History

Jim Sasko, president of Teakwood Builders Inc. in Saratoga Springs, started out in the construction business as a framing carpenter. He opened Teakwood in 1996 and quickly realized that trying to manage all aspects of his construction business – from design and physical labor to billing, sales and customer interaction – was inefficient.

Inspired by Michael Gerber’s popular book “The E-Myth,” he dedicated himself to developing a systematic approach to the building process that allowed a team to work with the client to seamlessly handle all aspects of a job – with his skilled oversight and participation. Then he began to assemble a team of talented key players – starting with a lead carpenter that was not only skilled, but also sensitive to the needs of the clients who invited him into their homes. From that first hire developed a team comprising more lead carpenters to manage the day-to-day progress of projects, project managers, designers, craftsmen and support personnel.

The Design/Build Process

The Design/Build approach is built on a simple concept: Instead of scattering responsibility for pieces of a project to professionals at different firms, it’s better to rest all the elements of design and construction with one team from beginning to end.

Sasko concentrates on generating and following up leads, writing proposals and developing designs. He stays on top of each project so his team members in the field never waste time waiting for plans or materials.

Teakwood’s system works so smoothly that the company has become a leading provider of luxury home construction, historic renovations and expansions, vacation and second-home construction and renovation, kitchen and bath remodeling and commercial projects. Sasko’s early passion for woodwork is still evident in Teakwood’s commitment to signature custom millwork and cabinetry.