As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2024, our future has never looked brighter. By taking the opportunity to honour our past while continuing to make impressive advancements, we aim to solidify our unique position in the industry.
Those first 50 years set a precedent for success and culture in our company that is only growing stronger today. So, what does the next 50 years look like for us?
Andrew Ross, CEO, says, "When I envision the future success of Clark Builders, I see a workplace where no one ever gets hurt. We will have revolutionized the approach to building communities by leveraging new technology, while leading advancements in our industry in both service and safety. Clients will seek us out not only for the quality of our work but for the positive environment we've fostered and our unwavering commitment to integrity. Our success will continue to be driven by our exceptional and hardworking teams."
The Heart of Clark Builders
From our origins in Yellowknife to the present day, Clark Builders has always prioritized people. We invest in hiring the right individuals and go the extra mile to provide comprehensive training for both current and future roles, fostering their growth within the company. This commitment is evident in our company’s practice of frequently promoting within, which serves as a driving force behind our “Investing in Tomorrow” campaign.
The values that have always defined our company—having a can-do attitude, respecting others, succeeding as a team, leading with courage, and delivering results—have cemented a future where Clark Builders stands out in the construction industry.
“We all do the same thing for about the same amount of money,” Ross shares. “The difference is in how we do it, not what we do.”
And how do we do it? “What makes us unique is that as a company, we focus on our purpose, which is to enrich the lives of the people who work with us and in the communities we help build.” By emphasizing actively caring for our people and holding true to our defined purpose, we create an environment that’s just different. This feeling might be intangible, but it’s something both our team members and clients experience.
It means selecting projects that align with our company goals and values. It means caring for the whole person when it comes to safety and wellbeing. It involves enhancing each worksite to create a better environment for all involved. And it means building within communities to leave a lasting legacy long after we have completed a project.
Building for the Future
The Clark Builders approach doesn’t stop there. In recent years, we have taken strides in new areas of innovation, particularly embracing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
“Innovation isn’t just technology and robots,” Ross says. It’s multifaceted. We’re looking deeper, asking ourselves: How do we do better for our people? How do we create a better environment? How do we bring additional value to our clients? How do we enhance our community? How can we reduce risk in the workplace?”
Some changes are simple: adding hot and cold wash carts at every site, maintaining clean lunchrooms, and consistently ensuring that every site maintains a clean and prestigious place to work. “These changes make people want to work here,” Ross says. And that’s the type of company that Clark Builders is.
Other changes are far more technical. One notable example is how we have partnered with RoBIM, an Alberta-based construction technology start-up. RoBIM is exploring the use of automated robotic solutions by integrating simulation software, fabrication capabilities and manufacturing expertise to enhance project efficiency and safety.
Another area where we are driving innovation is in addressing environmental sustainability. We have partnered with the NAIT Applied Research team and [Re] Waste to find innovative ways to keep plastics out of landfills. With the current focus on exploring the feasibility of using sheets made from recycled plastic as an alternative to plywood in concrete formwork. Given that plywood’s limited reusability contributes significantly to landfill waste, it presents a real opportunity for the construction industry to reduce environmental impact. We are also actively updating outdated infrastructure to meet stringent greenhouse gas requirements.
We are pioneering innovation in construction by adopting cutting-edge technologies that allow us to build with greater precision. Technologies such as 3D Lidar Laser Scanning, which captures site conditions with millimetre accuracy, and 3D Modeling, which allows us to virtually construct projects to identify and resolve design and constructability issues early on. Drones with photogrammetry capabilities provide detailed site imagery, aiding informed decision-making. Mixed Reality (Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality) enables immersive visualization and understanding of design intent at a deeper level, while robotic survey tools streamline data collection, reducing reliance on traditional drawings. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps manage and analyze extensive datasets, creating valuable digital records for the project team. These technologies enable us to enhance project coordination and streamline construction processes.
In addition to technological advancements, Clark Builders also prioritizes innovation in workplace mental health. We are developing a framework and team for mental health first aid, aiming to establish a comprehensive mental health safety program. “We’re going to lead it and once we figure out how to do it, we’ll share it with our peers and trade partners to help move the industry forward,” Ross says. By promoting mental well-being in the workplace, we seek to attract and retain top talent while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Propelled by Partnership
Since 2012, Clark Builders has enjoyed a partnership with Turner Construction Company, one of North America’s leading builders. “Turner has been an exceptional partner, and we’ve evolved through our relationship with them,” Ross says. “For some of our hardest moments as a company, they’ve been by our side. We’re so fortunate to have them.”
The partnership allows us to maintain our identity and culture while working at a scale that only a partnership with a global leader can provide. “They’re leading the pack with new technologies,” Ross says. “They’re setting that new standard, and we get to ride shotgun.”
This early access enables Clark Builders to lead the industry on new developments, consistently benefiting our clients by saving time, money, resources, and waste.
Envisioning the Next 50 Years
However, leading the industry isn’t what drives Clark Builders. It’s just the icing on the cake of who we are.
“I struggle with calling us trailblazers,” Ross says. “We want to serve the industry. Our goal is to continually improve so everyone is advancing and doing better. Sometimes we’re leaders, and sometimes we’re the first followers, but what matters to me is that we progress together.”
One of the key pillars of Clark Builders’ future is our commitment to community engagement. By fostering strong relationships and actively participating in development initiatives like community centres and seniors’ facilities, we aim to make a positive and lasting impact on the areas we serve.
The recent restructuring of our business led to a more unified company structure. By streamlining operations and removing regional divisions, we are better positioned to leverage the collective strengths and resources to deliver exceptional results for our clients. This strategic realignment enables us to focus on driving innovation, enhancing the employee experience, and implementing cutting-edge technologies to optimize efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of our business.
With our deep-rooted commitment to integrity, innovation, and excellence, Clark Builders continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in construction. “We’re so blessed today that we can build a future based on the work that was done by the generations before us,” Ross says. “I’m proud to be building on their legacy.”
Learn more about Clark Builders' legacy in the following video:
