Under the Hard Hat with Ana Gutierrez

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

We recently sat down with Ana Gutierrez, a manager who works as part of Clark's Purchasing Department in San Diego, to learn about her background and why she is passionate about giving back to the community.

Describe your background. Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Santa Ana, California with my five siblings. Our family went through instability while I was growing and my siblings and I relied on each other for support. This in turn brought us very close.

When I was 15 years old we moved to San Diego where I attended the Construction Tech Academy. Through this school, I was introduced to the construction industry. It changed my life. When I was 23, I was fortunate enough to be granted legal guardianship of my siblings, and it provided us with a new opportunity in life.

I am so proud that they are here, accomplishing great things and making a positive difference in the world.

What brought you to Clark? 

I have been interested in working for Clark since high school. As a student at Construction Tech Academy, I met Carlos Gonzalez (Division President). Carlos served on a scholarship interview committee. He shared his story about going to school in Mexico and becoming part of the construction industry. I really enjoyed listening to his story and felt the passion he had for the industry.

At that moment, I did not know what company he worked for, but I knew I wanted to be part of it. In 2017, two Clark team members Fransico Ruiz-Tatum (Assistant Superintendent) and Suzanne Ives (Project Executive) approached me about joining Clark, and here I am!

What are your roles and responsibilities at Clark? 

I am currently working in the Purchasing Department. I am responsible for leading our project teams through the Purchasing effort, which involves reviewing contract documents, scopes of work, and trade partner qualifications to manage risks. I collaborate with our project teams and the Contracts Management Group to execute subcontract agreements. I also work on implementing small business goals and maintaining relationships with our trade partners.

Previously I was on the UCSD North Torrey Pines Living and Learning project managing MEP trades and sustainability.

What do you like most about working in the construction industry?

My favorite part of the construction industry is getting people together to build magnificent structures that will be here for years to come, that impact our communities.

I also love solving challenges and working together with our project partners to learn about their backgrounds and what their expertise is.

Who have been your strongest influences in life? 

My grandma was my strongest influence. She taught me strength, resilience, passion, integrity, to stand my ground, and that I can do whatever I want.

She taught me to be strong and always keep going forward no matter what. She taught me to crochet, grow flowers and plants, have faith, and to always do the right thing.

She would say “las catrinas aguantan”, which means “fancy ladies can handle it.” She made me feel special and that I could handle whatever the world threw in my direction. My grandma passed away in February 2020 and I will always remember her legacy.

You recently served as a regional champion for Clark's annual Week of Service event! Why do you give back?

I will always be grateful for the compassion of others because I personally know how one act of kindness can profoundly impact peoples' lives. Growing up, my family was homeless numerous times, living in shelters with limited belongings and food to eat. But during that time, I met wonderful people who dedicated their time and resources to provide shelter, food, and supplies to keep me and my family safe.

When my mom gave birth to my youngest brother, she lost a significant amount of blood and needed a blood transfusion. Thanks to people who donated their blood, she made it.

While in high school, many construction professionals would judge our school projects. It gave me the opportunity to listen to their stories, learn about the industry, and connect with them.

All these experiences changed my life and the lives of my siblings. If I can change one person's life, then it's worth it.

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

Be yourself and bring your best self to work. This leads to collaboration and success.