With Southern California’s life sciences market rapidly expanding, Clune’s experienced and diverse team is at the forefront, shaping the future of laboratory spaces and scientific innovation. Meet the experts driving the success of our life sciences projects:

Paul Holzschuh, Project Executive, Vice President

Paul’s career began in tenant improvement, where his expertise in complex kitchen spaces led to a natural transition into lab construction. Both kitchens and laboratories require meticulous attention to regulatory standards and specialized air and plumbing systems. Paul’s leadership and technical experience, which spans both aircraft control and kitchen construction, ensures that Clune’s lab projects are executed with precision from start to finish.

Habiba Manjurr, Senior Project Manager

With nearly 20 years of experience, Habiba has spent the last decade driving excellence in life sciences, science and research projects. Her deep understanding of Southern California’s regulatory landscape, combined with her exceptional leadership in managing the complex coordination between general contractors and specialized third-party vendors, positions her as a key leader in Clune’s life sciences success.

Anish Khanzode, Project Manager

Anish joined Clune as a dedicated Life Sciences Project Manager and has quickly become an integral part of the team. With experience managing high-profile labs, including projects at Caltech and other San Diego institutions, Anish is now playing a pivotal role in a major life sciences initiative. His expertise in overseeing complex lab environments contributes to the success of each project.

Mario Marquez, Superintendent

Mario brings over 20 years of experience in life sciences construction to Clune, including work on ISO-certified labs, cadaver labs, and R&D facilities. His deep knowledge of industry standards and his hands-on approach have been critical in ensuring the seamless coordination needed for these specialized projects. Mario’s journey to Clune began as a subcontractor and eventually led to a full-time role due to his undeniable expertise.

Bryce Gurney, Assistant Project Manager

Originally slated for Clune’s mission-critical team, Bryce brought his electrical systems expertise to life sciences construction. His experience includes fire safety, security systems, and access control—all vital components in lab environments. Bryce’s diverse portfolio ranges from drone labs in Simi Valley to a private chemistry lab built in an exclusive neighborhood, making him an indispensable asset to Clune’s lab projects.

Humaid Al Tawqi, Assistant Project Manager

Humaid’s background in MEP-heavy (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) projects has been invaluable in lab construction. With experience ranging from school projects to hotel renovations, Humaid applies a practical, hands-on approach that complements the complex demands of laboratory facilities. His ability to manage MEP systems ensures smooth project execution.

Together, this team’s collective expertise in life sciences construction, MEP coordination, lab design, and advanced electrical systems is driving Clune Construction’s reputation as a leader in delivering cutting-edge laboratory spaces. As the life sciences industry continues to evolve, Clune remains committed to building innovative spaces that push the boundaries of research and development.

The post Meet the Team: Building Cutting-Edge Life Science Labs in Southern California appeared first on Clune Construction.

Thanks to emerging technology, the United States — and even the world — is on the cusp of a data center building boom. Construction of these mission-critical facilities is expected to multiply sixfold by 2027, according to AFCOM. Case in point: 807.5 MW of new data center facilities were brought online in the first three months of 2024 alone, representing a 24.4% year-over-year growth, says CBRE.

At the forefront of this revolution is Clune Construction, ranked as the 8th Largest U.S. Data Center Contractor by Building Design + Construction. With a robust team of more than 400 mission-critical experts, Clune has been building data centers across the country for over two decades. The company’s steady growth mirrors that of its clients, many of whom are scaling rapidly to meet the surging demand for AI, cloud computing and other digital innovations.

“Clune’s Mission Critical Practice has grown exponentially,” says Dave Sitkowski, Managing Director. “Fifteen years ago, we were celebrating 2 MW or 3 MW wins, where we could have three or four people on a job. Now, we’re taking on projects up to 500 MW, requiring teams of more than 50 professionals. This explosion in demand is happening across the U.S.”

Building Long-Term Partnerships

Clune’s success in data center construction isn’t just about technical expertise; it’s also about the strong partnerships the company has built with its clients over the years. A hallmark of Clune’s business is its exceptionally high rate of repeat clients, a testament to the company’s collaborative approach and long-term commitment to client success.

