Clayco was happy to host Executive Director Brian Williams and the CCDI folks to the new STL HQ building renovation for some on site training.
I was probably closer and more aligned with my Uncle Bill than any other person in my family. I cherished every second I spent with him, and I have more memories of taking advice from him than even my dad.
Clayco is performing preconstruction services for Hankook Tire & Technology's manufacturing facility expansion, which will consist of 2.2 million square feet of new production and support the company’s existing campus in Clarksville, Tennessee.
International Women’s Day offers a great moment to rededicate ourselves to supporting women and building meaningful change in everything we do. Women play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing cultures and economies. Cultivating a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination will elevate society to new heights by channeling unique traits into superpowers.
Developing a mentor-mentee relationship is a two-way street with lots of give-and-take. I’d like to think my mentors also took away something from the experience too.
Emily Sisson and I have something in common, and it’s not just the fact that we both love athleticism.
RVCL causes small blood vessel deterioration and is difficult to diagnose since symptoms differ and can mirror other illnesses.
I initially launched Bob Clark Beyond in 2020 to motivate and mentor others. Now, I am thrilled to announce that I am venturing on a deeper mission to spark inspiration and connection with a NEW LOOK!
Equity spotlights the imperative to address systemic disparities and level the playing field for people of all backgrounds.
Two years ago today, the Russian terrorist attack on Ukraine began.
The death of Alexei Navalny is a tragic and unnecessary loss. Alexei was a prominent Russian opposition leader and a strong advocate for democracy and human rights.
Immigration has always been a critical point of value in America’s prosperity. The “American Dream” would not be possible without the contribution of generations of immigrants to society, not to mention the priceless importance of multiculturalism. Despite this, the rhetoric surrounding immigration and its influence on U.S. institutions and ways of life has become increasingly hostile and rooted in misinformation. I recently read the book “How Migration Really Works: The Facts About the Most Divisive Issue in Politics” by Hein de Haas. I highly recommend it to everyone to better understand migration policies and national impact. As we get farther into this election year, debates surrounding immigration are escalating. Still, people don’t understand the fundamentals of migration or how it truly affects the U.S. To mitigate this, Hein de Haas draws on decades of research to destroy myths and set the record straight. The book highlights tense topics like global migration not being at an all-time high, climate change not leading to mass migration, and immigration mainly benefiting the wealthy instead of workers. He also notes that border restrictions have produced more migration – something that is commonly misreported and viewed as the only “solution” to the migration “problem.”
Everybody loves a good groundbreaking! I’m glad to announce that our Clayco team is collaborating to create a state-of-the-art cold storage facility for Performance Food Group Inc. in Berkeley, Missouri. PFG is an industry leader and one of the largest food and food service distribution companies in North America.
What does FDR have to do with current events and my gluteus medius tendon tear? A lot. For one thing, my tear has provided a great perspective for me after knowing that FDR was stricken with polio at age 39. It has also created a sense of optimism because of how he handled his much, much worse situation and endured his disability with such grace that he became the poster child for “people of determination,” a phrase I heard often while in Dubai.
It’s time to get our heads in the game and inspire the next generation of athletes! Clayco, Turner, and HNTB collaborated to revamp the Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex at the University of Illinois. Our companies create structures that connect people with inviting aesthetics and enhanced functionality – something users of this facility will attest to. This project doubled the size of the existing building to 75,000 square feet to provide more space for players to refine their skillsets and drive the athletic program forward.
I am THRILLED to announce Michael Fassnacht is championing the new role of Chief Growth Officer and President of Chicagoland at Clayco. Michael will oversee the area’s business, civic, and community efforts, including business development, marketing, and sales, while serving as a mentor and coach to the team working alongside him.
Osaka is a city where nature and technology live alongside the past and present in perfect harmony, which is why I’m very impressed with the designs for the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Japan! Trahan Architects unveiled the design for the USA Pavilion – and it did not disappoint.
481,358 square feet of innovation – that is what PALMTower has been designed to add to Phoenix’s urban skyline. The American Southwest continues to become an increasingly popular region for travel and residential ventures, and the integrated services of Clayco, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Ventana are proud to be a part of Arizona’s up-and-coming development.
When our Clayco team finds a company that mirrors our mission and determination, we fortify that partnership by pooling resources on as many projects as possible. Vision Electric & Systems is one of Clayco’s excellent subcontractors that we have had the pleasure of working on several developments with. Subcontractors play a pivotal role by bringing multifaceted advantages and expertise across construction efforts.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and for good reason. Artwork has the ability to tell powerful stories. It demonstrates value in human society, transcending cultural and historical boundaries to become an integral part of the human experience. Roberto Lugo is an artist, ceramicist, social activist, poet, and educator who uses ceramics to tell stories about different cultures.
