Most people can agree that high school is an impactful time in a young person’s life. For better or for worse, the years spent as a high school student serve as the building blocks for your future as an adult. Well, in Senior Superintendent Robert Foster’s case, those building blocks laid the foundation for a lifelong career in construction. From developing his love for construction in the classrooms of the original Procter Hug High School, Foster is now in the final weeks of constructing the brand new $160 million Procter Hug High School campus.

Senior Superintendent Robert Foster graduated from Procter Hug High School in 1984. As a student, he struggled to enjoy many of his classes, until he discovered the school offered a Career Technical Education (CTE) Building Trades class. This class was offered to juniors and seniors and afforded the students the opportunity to learn about different construction trades while working hands-on to construct a house off-campus.

Little did he know at the time, but this class and its instructor, Jerry Krall, played a key role in guiding Foster down his future path. Foster recalled advice given to him during his time in the CTE program by Krall, which has helped him both personally and professionally.

If you want to be somebody, you have to do it for yourself. Nobody can do it for you

,’” said Foster. “I used this advice as motivation to help me succeed for the rest of my life.”

Shortly after graduating from Procter Hug High School, Foster began his career with Clark/Sullivan Construction as a Carpenter and has since developed a reputation for leading high-quality and high-performance construction teams on projects throughout northern Nevada.

In 2017 (30+ years into Foster’s construction career), Clark/Sullivan was awarded the contract to construct the brand new, state-of-the-art Procter Hug High School campus, for Washoe County School District (WCSD). It was no question who should lead the field team on this legacy project. Foster was ready to bring new life to his alma mater.

“I never thought in a million years I would be a part of an outstanding team to build the 

 Procter Hug High School,” said Foster. “I still have to pinch myself every now and then because this is a dream come true.”

Foster is also excited for the students to experience all that this new campus has to offer.

“I know they will love it!” said Foster. “It’s a brand-new campus with state-of-the-art features. It feels more like a college campus than a high school campus and was designed to be more collaborative with group rooms and learning stair area. The school has great views overlooking the Truckee Meadows and they are going to love it!”

As an Alumni, Foster is also excited about the Procter Hug High School legacy continuing with this new campus.

“The new campus will carry all of the history and tradition of the old campus as well as starting a new beginning to build on.”

Robert Foster is just one of many success stories that result from inspiring students with CTE education programs.

“I am very proud to be a CTE product of the WCSD,” said Foster. “It has led to a 36-year career and it all started with the CTE class I took in high school. I think the WCSD should add to their motto. 

Every child by name and face to graduation

,’ because a good K-12 education is just the beginning. It just lays the foundation for kids to build on for the rest of their lives.”

The new Procter Hug High School campus features CTE spaces including, culinary arts, welding and robotics, which will ensure students are afforded the opportunity to gain exposure to career-centric curriculum that could potentially guide them down the path towards their future, just like it did in Foster’s case. Thanks to the impact of his experience as a Hug High School Hawk in the CTE program, Senior Superintendent Robert Foster’s love of construction will live on in the halls of this new legacy high school campus.

Most people can agree that high school is an impactful time in a young person’s life. For better or for worse, the years spent as a high school student serve as the building blocks for your future as an adult. Well, in Senior Superintendent Robert Foster’s case, those building blocks laid the foundation for a lifelong career in construction.

Building the School that Built You

A true builder is someone who not only builds buildings, but also builds culture and community. Dave Clark was a true builder.

In the late 1970s, Dave Clark teamed up with B.J. Sullivan to establish what we now know to be Clark/Sullivan Construction (C/S). As a co-founder, it was one of Dave’s priorities to establish the team’s company culture and identity, turning C/S into “The Partner to Build With” that it is known for being today. This teamwork and partnership mentality is what Dave exemplified every day and something we are eternally grateful for, as it is now firmly at the core of our company beliefs. Although Dave retired from C/S in the early 2000s, his influence and impact remain firmly engrained.

Today, C/S continues to be one of the leading general contractors in northern Nevada and northern California. Over the years, C/S has built over 350 schools, the majority of which were completed while Dave was with C/S. Dave’s lasting impact is felt in each and every one of our school projects, including the new Hug High School campus, shown in the video below.

Our success is thanks to this foundation that Dave played such a key role in establishing and the culture we’ve continued to grow as a result of his influence and efforts. We would like to pay tribute to Dave Clark for everything he has done not only for C/S but the entire community. We send our condolences to Sue Clark and the entire Clark Family.

