Builders at Heart: Charlie Miller

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 Charlie Miller, a Clark Water employee with 20 years of experience, currently working on the Milestone Reservoir and Pump Station in his hometown of Loudoun County, Virginia, to convert a quarry into a drinking water reservoir that will enable water resiliency for the community.  Learn how he found a renewed sense of teamwork in construction after his time in the Army.

Tell us about your background.

I have been in construction for nearly 20 years. My father was in construction when I was a kid. He was a framer and carpenter, and I was always doing projects with him around the house. I walked onto a jobsite one day and became a laborer, and since then I have worked my way up to where I am now. 

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

The people – and specifically, the way Clark treats people – is what drew me to Clark. But the size and the breadth of projects and the name recognition was also impressive. After working in construction management from an owner's perspective, when I came back to build again I knew I wanted to work for the best.

Tell us about a memorable day at Clark.

I remember walking on our jobsite with our CEO, Robby Moser, when he visited. He stopped to talk to all the laborers and craftworkers. That made such an impression on me and I’ll never forget that day. 

What project are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on the Milestone Reservoir and Pump Station in Loudoun County, Virginia. We are helping Loudoun Water convert a quarry into a drinking water reservoir that will enable resiliency for the community. I grew up in Loudoun County, so being a part of this infrastructure is very rewarding for me. 

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

On the clock, I am most proud to see the superintendents that I am mentoring really shine in meetings and lead work. I really get a kick out of watching them come into their own and run things. I have learned a lot from mentors in my life, some in construction and some not, but they were people I really looked up to. Outside of work, it’s essentially the same thing, my kids. Watching them become little people, participate in sports, and grow.

What do you like most about working at Clark?

The teamwork. When I got out of the Army, I missed the mission, the teamwork, the fraternal order of things, and the camaraderie. Working in construction replicates that feeling. With Clark, I really have felt it the most. I feel one drive, one goal, one mission, and one team working together. 

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

The opportunities are limitless. If you apply yourself, you will be successful in construction. if you don’t hold back and you accept the hard things – the things that stretch you –  you will shine. If you do that – regardless of your background or education – you will find yourself to be very successful. 

Favorite project you have worked on at Clark.

Regardless of the project, for me, it is the people and the relationships that come out of the projects that matter. The water industry is very small so you always run into people on the next project, whether it’s a testing agency, architect, or engineer. To me, construction is more about relationships than anything else. Whether it is a laborer, a vice president, an owner, or a trade contractor, all those interactions truly define us as a team, as a company, and as builders. It is not just building buildings – anyone can do that. Building relationships is actually building the future.