An open-door approach has contributed to a family atmosphere at Talascend

For Troy-based Talascend, which earned the No. 4 spot among small companies in the 2023 Michigan Top Workplaces competition, meeting the needs of clients and team members in the best possible manner comes down to a real-life game of follow-the-leader. 

“Our president and CEO Ron Wood is a veteran and we instill veteran values into everything we do,” said Jaclyn Sikora, director of global marketing and communications for Talascend, a full-service, veteran-owned staffing company that has served companies across a broad range of industries including aerospace, automotive, energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, IT and more. 

Sikora identified “accountability and integrity” as veteran values stressed at Talascend, and she pointed to a simple but important practice performed by Wood as an example. 

“Ron will answer a call from a client or member of our team at any time,” Sikora explained. “It’s always an open door with him and that gives our culture a different feel. You feel that you’re not just part of a team, but part of a family that is making a real impact on this world.”  

By making the time to listen and engage in meaningful dialogue with team members, Sikora says that Talascend has discovered that a hybrid work environment provides new benefits to a company whose history dates back to 1946. 

“Our team members’ ability to work from home has actually opened doors for more interaction,” Sikora stated. “Everything we do is face-to-face and by embracing virtual technology we found that we have more opportunities to make those one-on-one connections with our colleagues, candidates, customers and clients. Our job is to make the perfect match and the technology and flexibility are helping us to do that.”

While Talascend has embraced new ways to serve clients, Sikora says some things have remained the same by choice, including the pride Talascend takes in serving veterans.

“You can find Talascend working alongside several local community organizations who share in our mission of getting veterans back to work,” Sikora said. “To be able to provide opportunity to those who selflessly served this country is one of the most fulfilling missions we have the honor of completing.” 

Talascend

Industry: Staffing

Top leadership: Ron Wood, president & CEO

Home: Troy

Employees: 51

Website: talascend.com