Melvin E. Clark Jr., CEO, G.W. Peoples Contracting Co. Inc.

07.01.2012 | SBN Staff | Pittsburgh | Entrepreneur Of The Year

FINALIST / CONSTRUCTION

Melvin E. Clark Jr. grew up with the idea that helping people is a good and honorable thing — and he’s incorporated that philosophy into his life in business. The son of an evangelical minister, Clark has built a network of friends and associates who believe in his leadership style and who want to help him succeed in whatever endeavor he pursues.

Clark began his career as a corporate and labor attorney before launching his first business, which just happened to be the nation’s first minority-owned railroad construction company. He worked hard to build it into a success and then sold it so he could pursue his dream of providing help to small businesses.

Clark spent several years as a consultant to G.W. Peoples Contracting Co. Inc., a company that was in dire need of strong leadership. Eventually, Clark took control of the company, and as CEO, he began to infuse his relationship skills into the organization to restore its reputation and stability.

Based on the reputation he had built for himself over the years, and with trust as the foremost core value and principle, Clark was able to bring along people he knew well to help get GWP back on its feet.

His team has executed a wide range of both heavy and light-rail construction projects that have turned the company’s fortunes around. At the same time, GWP’s safety and quality standards have been met and exceeded, resulting in an organization that continues to grow.

But it’s Clark’s personal skill as a leader and mentor that is truly the key to success. New leaders are being developed every day, helping the culture to grow as well.