“We take pride in the fact that so many of our clients come back to us time and again,” Sitkowski notes. “It’s about trust. We don’t just deliver a project and walk away. We become an extension of their team, learning their processes, understanding their challenges and working closely with them to ensure success.”
Deep bench of talent

As data center construction becomes more complex, Clune has strategically grown its talent pool, ensuring that they have the expertise to meet clients’ evolving needs. From assistant project managers and project engineers to managing directors and senior team leads, Clune’s data center practice has evolved to include a deep bench of mission-critical professionals, all highly skilled in building these highly sensitive facilities.

Sitkowski notes that Clune’s mission-critical division has developed a national footprint, with teams positioned across key markets such as Chicago, Dallas and Washington, DC. “We’ve grown with our clients as the demand for data centers has skyrocketed, particularly with the rise of AI and machine learning applications,” Sitkowski says. “It’s not just about technical expertise — we’ve invested heavily in building trusted, long-term relationships.”

Preparing talent for the future

Building data centers requires a distinct skill set that differs from other construction types. To keep pace with rapid advancements, Clune has invested in upskilling its employees, ensuring they’re prepared for the unique demands of data center construction. This includes specialized training in:

Electrical and mechanical systems
Structural design and security systems
Compliance and safety protocols

In addition to technical skills, Clune emphasizes the importance of soft skills, such as communication and trust-building with clients. “Data center clients want to know exactly who is going to be on their job site every day, and they expect a deep level of trust,” Sitkowski explains. “We’ve worked hard to ensure our teams can meet those expectations.”

Growing with AI and Beyond

As AI, virtual reality and 5G continue to reshape industries, the need for larger, faster and more efficient data centers will only increase. Clune’s ability to adapt and scale with its clients positions the company as a leader in this evolving sector. By focusing on both the technical and human aspects of construction, Clune ensures that every project meets the highest standards for quality, safety and efficiency.

Brian Donahue, another Managing Director at Clune Construction, highlights Clune’s approach to workforce retention. “When you treat your people right, you retain the best talent. That continuity translates into operational excellence, improved quality and faster project delivery,” Donahue says. “Knowing that the same team that built your first data center is still there for the second and third builds confidence and ensures success.”

Quality Without Compromise

As Clune continues to expand its data center portfolio, the company remains committed to quality. Each project, no matter how complex, is an opportunity to refine processes, enhance training and build lasting partnerships with clients. Clune’s mission-critical teams are well-prepared to tackle the challenges that come with scaling AI infrastructure and digital capacity.

“We’ve been fortunate to grow alongside our clients for 20 years,” Sitkowski says. “As they expand, we’re right there with them, providing the expertise and talent needed to build mission-critical facilities that support the future of business.”

The article was written in collaboration with Construction Dive

The post Inside The Data Center Boom: Building The Future of AI, 5G and Beyond appeared first on Clune Construction.

“Airlines are asking travelers to arrive hours before their flight,” says January Wilson, vice president, project executive at Clune Construction in Los Angeles. “If travelers can relax, enjoy premium amenities and dine well, it’s a win for passengers and it’s a boost for airports and airlines. It’s a win-win.”

The increasing focus on enhancing airport environments has opened doors for general contractors with expertise in high-end corporate interiors to create these luxurious spaces. With successful projects from Los Angeles International Airport to LaGuardia Airport, Clune has been instrumental in delivering premium lounge and hospitality projects at major hubs, including Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports.

“Airlines and airports rely on contractors who understand the unique complexities of airport construction.” said Chris Redpath, managing director, project executive at Clune. “With our extensive experience in interiors, we’re able to manage the intricacies involved and seamlessly tie all the pieces together.”

Clune’s strengths in adhering to tight schedules, navigating stringent regulations and leveraging strong relationships with top-tier subcontractors are qualities that set Clune apart in delivering high-quality, specialized airport spaces.

Nailing the Trend

A growing trend in airport design is creating brand-specific lounges that enhance travelers’ experiences. Airlines want passengers to immediately recognize their brand, know what’s available and feel comfortable.

Integrating iconic local restaurants has also become a popular approach to creating a distinct sense of place within airports.

