Q&A with Clark Construction's Ryan Haworth

We sat down with Ryan Haworth, a project executive at Clark who was recently named a Top Young Professional by ENR California.

Ryan, who started out as a field engineer in Clark’s concrete division 13 years ago, has led project teams on several landmark projects, including concrete work at Salesforce Tower and the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center.

What led you to pursue a career in this industry?

I studied Industrial Engineering at Lehigh University and initially considered a career in the automotive industry. Ultimately, I felt construction provided the most variety long-term and best balance of technical problem solving and financial management. As it turned out, studying supply chain, labor productivity, and lean principles was a great fit to start my career in Clark's concrete division.

Throughout your time in the construction industry, what are some ways you feel it has changed?

Whether it is with safety, community engagement, or professional training/development, there is a much greater focus on improving the experience of the people that are involved or influenced by construction projects.

What is your favorite part about working in construction?

The people, without question. Over the course of my career with Clark, I have worked in four regional offices and within three business units and the constant throughout has been the quality of the people. Some of my best friends are people that I have met through the construction industry.

Can you discuss the leadership training program you helped develop at Clark?

A strategic initiative for Clark’s Western Region, Project Executive Jamie Gilman and I developed a year-long curriculum targeting managers that were to lead teams for the first time. With input from many of Clark's most experienced leaders, the program focuses on getting in front of the issues that typically challenge our project leaders. The 2019 program kicks off in early March as we tackle what it means to be part of a high-performance team.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Being part of the Salesforce Tower team. I will forever look back on that effort and smile about what our project team accomplished and the mark that project has left on the San Francisco skyline.

What would be your advice to a young engineer looking to enter the construction industry?

Be patient and stretch yourself. This is an industry with lots of opportunity but even more to learn.