Bob Clark Beyond: Search

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2023 Pillars in the Community Award

Out of all of the structures and concepts I have helped bring to life throughout my decades-long construction career, what has always mattered the most to me is how the work affects the people living in those communities. I am profoundly humbled and overjoyed to be the recipient of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce 2023 Pillars in the Community award. I had an excellent time connecting with attendees at the luncheon yesterday, which was presented by Midwest Regional Bank at the Ritz Carlton in St. Louis. This honor could not have been earned alone and represents the outpouring of love and dedication that our Clayco team and partner companies have infused into every project we develop.

December 5, 2023

2023

Impact

Community

Advancing Communities through Cancer Center

Working in the design-build industry isn’t just about constructing spaces, it’s about laying the foundation for human connection and advancement. Our Clayco brand family understands that by carefully considering the layout, materials, and purpose of a space, we can create an environment that fosters positive experiences and supports the needs of the people who use it.

December 4, 2023

2023

Impact

Health & Research

a large white building with several silos

Toasting to Success with Mark Anthony Brewing

Cheers to the creativity and innovation sparked by Clayco and our partners! Clayco, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Concrete Strategies are happy to announce that our project, Mark Anthony Brewing in Columbia, South Carolina, won the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Industrial Process Merit Award! DBIA's Merit Award winners will compete for a National Award of Excellence, “Best of” category, and Project of the Year.

December 1, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

November’s Subcontractor of the Month: Wies Drywall

Leading to serve others is something that Clayco and Wies Drywall have in common. That is why our partnership has been so successful across an array of national projects! Wies Drywall is an experienced construction specialist and commercial drywall contractor that has been serving its clients since 1971. Its main priority is to build walls and take care of people – just like Clayco! We work well together to solve problems creatively and turn ideas into innovation.

November 29, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

Groundbreaking at Renewal by Andersen Manufacturing Facility

Construction has started on a new facility for America's premier window and door manufacturer – Renewal by Andersen! The company selected Clayco, CRG, and Lamar Johnson Collaborative to channel our integrated approach into a new 638,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Locust Grove, Georgia. Renewal by Andersen is the full-service window replacement division of Andersen Corporation, which manufactures, sells, and installs exclusive replacement solutions to customers throughout North America.

November 21, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

Remembering Radcliffe Bailey, a Great Artist

I was sad to learn that Radcliffe Bailey, a game-changing American contemporary visual artist, passed away recently. I was truly inspired by the time I spent with him. Radcliffe’s unique artistic approach, mixing media, paint, and sculpture, explored African-American history and the intersection of ancestry, race, and cultural memory in the everyday. Bailey was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, on November 25, 1968, but moved to Atlanta, Georgia, by the age of four. Curator of modern and contemporary art Michael Rooks once said that Bailey was “probably the most prominent living artist here in Atlanta.” The city’s High Museum of Art was a source of inspiration for Bailey, leading him to attend the Atlanta College of Art, where the city’s history with civil rights and the Civil War served as some of his greatest artistic muses.

November 20, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Clark Art Collection

Art

Clayco's Alumni Night in St. Louis

Wow, what a reunion! This week I was fortunate enough to have a few slices of pizza with some amazing Clayco alumni and current team members. We shared memories and reflected on how we got to where we are today.I couldn’t help but think about all the challenges overcome, the opportunities won and lost, the risks that paid off, the risks that didn’t pay off, the setbacks, the hard work turning into something bigger than myself, and of course, the friendships I made along the way. I was so happy to see Clayco’s very first employee, Allen Conner, who started on the first day we opened for business on July 23, 1984. Joining us was also my longtime partner Jeff Cannedy, as well as John Gebel who started at Clayco in 1985 and made a huge difference to the company back when we were still finding our footing.

November 18, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

WestRock Packaging Plant

Our Clayco team started our first-ever project with WestRock! We were selected with our partner company, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, as the design-build team for WestRock’s 409,550-square-foot packaging plant in Longview, Washington. Developed by JB2 Partners and owned by an investment fund managed by ElmTree Funds, the facility will host WestRock’s corrugated manufacturing operation. This development will enable WestRock’s regional team to better serve customers with various new capabilities and efficiencies. It will also create 40 jobs.

