Sam Clark

Sam Clark continues the Clark Construction Company lineage as President and CEO, being the fourth to serve over the firm’s 75 years. He served in the U. S. Army from 1991 to 1994 and was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington. Upon his honorable discharge, Sam enrolled in Northern Michigan University where he obtained a B. S. in Building Construction Management.

Sam joined Clark Construction Company as a Project Manager in 1996 and has held progressive roles during his rise to President. During his career, Sam has been involved in many market sectors and is most notably known for his expertise in casino, resort venues. Through developing, implementing, and living our core values, Sam has proven himself as a visionary leader within the organization. The company mission “We Build on a Foundation of Trust” aligns the team in success. Sam has led the organization through significant cultural changes with a strategic focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Fun Facts About Sam

• Enjoys being with family
• Always happy when on the water
• Was a forward observer in the US Army
• Likes fly fishing
• Loves hockey

Dave Reece, AIA

Dave is a graduate of Lawrence Technological University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture.  He is a Licensed Architect in the State of Michigan, a member of the American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Institute of Architects Michigan and Detroit chapters, AIA Academy of Architecture for Health and Design- Build Knowledge Communities and the Engineering Society of Detroit.

Fun Facts About Dave

• Loves spending time up north hunting
• Loves Traveling
• Enjoys time with family at lakehouse

Allen Blower

Allen has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University and more than 30 years experience in the construction industry. Since joining Clark in 1998 as a Project Manager, Allen has completed several hundred million dollars in retail construction and in January of 2007 was named Director of Retail Operations. Since named Senior Vice President who still leads our retail operations as well as operations teams.

Allen is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), participating on the local, regional, and national levels. 

Robert LaLonde, LEED AP

Robert LaLonde is a Senior Vice President for Clark Construction Company.  His primary focus is on the Higher Education market. He joined the company in 2006. 

Robert has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and A.A.S. Commercial/Industrial Building Technology from Ferris State University.  He has 15 years of experience in commercial construction and brings complete construction coordination to the table.  As an integral part of Clark’s management team, Robert has overall responsibility for the projects under his direction.  He is instrumental in selecting the project team, meeting with the Owner and Architect, preparing conceptual or preliminary estimates and schedules, and ensuring the overall success of the project. He has also been on the forefront of implementation of Lean Construction Principles on Clark projects, including the implementation of Pull Planning on projects, as well as the use of BIM from estimating to project close-out. 

Robert has been essential in the management of more than 40 projects in the Higher Education market totalling more than $250,000,000. His clients include Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Oakland University, Ferris State University and Northern Michigan University.  

Fun Facts About Robert

• An avid outdoorsman
• Enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing
• Enjoys spending time with his wife and two young daughters.

Janice Suchan, AIA

Janice holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy, and continues to serve on their Advisory Board.  She received industry recognition as an “AIA Detroit Young Architect” of the year and Crain’s “40 Under 40.”  The AIA also recognized her and her team with 12 AIA design awards.  With over 25 years in the industry, Suchan has held several operational and leadership roles and is heavily involved in her community, including serving on the ACE (Architecture, Construction + Engineering) Mentorship Board for the Southeast Michigan Chapter.  Strong in critical thinking, communications, and relationship building, Suchan excels at business development and marketing team leadership, as well as continues to serve as a key member of Clark’s strategic planning team and Justice, Equity,  Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee. 

Fun Facts About Janice

• Architect, passionate about design, construction, and business strategy
• Lives in Rochester Hills
• Married high school sweetheart
• Mom of two awesome kids
• Lego, Starbucks + Pixar fan
• Love to travel , and hike with Llamas

Gary Steller

Gary has more than $2 billion in K-12 Bond Program experience.  His commitment, diligence, foresight and tenacity are the qualities which will bring about the project results expected by the District. 

Gary has a Bachelor of Science in Business from Lawrence Technological University and offers over 45 years of experience in the commercial construction industry.  