“When you’re at Chicago’s airports, you’ll find favorites like Reilly’s Daughter and Nuts on Clark at Midway or Bar Siena and Home Run Inn Pizza at O’Hare, which really brings the city’s identity into the airport experience,” Redpath said.

New York City’s LaGuardia Airport exemplifies this trend, as it was recently crowned Best Airport in the U.S. by Forbes Travel Guide. Once known for its outdated, cramped spaces, LaGuardia has now undergone a significant $8B transformation.

Delta Air Lines and OTG, an in-terminal dining and retail company, began renovations on Terminal C in 2021, with Clune leading the construction of the terminal’s amenities, including branded dining spaces like Starbucks, Sunday Supper, Bubby’s Diner and Prime Luxury Steakhouse. These offerings allow travelers to enjoy high-quality dining without leaving the airport, helping redefine the traveler’s journey at one of the nation’s busiest hubs.

Navigating Unique Airport Requirements

Constructing high-end interiors within operational airports presents logistical and regulatory challenges that go beyond standard commercial projects.

“Maintaining a seamless passenger experience is paramount,” Wilson said. “It’s crucial to work with a contractor who understands these nuances. You can’t just drive up and start work; typically, you’re parking miles away and getting there via employee shuttles. Sometimes it takes 30 or 40 minutes just to reach the job site.”

At LAX, the project team navigated strict regulatory requirements while creating the new Delta One Lounge, including dual inspections from both Los Angeles World Airports and city inspectors, with LAWA’s standards often exceeding city requirements. This level of precision required meticulous coordination with deputy inspectors to meet overlapping requirements, underscoring the importance of experience in managing multifaceted airport projects.

A Cast Study in Execution

Clune recently completed the ultra-luxe Delta One Lounge at LAX, joining the project early in the design phase to help shape the budget and review constructability while finishes were still under consideration.

“For the Delta One Lounge, our early involvement allowed us to build trust with the team and really understand their design vision,” Wilson said.

The lounge features refined finishes inspired by Los Angeles’s iconic natural and architectural beauty, including stone walls, wood ceilings, a landscaped terrace and custom cabinetry.

To ensure flawless execution, Clune built full-size mock-ups of key elements, including a section of the bar, wellness pods and the stone oval reception desk. Trusted subcontractor partners with expertise in high-end office, hospitality and retail spaces contributed to the project’s high standards.

“When you see the final result, it’s clear we worked with the right partners,” Wilson said.

Taking Flight

As airports evolve into spaces that prioritize traveler comfort and brand experience, airlines are investing in these upgrades to strengthen brand loyalty, setting themselves apart in a highly competitive industry.

“U.S. airports have some catching up to do when compared to international standards,” Redpath said. “This evolution presents an exciting opportunity for project teams like ours.”

Clune’s extensive expertise, spanning projects from LAX to LaGuardia, has positioned the company as a trusted leader in airport construction, ready to continue shaping the future of airport interiors in ways that keep travelers returning trip after trip.

This article was produced in collaboration between Clune Construction and Studio B (Bisnow).

The post Constructing Comfort: The Rise Of Luxury Airport Amenities appeared first on Clune Construction.

2024 ENR Top Lists Highlights:
Top 400 Contractors: We’ve climbed to #53, up from #64 in 2023, showcasing our overall growth and increased market presence. From $1.58 billion in 2022 to $2.08 billion in 2023.

Top 20 Telecommunications Contractors: We’ve advanced to #10, improving from #11 last year, underlining our expertise in this specialized sector.

Regional Top Contractors Rankings

Midwest: #25 (up from #32) – Named Contractor of the Year

California: #47
Top Commercial Contractors – #16

MidAtlantic: #25
Top Virginia Contractors – #14

New York: #24 (up from #26)
Top Retail Contractors – #5

Southwest: #24
Top Renovation Contractors – #3

Texas & Louisiana: #53 (up from #64)
Top Telecommunications Contractors- #10

Our improved rankings across various regions highlight our expanding national footprint and our ability to deliver exceptional results across diverse markets.

Growth and Innovation

Ben Walker, Clune’s Chief Operating Officer, notes, “Our commercial construction growth has been most pronounced in Texas, Arizona, Virginia, and Florida, where we’ve expanded our operations. Additionally, we’ve experienced continued growth in data center projects nationally.”

