Under the Hard Hat with Mario Lio Peltroche

At Clark, we are proud to be made up of individuals from a variety of backgrounds and talents. Our “Under the Hard Hat” series is designed to showcase the diverse people who make up the Clark team.

In honor of Pride Month, we recently sat down with Mario Lio Peltroche, a preconstruction manager at Clark, to learn about their background and what Pride month means to them.

Tell us a little bit about your background.

I was born in Peru and moved to Daly City, California, in 2001, when I was in 7th grade.

For undergrad, I attended the University of California, Berkeley, where I studied civil engineering. I studied construction management at California State University, East Bay, for grad school.

What type of project are you currently working on? What are your responsibilities?

I am a preconstruction manager currently working on project development for a proposed 40-story office tower that will be the tallest building in California outside of San Francisco and Los Angeles.  

As part of my role, I am performing quantity take-offs for the structural steel and concrete for this project. This means I take a detailed measurement of materials and labor needed to complete a project.

What brought you to Clark?

After graduating, I started working for a toilet partition and accessories trade contractor. I was assigned to Clark’s Highland Hospital project, a 592,000 square-foot facility that represents one of the largest healthcare projects undertaken by Alameda County.

My professional end goal had always been to work for a general contractor with a large portfolio. After the project completed, I applied for a job, and the rest is history.

What led you to pursue a career in the A/E/C industry? Any early experiences that influenced your career path?

One of my fondest childhood memories was watching my family home being built. My parents, my older brother and I moved in when it was still under construction, and I was able to see firsthand how the construction workers mixed the concrete, laid down bricks, and erected steel bars.

What do you like best about working at Clark?

My team. I love that each one of us brings a different perspective to the table and that we are always helping each other grow.

Earlier this week, I went over to one of my co-worker's desks to discuss how to best take off concrete columns, and then 30 minutes later I was called by another co-worker to help them upload a document online. I appreciate the give-and-take culture at Clark and always feeling supported by those around me.

What does Pride Month mean to you?

Every June, the city of San Francisco puts up rainbow flags along Market Street. For me, this means I get to fashionably walk on a symbolic red carpet every time I go to work during this month, and I feel seen and celebrated just for being myself.

In your opinion, what does it look like to be a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community?

A strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community uses inclusive language, does not assume everyone is straight, knows when to step back, and is eager to learn more about the community.

What are you most proud of accomplishing, either personally or professionally?

I am most proud of having switched roles with my parents, where I am no longer on the receiving end. I am where I am because of their hard work, and I am now the one providing them with emotional, informational, and financial support.

What advice do you have for someone looking to start a career in construction?

"Rome wasn't built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour." You must be willing to put in the work, but you should also be patient with yourself.

What does "Thrive as You, Succeed Together” mean to you?

"Thrive as You, Succeed Together" means reaching your own fullest potential while helping others reach their potential – even when your potential isn't as big as theirs.