From 1975 to 1980 Gary was a Carpenter.  During the next 20 years he advanced through various roles from Superintendent, Project Engineer, Project Manager, and ultimately Vice President.   

Gary’s project focus encompasses the K-12 education market.  

Dan Korte

A 25-year veteran in the construction industry, Dan is a graduate of Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science  in Civil and Environmental Engineering.  As Vice President, Korte leads the healthcare market and continues to grow that market sector by establishing new client relationships, improving upon existing client relationships while finding and developing the best people to perform the work on these projects. Dan is a key leader for our Living Our Values and DEI Committees. He also leads our Grand Rapids office operations. 

Fun Facts About Dan

• Civil Engineer who enjoys assembling/developing teams
• Enjoys working on “projects with a purpose” which is why I work in the healthcare space but enjoy civic projects
• My main goal in life is to be an involved and loving father to my four kids…100% of the time
• I’m a big family person – I come from a family of 6 kids and my parents are the proud grandparents of 21 grandchildren
• I love endurance training and events; I’ve run 10 marathons, 40 half-marathons, and nearly 20 triathlons. The ultimate goal is a full Ironman Triathlon (140.6 miles)
• Active in Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus, and helping support St. Michael Catholic Church in Grand Ledge, MI

Laurelyn Hewitt, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Hewitt holds a Master of Business Administration from Walsh College and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Lawrence Technological University.  She has over 15 years of experience in Commercial Construction and field operations, and over 12 years of experience in Human Resources Leadership.  Hewitt is a prior SHRM Chapter President, and has served on the state MISHRM board.  She is an active member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and a founding member of National Women in Roofing (NWiR).  She has been at Clark since 2018 and has successfully led recruiting, training, and development efforts for the team.  She has also worked collaboratively with executive leadership as part of the Strategic Planning team and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee. 

Fun Facts About Laurelyn

• Passionate about travel and adventure 
• Advocate for accessibility (in building construction, travel, and adaptive sports) to support active lifestyles for individuals with disabilities 
• Favorite activities include shooting sports, falconry, skiing, rock climbing, driving, and car detailing
• Weekend farmer; diesel and heavy equipment junkie
• Child free  

Dale Ave-Lallemant

Dale has a Bachelor of Science, Occupational Safety and Health Management from Grand Valley State University. With over 25 years of experience, Dale serves as Director of Safety and is responsible for coordinating and directing safety programs and managing the field safety coordinators.  He will support the entire Clark Team in the areas of project health and safety. He will work with the pre-construction phase group assisting with health and safety planning for each project.  

During the construction phase Dale will assist the Clark Construction Phase Team with ensuring all safety plans and requirements are being implemented by the Trade Contractors. He will perform regularly scheduled, on-site health and safety inspections and provide health and safety recommendations to the Trade Contractors.

Fun Facts About Dale

• I’m a huge supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network and Give Kids the World Village in Florida, www.gktw.org
• Love to travel by Cruise Ship with my family
• Hobbies include competitive BBQ, Weight Training and Cornhole

Steve White

Started my career as a staff accountant with Dearborn Fabricating and Engineering Company in Detroit (which later became Dearborn Mid-West Conveyor Company), promoted through the ranks (senior staff accountant, accounting mgr, asst. controller then eventually controller) in the first 11 years of my career.  As the Assistant Controller and Controller, I had divisional and plant responsibilities for plants in Detroit and Kansas City, Kansas. 

Next stop was the Director of Finance for Flexible Automation, Inc for the next 15 years of my career.  In this position, I had complete financial control while reporting to the Ownership Group. 

Next stop was a change of direction in terms of markets served when I came here to Clark Construction.  I’ve very much enjoyed the change from manufacturing to construction management. 

Fun Facts About Steve

• Married to Crystal for 26 years and have two children:  daughter Carryn has graduated from UofM and son, Stephen, who is an engineering student at Kettering University.  I’m proud of them all! 
• I enjoy pretty much all things family and lake related (fishing, floating, booze cruising).  I also enjoy playing competitive golf when I’m not lakeside. 
• Rarely known fact about me: I used to drive the Zamboni while attending WMU. 

