Detroit-based commercial contractor Sachse Construction is bringing together builders, makers and artists with its annual art auction as part of its mission to improve both workforce development and the lives of Detroit youth.

Like any meaningful work of art, Sachse Construction’s workforce initiative began with possibility.

Each year, that possibility takes shape through Hard Hats for Detroit, the company’s annual art auction, in which local artists transform construction hard hats into unique art pieces in partnership with industry sponsors. In December, the Detroit-based commercial contractor celebrated the event’s third year, raising $23,600 to support youth-focused workforce development programs across the city—including an initial $5,000 contribution from each sponsor.

“It’s really a way to take what we do in construction and have some fun with it while engaging not only the local artist community, but also the organizations we donate to,” said Todd Sachse, CEO of Sachse Construction.

The 2025 auction featured three hard hat collaborations between industry sponsors and artists.

Milwaukee Tool partnered with Bo Shepard to transform a vintage steel hard hat into a working lamp, with proceeds benefiting Focus: HOPE, a Detroit-based organization that provides youth with skills training, education and employment opportunities to promote economic mobility.

LuxWall and April Wagner collaborated to create a hard hat sculpted from molten glass. Proceeds supported EcoWorks, whose programs educate youth on sustainability and connect young people to careers in environmental initiatives.

Carhartt and Josh Welton teamed up to create a fully welded metal hard hat honoring Detroit’s industrial backbone. Proceeds benefited the welding department at Randolph Career & Technical Center, a school for skilled trades that works alongside the Detroit Public School system.

“Hard Hats for Detroit gets a lot of social media attention. Year after year, we gain more exposure and more people want to support it,” Sachse said. “We’ve been fortunate to have such a great response from the artist community. The exposure is another way to support them and help get their names out there.”

The impact of initiatives like Hard Hats for Detroit reflects a broader need within the city. Detroit faces ongoing challenges related to literacy rates, economic mobility, housing and mental health. Creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation is critical to long-term community stability.

“Detroit’s population struggles tremendously,” says Sachse. “Our mission is to reach young men and women in Detroit and show them opportunities. We need to break that mold and think long term for Detroit. If we can get to them young and provide skills—whether skilled trades training or life skills—we can help break cycles that repeat generation after generation.”

For 35 years, Sachse Construction has built a reputation not only in Detroit, but across the industry. When asked what inspires other companies to launch similar initiatives, Sachse says the motivation must come from within.

“We define our community as Detroit—the people of Detroit,” he said. “We’re passionate about their success, their growth and building a better future for the city.”

He encourages companies to start by identifying their own purpose.

“Reach inside yourself and ask: What’s important to you? What drives you? What are you looking to achieve?” Sachse said. “You can’t be everything to everybody. Define your community. Then figure out how you want to make an impact.”

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