first and creating opportunities to excel and serve clients better. Our clients will benefit from the power of our combined cultures.
Q: Why didn’t you tell us sooner?
A: We wish we could’ve shared this information sooner, but it wasn’t possible. The transaction with WSB required strict confidentiality to advance and close the deal. Although it’s difficult not to bring more staff into the discussion, it was in the best interests of WSB and Agbara.
Staff Impact FAQs
Q: Will I lose my job?
A: No. Retention of all staff is the top priority. Our people are our business and have been foundational to our success. Retention is vital to our success and will be a priority.
Q: Will others lose their jobs?
A: No. Retention of all staff is the top priority. Our people are our business and have been foundational to our success. Retention is vital to our success and will be a priority.
Q: What are the benefits to staff?
A: This will provide us all with an opportunity to learn, while at the same time sharing our own expertise. This partnership presents many opportunities for staff to take on more responsibilities while experiencing new challenges and professional growth. In addition, joining WSB will significantly strengthen our corporate support and partner services with resources in Information Technology (IT), Human Resources (HR), Accounting, Project Controls, Marketing and Communications. We’re now able to offer our clients new services and even deeper expertise through shared learnings and best practices, reinforcing the value of our partnership.
Q: Will my current line of supervision change?
A: The majority of our organizational structure today is the same as it was yesterday. We do not expect major changes to our org structure, but just as it has in the past, our org structure may change to better support our firm’s operations and priorities over time. Jamil will remain at a leadership level and will support operations across the firm. We see many opportunities for staff to take more ownership of their roles at every level in the company.
Q: What can I do to help make this successful?
A: Continue doing what you do every day to be successful, provide excellent service to our clients and build our culture. Most importantly, welcome each other. Find ways to collaborate. Our cultures are differentiators and it’s important that we continue to work together to deliver the best results for our clients.
Q: What changes can we expect to see and when?
A: There will be changes, but change can be good. Staff will see positive changes over time as we grow into an integrated organization, including additional benefits, leadership and growth opportunities.
Q: What does opportunity look like for me going forward?
A: Expanding into new markets, regions and services creates a lot of opportunities for staff to take more ownership of their careers and professional growth. Agbara has always been a firm that supports our staff and finds a way to win. This mentality will not change.
Q: I have questions. Where do I go to get them answered?
A: We encourage you to talk to your manager/leader as your first line of contact. Integration information will be distributed from leadership throughout the entire integration process. In addition, we’ve also developed an Integration Q&A fillable form for staff to submit their questions through. Access the Integration Q&A form here. We remain committed to transparency and finding answers to your questions throughout the entire process.
Q: I have a lot of Agbara clothing and gear, should I keep wearing it? Will I get new WSB items?
A: We will be transitioning to the WSB brand in the coming months, at which point, we ask that you no longer wear Agbara clothing in a business setting. There are plans being prepared to outfit staff with WSB items so they can represent our new brand.
Operational FAQs
Q: How does this change our operational approach?
A: This does not change our operational approach. Although we will ultimately be operating under a new brand and name, our commitment to our clients and staff will not waver. We have strengthened our operations with added services, talent and resources. The acquisition does not change our ask of you: continue doing what you have always done to grow your business and provide excellent service to your clients.
Q: What is the org structure?
A: The majority of our organizational structure today is the same as it was yesterday. Initially, we do not expect major changes to our org structure, but just as it has in the past, our org structure may change to better support our firm’s operations and priorities over time. Jamil will remain at a leadership level and will support operations across the firm. We see many opportunities for staff to take more ownership of their roles at every level in the company. As we are offering services that are new to WSB’s portfolio, we’ll work alongside WSB’s existing Energy/Power Division to offer a full suite of energy infrastructure services.
Q: Where will we fit within WSB’s divisions?
A: As we are offering services that are new to WSB’s portfolio, we’ll work alongside WSB’s existing Energy/Power Division to offer a full suite of energy infrastructure services.
Q: What is Jamil’s role moving forward?
A: Jamill will be the vice president of power delivery at WSB and will be an integral leader and part of our future. He will remain heavily involved in leading operations and working to develop the go-to-market strategy.
Q: Will our logo and brand change?
A: Yes, eventually we will move to a single go-to-market approach as WSB. This will not happen immediately, and no action is needed on your part. We will work with staff to transition the brand when the time comes and are looking forward to strengthening our market position as WSB. Our goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible for both staff and clients.
Q: Will our services change?
A: Agbara’s core services and competencies will not change. WSB brings additional services into the fold only elevating our position as a full-service design and consulting firm.
Q: Will our office footprint change?
