Scholarship Donor - AIT

Donor Since: 2011
Number of Scholarships: 1
Scholarship Information: Andrew G Clark Family Scholarship

History:
Andy Clark grew up on a family farm in Quebec where he learned at a young age that effort-in equaled earnings-out. Andy had always liked to build things and work with his hands. In his teenage years, he had the opportunity to venture west and join his Uncle's construction firm.

His very responsible nature caused him to spend most of his first five years working on remote or out-of-town projects where he was called upon to wear many hats from multi-task tradesman, to site superintendent, project manager, logistics manager to personnel manager and cost control clerk. It was this varied and 'hands-on' approach to construction that motivated Andy to incorporate his own firm in 1974 at the age of 23.

Over the years Andy continued to hone his management skills and general contracting expertise through projects built in the Northwest Territories, the high Arctic, Alberta, Nevada, Russia and Asia.

Mr. Clark has represented the Northwest Territories as a member of the Governor General's Advisory Council on the Canadian Economy; he has also been a member of the NWT Business Advisory Council (1984-1987). In 1995, Andy was appointed by Premier Ralph Klein as a representative on the Alberta Economic Development Advisory Board.

Mr. Clark was a founding member of the Northwest Territories Construction Association and has served on the Board of the Canadian Construction Association. In addition, he has served on both the Edmonton and Yellowknife Chambers of Commerce and also served two terms on the Board of the Alberta Chamber of Resources.

In 1999 and 2008, Andrew Clark was awarded Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year (Retail/Financial/Construction Sector) in recognition of his vision, dedication and leadership within the industry he serves.

Mr. Clark has two simple personal philosophies that he's ingrained into Clark Builders' corporate psyche: 'One good person, one good project at a time' and 'do the right thing today and tomorrow will take care of itself'. Andy is genuinely interested in people, in what drives them, motivates them and challenges them.

Being able to give back to the industry through his 'lessons learned' has been gratifying and exhilarating for Andy.

In addition, he consistently demonstrates by his own example what it takes to be successful in a challenging industry and this has resulted in Andy being a sought after advisor and mentor to his peers in the industry. In fact, these qualities have contributed to his recognition as the Alberta Chamber of Resources Person of the Year for 2010.

Under Andy's leadership, Clark Builders has been recognized as both a 50 Best Managed Company in Canada and a 50 Best Employer.

Mr. Clark is proud to be investing in the future of the industry by way of this scholarship recognizing the one resource he has always valued the most - people.