We’ve also made significant strides in technology adoption. In 2022, we launched our drone program with four FAA-Certified Commercial Drone pilots, enhancing our project reporting, documentation, and quality control capabilities. In 2023, we upgraded our fleet and acquired smaller drones for indoor use on interior build-out projects.

People-Centric Approach

Walker emphasizes, “Without a doubt, our biggest strength is our people. We have evolved to have a more national focus over a regional one. This has greatly benefited not only our clients but also our employees, who now have the opportunity to travel and grow their careers.”

Our success is reflected in our significantly lower-than-average turnover rate, which we attribute to our great benefits, ESOP ownership, and the strong sense of belonging fostered in all our offices.

Safety First

Mike Themanson, Vice President of Safety, proudly reports, “Our 2023 numbers reflect a .24 TRIR and 0.0 for LTIR and DART. Those numbers were only reached by having full team buy-in from all employees.” We’ve implemented new documentation software for enhanced safety coordination and tracking, underlining our commitment to creating safer work environments.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate these achievements, we remain focused on delivering excellence to our clients and providing opportunities for our employees to grow and thrive. Andy Holub of Senior Vice President, Process & Quality, sums up our approach: “We always come to the table equipped with options. No matter how well we plan for success, there are always things that don’t go according to plan. By coming to the table with alternatives, we are able to provide our clients with the flexibility they need to make informed decisions.”

The post Foundations of Success: Clune Construction’s 2024 ENR Top Lists Milestones appeared first on Clune Construction.

ENR (Engineering News-Record) recently published an in-depth article highlighting our company’s achievements, strategic decisions and commitment to excellence. Article highlights include:

• Our successful expansion in the Midwest region, particularly in the booming data center market.
• The shift in our project portfolio, with mission critical work now accounting for over 50% of our overall work.
• Our unwavering focus on employee well-being and growth, including our unique benefits as an ESOP company.
• Strategies for addressing talent shortages while maintaining high-quality work.
• Notable projects completed in 2023, including the Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barstool Sports Chicago office.
• Our improved safety record, with a significant reduction in our total recordable incident rate (TRIR).

We’re proud of our team’s hard work and dedication that have led to this recognition. As our CEO Dave Hall puts it, “We have grown a lot, but it’s always been a focus on excellence and not allowing us to be a commodity.”

Want to learn more about our journey to becoming ENR Midwest’s Contractor of the Year? Read the full article on ENR’s website HERE.

We’re excited to continue our growth and look forward to serving our clients with the same commitment to excellence that has brought us this far.

The post Clune Construction Named ENR Midwest’s Contractor of the Year 2024 appeared first on Clune Construction.

The journey of creating an unforgettable restaurant experience starts long before guests step through the door. It begins with a designer translating the restaurant’s vision into reality. From careful material selection to strategic kitchen layout, every detail plays a significant role in realizing the designer’s vision. This combination of aesthetics and functionality is at the heart of restaurant construction.

What differentiates building a restaurant from other tenant interior projects is the end user – the restaurant’s customers. Restaurant operators strive to create a welcoming space that offers an enjoyable experience that exemplifies their brand, ultimately attracting and retaining patrons.

To that end, meeting the design intent in a restaurant build is paramount. Attention to detail is crucial, and every detail must be balanced while still adhering to regulatory standards. Successful execution requires consistent collaboration between designers, contractors, and stakeholders to bring the envisioned experience to life.

Achieving True Harmony in Design and Objective

There is a delicate balance between design aesthetics and usability for restaurant buildouts. Aligning the design with a brand’s identity and creating an intuitive guest experience are key considerations during construction. Early involvement of all stakeholders enhances efficiency, especially for restaurant staff.

General contractors must look beyond the drawings when building out a restaurant space. One of the keys to a successful build is a true understanding of the designer’s intent. In the initial stages, the general contractor and trade partners should participate in a scope review – an evaluation and fine-tuning of a project’s scope to identify potential risks or opportunities. This process ensures all stakeholders comprehensively understand a project’s requirements, schedule and design intent.

