Building Leaders from the Inside Out

For more than 100 years, Jensen Bridge & Supply Company in Sandusky, Michigan has built its reputation on quality manufacturing and dependable service. Producing corrugated metal pipe, campfire rings, end sections, and agricultural and residential roofing panels, the company has remained grounded in its motto, “The Friendly House of Service,” while continuing to expand its product lines and reach new markets.

As Jensen Bridge looks toward continued growth across additional regions, leadership recognized that long-term success depends on strengthening the foundation of the company: its workforce. With increasing demand for management and leadership capacity, the company identified a need to prepare current employees to step into supervisory roles and support smooth, efficient operations.

With assistance from GST Michigan Works!, Jensen Bridge applied for and received $15,840 through the Going Pro Talent Fund (FY25 Cycle 1). The funding supported leadership and supervisory training for 10 employees across four targeted courses, delivered through Baker College and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC).

Throughout 2025, employees completed courses including Leadership & Influence, Problem Solving, Achieving Supervisory Excellence, and Supervisor Skills 2.0. Training focused on practical, applicable skills essential to effective leadership, such as communication, accountability, conflict resolution, time management, and team development. Participants also gained experience in 8D problem-solving, a structured methodology designed to identify root causes and implement lasting solutions—an essential competency in manufacturing leadership.

Together, the courses provided employees with both the technical knowledge and leadership tools needed to succeed in supervisory roles. More importantly, the training reinforced Jensen Bridge’s commitment to developing talent from within, ensuring leadership continuity while supporting employee growth.