At Sachse Construction, communication provides a foundation for building alliances

For someone walking in on a conversation during which Myra Ebarb describes fireside chats and State of the Union messages, it could be assumed that she has a deep connection to U.S. history and the government. But in reality, Ebarb is explaining some of the effective ways that Detroit-based Sachse Construction communicates with team members on an ongoing basis. 

“This is what our team wants,” explained Ebarb, vice president of People, Perks and Empowerment at Sachse Construction, which earned the No. 4 ranking among midsize companies in the 2023 Michigan Top Workplaces competition. “During these regularly-scheduled events, our team has an opportunity to get answers to the important questions they have: “Where are we going as a company?” “Are there any changes to our health care plan?” “What are we doing in the community?” “What is our big goal as a company?” 

The passion heard in Ebarb’s voice when she discusses Sachse Construction’s commitment to communicating with team members in a consistent way reflects an organization that regards its relationship with team members as one of the company’s five “obsessions” along with customers, feedback, innovation and training.   

Ebarb says the ongoing communication between Sachse Construction’s leadership and team members also has produced positive results for everyday Detroiters—particularly youth—because the company regularly seeks suggestions from staff to identify the causes and nonprofits the organization partners with in the community. The company’s community outreach includes support of the Downton Boxing Gym, a free, out-of-school time program centered around student achievement and success; and Junior Achievement. Another community outreach initiative that is key to the company’s social mission involves preparing Detroiters for skilled trades careers, which has included hosting skilled trade academies for metro Detroit high school students to learn about post-secondary skilled trade job opportunities.       

“Our company’s transparency and candid chats allow us to get the pulse of our team members,” Ebarb explained. “And this creates good results for our customers, team members and community.” 

Sachse Construction

Industry: Construction

Top leadership: Todd Sachse, CEO

Home: Detroit

Employees: 164

Website: sachseconstruction.com