“Sitting down with the trades before performing installations is imperative,” said Brian Cosgrove, Senior Superintendent for Clune Construction. “It’s essential to understand that we aren’t always going to go the easiest route, but rather the most functional one for the space.”

Ambiance is always top of mind when it comes to creating these spaces. Clients and owners want to create immersive experiences that captivate their customers, leaving them wanting more. Clune draws on past restaurant construction experience to foster strong relationships with industry partners and clients.

Cosgrove, who has worked on numerous hospitality spaces in the Chicago area, most recently led the transformation of a historic railroad depot into the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. Clune collaborated closely with Guinness’ design team to create an environmentally sustainable brewery and taproom. The brewery’s dynamic layout mirrors the essence of the neighborhood, complete with a massive 7,700-lb. harp sculpture hanging in the heart of the space.

Clune worked with multiple structural engineers to determine the best method to suspend the harp so it appeared as if it was floating in mid-air. Specialized high-strength, minimally visible aircraft cables were chosen to achieve this illusion. The team’s extensive research and attention to detail brought this feature from rendering to a show-stopping reality.

The Heart of Hospitality: Crafting Compact Kitchens

Designing a commercial kitchen can be like putting ten pounds of material in a five-pound box. Space is extremely limited, and specific equipment must be placed within certain parameters. To address this, meticulous planning and proper sequencing is essential.

Commercial kitchen construction presents the challenge of integrating new elements within existing building infrastructure. At times, it becomes necessary to navigate around fixed elements, and creativity comes into play when dealing with immovable structures. In some cases, adjustments such as extending walls may be necessary.

In addition to space constraints and existing conditions, coordination between all parties is crucial in kitchen buildouts. When Clune’s Los Angeles team was building the space for Eataly’s L.A. location, there were four restaurants throughout the space, which required the buildout of multiple kitchens. Collaboration among all project teams was essential as they worked across 70,000 square feet of space to design a visually appealing display of functional commercial kitchens that seamlessly connected with one another.

“Multiple site walks were conducted throughout the project,” explained Marcus Bills, a Project Manager in Clune’s Los Angeles office, who played a key role in overseeing the Eataly projects. “These walks were essential to making sure we were all always on the same page.”

Meetings were organized among chefs, designers and engineers to ensure that the functionality aligned with the desired aesthetic. One outcome was lowering glass windows between the prep area and cooking countertops to allow customers to observe the chefs at work.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

In restaurant buildouts, meeting tight deadlines requires proactive planning, early-release packages, and phased approaches to counter delays from permitting or supply chain issues.

“With Eataly, there was an ever-evolving situation where exotic materials and specialized equipment had to be procured well ahead of construction,” said Bills. “These extended lead times were particularly challenging because many of the construction materials were coming from suppliers in Europe.”

Bills explained that the team had to investigate other sources to ensure faster delivery of these materials. This included looking at different manufacturers or countries of origin or opting for airfreight to meet the important deadlines.

When building out Eataly, a primary focus was ensuring compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) as an integral part of the design process. Given the building’s multiple floors, the project team worked closely with the  millworker to seamlessly incorporate these ADA accessibility features.

Where Design Meets Function: Elevating Restaurant Spaces

Restaurant spaces are integral to the hospitality industry. They embody an immersive ambiance that captivates patrons and nurtures connections. A restaurant’s true essence emerges when design seamlessly intertwines with functionality, welcoming guests into a realm where every element embodies meticulous craftsmanship.

The post Managing the Many Cooks of Restaurant Construction appeared first on Clune Construction.

Year after year, Clune Construction’s unwavering commitment to its employees has earned it consistent recognition as a Best Place to Work. We firmly believe in empowering our employees to achieve success, recognizing the direct correlation between their accomplishments and the company’s success. One of the primary reasons Clune employees frequently highlight why we’re an excellent workplace is our top-tier benefits package.

As Forbes Advisor reports, “40% of employers believe workers leave for better benefits.” To attract and retain top talent, Clune offers a unique, robust benefits package that goes beyond the standard. Our comprehensive package includes mental, physical and financial support for all employees and their families. Most of these benefits are accessible to our team members from day one.

