Builders at Heart: Byron Israel

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 Israel, a carpenter apprentice for Clark Concrete working on The Stacks, Phase 1, as part of Clark Concrete's form buildings apprenticeship program. Learn how he is developing his construction skills, plus his favorite things about the industry.

Tell us more about yourself. 

I am a Washington, DC native and proud to still call this city my home. I enjoy spending the majority of my free time hanging out with my daughter and the rest of my family. 

Who has had he greatest influence on your life?

My father has always had a positive influence on my life. He raised me and taught me many hard life lessons. I learned everything from him and have always looked to him for guidance.

When did you start in the industry?

I started working in the construction industry and at Clark in August 2022. My first year working in construction has been great!

What are you learning as part of Clark Concrete's apprenticeship program?

We have been learning about all phases of construction. Clark Concrete's apprenticeship program is helping us learn about every single stage of carpentry and how to be successful.

What do you like about the program?

I like that we get to work with our hands every day and that once you learn one thing in construction, it can apply to so many other areas and phases of a project.

The program helps with understanding the basics of construction and gaining valuable creative and practical skills. Before joining the Clark program, I used to pay for things to be done in my house. Now, I do it all on my own!

How will the program help your goals and career?

As I learn more and more about concrete and the construction process as a whole, this program will help me be more successful and allow me to continue to grow in the industry. The more I learn, the more opportunities I will have to contribute at Clark.

What are your responsibilities?

My responsibility right now is working with the team designing the scaffolding. I love working with the scaffold because it is the foundation for everything that follows. Every single floor of a building must start with the scaffold team.

What is your favorite thing about working in construction?

My favorite thing about work in construction is taking time to learn the layout of a building and how the project will progress. I enjoy studying the blueprints to help understand every phase of the project to come. 

What is your favorite thing about working at Clark?

My favorite thing is that they give every team member a chance to succeed.