Remembering Dave Clark, C/S Original Co-Founder

We all know the saying, “Like father, like son.” We use this term when a son shows similar attributes or behaviors as his father and laugh it off as we watch the son grow into the person he’s meant to be. Well, what if “Like Father” is really what he’s destined to be?

Senior Superintendent Ray Chamberlain watched first hand as his son, Devon Chamberlain, worked his way up the ranks to become a Superintendent just like him. Now, both Ray and Devon are Clark/Sullivan (C/S) Superintendents leading multi-million-dollar projects, so we sat down with them to learn more about how this father-son duo came to be.

How early in life did you know you wanted to join the construction industry? Did your dad’s career influence it in any way?

 I’ve wanted to be in Construction, but more specifically a Carpenter and then Superintendent, for as long as I can remember. When I was young, I had the chance to walk one of my dad’s projects, the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas, after construction was complete and before it opened to the public. Getting to go to the top of the tower before anyone with my Dad, I felt incredibly special and wanted to be able to have the ability to do the same with my kids one day. My dad’s career was the influence for me to know that one day, if I worked as hard as he did, I to could succeed in Construction.

Do you think you influenced your son to join the construction industry?

Are you happy he followed in your footsteps?

 Actually, yes! After many years of Devon coming on job sites and him seeing what was going with Dad being the Superintendent on the job, he immediately took interest in the construction industry. I am very happy and proud of Devon in all aspects. As we all grow and I get older, it’s nice to see your son take over in the Superintendent level and succeed.

Do you think your leadership styles are the same or different?

 I think for the majority of our work in-the-field, our styles are the same. However, I feel I am faster with technology and communicating / coordinating between the office and field teams.


 I think they are the same, except Devon definitely exceeds Dad in being more diplomatic, detail-oriented, and better with technology.

What are some lessons/tricks or skills/attributes you feel you have gained from your father that has helped you grow into a Superintendent?

 Can’t is not a word. If there is a will, there is a way. Don’t give me a problem without first thinking of a solution. Learn every day to be the best at your trade. To understand each trade’s sequencing and obstacles will create the best Superintendent. Trust, But Verify. 

What leadership skills/attributes do you hope you passed on to your son as he leads in this industry?

 Organization, creating schedules in logical steps, never take no for an answer, and don’t be a pushover.

What’s your favorite construction-related memory together?

 We both take a lot of pride in building high-rise buildings fast! We had done one together as a team and I loved going through every step and milestone with him – from erecting another tower crane to the topping-out party. With us on the project together, it was an amazing feeling and accomplishment.

 Well there are many but to choose one, I would say when we topped out an 11-story building together a few years back and he topped out the project with the American flag. That made me so proud, as I have service in the military and take great pride in the American Flag. Seeing Devon place the flag on top of the project was a great moment!

What advice would you like to give to future construction leaders who may have parents in the industry as well?

 Use your parent’s knowledge from the past as a foundation for your future!

What would you like to say to current construction leaders who may have kids industry as well?

 Well, if you have a young person interested tell them, “If you build it they will come.” It’s great to show your kids different projects you have been a major part of all over the world. In this industry, there is always a challenge in some way, shape or form. If you like challenge then this is your cup of tea.

Ray and Devon are both currently C/S Superintendents leading projects at the new West Park High School campus in Roseville, CA. They continue to enjoy working together and learning from each other as they both play a role in the legacy of the construction industry and epitomize the power of a father’s influence and a son’s admiration. We are glad this son is like his father as they continue to excel in the industry and make C/S proud!

The Legend and the Legacy: A Father and Son Superintendent Team

The Merritt College Allied Health & Science Center had their topping out today.

Don’t know what topping out is? Per Wikipedia:

) is a builders’ rite traditionally held when the last beam (or its equivalent) is placed atop a structure during its erection.

Sean Burnie, Kate Baker, and Shivani Kumar represented C/S at this event and watched as the highest beam was signed and hoisted up high to be placed.

The Merritt Allied Health & Science Center project is a joint venture between Clark/Sullivan Construction & The Walsh Group located on the Campus of Merritt College in Oakland, CA.

Be sure to watch this project live by visiting our 

The Merritt College Allied Health & Science Center had their topping out today


Related Posts