A WORKPLACE OF CHOICE
Committed to employee growth and engagement, Saulsbury seeks to actively build a workplace of choice.
A strong, family-oriented culture, alongside a set of core values, creates a supportive environment and contributes to staff feeling inherently valued.
“We believe in fostering a workplace where accountability, fair compensation, and personal development go hand in hand,” Matt sets out.
As such, team members feel empowered to build long-term careers with Saulsbury, with many having spanned decades.
“Employees are not just numbers to us – we take an active interest in their well-being, ensuring they feel protected, heard, and appreciated.”
Striving to enhance the quality of life of those that work at the company, Saulsbury’s commitment to employee empowerment extends beyond business operations.
The company invests in the future of its employees and their families through scholarship and education support, including the Dick and Amelia Saulsbury Scholarship Program.
Administered by Scholarship America, the program was established to assist the children of Saulsbury employees who plan to continue their studies into higher education, such as in college or vocational school programs.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to education by providing financial assistance to employees’ children, helping them to pursue their academic goals,” Matt reflects.
Likewise, the company supports staff who are in active pursuit of higher education, reinforcing its belief in the next generation of leaders while strengthening the skill set of its current workforce.
Committed to promoting from within, Saulsbury’s career advancement and internal mobility initiatives offer employees opportunities to progress across departments.
In the past two years alone, it has successfully transitioned employees into new roles within accounting, supply chain, operations, and HSE, allowing top performers to broaden their expertise and contribute to the business in new ways.
“This internal mobility is complemented by ongoing professional development, including both internal and external training programs, to prepare employees for future leadership roles,” Matt explains.
As such, Saulsbury continues to build a workplace that supports career development by investing in its employee growth, fostering a culture of transparency, and reinforcing its overarching commitment to education and community.
“Our people are the foundation of our success, and we remain dedicated to providing the resources, opportunities, and recognition they deserve,” he divulges.
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
Beyond the workplace, Saulsbury is deeply engaged in the communities in which its employees live and work.
Through charitable contributions, volunteer initiatives, and corporate partnerships, it provides opportunities for everyone across the organization to make a meaningful impact beyond their day-to-day roles.
Community engagement is therefore not just a priority for Saulsbury, but part of who the company is.
Saulsbury was involved in the repair of the spring-fed pool at Balmorhea State Park (BSP) in West Texas – a long-held favorite leisure site among local residents.
With a generous donation of $100,000 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the company was proud to contribute to the repair, as many of its own employees have enjoyed the cool, clear waters at BSP for generations.
Following a lengthy fundraising drive and a comprehensive ‘top-to-bottom’ renovation, the pool reopened in June 2021.
“Our commitment to making a positive impact is deeply rooted in our culture and reflected in the way we support the communities where we live and work,” Matt affirms.
Through the Saulsbury Family Foundation and an internal charitable giving committee, the company also contributes to a wide range of non-profit organizations, each of which have a strong emphasis on employee involvement.
“Our dual approach to community engagement ensures that each of our team members have a voice in directing funds toward causes that matter to them personally and are local to the regions we serve,” he insights.
Saulsbury is a proud supporter of numerous organizations focused on education, health, family services, and community development, including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), High Sky Children’s Ranch, the West Texas Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, the Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center, the Aphasia Center, Odessa College, and UTPB, to name a few.
Furthermore, the company’s culture of giving extends beyond financial contributions through its Saulsbury Serves program.
“Through Saulsbury Serves, employees are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get involved,” Matt expands.
Whether volunteering at the local food bank, supporting Meals on Wheels deliveries, or participating in Christmas in Action projects, its teams are active participants in improving the lives of local people.
Every year, Saulsbury Serves volunteers dedicate hours of their time and resources to support the local causes closest to their hearts.
Meanwhile, with a strong commitment to honoring and supporting veterans, the company proudly partners with organizations such as Trinity Oaks Outdoors, a charity on a faith-based mission to make a difference in the lives of veterans through outdoor activities.
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“To us, corporate philanthropy means more than writing checks – it’s about building lasting relationships, giving our time, and being a true community partner. That’s the Saulsbury way,” he proudly states.
“Even with all the growth we’ve experienced over the years, Saulsbury has managed to maintain a family atmosphere — a place where people feel comfortable and valued. My father always said to do the right thing, even when no one is watching, and that mindset is something others recognize and want to be a part of”
Matt Saulsbury, CEO, Saulsbury
COMMITTED TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Last year, Saulsbury was recognized on Engineering News-Record’s 2024 Top 400 Contractors and Top 20 Petroleum Contractors lists.
However, while industry recognition is always appreciated by the company, it is not what drives it forward.
“While such awards affirm our standing in the industry, our true motivation lies in something deeper – a relentless commitment to excellence and continuous improvement,” Matt reflects.
Fostering a culture that constantly challenges the company to be better than it was the year before, Saulsbury measures its success not by comparing itself to others but with its own internal benchmarks – always setting the bar higher.
“We’re our own toughest critic, constantly evaluating how we can improve through enhanced training, streamlined processes, and the integration of new technologies,” he says.
As a privately held company, Saulsbury’s focus is on long-term sustainability and strategic growth rather than short-term accolades.