November 17, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

Receiving the 32nd Annual Burnham Award for Distinguished Leadership

Last night’s 32nd anniversary of the Burnham Award Dinner was a massive success! The award honors Chicago leaders for making the city a better place to work and live – and I am humbled to be among them. I made Chicago my home back in 2010 and moved Clayco’s Headquarters to this great city because of its amazing business community, which the Chicago Chamber of Commerce helps support.

November 15, 2023

2023

Business

Leadership

Essays

Lamar Johnson Collaborative Wins Big at 2023 AIA Design Awards in STL

There are smiles all around at Lamar Johnson Collaborative – and deservedly so. Clayco’s partner company received two awards for our outstanding project work at the 2023 AIA St. Louis Design Awards night! LJC is a dedicated and talented team of creative professionals who understand what it means to inspire and connect communities. Earning the MERIT Award in the Architecture Category for the St. Louis County Library – Lynn Beckwith Jr Administrative Building, “The Beck,” and the HONOR Award in the Unbuilt & Master Plan Category for Brickline MP are testaments to the organization’s impact.

November 14, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Architecture

Successful Thomas Heatherwick Book Launch & Discussion!

Societal advancements are often sparked by powerful conversations between peers. The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) hosted a panel discussion for the U.S. launch of Thomas Heatherwick’s book, “Humanize: A Maker’s Guide to Designing Cities,” a prime example of how constructive partnerships can lead to some of our world’s greatest innovations. It was a packed house with 300 guests attending this engaging event. I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in the panel alongside Thomas, Shapack Partners founder Jeff Shapack, and CAC President & CEO Eleanor Esser Gorski. We explored the book's themes and discussed Chicago's architectural landscape while scrutinizing the impact of design and development processes on public health.

November 13, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Books

The Clark Family Branch is Coming Along Amazingly!

Libraries aren't just quiet spots to read; they are vibrant places for people to gather and connect. I had the chance to tour the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis County library system with Jane. The two-story, 74,000-square-foot development is coming along amazingly well! St. Louis County Library’s original headquarters needed greater efficiencies and infrastructure to support the evolution of its patrons – so we decided to do something about it. The Clark family was humbled to donate $6 million to the new HQ and towards educational programming to further the library’s mission. Clayco’s partner company, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, is designing the modern and spacious building into a powerhouse destination for employees, students, families, and authors.

November 9, 2023

2023

Adventure

Family

Clayco's STL Office Teams are Relocating & Expanding!

Missouri has played a fundamental role in Clayco’s history and my own. I grew up and started Clayco in the St. Louis region, and it is a heartfelt focus of mine to help the area regain its past glory. As the next step toward this mission, I am thrilled to announce the relocation and expansion of our St. Louis offices and operations center! Our St. Louis regional offices will come together in Berkeley, Missouri, in a newly recycled and renovated Clayco hub. What’s truly serendipitous about this is that Clayco designed and built the office for another company 11 years ago – and soon, it will be our new home. The 230,000-square-foot facility in NorthPark Development will accommodate over 1,000 team members committed to engaging the local community with their time and hands.

November 7, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

November’s Inspiration of the Month: Keiko DeClerck

My inspiration of the month is Clayco Structural Engineer Keiko DeClerck! Every year, I have a fellow selected from our lead interns and first-year employees to attend mentoring sessions, Monday presentations, and client and employee meetings. Last year, Keiko was chosen to be mentored by me –and she also mentored me in return!

November 6, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Illumination 2023: An Underwater Success!

Illumination 2023: Underwater was a tremendous success last weekend! Since it started, Illumination has been one of my favorite events to advocate for and attend. It was an unforgettable night filled with musical performances, a laser light show, glowing artwork, food, and great friends. Most importantly, the 1200 people who joined us at Vertiport Chicago raised $1.1 million to cast a light on rare diseases and support the search to cure RVCL. This has personally impacted me, as my late wife Ellen was diagnosed with RVCL in 2005.

