Under the Hard Hat with Nate Barksdale
June 23, 2023
At Clark, we are proud to be made up of individuals from various 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.
Meet Pile Driver Foreman Nate Barksdale and learn about the team leader’s background and accomplishments during his 11-year career with Clark Foundations.
Tell us about your background.
I enjoy fishing. I am a dad of two sons, and I like playing sports with them.
What are your responsibilities?
I am a pile driver foreman for Clark Foundations, and I am a team leader – a morale booster. People can talk to me about anything, and I can smooth things out for them.
When did you start in the industry?
I started in 2012, with Clark, as a laborer.
What is your most memorable project?
I helped out big by pumping water for the National Museum of African American Historic and Culture Museum project. It was a very challenging job, and I really was happy with it when we were done. The Wilson and The Elm is also one of my favorites. It was a turning point for me in regard to me starting to understand the work more, and I was allowed to spread my wings. The guys, the craft and hard work that we put in, all while having no injuries – it was a very tough but rewarding job.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
We had a deadline to put pipe breakers in 15th and L, at the Midtown Center project. Anyone who knows about doing this knows it is a difficult job. We were averaging about four to five a day, and we came in one Saturday and put in the final eight in about half a day.
What is your favorite thing about working in construction?
I like working outside, and I love using my hands. I like to come to a problem and make things work out.
What is your favorite thing about working at Clark?
Clark has a good support system. You have so many resources around you to get the job done. If you don’t know something, there are many people that you can ask and who are willing to help. It doesn’t matter your position, we all support each other.
