Our Story
About Us
Formerly known as "CHS Construction," Clark/Sullivan Construction (C/S) was founded in 1975, shortly before Dave Clark and Bernard "BJ" Sullivan purchased the company, of which both gentlemen had been previously employed. Quickly after acquiring the company and renaming it to what we know today, the two did the unthinkable at the time – They painted all of their company work trucks a raspberry color, which after a year of sitting in the hot Nevada sun, turned a light shade of pink, much to the chagrin of the superintendents. That did not go unnoticed in the industry or the community. People kept saying, “You guys must be really busy, because I see your pink trucks everywhere.”
With both original founders now retired, our current ownership team maintains the company legacy with a newer, yet equally noticeable, lime green color… And more trucks! C/S now operates offices in both northern Nevada and northern California. Our portfolio includes public facilities, education, hospitality, medical, industrial, commercial buildings, and more. We enjoy projects that build better communities.
As “The partner to build with,” we tailor our services to meet our clients’ needs. In a nutshell, we excel at providing collaborative delivery methods, including Design Build, Design Assist, Lease-Lease Back and Construction Management At Risk (CMAR). We are highly-competitive, consistently earning work in the hard bid market, while also priding ourselves on our collaborative nature and excelling in collaborative delivery methods. Our teams have the flexibility to give owners the most for their money in the delivery method that suits them best.
History
Our 50-Year Journey
From our humble beginnings in 1975 as a small local contractor to becoming a leading construction company serving northern Nevada and northern California, Clark/Sullivan Construction has been building excellence for half a century. Our journey has been marked by innovation, growth, and an unwavering commitment to our communities. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we look back on our achievements and forward to the future we continue to build together.
Firm Founded
In 1975, ‘CHS Construction’ was founded and began building and renovating projects throughout northern Nevada. Dave Clark and Bernard ‘BJ’ Sullivan were both key team members of the firm and helped grow the firm as it worked to integrate into the growing northern Nevada construction market.
Ownership Change & Rebrand
Dave and BJ made the bold move to purchase CHS Construction in 1981. Their vision for a different kind of construction company led them to rename it to Clark & Sullivan Constructors (C&S), marking the beginning of a legacy that would span decades. In an unprecedented marketing move that would become legendary in the local construction industry, they painted their entire fleet of work trucks a distinctive raspberry color. After a year under the intense Nevada sun, these trucks faded to an unmistakable pink hue. While this initially dismayed the superintendents who drove the trucks, it proved to be a brilliant strategy. The community often remarked, 'You guys must be really busy, because I see your pink trucks everywhere.' This unconventional choice became a symbol of the company's willingness to be forward thinkers.
Upping the Ante
The mid-1980s marked a significant evolution in C&S’s capabilities as the company strategically expanded its project portfolio. The firm began taking on increasingly complex projects across public facilities, education, and commercial buildings. This diversification demonstrated the company's growing expertise and established C&S as a versatile contractor capable of handling multiple project types while maintaining the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.
Southern Nevada Expansion
Seeing massive growth in Southern Nevada, C&S opened an office in Las Vegas and began serving both public and private clients throughout the southern half of the state. In the late 2000s, in an effort to better serve our Nevada clients, C&S consolidated all project operations to the main office in Sparks.
Adoption of Collaborative Delivery Methods
Recognizing the changing landscape of construction management, C&S pioneered the adoption of collaborative delivery methods in the region. The company developed expertise in Design-Build and Design-Assist approaches, setting new standards for project efficiency and client satisfaction. This forward-thinking approach allowed C&S to offer clients more flexible, cost-effective solutions while maintaining their commitment to quality construction and strong partnerships.
Northern California Expansion
In a strategic move to put down roots in a state we were already working in, C&S established a California Division Office in northern California. This expansion represented more than just geographical growth – it was a testament to the company's strong reputation and proven track record. The new office allowed C&S to bring its collaborative approach and construction expertise to California's dynamic market while maintaining the same level of service and community commitment that made it successful in Nevada.
Dave Clark Retires
In 2004, Co-Founder Dave Clark retired, leaving BJ Sullivan at the helm of the business. Dave left behind a legacy of service-oriented and relationship-driven leadership, which is still felt and exemplified today!
Rebrand to Current Logo
The leadership team honored the company's innovative spirit by introducing a striking lime green color – a modern echo of the famous ‘raspberry’ of the past. This transition maintained the company's core values while bringing fresh energy and ideas to the organization and looking towards future growth. The name also made a slight change to the ‘Clark / Sullivan Construction’ (C/S) we know today.
BJ Sullivan Retires
BJ Sullivan, the last remaining founder, retired in 2019, thus beginning a new chapter under fresh leadership under the management of Partners Kevin Stroupe, Jarrett Rosenau, Jerry Hogan and Ted Foor. This transition to long-standing team members ensured the company maintained its core values while bringing fresh energy and ideas to the organization.
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
As C/S celebrates its golden anniversary, we also pay tribute to half a century of building excellence across the region. From our humble beginnings to our current position as a regional construction leader, our journey reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and building communities. With a diverse portfolio spanning public facilities, education, healthcare, and commercial projects, we continue to honor our founders' vision while embracing new challenges and opportunities as 'The Partner to Build With.
Onto the future
Over the last half of a century, C/S has built a legacy of collaboration and partnership with our clients, trade partners, and team members. With gratitude for our journey so far, we are energized by the future ahead — committed to innovation, growth, and strengthening the communities we proudly serve!
Services
Delivery Methods
The greatest opportunities for innovation, quality, responsive scope and competitive pricing result when owners, users, designers, contractors and subcontractors all collaborate on one team. Collaboration can be found in all of our delivery methods.
Design-Build
- By providing a single point of responsibility, C/S collaborates with all on the team to deliver quality, innovation, timely construction and the best possible value.
Construction Management At Risk (CMAR)
- We successfully manage the design, budget and schedule from preconstruction through final completion, turning conceptual plans into a complete and fully operational building that exceeds expectations while working within a guaranteed maximum price.
Lease-Leaseback
- This creative contractual agreement is similar to CMAR. C/S provides both pre-construction and construction services with flexibility, financing options, and a single point of responsibility. We can provide exceptional value and timeliness working within strict design requirements and regulations.
Design-Assist
- As a team contributor during pre-construction, C/S optimizes constructability, provides pricing alternatives, scheduling insights, logistics and more to enhance value.
Design-Bid-Build
- While we don’t get to weigh in on this traditional delivery method, we still work collaboratively to ensure the team stays true to the project vision by facilitating partnering meetings. We also look for ways to add value to the project by working closely with subcontractors in quality control. The common thread running through the first four delivery methods is pre-construction services.
What Makes Us Different
We collaborate to construct buildings and facilities that stand as a source of pride to our clients and our community. We will become the industry’s foremost competitor in general construction by encouraging innovation and collaboration in our business model, celebrating the individuals that make our culture, and bettering the world around us.
People
It takes great individuals to make great teams. We excel through developing our skills and having fun.
Collaboration
We do our best work in teams. We compliment the strengths of designers and owners with construction prowess.
Communication
We are open, understanding, and transparent. Our success lies in our ability to listen and respond.
Innovation
We offer solutions. We proactively create ways to reduce risk and increase value.
Community
We work hard for our families and our friends. We believe building a better world starts at home.
Competition
It’s great to have competition, it pushes you to do your best. Bring it on!
Integrity
We work consistently, honestly, and safely. At the end of the day, we answer to ourselves.