While recognition may follow, it’s the result of staying true to its principles that is most important.
INVESTING IN TOMORROW
By investing in future engineers and young people interested in energy and infrastructure, Saulsbury recognizes the critical role that the next generation of leaders will play, not only in shaping the evolution of the company but driving progress across industries nationwide.
Therefore, engaging with students and young professionals is more than just a recruitment effort – it is a commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and excellence in the field.
As such, the company has cultivated strong partnerships with higher education institutions across Texas, such as its long-standing relationships with Odessa College and UTPB.
“Our involvement extends beyond traditional recruitment – we actively support capital campaigns to expand and modernize campuses, ensuring students have access to state-of-the-art facilities that prepare them for the workforce,” Matt explains.
With a dedication to community and education that is deeply rooted in the areas in which it operates, Saulsbury representatives serve on local school boards.
“These efforts reflect our belief that investing in education at all levels benefits not just our company, but the industry and society as a whole,” he states.
DEDICATED TO LEARNING
Further to its work in communities and with young people, Saulsbury believes in the power of uniting academia with industry and bridging the gap between the two.
In this way, it actively collaborates with UTPB, Odessa College, and other academic institutions to provide learning opportunities for both current and future employees.
“We facilitate lunch-and-learn programs, tuition reimbursement initiatives, and on-site learning at Odessa College,” Matt outlines.
Through continued professional development, the company ensures its workforce remains at the forefront of industry advancements and ahead of the curve.
Its dedication to learning aligns with its core value of excellence, recognizing that innovation and technical expertise are key to staying competitive in an evolving industry.
Additionally, Saulsbury facilitates professional certifications for its employees on the understanding that career development doesn’t stop after graduation.
For this reason, the company invests in team members who are seeking technical certifications and professional licenses – whether it be young engineers pursuing a professional engineer (PE) certification or electricians working toward a master electrician’s license.
“We support the training, costs, and time necessary for employees to achieve these milestones, reinforcing our commitment to building a highly skilled and capable workforce,” Matt informs.
By engaging with higher education institutions, supporting lifelong learning, and championing professional growth, Saulsbury is actively shaping the next generation of industry leaders.
“We take pride in playing a role in their journey, ensuring they are well-equipped to drive innovation and excellence for years to come,” he sets out.
A SIMPLE PHILOSOPHY
Going beyond its role as a mere contractor, Saulsbury strives to be a true partner to its clients on every project.
It takes full ownership of project execution, working collaboratively across the value chain to ensure success from inception through to commissioning.
“Our philosophy is simple – if a project isn’t successful for our clients, it isn’t successful for us,” Matt shares.
Transparency is at the core of Saulsbury’s approach as it works closely with clients to determine the best contracting strategy and integrates constructability engineering to optimize costs and improve schedule efficiency.
It has the flexibility to adapt to complex project challenges, providing innovative solutions that align with clients’ evolving needs.
“This commitment to partnership fosters long-term relationships and has led to a high percentage of repeat business with nearly all our clients.”
By prioritizing collaboration, adaptability, and shared success, Saulsbury continues to build strong, trusted alliances that drive excellence in every project it undertakes.
Reflecting on his own style of leadership, Matt understands that teamwork and collaboration are integral to his success.
“My leadership style is a blend of democratic and servant leadership. I believe in collaboration, accountability, and empowering teams to make informed decisions. No one has all the answers, and I value input and healthy debate,” he asserts.
As such, Matt’s leadership style is not about authority, but fostering a culture where people feel valued, challenged, and motivated to achieve success together.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Looking to the future, continuous improvement remains Saulsbury’s guiding principle as it strives to be a stronger, more agile organization year on year.
It has the unique advantage of setting strategic goals that align with long-term stability as opposed to short-term shareholder expectations.
“This allows us to stay focused on what’s best for our business, people, and clients,” Matt confirms.
Strategic diversification is also a key priority which the company has been actively pursuing for several years and will continue to do so moving forward.
Indeed, while Saulsbury’s legacy and foundations are deeply rooted in the oil and gas sector, it recognizes the volatility that can accompany the industry.
“We’ve strategically expanded into renewable energy and infrastructure, focusing on key growth areas such as utility-scale solar power, BESS, substations, and power delivery.”
These sectors complement the company’s core strengths and capabilities while offering long-term and less cyclical opportunities that align with global energy transition trends.
Having recently surpassed a significant milestone in constructing its 70th cryogenic gas plant, equaling over 14 billion cubic feet of processing capacity to date, it is ideally positioned for continued success.
“Surpassing that milestone is a symbol of the trust we’ve earned, partnerships we’ve built, and Saulsbury’s story of relentless progress. We’ve built a reputation as a trusted leader in the industry – one project, one partnership, and one milestone at a time,” he prides.
Looking ahead, Saulsbury will continue a managed growth trajectory into emerging markets while exploring additional industries that can benefit from its proven track record in complex project execution.
“Our goal isn’t just to grow – it’s to grow with purpose, delivering value and additional opportunities for our employees while remaining adaptable in an ever-changing energy landscape,” Matt confidently concludes.
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