A Healthy Workforce is a Strong Workforce

How much of your paycheck goes towards your health insurance premiums? Employees at Clune would proudly answer, “None of it.” Clune offers healthcare benefits to all employees and their dependents on a non-contributory basis, effective on their first day of employment, with participation in the annual wellness initiative. This allows employees to skip the hassle of looking through tiered benefit plans and basing their health coverage decisions on what they can afford.

Clune ensures that all employees are covered equally at no cost by providing a medical, dental and vision plan designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees at every stage of life. Pet insurance coverage is also offered as an added bonus to ensure we cover all our employees’ loved ones.

“Consistent with our company culture of prioritizing our employees, the healthcare plan we are offered is a really comprehensive PPO. Clune covers 100% of the healthcare premiums for me and my family starting day one and includes wellness incentives, vision and dental coverage.” – Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications Jessica Doyle

Expanding Wellness Benefits Beyond the Physical

When thinking about job site safety, the first thing that comes to mind is most likely hazardous materials or fall risks. However, the unseen dangers of mental health struggles are equally important to acknowledge. The holistic well-being of each employee is a top priority. This is why Clune offers a Mind & Body benefit to encourage self-care and help employees reach their personal, physical and mental health goals. This benefit includes reimbursement of 75% of monthly health, wellness and fitness membership fees.
According to Willis Towers Watson, “nearly 60% of construction workers suffer from a mental health issue during their career.” Clune understands the intense demands of the industry, and in response, we offer an employee assistance program (EAP), that offers confidential counseling services and guidance free of charge to Clune employees and their families.
Unforeseen life circumstances, such as a long-term illness or injury, can also be a great source of employee stress. To help alleviate this, Clune also offers additional protection such as life, AD&D, Legal and Accident Insurance, and Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits.

Professional and Personal Development at Every Level

To help ensure that the next generation of Clune leaders can build on the great work that was laid down before them, investing in our employees’ professional and personal development is a priority. We prioritize professional development at every level by investing in a robust Learning & Development program that is focused on career development through mentoring, training programs and continuing education.

In addition to internal education and training provided to all employees, Clune has also introduced an Education Assistance Program. The program contributes to employees’ educational expenses and financial well-being through tuition reimbursement and student loan repayments.

Recognition Inside and Outside of the Workplace

Clune appreciates hard-working individuals and their long-standing commitment to the company. We celebrate those who receive promotions and tenure milestones throughout their careers at our annual One Clune Celebration. This celebration is held once a year to encourage connection and increase recognition.
To foster a robust and cohesive workforce, Clune offers referral bonuses to employees who recommend qualified, dedicated full-time candidates committed to contributing to the company’s success. In addition, target bonuses are distributed for performance-based results twice a year.

Beyond our generous personal and vacation time, Clune offers dedicated volunteer time off to allow employees to participate in personal volunteering events. Our workforce is also encouraged to use floating holidays for various cultural and religious purposes, which supports the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts.

A True Stake in the Company

Imagine working for a company that provides the opportunity to share in the company’s successes while also building wealth for future retirement. At Clune, we recognize that our Employee Owners are the company’s greatest asset, and so we do just that. We provide employees and their families with the best options for retirement and financial growth not only through 401k matching but also through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The ESOP allows employees to have a vested interest in the company’s direction and future. It also adds another layer of financial security for employees and their families. Those who are eligible are automatically entered into the ESOP – at no cost – after one year of employment.

“It feels like Clune is investing in me, and that makes me want to invest in Clune.” Strategic Development Manager Jeff Gander on Clune’s ESOP

It’s a special opportunity to work for an organization that treats each person as a valued member of the team and creates a culture of respect amongst the entire corporation. Clune is constantly seeking additional ways to enhance the comprehensive benefits package and takes pride in caring for their employees by always striving to invest in their current and future well-being.

The post Clune Knows Benefits: Our Robust Approach to Employee Well-Being appeared first on Clune Construction.

“The latest statistics say that for every seasoned veteran exiting the construction workforce, half are backfilled with an entry-level employee,” says Nancy Chin, executive vice president of Clune’s New York region. “We’re all feeling the strain of the shortage.”