November 3, 2023

2023

Impact

Health & Research

a group of people walking in a large warehouse

Our ESG Report: Upholding Environmental, Social, and Governance Goals

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The time is always right to do what is right,” – and Clayco has a rich history of doing the right thing. We have continuously operated with our people, places, and clients in mind to build “Beyond These Walls.” This mantra emulates that what happens inside the buildings we construct is more important than the bricks and mortar.

November 2, 2023

2023

Impact

Business

Leadership

Economy

Community

Ciere Boatright appointed as the City of Chicago’s commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development

October has been filled with so many incredible moments and people to celebrate that I’ve doubled down on my Inspiration of the Month and added Ciere Boatright to the list! Ciere is the perfect example of how when you invest in your community, the rewards return to you tenfold. She is currently the Vice President of Real Estate and Community Development at CRG but takes on the role of the City of Chicago’s commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development next month! Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Ciere’s appointment yesterday, and I could not support his decision more.

October 26, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Essays

Thomas Heatherwick Book Launch & Discussion

World-renowned English architect, designer, and founder of Heatherwick studio, Thomas Heatherwick, is coming to Chicago! The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is hosting a panel discussion for the U.S. launch of Thomas’ book “Humanize: A Maker’s Guide to Designing Cities” on November 8th. It will be an insightful conversation about contemporary building design and how the spaces we develop can spark inspiration or leave us devoid of it – which I am happy to be a part of!

October 24, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Books

Beyond Book Club

Humanize: A Maker’s Guide to Designing Cities

Clayco is Building Our Team Across America

Nothing slows our Clayco team down! We are celebrating several office openings across the country, demonstrating the success of the continued growth of our construction family. In the Southwest, we commemorated the grand opening of our regional headquarters in Phoenix! The 48,000-square-foot office is home to 400+ employees and our partner companies, LJC, CRG, Concrete Strategies, and Ventana, that support thousands of skilled workers throughout Arizona.

October 23, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

In Memory of John "Dale" Perkinson

I think of the unlikely and extraordinary success we have had in both the Clark family and at Clayco in a series of notable moments. Seminal moments. Starting Clayco in 1984 with basically no experience and no capital, with only a pickup truck and willpower, we began doing simple interior finish projects: carpet, painting, drywall, and doors. That led to an account at Mercantile Bank doing the same work. A lucky break came in meeting the bank’s VP of facilities, John Ward, and eventually the bank’s chairman, Don Lasater. I got an even bigger break building multiple banks for Mercantile when I was partnered with a well-known, local St. Louis architect, Robert (Bob) Boland.

October 19, 2023

2023

Adventure

Life Lessons

Essays

Congratulations to Shawn and Crain’s 40u40 Winners!

If there is anything that we need more of across industries and communities, it is passionate people who are working to improve our world. Luckily, there is no shortage of these talented individuals, many of whom are featured on Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40 under 40 list – including my son Shawn! Crain’s nominates 40 innovators who have made a mark on their industries and the city of Chicago with no end in sight. It is an amazing recognition demonstrating the importance of emphasizing evolution, diversity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Since Shawn and I started working together, I have watched him lead Clayco’s booming real estate development arm, CRG.

October 16, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Essays

October’s Inspiration of the Month: Chuck Feeney, A Testament to the Power of Selflessness

Businessman and philanthropist Chuck Feeney passed away on October 9th. He was best known for co-founding Duty-Free Shoppers (DFS) with Robert Miller in 1960. DFS grew to be one of the world's largest luxury retailers, catering primarily to travelers and making Feeney a billionaire in the process. However, what made him particularly notable and admired was not his business success but his unique approach to philanthropy.

October 12, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Essays

Constructing Dreams & Bright Futures

If there is one aspect of Clayco that has consistently rang true since its establishment decades ago, it's that our organization is dedicated to bettering the lives of people in underserved communities. Clayco is proud to be one of the many sponsors of the Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI), which connects youth in underserved communities with career opportunities in construction. This past weekend, CCDI hosted its first Saturday Academy session at Clayco with 25 ambitious high school students looking to expand their personal and professional development. It was an incredible success! Events like these are integral to connecting youth from under-resourced neighborhoods with career opportunities in construction. CCDI has a strong class of seniors in the program this year, and it’s great to see how the initiative helps them discover their path in construction.