This exciting Arizona project isn't just about putting up buildings – it's about giving knowledge and potential a serious boost! Step into the dynamic world of education innovation with Clayco and Lamar Johnson Collaborative as we embark on a journey at Chamberlain University's vibrant campus in Phoenix. Education extends beyond books and classrooms. It involves creating a foundation for societies to thrive. Clayco and LJC’s collaboration continues to turn dreams into reality with the renovation of a two-story office building to create another state-of-the-art higher education nursing program for Adtalem Global Education in the Phoenix region. The new 45,000 square feet of space will include lecture classrooms, science classrooms, simulation exam rooms, nursing skills workshops, breakout study spaces, and a cafe and market.
As quoted from the great movie Network, "We're mad as hell, and we're not gonna take it anymore!" St. Louis doesn’t have the leadership it needs, and residents are rightfully fed up with the way it has been run for a long time. I joined nationally recognized Midwest radio talk show host McGraw Milhaven on KTRS 550am to discuss the challenges Clayco has experienced while trying to build in the area.
This past summer, I read the sad tale “Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing” by Peter Robison. I’ve always admired Boeing, just as my father did, so I was reluctant to recommend the book. People should read it now. Robison provides a gripping account of the 737 MAX crisis, unraveling the series of events leading to tragic consequences and Boeing's subsequent downfall. By including exclusive interviews with current and former employees, industry executives, and family members of the victims, it highlights the technical and managerial failures that contributed to the fatal crashes while analyzing the company’s flawed decision-making and lack of transparency.
I love when Co-Founder Larry Page was asked how he learned to run Google. He said, “I read a lot of books.” He then jokes: “[When renaming Alphabet] I read like three books on naming—which is more than anyone else had read. So I decided I was the expert… and actually that was useful. I recommend reading things.” I dropped out of college after just 5 weeks, but I read a lot. Everything. I’ve compiled a list of some “oldies but goodies” (and a few modern) reading options that I found difficult but useful, helpful, or even disagreeable – and that’s okay, too!
"Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." This powerful quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s 1963 "I Have A Dream" speech is as relevant today as it was then. The current global landscape is plagued with turmoil, conflict, and divisive challenges – but there is still positivity and hope on the horizon. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is as perfect of a time as any to not only commemorate the life and work of the American civil rights leader but to re-dedicate ourselves to creating an equitable world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive free from fear and discrimination. The need for strong leadership and advocacy for the oppressed has never been more critical for paving a path to true peace. I remember watching a documentary that featured Dr. King when I was in elementary school. I was fascinated by his eloquent way of speaking and connecting with people, and he inspired me to push my boundaries continuously. Achieving progress in the push for diversity and inclusion requires advancements in education and understanding. This means we have to talk to people we never have, research topics we’ve never known, and ultimately allow ourselves to be uncomfortable to gain greater knowledge.
Another pivotal collaboration in the books! In partnership with Shapack Partners, our Clayco team looks forward to working with CRG, Ventana, SOM as the architect-of-record, and Bill Williams, founder and principal of KMW Communities, on the residential project at 220 N. Ada in Chicago. We are channeling our integrated approach into creating the 29-story, mixed-use tower, which will offer 308 apartments (with 62 affordable units) and 12,000+ square feet of ground-floor retail. This collaboration with affordable housing developer Bill Williams is also an extension of CRG’s PILLAR program and our overall goals to address the lack of diversity in the real estate community.
Artificial Intelligence is sweeping the world in every aspect of life. But who are the big faces behind the technology? According to a list produced by the New York Times, the “who’s who” in AI was shockingly lacking in diversity – they didn’t name one single woman. Whether inside the walls of Clayco or beyond, I am committed to helping foster inclusive communities and uplift the voices of underrepresented demographics to the best of my ability. The exclusion of women in high-ranking positions, public media, and authoritative roles is unacceptable, and we must work to ensure they have the resources and respect they deserve. For my January Inspiration of the Month, I am highlighting 12 incredible women who are the driving forces behind AI and the wave of tech that is evolving global societies. Anima Anandkumar
Doubling down on St. Louis means bringing the best and brightest to the table, and our Clayco team is getting a great addition! Elizabeth Zucker will be President of Clayco’s St. Louis Region – which is both of our hometowns! Elizabeth knows what it means to embody the Art & Science of Building, which is why she will thrive in this new role and take our Clayco team along with her. She is a proven leader in driving growth and will utilize her expertise to oversee all aspects of local operations, including business development, marketing, and sales.
