Looking Back & Moving Forward: What’s Next for SBS After 35 Years

In June 2025, Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) will be celebrating our 35th anniversary! This is a milestone that marks not just decades of service in the election and governance space, but a family legacy that continues to evolve.

For brothers Pete and Dave Westerhaus, SBS is more than a company. It’s part of who they are. As sons of SBS founder Jon Westerhaus, they grew up with the business – literally. “Some of our earliest memories are opening envelopes with Dad at home,” they laugh. “That was our first job, and we thought it was fun!” Whether they were restocking the fridge, breaking down boxes on weekends, or enjoying a styrofoam cup full of Atomic Fireballs as their first “paychecks,” SBS was a part of their childhood.

Now, the Westerhaus brothers are leading the company into its next era, focusing on innovation, integrity, and intentional growth built on a foundation of value-focused leadership.

Keeping Up With Three Decades Of Change

When SBS was just getting started, the team was small, and everyone wore many hats, including the youngest Westerhauses. Over the years, SBS has undergone remarkable growth and transformation. However, our core values – honesty,  integrity, and innovation – have remained unchanged, and Pete and Dave believe that these values are the reason the company has thrived for 35 years.

“We’ve always taken pride in building a company with strong cultural foundations. It’s about more than running elections. It’s about doing it the right way,” Pete says. “That’s what our clients rely on, and what we promise to deliver.”

The election and governance space has transformed drastically since our founding in 1990. While our core values remain unchanged, SBS still believes in keeping up with the times. Pete and Dave believe three major shifts will continue to change the face of elections and governance:

1. Accessibility and participation: Technology has opened new doors for engaging members, driving higher turnout, and fostering a deeper sense of commitment.
2. Security: In today’s digital world, data protection and election integrity are more critical than ever. More organizations have security top of mind and understand the importance of keeping their databases secure.
3. Improved election oversight: There’s increasing demand for third-party election management from providers like SBS, which adds another layer of trust and transparency to modern elections.

Through these changes, SBS has grown in step with its clients. “Some of our clients have been with us for decades,” Dave notes. “They’ve pushed us to grow, to be better, and to never get complacent. We’re so grateful for that.”

So, What’s The Secret To 35 Years? 

From the outside, SBS is a trusted name in secure election management. But there’s also a deeply human, spirited team working behind the scenes.

“We plan intentionally. Every election is carefully mapped out from start to finish,” Pete says. “But we also make space to celebrate. Whether it’s monthly birthday sing-alongs (even if we’re a little off-key), football tailgates, or just recognizing each other’s wins, we believe in having fun.”

SBS also gives back through community stewardship and support for local causes. “It’s part of who we are as a team, and something we don’t talk about often, but it matters,” Dave adds.

The brothers also believe that their family’s leadership style contributes to the company’s ongoing success. Their approach is rooted in servant leadership, a philosophy modeled by their father and uncle. “We learned early on to put others’ needs ahead of our own, whether it’s a team member, a client, or a vendor,” Pete explains.

Both brothers credit their background in competitive sports for reinforcing key leadership lessons on authenticity, teamwork, resilience, and care. “You need to lead with heart,” Dave says. “And we really do care about our people, our clients, and the impact of the work we do.”

Ultimately, Pete and Dave believe the secret to the company’s success is simple but powerful:

• Strong values, applied consistently
• A commitment to excellence
• A culture built with intention
• A spirit of stewardship both to clients and the community

“It’s not just what we do; it’s how we do it. That’s what makes SBS special,” Pete adds.

Planning For The Next 35 Years

With advancements in AI and new voting technologies, SBS is excited to be at the forefront of what’s next in governance. Pete and Dave envision a future where organizations can engage their members in even more meaningful ways, using creative tools to drive stronger participation.

Over the next five to ten years, the brothers plan to strengthen relationships with existing clients while establishing new partnerships. “We work with thousands of amazing organizations, and we’re committed to treating each one like an extension of our own team,” Dave says. “Our promise is simple: we’ll take your election as seriously as you do.”

As SBS turns 35, Pete and Dave are filled with gratitude for the team, for our amazing clients, and for the opportunity to participate in something as meaningful as democratic elections. “It’s a privilege to help people have a voice,” Pete says. “That’s something we never take for granted.”

Click below to check out the full video on our YouTube Channel!