TSP is returning to its roots. Jared Nesje, 44, took over the top position at TSP late last year, coinciding with the design and engineering firm’s 85th anniversary. Nesje, a Principal and Senior Architect with the group, previously guided TSP design teams as a project manager and discipline lead. Nesje is only the fifth CEO to lead the firm, and the first architect in the position since Harold T. Spitznagel founded the company, in June 1930.
Under Nesje’s direction, the firm will pursue a strong design focus while staying true to its identity as a client-centered practice. “I can lead because I have people who believe in me—and they believe in me because they know I care what happens to them,” he says. “It’s about servant leadership, and that’s critically important right now in business.”
Nesje is a Sioux Falls, S.D., native who has lived in his hometown nearly all his life. He set his career course at age 8 and worked as a blueprint gofer at a design firm during high school. Today, he enjoys close business relationships with the bankers, contractors, and accountants who were his childhood friends. “I want to inspire people to be their best,” says Nesje, who has been with TSP for 13 years. “I’m learning that’s what I can bring to the company.”
Nesje’s team of 100+ employees across five states includes two former lead executives, Dick Gustaf and Ronald Mielke. It’s an anomaly in the business world for past senior leadership to continue in daily professional roles—and a strong testament to TSP’s culture. Gustaf and Mielke, both Principals and Mechanical Engineers, remain highly engaged in project-based work and client relations.
NEW PRINCIPALS & ASSOCIATES NAMED
TSP proudly announces that the following team members recently were promoted to expanded leadership roles—
- Mark Averett, AIA: Senior Architect promoted from Associate to Principal
- Brian Heidbrink, Assoc. AIA: Senior Project Manager promoted from Associate to Principal
- Michelle Klobassa, AIA, LEED AP BD+C: Senior Architect promoted from Associate to Principal
- Eric Monroe, AIA: Senior Architect promoted from Associate to Principal
- Elizabeth Schulze, AIA, LEED AP BD+C: Senior Architect promoted from Associate to Principal
- Rex Hambrock, AIA, LEED AP: Senior Architect promoted from Shareholder to Associate
- Tadd Holt, PE: Senior Structural Engineer promoted from Shareholder to Associate
ABOUT TSP
Since 1930, TSP has existed to perform fulfilling work. It’s fulfilling for us because it makes our clients better at what they do. That personal connection is the very foundation of our focus on Exceptional Client Service and Outstanding Design Solutions—where form, function, economy, and culture fit simply and beautifully to fulfill the client’s story. We serve clients throughout the Midwest, with offices in Marshalltown, Iowa; Marshall, Minnetonka, and Rochester, Minn.; Omaha, Neb.; Rapid City and Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Sheridan, Wyo.
Visit teamtsp.com/85 to learn more about our celebration year.