America just got more delicious! Willy Wonka might be jealous because we have something irresistibly sweet to share from Chicago - Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) designed Ferrero’s first United States Innovation Center!
Clayco is working to lighten the debt load for student loan borrowers! This past year, I asked our team what was on their minds. I learned that many people have crushing student debt, much of it from predatory lenders, that is impacting their credit, ability to get ahead, and also their focus on work. Student loans are an incredible burden for millions of Americans, both financially and emotionally.
2023 was filled with incredible ideas and innovative achievements. The value and impact of the Art & Science of Building were stronger than ever and reflect the importance of human connection and building while continuously moving our society in a positive direction. I have never been more confident in the great work we do at Clayco and the positive effect we have on lives across the nation. The best part of this job is helping others along their journey and watching our team members achieve their goals. Our team accomplishes so much together in business, for our families, and neighborhoods. Next year will be even more remarkable! Evolving Communities
Check out the magic of meaningful mentorship! What a terrific holiday celebration and commemoration of reaching 540 members of the International Mentoring Program | St. Louis! Creating the world that we want to live in is our responsibility – and this goes far beyond constructing buildings. This program is a shining example of all the great work that can be done when dedicated people channel resources into underserved communities.
Flip through the pages of Clayco’s “A Day in the Life” photobook – one of my favorite annual traditions! Some may say that there are no constants in life, but one of the most essential parts of our society rings true year after year: community is everything. The vibrant pages of our latest photobook highlight moments from 2023 sent to us by some of the 3,000+ members of our Clayco family. It is an incredible symbol of our diversity, our dedication, and our innovative developments across the nation.
We’re sparking an electric revolution in more ways than one! I am super excited that Clayco will be Rivian’s building partner for their new 1,800-acre plant in Stanton Springs, Georgia. Rivian is an innovative American automaker at the forefront of the EV industry. The company will use the eco-conscious site to develop its next-gen R2 electric vehicles and implement sustainable manufacturing methods to promote a healthier planet.
This year it’s December 18, 2023.My belief is the single greatest act of kindness I can accomplish is to have an incredibly detailed written process ready to go in the event of my untimely death.Yes, it’s kind of morbid, and difficult to think through, yet I’ve been doing it for 15 years ― every single year in either November or December ― after which it’s randomly announced to my team close to the day of my supposed demise.My death would be unusually complicated in comparison with most people’s. I’m the Executive Chairman at one of the largest construction companies in the United States, and we also operate a real estate development business with fund management, multiple special purpose entities and hundreds of partners. There are also multiple foundations and charitable commitments to consider, as well as an extended family with four married children, nine grandchildren and one on the way. Friends and legacy partners and my late wife Ellen’s family and Jane’s family are high on the list of my responsibilities. I’m still engaged in multiple outside organizations as well, although I’ve stepped back from a good number of outside interests to focus on my personal foundation for a while. Ellen may no longer be with us physically, but she remains with us in spirit. We met in junior high school and a lot of people know that the first time I saw her I decided I was going to marry her. It wasn’t as simple as that, but we did in fact get married when we were 25 years old and were married for 25 years before she passed to the heavens from a genetic disease. She was an amazing human being, and is still remembered very fondly by everyone who knew her. The idea of a mock death first occurred to me a couple of years after Ellen was diagnosed with a terminal genetic disease. Two years after that I concluded that we already had a pretty complicated estate, and we didn’t have a very good plan. We decided to create a scenario where I died, just to see where all the chips would fall. I didn’t like what I learned and where I saw the chips rolling and sliding off the table. Since then, I’ve completed this exercise every year and sleep better and feel like a kinder human being as a result. At the same time, I’ve had many friends who, sadly, have passed away during that time frame. My CFO was hit and killed by a car while training for a marathon before the Great Recession, and it turned out he had an unsigned estate plan sitting toward the back of his desk. Another of my partners, a CPA by training, also died without a plan and with his family unaware of the complexity of his estate. I have many friends whose spouses don’t know where the important papers are, are in the dark about where the money comes from or how it goes out, and don’t even know how to pay their own bills at home.
There is no better way to close out the year than with a great group of people dedicated to making the world a better place. Clayco had an amazing board of advisors meeting in St. Louis at Delmar DivINe – a centerpiece for advancement that houses nonprofit organizations, sponsors innovative programs, and provides affordable housing for young professionals and social leaders. I always enjoy catching up with Maxine Clark, who is the mastermind behind the Delmar DivINe project and a fantastic friend. Seeing Maxine’s vision come to life is truly remarkable. Clayco is so proud to have been a partner in this pivotal endeavor that is turning the tide of history by reimagining life for St. Louis residents and beyond.