A: Agbara’s flexibility in work style and continued support of remote work will complement WSB’s existing workplace culture. WSB brings 50 offices located across Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas, North Dakota, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, California and Arkansas. If Agbara staff have interest in working at an office, they will have the opportunity to do so, but on a voluntary basis.
Q: What are the guiding principles of WSB?
A: The reason we partnered with WSB is because their culture, principles and values are very similar to our own. We will work together to integrate and form a single go-to market approach as WSB but will continue our culture of collaboration and working together to win. WSB’s values are bold, visionary, optimistic, authentic and passionate. These align with our mentality and culture well.
Q: Are we now a publicly owned company?
A: No, we are not publicly owned and are still a private company.
Q: How will WSB and Agbara work together immediately?
A: There are synergies occurring across Agbara and WSB already. In a few instances, we’re already working with some of the same clients. Our business development leads have been discussing where there is potential for overlap in terms of pursuits and we’re exploring more opportunities for cross collaboration in the immediate future.
Q: What will happen to my email address? Will it change and when?
A: Your email address is the same today as it was yesterday. Eventually, as we work toward full integration, your default email address will change to wsbeng.com. Your Agbara emails will not go away and will still be delivered. When that transition occurs, any emails received to your Agbara email addresses will automatically be forwarded to your new inbox. More information will be communicated as we near this part of integration.
Q: How should I submit expenses?
A: Submit expenses the same way today as you did yesterday.
Q: Am I allowed to wear my Agbara apparel still? What should I do with all of it?
A: Feel free to continue to wear your Agbara apparel as you have in the past. We will eventually transition the Agbara brand to WSB and will provide patches and additional clothing for staff at that time.
Q: How do I submit my timesheet?
A: Submit your timesheet the same way as you did yesterday. We will eventually merge our timekeeping systems, but more information will be communicated when we get to that point.
Q: Can I keep my 9/80 work schedule?
A: We understand the 9/80 schedule has supported Agbara's productivity and work-life balance, and we’re committed to preserving that. The team will continue to be able to operate under the 9/80 schedule, with no changes expected.
Q: My computer doesn’t work. Who do I go to?
A: You will continue to report your computer issues and helpdesk requests the same way you have been doing it in the past. Once WSB establishes a Helpdesk process, IT will communicate the process change to all staff.
Q: Are there any plans to acquire more T&D firms soon or ongoing? What if WSB acquires a bigger, more established T&D firm in the next few years?
The addition of Agbara means more talent added to the WSB team, new services we can now provide, new markets that we can operate in, and new approaches to how we serve our clients. There are currently no plans to acquire another T&D firm as Agbara adds important new offerings to WSB’s Energy/Power Division. For all acquisitions, we ensure it’s the right fit. We are intentional and strategic, and we work to position the company and our staff for growth and success.
Benefit FAQs
Q: Can we see WSB’s company handbook/policies?
Yes, we will share WSB’s policies and practices to help you better understand the firm and guiding principles. We plan to begin sharing these resources in the coming weeks by email and on our Integration website. You can reach out to askHR@wsbeng.com anytime directly.
Q: What training or onboarding do I need to complete immediately?
A: You do not need to complete any training or onboarding at this time. We will enable access to WSB University as early as technically possible, likely late November, in order for staff to complete onboarding courses.
Q: When will I get information on WSB’s benefit offerings and when will I register for these?
A: You will remain on your current benefit offerings until end of 2025 and will transition to WSB’s benefit plans as of Jan 1, 2026. We will provide benefit information mid-October via mail, email and the Integration Website. 2026 benefit open enrollment process will be held in November.
Q: What are WSB’s PTO offerings? What will happen to my unused balance?
A: You will remain on your current PTO plan until the end of 2025. WSB’s PTO plan is based on years of experience, including years of experience before your Agbara tenure. You will start accruing time January 1st, 2026, based upon your total years of experience. For those staff whose carryover balance exceeds WSB's maximum of 200 hours, you will be compensated for those hours in March 2026 when the annual PTO true-up calculation occurs. More detailed information will be forthcoming as part of the handbook rollout.
Q: What paid holidays will I have moving forward?
A: Your paid holidays will remain the same until the end of 2025 and will transition to WSB’s paid holiday schedule on January 1, 2026. WSB recognizes the following as paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, WSB Anniversary (1/2 day), Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas.
Q: What is our pay schedule?
A: Your current pay schedule will stay in place until Agbara staff become paid WSB employees. WSB staff are paid 26x per year, on a bi-weekly basis, every other Friday. Pay periods run Monday through Sunday, bi-weekly.
Q: What is WSB’s 401(k) offering?
A: Your current 401(k) offerings will stay in place until staff become paid WSB employees. More information will be forthcoming this fall.
Q: What is the cell phone reimbursement policy?
