Robert G. Clark

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Robert G. Clark is an American businessman who is the Executive Chairman and Founder of Clayco, a real estate development and design-build firm. Since 1984, Clayco has constructed nearly 200 million square feet of buildings. In 2020, Clayco did $3.8 billion in total revenue.

Clark grew up in Bridgeton, Missouri, and graduated from Parkway Central High School.

At age 13, Clark's father bought him a book about building, and Clark recalls planning to work on only “big projects,” ambitiously assuming he'd only be constructing large buildings. One year later, an accidental gunshot injured Clark's eye, putting him in and out of the hospital for 10 months and requiring 15 operations.

Following high school, Clark started a painting business and, at 19, became a partner in an equipment company. He later sold his stake and started a construction company in 1984. He did not finish college. Clayco is an architectural, design, engineering and construction firm. The company also offers real estate services such as site selection and land acquisition on behalf of its clients. By 2018, his company had more than 2,000 employees.

In 2019, Clark said the region's various economic development organizations should merge to avoid confusing and counterproductive actions.

In 2021, Clark proposed to revitalize St. Louis’ downtown convention center, America's Center, by demolishing it, including the Dome at America's Center where the St. Louis Rams used to play, and building a new center parallel to North Broadway that would stretch for three blocks, from Convention Plaza on the south to Carr Street on the north end. Clark argues the plan would provide better access to residents north of downtown and a better facility for visitors.

Clayco and Clark have been supporters of vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2021, Clark encouraged Chicago businesses to set deadlines for returning to the office and the city's downtown corridor. As of September 2021, Clayco Construction required employees to get vaccinated or tested weekly, under President Biden's new federal plan for businesses with more than 100 workers.

Clark served as U.S. Commissioner General at Expo 2020 Dubai, the senior U.S. government representative, and head of delegation to the event. He and his team worked to publicize American values, innovation, and cultural diversity; invite visitors to study, travel, and invest in the United States; and push American positions on global issues like climate, space, food security, health, and innovation. Provided by Wikipedia