LSU Alumni Geaux Getter: Bryan Wesley

Laying the Foundation

Bryan Wesley (2014 BACH ENGR) came to LSU, sure of his career path: graduate in construction management, get some experience, and eventually join his dad in Wesley Construction.

He was just as sure of his university choice. Wesley grew up in Baton Rouge. His father, Steve Wesley, graduated from LSU with a construction management degree in 1976. However, Wesley quickly found that LSU offered so much more than a great education. In his very first semester, while living in the engineering residential college, he met lifelong best friends and his future wife.

 An Unexpected Beginning 

Bryan Wesley and his wife, Blake, with their three daughters on the sideline in Tiger Stadium with the LSU Cheerleaders.

Bryan Wesley with his daughter Jane at the LSU Game.

Bryan Wesley with his daughter, Jane, on the LSU sidelines during a football game.

Learning Leadership Through Teamwork 

While at LSU, Wesley quickly learned that construction is a team sport, because no one builds anything meaningful alone. It takes an organized team of architects, engineers, subcontractors, owners, and suppliers.

“That mindset really took shape through my involvement outside the classroom,” Wesley said. “I was part of several student competition teams and had the opportunity to serve as president of the LSU Construction Student Association (CSA). LSU provides a lot of leadership opportunities, but the reality is, you can’t be a leader without a team."

Experiences outside of the classroom helped Wesley learn how to manage a team, whether that was bringing people together or effectively communicating and working towards a common goal — exactly what is done every day in practical construction projects.

Wesley mentioned that it's no coincidence that LSU’s CSA was recently recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors as the National Student Chapter of the Year for the second time in five years. He attributed the success alongside LSU's slogan of "Building Teams That Win', noting that LSU doesn't just talk the talk, they consistently produce winners on and off the field.

Building a Career

Alongside his degree in construction management, Wesley also earned minors in entrepreneurship, business administration, and technical sales. The things he learned in those curricula help him with the daily operation of Wesley Construction.

“It put the tools in my belt to get to where I wanted to be. I’ve always been driven to reach this point in my career, and LSU was the vehicle that helped get me there. The relationships, the presentations, and the real-world exposure all translated directly into what I do every day.”

 

Staying Connected Through the Alumni Association 

After graduation, Wesley worked as a project manager for Harvey-Cleary Builders in Houston, which completes more than $2 billion in work annually. In Houston, he first got involved with the LSU Alumni Association. Wesley said that while serving as a former board member of the LSU Houston chapter of the LSU Alumni Association, he experienced firsthand how the association is dedicated to helping alumni across the board, whether it’s raising money for scholarships or continuing legacies by bringing future generations to the university.

Returning to His Roots

He moved back to Baton Rouge in 2019, joining his family business, and became co-owner of Wesley Construction a year later. The business includes commercial construction, complex renovations, and specialized projects. Wesley Construction has done work in 33 states, including Wesley’s favorite project, the renovation of New Orleans’ Roosevelt Hotel.

“LSU’s culture feels unmatched in that way. We truly care about people, and the purple and gold carries its weight,” Wesley said. “If you ever need help making a connection, don’t hesitate to reach out to LSU alumni. You might be surprised how willing these people are to step up and help!”