Builders at Heart: Byron Cauley

This article is part of our series Builders at Heart, where we highlight the passions and backgrounds of the Clark team — the things that shape us — that allow us to tackle challenges head-on, solve complex problems, and build what matters. 

Meet Byron Cauley, senior superintendent for Clark.

Tell us about your background.

I graduated from Morgan State with a Bachelor's in Architecture and Environmental Design. While there, I did an internship at an architecture firm. After a week of being there I realized it wasn't the right fit for me.

My construction background started early in childhood. My uncle was a home builder who focused on affordable housing on the Eastern Shore. I would spend my summers helping him with framing and sheathing houses. Also, during grade school, I did a lot of work for a mentor of mine who was a real estate investor. He taught me a lot about home remodeling and good work ethics.

What brought you to Clark? And what has kept you interested?

After a conversation with my college counselor, I was pointed in the direction of working for a general contractor. I was then offered an opportunity to be an intern with Clark my junior year of college. After graduation, I was offered a position as an engineer.

In my current position, I have the pleasure of building tangible projects. There is a great level of gratification I get from seeing end users occupy their new space. It makes all the challenges while building, worth it. This is what fuels me.

Tell us about a memorable day at Clark. Or Favorite Clark memory?

We were working at GWU Science and Engineering Hall, and I had a challenging piece of equipment to rig. Luckily, I was able to reach out to our own rigging team at the yard to come up with a plan that they were able to execute safely. This really made me proud to be a part of the Clark family. On that same project, I was working a Saturday shift when Clark's CEO, Robby Moser, showed up. He came up to me and actually knew me by first name. He looked at me and asked, “What do you need?” It was a great feeling knowing I had his support.

What project are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working in Baltimore on the University of Maryland Roslyn and Leonard Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine. This is a 200,000 square foot building that is an extension of the current Stoler Hospital and is a cancer treatment facility for in-patient and out-patient care. The new building will double the space of the current hospital. The original hospital was built in the 1930s. With this new facility, they'll gain new state of the art infrastructure and technology to further their mission of providing advanced treatment for cancer patients. 

What was a favorite project for you and why? 

I have been on 11 projects during my 16 years at Clark. My favorite project was Bowie State Natural Science Complex. It was a small but complex project with laboratory spaces, lecture rooms, an advanced curtain wall system and high-end lobby finishes. Our team really dug our heels into this job to make it happen; there was no challenge we could not decipher. While closing out the job, I was able to interact with the end users while they were moving into their new space. It was a great feeling to see the students in awe of their new space and witness the excitement on the campus. 

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

I always wanted to be a superintendent. I wanted to run jobs, learn how to build buildings, and be a great leader. Now, after 16 years, it is rewarding to see the growth of our younger staff members and witness how they have progressed in their careers. It means a lot to me to be able to pass along the skills and values that were given to me. I look forward to making new goals while challenging myself and my team on future projects.

What do you like most about working at Clark?

I enjoy the atmosphere we have created within the company. Clark has a diverse pool of expertise. Throughout the years, I have built working relationships and can receive feedback from anyone from craftsmen to the VP. I can always call on them to share thoughts and ask for advice. We take care of business ‘The Clark Way’.  

What advice would you give someone looking to start a career in construction?

Working in construction requires diligence and resilience. There will always be challenges on every project. But it is important that you remain determined and motivated throughout. Be willing to learn from others because there will always be something new to experience.