Zack Reed

As the company’s Marketing Manager, Zack leads the Marketing team in crafting compelling materials that drive new business and embody our brand promise. He collaborates closely with  Market Sector VPs and the Business Development Team to strengthen Clark’s business development efforts. Zack holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Northwood University.

Zack’s dedication and contributions have earned him several accolades, including the 2020 John M. Clark Service Award and the 2021 Living Our Values Award. He is a committed member of Clark’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee, exemplifying his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Fun Facts About Zack

• I am a passionate advocate for learning and exploring new horizons. I am an avid reader, continually seeking fresh insights and knowledge to fuel my personal and professional growth.
• I enjoy being outside playing golf, cycling, basketball, baseball, kayaking, hiking, etc.
• I love time with my family and friends, but nothing compares to the time I spend with my kids.

Char Konen

Char currently serves as Clark’s Manager of Corporate Procedures, with her primary responsibility to ensure that corporate procedures promptly integrate the company best management practices, notably with regard to project management and quality.  Char offers 23 years of experience in an administrative capacity, including construction software administration and procedural training. 

Char received the 2008 John M. Clark Service Award, which annually recognizes an employee who demonstrates exceptional work ethic, service and dedication on behalf of the company and its customers. 

Larry Cowper

Larry Cowper is Director of Operations of Clark Contracting Services. He partnered in establishing the self-perform division of Clark Construction. 

Larry has over 25 years of experience in commercial construction. As an integral part of Clark’s management team, Larry has overall responsibility for all self-perform projects for Clark Contracting Services. He is instrumental in selecting the project team, meeting with the customer, reviewing estimates and schedules, and ensuring the overall success of our self-perform projects. 

Fun Facts About Larry

• Lives in China, Michigan
• Married with three teenage kids
• Enjoys boating, fishing, biking, anything outdoors

Fred Gagnier

Fred has over 40 years of experience in the construction industry working in all phases of construction and project management.  As Project Director, Fred has overall responsibility for the projects under his direction.  He is instrumental in selecting the project team, meeting with the Owner and Architect, preparing conceptual or preliminary estimates and schedules, and working closely with Clark team members on the project. Fred is also the manager of our Alpena office and oversees all our Northern Michigan Projects. 

Matt Duda

Matt Duda is a professional IT Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in technology. He graduated from Northwood University with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Management and is now the IT Manager at Clark Construction Company.   

Matt has directed technology pursuits in many environments, from very small businesses to government work since 2006. 

Matt has always been most passionate about technology, but also loves music, which led him to start his own record label in 2010, where he helps musicians manage their business and art online. 

Fun Facts About Matt

• I love golf and basketball
• I grew up in East Lansing, so I rarely miss a Spartan basketball or football game
• I am a music producer who once toured the country and had an album featured on the Billboard Top 50 for R&B/Hip-Hop

Ryan Olszowy

Ryan Olszowy is our Director of Innovation, as well as the Director of MEP & VDC Preconstruction Services.  As an innovation team leader, Ryan guides our Breaking Ground innovation initiatives.  Similarly, as Director of MEP & VDC Preconstruction Services, he focuses on confidently leading a dynamic MEP PreCon team, our clients and project stakeholders through our time-tested processes.  With more than two decades of construction experience, in a wide variety of roles & market sectors, Ryan’s brings a unique skill set to the team and an unwavering commitment to being an innovative leader.

Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, beginning his career in building automation field as a design engineer, project manager and field technician.  Transitioning to preconstruction project planning and cost consulting in 2013, he now specializes in building facilities through meticulous planning, strong relationships, inclusive collaboration, and trusted guidance.

Fun Facts About Ryan

• National & State Champion Snow Sculptor.  Competing in sanctioned events for nearly two decades, amassing numerous awards & honors.
• Pursuing a goal of attending a baseball game at all 30 MLB Ballparks.
• Obsessed with collecting ball caps, watching vintage game shows & 80’s movies and anything involving Nick Offerman.