A: Your cell phone reimbursement is the same today as it was yesterday. Any changes to this policy will be communicated in the future but continue to expect the same process as you’ve become accustomed to.
Q: Does WSB have any tuition reimbursement programs and resources for continuing education? (Graduate School/MBA)
A: Yes, WSB has a tuition reimbursement policy and program that reimburses staff up to $1,500 per year for university accredited programs related to their role. Continuing education, especially licenses and certifications which are necessary for someone’s job, are supported by the company.
Q: Does WSB reimburse for professional licensures?
A: Yes, for licenses (FE/PE, PMP) and certifications, WSB has a process where we will reimburse 100% when staff pass on the first try, 50% if they pass on the second try, and 0% on the third try. There are state requirements currently under review which may impact this in some states.
Q: What types of professional development and training are offered?
A: We have a Learning and Development team who develops training and hosts both live and online training on our WSBU University (WSBU) platform. We have an entire curriculum that includes topics like project management, business development and expands to broader topics like leadership. WSBU offerings will be introduced to staff as we work to integrate staff into WSB and will be made available as soon as possible post close.
Q: Will overtime be paid?
A: We follow closely standards set forth by the FLSA, and any consideration for overtime is on a role-by-role basis. We will communicate with staff whether they are in a role that is overtime eligible post transition.
Q: When can I see information on bonus structures?
A: WSB has a long-standing tradition of awarding discretionary year-end bonuses, emphasizing shared success and staff appreciation. Sharing in our success has always been foundational to our culture. Bonuses are dependent on company and individual performance. As we integrate, we will align bonus programs to ensure fairness and transparency. In addition, WSB offers a referral bonus program to staff who refer new hires to WSB.
Q: Are we going to sign new offer letters through WSB?
A: Since the entity is being acquired, employment effectively stays the same, e.g., tenure continues, but under WSB. New letters will not be initiated, unless we discover a need to do so.
Q: What will my new job title and salary be? What is the range of salary at WSB? I can see Glassdoor and Indeed/other platforms, but I need to see it in writing from them (range in salary & average bonuses at my level).
A: We will have individual discussions regarding any job title transition or update. It is important for everyone to understand how their role fits into the larger company and career paths available to them. Salaries will transition under the current employment relationship. WSB holds an annual merit process, with increases taking effect each year in April.
Q: Will my job title and salary change?
A: Your job title and your salary are the same today as they were yesterday. There may be changes to your title and where you fall within the larger organizational structure in the future, but these conversations will happen with you to ensure alignment and understanding. WSB holds an annual merit process, with increases taking effect in April.
Q: I'd like to see a career growth chart internally for WSB. When can I get one?
A: We have always been committed to building leaders within our own walls and believe that staff have the opportunity to build their careers at WSB. We provide resources and coaching for role performance, talent development and career growth at WSB. Promotions and internal transfers are supported by both leaders and human resources. We will continue to share career pathing opportunities ahead.
Q: What is the home phone, internet, & co-working space reimbursements?
A: WSB does not reimburse for these items.
Q: Will I receive new IT equipment? Equipment stipends?
A: WSB follows a regular equipment replacement plan to ensure all staff have the tools they need to perform their work effectively. While equipment stipends are not provided, employees may request new or replacement equipment through their leadership or by submitting a request via the IT Support portal.
Client FAQs
Q: What are the benefits to clients?
A: We’re now able to offer our clients new services and even deeper expertise through shared learnings and best practices, reinforcing the value of our partnership. The partnership allows us to support more communities across the U.S. with their infrastructure needs. We have the unique opportunity to share our expertise and approach to project delivery with more communities in different markets and regions.
Q: What do we tell our clients?
A: We’ve identified client reps and they will lead the effort to communicate this exciting news with our valued clients. Leaders are currently determining the right engagement strategy for their clients. If your clients ask you about this acquisition, convey your excitement and reinforce that our commitment to excellence and client service has not changed. We’re now able to offer our clients new services and even deeper expertise through shared learnings and best practices, reinforcing the value of a partnership.
Growth FAQs
Q: I came to Agbara to avoid the big-firm culture. Why is growth and getting bigger better?
A: We continue to be the same firm we’ve always been, but on a larger scale. Bigger isn’t always better, but in this case, this partnership strengthens what our firm can offer staff, clients and partners in the future. A fast-growing firm leads to opportunities for staff to advance professionally, personally and financially. Although larger in size, WSB operates very similarly to Agbara and still holds onto their entrepreneurial spirit and small company roots. In addition, our partnership with WSB will significantly strengthen our corporate support and partner services with resources in Information Technology (IT), Human Resources (HR), Accounting, Project Controls, Marketing and Communications.