Yellowknife (Sep 08/04) - Imagine starting a company today that could boast netting a little over $1.5 billion in total business 30 years from now -- and that's a lowball estimate.

That's exactly what Clark Builders founder Andy Clark has accomplished.

1974: Completed first project, a $90,000 truck shop addition for Imperial Oil. The truck shop burnt down a few years ago. 1981: Acted as prime building contractor on the $130 million Echo Bay Lupin Gold project. 1984: Opened first international office in Reno, Nevada, to work on a $12 million expansion of the McCoy Mine. 1990: Designed and constructed the $40 million Centre Square Mall/Northern Heights complex. 1996: Wins contracts at Lupin, Echo Bay's first gold mine, and builds half of Canada's first diamond mine, BHP in Ekati. That work, in turn, wins Clark the construction management role for the Ekati Construction Alliance, which is responsible for future construction and maintenance for Australian-based BHP's mining efforts. 2003: Building of the Year Award: The seven-storey Sovereign Centre commercial/office building receives Calgary's Building Owners & Managers Association award for buildings 100,000 to 250,000 sq. ft. Clark Builders is ranked 18th on a list of the Top 50 Canadian Contractors in 2003 by Commerce & Industry magazine.

Clark started his business in Yellowknife in 1974. Last Thursday, Clark touched down in Yellowknife to say hello to many old friends and reflect on his business success as the company celebrated its 30th anniversary.

There are other companies that have reached the same heights of success as Clark Builders in the North, such as the old Ward Air and RTL Enterprises, said Clark.

However, only the keen and long-term business watchers realize the heights to which this "little company that could" has grown and spread it's wings.

Norman Wells Memories

"I've lived here for 10 years and in the Yukon for two and frequented Yellowknife (after he left the North). It seems once you make friends they never go away," said Clark, who now lives in Edmonton.

Clark was at ease and forthright while taking a trip down memory lane during an exclusive interview in his Yellowknife office.

"Construction is a tough business. We feel fortunate and blessed to be here after 30 years and going strong," said Clark, who is originally from LaChute, Quebec.

Clark credits his success to the good people he has been able to surround himself with over the years.

"The real measure of our success is our people, both in the office and in the field," said Clark. "Yellowknife feels like home."

On lessons learned in the North, Clark said 30 years doing business in extreme conditions has taught him a lot.

"From a productivity point of view, you will get approximately three times the productivity on an Arctic summer 15-degree day as compared to a minus-30-degree winter day.

"When those Arctic winds start howling it's often difficult to get any manual work done outside at all, so it's essential to make every effort to get your buildings closed in before winter," he wrote in a timeline of significant events published by the company for its anniversary celebrations.

Clark also wrote about his philosophy.

"I've always been a one day at a time kind of guy, do the right things today and tomorrow will take care of itself," he wrote.

In June, Clark, along with his long-time business partner Bill Giebelhaus, redefined their roles in the company.

Clark was appointed chief executive officer for the company, while Giebelhaus became the chief operating officer.

Northerner Paul Verhesen was appointed president for Clark Builders.

"We figured we'd hand the torch to someone with a little more piss and vinegar," Clark later announced in a speech, surrounded by close to 40 well-wishers.

"Our goal is twofold: to lighten the leadership load and to groom him for leading the business," Clark said.

Still, Clark said he doesn't anticipate making a "cold turkey" departure from the company anytime soon.

"Part of my hope is that I will be able to spend more time up here," he said.