Pictured above is Felix Weber, Project Manager.
Career Growth at WCRC: Felix Weber’s Story
By: Shelby Rochowiak
Felix Weber’s journey at the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the opportunities that come from investing in education and personal growth. Felix, the latest employee at the WCRC to take full advantage of the tuition reimbursement program, is now a project manager in the engineering department.
Felix joined WCRC back in 2021 while still a student, attending Washtenaw Community College, where he was studying construction management. Seeking hands-on experience in the construction world, he applied for a summer laborer position at WCRC and became part of the chipseal crew as a flagger. Felix enjoyed the work so much that he stayed on for the entire six months and returned the following year. His passion and drive paid off when he transitioned into an engineering technician role, and around the same time, transferred to Eastern Michigan University to complete his bachelor’s degree. Upon earning his degree, Felix took on his current role as a project manager
When asked about his leap from summer laborer, to engineering technician, and ultimately to project manager, Felix shared that overall, the transition was seamless.
“Starting as a summer laborer gave me a head start,” he says, reflecting on the relationships he built with his colleagues and mentors within WCRC.
“Everyone encouraged me to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program, which helped me pursue my degree without the financial burden of student debt.”
The biggest challenge? Learning to juggle multiple projects at once, while mastering new channels of reporting, documentation, and communication in his new roles.
Balancing work and school is no small feat, but Felix credits his instructors for their support throughout the process. “I took as many classes online as I could, and my professors were always understanding, and even offered recorded lectures and flexibility when I needed it,” he said. Some of the professors who had the most impact on him were Professor’s Raed Jarrah, Adam Bogedain, and Dr. Suleiman Ashur, who all helped him maintain work-life-school balance.
When looking back on his career so far, Felix is most proud of his work ethic and ability to balance a demanding workload.
“You get out of it what you put into it. I never thought I’d become a project manager, but I believed in myself and worked hard to get here,” he said with pride.
Felix is also quick to praise the strong sense of community at WCRC. “From day one, I felt supported by everyone. We all share the same goal—serving the community—and it’s clear that everyone here on an individual level wants to help each other succeed.”
Pictured above is Jason Clouse, Heavy Equipment Foreman and Felix Weber, Project Manager.
Throughout his journey, Felix has been inspired by several mentors at WCRC, including Jason Clouse, Heavy Equipment Foreman, Mark Fenelon, Signal Maintenance Supervisor and Becky Houle, Project Manager. He recalled a time when he was new, and Mark and Becky were teaching him about pavement markings.
“They said, ‘It’s okay to make mistakes, it’s just paint—we can fix it”, I really appreciated the flexibility they granted me as I learned,” he explained.
For those considering a similar career path, Felix offered valuable advice: “Keep your options open and seize opportunities when they arise. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.” He emphasized the importance of exposure, whether it’s observing different projects or gaining experience in a variety of roles—these types of experiences build a deeper understanding of the construction field.
Looking ahead, Felix is eager to expand his expertise and work on a wide range of projects. One goal that excites him is working on a roundabout project, which he describes as a challenge that involves nearly every aspect of road construction. From intersection design to drainage systems, it’s the closest we really get to a complete reconstruction, he explained.
The lesson that has shaped Felix’s approach to work and leadership is simple: take pride in everything you do. “When I look at the roads and projects I’ve worked on, like the pavement marking program, I feel pride. It’s not just about the work itself, it’s about giving back to the community,” he says.
Felix is currently overseeing the WCRC’s county-wide hot mix asphalt resurfacing program for the 2025 construction season and continuing to make a lasting impact on the infrastructure of the community he serves. To learn more about the projects planned for this year, visit the WCRC project page here.
The WCRC is committed to the development of our employees and the belief that education is a lifelong process which enhances work performance and increases career mobility within the organization, thereby helping employees provide better service to the public.
The WCRC is proud to share Felix’s story about perseverance, growth, and the value of believing in oneself—and it’s an inspiring reminder of how far dedication and support can take you.