October 11, 2023

2023

Impact

Community

Medicine 3.0: how to live a long, strong and happy life

How to live longer and healthier is a topic that’s currently drawing a lot of attention. I recently read Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Canadian physician Peter Attia, co-authored by Bill Gifford. The book highlights the significant health problems humans face and compares our current reactive approach to a proactive method that promotes longevity. Luckily, I already practice much of what’s in the book – but there is always room for improvement! Trained as an oncological surgeon, Attia’s take on longevity is fascinating. He talks about the 'Four Horsemen' – diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease – and how they’re all connected. He believes that if you have diabetes, for example, you might be at risk for heart disease or cancer.

October 5, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Books

Beyond Book Club

Outlive The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia

2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and Penn’s RVCL Research Center

Congratulations to Katalin Karikó, PhD, and Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, for receiving the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine! Their revolutionary work has paved the way for the development of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, showcasing the significant strides science can achieve. Their research, carried out at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, has changed the course of global health.

October 3, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Science

Success at Clayco's Second-Annual Kids Dig!

Children are the future, and investing in their wellness is committing to creating a brighter and healthier society. Clayco recently hosted its second-annual Kids Dig in partnership with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. This event attracted over 120 young patients and their families to participate in hands-on construction education and the chance to operate bulldozers, excavators, and other equipment in a giant sandbox with professional assistance. The best part about this incredible fundraiser is that all proceeds go directly to Lurie Children’s, supporting the more than 220,000 children who come to the hospital for treatments annually.

October 2, 2023

2023

Impact

Community

Clayco

Communities Powered by the Cloud

I often post about the Cloud, and people ask me, “What is it?” While I could explain that the energy that powers our technology comprises over half a million miles of undersea cables, hundreds of exchange points, around 8,000 data centers, and more, it may be easier to show you.

September 29, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Innovation

Essays

Pedal the Cause

Clayco supported finding a cure for cancer as we committed to our 13th year with Pedal the Cause! Almost every member of our Clayco family has been impacted by cancer, whether it is that of a family member, friend, or colleague. Our goal as an organization is to innovate communities and industries to build a better, healthier future beyond our walls. Pedal the Cause is an important initiative that aligns with our core values and supports lifesaving research with its efforts.

September 27, 2023

2023

Impact

Health & Research

September's Subcontractor of the Month: KONE

The most remarkable projects are developed through strategic partnerships that achieve exceptional results. Clayco prides itself on partnering with the best in business to embody the Art & Science of Building, and KONE is a great example of how our extended team of subcontractors helps us accomplish that. KONE is a proven global technology leader in the elevator and escalator industry. The company provides elevators, escalators, automatic building doors, and solutions for maintenance and modernization and aims to improve the flow of urban life. Clayco and KONE are devoted to safety, diversity, strong company cultures, and expertise that brings the most powerful projects to life.

September 21, 2023

2023

Inspiration

SIUE Health Sciences Complex Groundbreaking

Clayco is helping build a healthier campus at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville! Our team recently celebrated the groundbreaking of SIUE’s new health sciences complex, where we are working with Lamar Johnson Collaborative, along with PoetkkerJV and Christner Inc., to develop the facility.

September 19, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

LJC’s PopCourts! Project Earns Urban Design Award

Constructing spaces that foster community growth and connection is crucial to creating a sense of belonging that leads to stronger, more resilient communities. Clayco’s partner company, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, has done an excellent job building beyond these walls into the neighborhoods where we operate to deliver PopCourts! – a “small plaza that turned into a movement” – which won an Honor Award in Urban Design from the 2023 ASLA Professional Awards.

September 13, 2023

2023

Inspiration

Architecture

Essays

Groundbreaking at St. Louis Community College

We’re breaking ground and helping pave the way toward higher education! Construction began on September 8th on the Center for Emerging Technologies and the Financial Services & Enrollment Center at St. Louis Community College’s Meramec campus. This groundbreaking is part of six new buildings planned across STLCC’s four main campuses as part of a facilities update.