Clune has widened its talent pool by considering more diverse recruiting avenues and unconventional hires to build a more dynamic and agile workforce. The company has seen success in hiring through workforce development fellowships and recruiting young professionals with relatable experience. For example, someone who worked for a moving company that lifts million-dollar pieces of artwork into high-rise buildings may not have construction experience, but they do understand planning, logistics, and safety.

But when the labor shortage makes it challenging to find new talent, impactful steps can be taken to unveil the hidden potential within your current team. While some of these concepts may seem simple, many companies in the industry overlook them.

It’s Not Always About Climbing Corporate Ladders

Especially when working with younger talent, employees may not have clear visions of where they want their career paths to lead. Today, these paths don’t have to be linear. Instead of climbing the ladder, companies can create opportunities for workers to not only move upward but also laterally to learn something new or try a different position.

Encouraging employees to explore career options within your organization often leads them to a role they genuinely enjoy. “Several of our managing directors started as interns,” says Chin. “Our COO started as an intern and joined Clune full-time after graduation. He began in project management, transitioned to site supervision, helped develop the company’s mission-critical department, served as president of our New York office, and is now the COO.”

Unlock the Power of Employee Input

Most firms have standard review practices in place, such as 90-day assessment periods or annual performance reviews. While Clune follows these best practices, its leaders also make a point to regularly check in on their staff even when reviews and assessments are not involved.

“We don’t just ask how it’s going,” says Chin. “We can all learn from each other, so we ask for people’s input and suggestions. We’re always listening, and they’re always being heard. If someone has an idea, we let them do the legwork, conduct the research, present the costs, and explain why we should explore it.”

Through conversations like these, Clune often uncovers innovative technology to solve a problem or finds a smarter way to work through a process. Asking employees for their input also helps them know that they are valued.

Education Should Happen at Every Level

Professional development is offered in several ways—and at several levels. Clune’s learning and development department promotes multiple opportunities for ongoing education. For example:Interns follow an eight-week learning path that allows them to experience the full lifecycle of a construction project.

New field assistants and project engineers across the company gather in person to participate in a boot camp centered not only on training, processes, and procedures but also on culture.Managing directors participate in leadership training and individual coaching to explore leadership best practices.

All employees also participate in regular skills training on topics ranging from time management to conflict resolution. Having a yearly learning and development training goal ensures that Clune has a well-rounded workforce.

If your company doesn’t have the resources to invest in formal education, there are still ways to support continuous learning. For example, an internal mentoring program fosters connections among staff while helping team members learn from one another.

Leverage Routine Discussions to Boost Learning

Everyday situations often present excellent opportunities for professional growth. For instance, Clune’s teams engage in a comprehensive go/no-go decision-making process, before committing to a project. Through this process, they evaluate whether the project merits the time, effort, and investment. These discussions provide valuable lessons on which projects match Clune’s capabilities.

After a project is complete, teams host debriefs. “We want to pat everyone on the back for a job well done, while also exploring what didn’t go as planned,” explains Chin. “We want to take steps toward preventing repeat mistakes. Everyone involved learns lessons they can carry forward. That way, we continually improve with each project.”

Never Stop Investing in Your Team

“The industry often seeks to figure out the magic formula for retaining its workforce. Employees are more invested when they see an investment in them,” says Chin. “This doesn’t always have to be financial. Show your team that you’re investing in accelerating their development, and you will see results.”

The post From Good to Great: How to Keep Talent and Elevate Team Performance appeared first on Clune Construction.

HOH hosts more than 50 hiring events annually that are available both in-person and virtually. These events take place in every state across the US, as well as on military bases located in Germany, Italy, Japan, and Puerto Rico. More than half a million veterans and military spouses have found employment through these events and programs.

In 2021, Clune became part of the HOH program with the goal of exploring new approaches to enhance our workforce diversity, foster inclusivity and seek out well-qualified candidates from non-traditional sources. Veterans bring a set of transferable skills honed through their military service, encompassing leadership, project management, and communication abilities. Many of the candidates we interview for these roles align closely with our core values, a key factor we consider of utmost significance.

