Andy Bates: Two Decades of Growth and Vision 

The Weitz Company is proud to recognize Andy Bates for his 20 years of service with the company. As Operations Director for our Iowa Commercial team, Andy has spent the last two decades leaning into every challenge and building lasting relationships, always with a focus on growth, service, and results. 

Andy was first drawn to Weitz through a friend, but what really kept him was the unique mix of culture and opportunity. To him, Weitz had the perfect balance. The company offered him the resources and chances to grow, with also a supportive, personal environment. He knew what our culture was built on, and he saw plenty of room to carve his own path. 

Throughout his time at Weitz, the most impactful moments have come from connecting with people in and outside of Iowa. Whether it was meeting peers through training, joining the pursuit process, or connecting with leaders across offices, each opportunity broadened his perspective and strengthened friendships that now stretch far beyond state lines. 

Over his tenure, he’s watched the company evolve by continuously taking on new challenges. From being instrumental in the launch of the company’s Data Center and Aviation work in Iowa to navigating increasingly complex projects across the Commercial sector, Andy believes this drive to figure things out is part of Weitz’s culture. In a smaller market like Iowa, being true generalists is key, and the team here embraces that challenge head-on and leans on their national network of experts to tackle any challenge. 

Among the many projects Andy’s worked on, the Iowa State University Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering building stands out because it was personal to him. Andy studied agricultural engineering himself during his time at Iowa State, which made this project special. He says watching the client actively use the space today makes all of it worth it. 

For those just beginning their careers at Weitz, Andy’s message is clear: take ownership. Don’t wait for someone to hand you a plan, instead, create your own. Focus on being excellent where you are now, while keeping your eyes open for what’s next. He encourages new team members to challenge themselves, take on big roles, and embrace the discomfort that comes with growth. In his experience, travel and taking on unfamiliar situations are often the best ways to build confidence, and that’s where real development happens. 

We’re incredibly proud to recognize Andy’s 20 years with Weitz. His story is a testament to what it means to stay committed and seek opportunities as they come. Congratulations, Andy!