Teakwood Welcomes Summer Interns
Teakwood has long been enthusiastic about supporting the next generation of building industry professionals. This summer, we once again host a handful of students, the budding carpenters, designers, and businesspeople of tomorrow!
Ali Coffinger
A few years ago, Ali, a native of Greenwich, NY, spent her last high school semester interning at Teakwood. She has since returned to work with us during her summers and breaks from Millersville University in PA, where she will be a junior this fall, majoring in Applied Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management, and minoring in OSHA.
“I am the only woman in my college major classes. I do not feel that my classmates treat me any differently. In fact, because of the experience I have gained working at Teakwood, I am a leader in my major. I am honored to inspire other women to get involved in the trades.”
With increasing exposure to all facets of the business, Ali hopes to learn more on the management side of things, applying new skills to real-life situations. In the fall, she looks forward to taking an architectural engineering course, equipping her with more expertise on her way to a post-college future of becoming a project manager locally.
“Teakwood has provided me many opportunities to participate in all phases of residential construction: team meetings, creating foundations, finish work, and final approvals with the homeowners. My experiences with Teakwood have translated into knowledge that I use in my classes. I enjoy watching the transformation in remodeling projects and new construction. The most beneficial experiences have been working with the project managers and lead carpenters as they interact with the homeowners, employees of Teakwood, and the subcontractors.”
In her spare time, she enjoys being with family and friends, traveling, and taking advantage of the variety of entertainment and experiences throughout the Capital Region. As for the dream space she’d want Teakwood to construct? “A rustic cabin with modern conveniences in the Adirondacks.”
Messina Sasko
As the older daughter of Teakwood founder Jim Sasko, 17-year-old Messina has literally grown up with the business. A rising senior at the Albany Academies for Girls, she looks forward to learning more about business and economics in the fall, and hopes to pursue both as well as pre-law in college.
“I am very interested in working with Teakwood because it is part of a great community that will teach me about real-life work scenarios. During my time with Teakwood, I hope to explore and learn more about working in a team setting. Since I already have a close relationship with Teakwood, I am familiar with my fellow employees and the space we share.”
In her spare time, Messina is an accomplished equestrian. She rides horses competitively every day. “Riding has taught me patience and perseverance. It is not only physically challenging but also mentally demanding, requiring exceptional mental strength. My unique relationship with horses and animals sets me apart from others. In the future, when I live independently, I would love to have a barn connected to my house, and I believe Teakwood could help bring that dream to life.”
Charlie Baughan
Charlie, who will be a high scho
ol junior this fall, had experience with Teakwood a few years ago when the company remodeled part of his family’s Saratoga Springs home.
“I am interested in Teakwood because I like seeing what goes into each project before it is finished and ready. I want to learn more about construction, engineering, and architecture, and I think Teakwood is a great place for me to learn those things. I hope to learn about different tools and positions at the job sites. I have already learned how to use some tools and how it takes lots of people to efficiently build a project.”
Charlie is an avid athlete. He enjoys playing basketball and swimming. During the school year, he plays football and wrestles. His favorite sport is lacrosse, which he has played the longest.
After high school, Charlie hopes to attend a big school like Penn State or Texas. If he could have Teakwood build his dream space, he would want a nice one-story house with a finished basement in a scenic location.
Learn more about Teakwood’s award-winning team! If you’re interested in building your career with us, see our current openings and benefits.