Under the Hard Hat with Taylor Johnson

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.

In honor of Veterans Day, we recently sat down with Taylor Johnson, a senior project manager in our Pacific Northwest Region, to learn about his background, what Veterans Day means to him, and what he enjoys most about working in the construction industry.

Tell us about your current role.

I'm currently working as a senior project manager to deliver a 2.8-million-square-foot distribution facility in Arlington, Washington. Previously, I helped lead construction efforts for Clark at the International Arrivals Facility (IAF) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) project.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I was born in California and grew up in New York. After high school, I had the honor of being accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After graduating, I served for ten years as an Engineer Officer in the U.S. Army. During my time, I served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and then as a project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reconstruct an old military installation outside of San Francisco.

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

I love being able to build one-of-a-kind projects that are critical to our everyday lives. When I joined Clark in 2016, I began working at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This was important to me as that airport is where I departed on my first deployment to Iraq.

It was an amazing feeling to work on a project that will improve the experience for those entering the country for the first time, those returning home, and family members awaiting the arrival of their loved ones.

What occupies your time outside of work?

I focus my free time on family - spending time with my wife and three children.

I love going camping, traveling, and the simple things like having dinner together as a family and reading to my children before bed.

How has your military experience translated into construction?

My time at West Point and my military service have made me who I am today. Many of the skills that I was taught in the military translate to the construction industry including learning how to persevere, be adaptable, and build a team. 

How did you end up at Clark?

When I transitioned from the military to the private sector, I quickly identified Clark as an organization that reflected my values–mentorship and encouragement of people to achieve their full potential.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Veterans Day is a way to honor the sacrifices that service members and their families have made to protect this country.

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

In the military, everybody works together to complete a common goal. At Clark, and in construction, no one can deliver the projects we deliver on their own. We have to work together and be our best selves to pull these major projects off successfully.