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Billionaire Profile
Robert Clark
Global Rank
#1166

Image: Frank Hurley | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Robert Clark

CEO, Construction
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.713B
Estimated based on Construction stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
67
Source
Construction
Industry
Construction & Engineering
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Robert Clark is an American businessman and civic leader best known as the founder and Executive Chairman of Clayco, a design-build construction firm. Born in 1959, Clark's career in construction began at a young age and has since developed into a $7.6 billion (2024 revenue) U.S. construction giant. His source of wealth stems from his ownership of Clayco, a company that has constructed numerous large-scale projects and has significantly impacted the construction landscape with over 200 million square feet developed since 1984. Clark has also been involved in civic contributions, including his appointment as the United States Commissioner General at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Robert Clark was born on January 30, 1959, in Bridgeton, Missouri. His interest in construction began at age 13 when his father gave him a book on building. He attended Parkway Central High School. Clark's early career included a partnership at Machine Maintenance and Equipment Company (MMECO) at age 19.

Rise to Success

In 1984, Clark founded Clayco, a real estate development and design-build firm, in St. Louis, Missouri. The company has grown to be one of the largest privately-owned firms in the industry. Clayco's projects include the Washington University School of Medicine and several Amazon e-commerce centers. In 2023, Clayco generated over $5.8 billion in revenue.

Key Business Strategies

Clayco offers comprehensive services including architectural design, engineering, construction, and real estate services. Clark's company focuses on maximizing revenue from every opportunity through a strategic approach called construction revenue engineering. This involves analyzing project scopes, budgets, and timelines early to efficiently allocate resources and avoid low-return engagements.

Philanthropy

Clark and the Clayco Foundation have supported numerous causes, including a $4.1 million donation to Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine for RVCL research and a $500,000 scholarship in Penn State's Department of Architectural Engineering to support diversity. Clark is currently launching the Clark Family Foundation.

Career Milestones

1978

Partner at Machine Maintenance and Equipment Company (MMECO)

Began his career in the equipment industry.

1984

Founder of Clayco

Established the construction and design-build firm.

2021

U.S. Commissioner General at Expo 2020 Dubai

Appointed by President Joe Biden.

2023

Honorary Degree

Received an honorary degree from the University of Missouri System.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Medical Research

Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine

$4.1B

Promised to give to advance research into RVCL.

Education

Penn State's Department of Architectural Engineering

$0.5B

Endowed a scholarship to promote diversity.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Treat others the way you want to be treated."

Leadership Principles

Inspiring trust

Inspiring trust — What people need most from a leader during a crisis is trust, believing that the person is transparent and honest and has their best interests at heart.

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