After researching organizations that could help bridge this gap, HOH emerged as an ideal solution. This initiative leverages the unique experiences and dedication of the country’s veterans. This enhances workplace culture and contributes to a more dynamic and adaptable team. Clune initially piloted the HOH program in the Dallas and Los Angeles offices. The program has since expanded its presence, and we now participate in career fairs nationwide. Our Talent Acquisition team attends at least one career event per quarter, so Clune can grow our presence in the HOH program, with the goal to continue inviting participants to join our growing team.

Clune’s partnership with HOH involves participants joining Clune as fellows for the final 12 weeks of their service. They work on a Clune jobsite Monday through Thursday and return to base on Fridays to report their experience and what they learned. At the conclusion of their fellowship, the employee’s performance is assessed by their team, which could potentially result in an offer for a full-time position.

Our efforts within this program have yielded positive results with the recruitment of three current employees – YoungTae Seo, John Olvera and Nick Welch.

John Olvera, an Assistant Superintendent in Clune’s Dallas office, started at Clune in 2022 and was our first HOH full-time hire. Olvera served in the US Army for over two decades. During his transition back to civilian life, he was involved in a Career SkillBridge Program which gives service members the opportunity to work and learn in civilian career fields, where he was then connected with HOH. For Olvera, the world of construction closely resembled his military service. The fundamental principles remained the same: managing personnel to get the mission – or in this case, the project, completed in a safe and timely manner. In utilizing these previous skills, his passion for construction has amplified since being in the field.

Nick Welch, an Assistant Superintendent in Clune’s Dallas office, began his journey in early 2023. He served in the US Army for five years prior to joining Clune. When he began his transition from the military, he learned about HOH through the Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program, an organization that engages and connects US Army members with organizations that provide information and training to prepare them civilian life. Serving as an engineer in the Army, Welch was fascinated by the world of construction. The hands-on, creative and problem-solving aspects of the field drew him to the field. His time in the Army provided him with a solid foundation of knowledge that he is able to apply to his everyday tasks at Clune.

YoungTae Seo, a fellow in Clune’s Los Angeles office, was a part of the most recent HOH cohort. Seo served as a paratrooper in the US Army stationed at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, for four years. As his military experience came to a close, Seo considered his past experiences in logistics and supply management when he crossed paths with HOH. Seo was intrigued by the construction field because, to him, it wasn’t just a job; it was an opportunity to create something new. To him, idea of being part of a process that brings new structures to life is exciting and rewarding.

Andrew Malkemus, an Assistant Project Manager in Clune’s Dallas office, started his career in construction in early 2024. Malkemus served in the U.S. Army Special Forces for eight years before joining Clune. As his service time was ending, Malkemus knew that in the future, he wanted to be part of a successful, fast-paced team, where he could visibly see the progress and accomplishments that are made. When a former colleague referred him to HOH, he knew it was the perfect choice to help make that a reality. Malkemus has been able to draw on his skills from the military and help elevate his team at Clune.

Maria Santana De Leon, a Senior Project Engineer in Clune’s New York office, began her journey in construction in 2024. Prior to Clune, she dedicated 15 years to serving in the U.S. Army. Santana De Leon was introduced to HOH through her partner, who taught classes for transitioning service members. With a desire to leverage her project management and logistics experience, she decided to explore the opportunity. The dynamic nature of the construction industry captivated her, and she finds it immensely rewarding to witness a site transform before her eyes.

Jose Gutierrez, an Assistant Project Manager in Clune’s Los Angeles office, began his career in construction in 2024. Gutierrez devoted 24 years to the U.S. Marine Corps. During his service, Gutierrez oversaw the reconstruction of several city blocks in Iraq. This experience, along with the teamwork involved, drew him into the construction industry.  He learned about HOH after completing the Transition Readiness Seminar. The program piqued his interest because he wanted to utilize resources that would help him effectively convey his transferable Infantry Marine skills.

Clune is looking forward to further collaboration with HOH and envisions an ongoing expansion into various departments within the company. As we continue to grow and secure additional projects near our satellite office in Tampa and its neighboring regions, and eventually all of our office locations, we eagerly anticipate actively recruiting a large number of candidates through this partnership.

The post Clune X Hiring Our Heroes: Creating Meaningful Employment Opportunities for Active Service Members Transitioning to Civilian Life appeared first on Clune Construction.