September 11, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

ENTEK Groundbreaking for $1.5 Billion Production Facility

Electric vehicle manufacturing is a pivotal step toward pioneering newer, greener frontiers - and Clayco and ENTEK are at the forefront! ENTEK, the only US-owned and operated manufacturer of wet-process lithium-ion battery separators, has made its single largest investment to date. On September 6th, the company broke ground on a $1.5 billion separator plant in Terre Haute, Indiana, and chose our Clayco team to design and build it.

September 8, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

AFB International Pet Food Ingredients Facility

We are bringing a “pawsitive” development to Columbus, Georgia! Clayco, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Concrete Strategies are working on a pet food ingredients facility for AFB International. AFB creates and sells palatant ingredients globally, enhancing the taste of pet food, treats, and supplements. This ensures pets not only enjoy their meals but also receive vital nutrients. The company focuses on palatability, partnership, and people to bring pet food solutions that enrich relationships and lives.

September 6, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

Discussing Innovation at Mexico GRI Real Estate 2023

There's nothing like connecting with remarkable individuals and minds from across the globe – which made the Mexico GRI Real Estate 2023 conference a premier destination last week! The event provided a dynamic platform for real estate and infrastructure executives to exchange innovative strategies and solutions. I loved my trip to Mexico City and enjoyed witnessing the nation's journey toward a promising future with many positive signs, including a strong peso, growing population, and entrepreneurial spirit. The country is also ready to receive global manufacturers to provide nearshore supplying to the USA in the next decade.

September 5, 2023

2023

Business

Innovation

Leadership

Partnership

Welcoming Susan Bergdoll to CRG

As Clayco's partner company, CRG, continues to expand its national presence, it requires more creative minds and innovators to do so. In light of this, please welcome the latest addition to CRG’s leadership team, Susan Bergdoll, as Senior Vice President and Partner for the Midwest industrial region! We are thrilled to have her expertise in navigating complex land acquisitions, lease negotiations, and municipal processes in our organization. Susan brings transformative knowledge to the firm with 25+ years of experience in commercial real estate and striking deals with Fortune 100 and 500 brands. Before joining CRG, she managed Duke Realty's nearly 40-million-square-foot Midwest industrial portfolio, valued at over $1.7 billion. Susan’s impressive background will be an advantage as she aids in developing CRG’s speculative and build-to-suit warehouses for e-commerce, Fortune 500, and other clients.

August 31, 2023

2023

Business

Clayco

Essays

Let’s explore

2023 Pillars in the Community Award

Advancing Communities through Cancer Center

Toasting to Success with Mark Anthony Brewing

November’s Subcontractor of the Month: Wies Drywall

Groundbreaking at Renewal by Andersen Manufacturing Facility

Remembering Radcliffe Bailey, a Great Artist

Clayco's Alumni Night in St. Louis

WestRock Packaging Plant

Receiving the 32nd Annual Burnham Award for Distinguished Leadership

Lamar Johnson Collaborative Wins Big at 2023 AIA Design Awards in STL

Successful Thomas Heatherwick Book Launch & Discussion!

The Clark Family Branch is Coming Along Amazingly!

Clayco's STL Office Teams are Relocating & Expanding!

November’s Inspiration of the Month: Keiko DeClerck

Illumination 2023: An Underwater Success!

Our ESG Report: Upholding Environmental, Social, and Governance Goals

Ciere Boatright appointed as the City of Chicago’s commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development

Thomas Heatherwick Book Launch & Discussion

Clayco is Building Our Team Across America

In Memory of John "Dale" Perkinson

Congratulations to Shawn and Crain’s 40u40 Winners!

October’s Inspiration of the Month: Chuck Feeney, A Testament to the Power of Selflessness

Constructing Dreams & Bright Futures

Medicine 3.0: how to live a long, strong and happy life

2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and Penn’s RVCL Research Center

Success at Clayco's Second-Annual Kids Dig!

Communities Powered by the Cloud

Pedal the Cause

September's Subcontractor of the Month: KONE

SIUE Health Sciences Complex Groundbreaking

LJC’s PopCourts! Project Earns Urban Design Award

Groundbreaking at St. Louis Community College

ENTEK Groundbreaking for $1.5 Billion Production Facility

AFB International Pet Food Ingredients Facility

Discussing Innovation at Mexico GRI Real Estate 2023

Welcoming Susan Bergdoll to CRG

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