The Story Behind the Cover

It’s very strange to walk past a newsstand and see my own face looking back at me. 

Inside the latest issue of Forbes Magazine, you'll read a nearly 3,000-word profile. But what’s most remarkable are the stories and the people behind it. 

In August, I spent a day with Chris Helman and the Forbes photography team, visiting two important Clayco projects: the Obama Presidential Center and the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.

Chris spent months reporting and writing this piece, talking with people who have been part of my life and career over more than four decades in construction. I’m grateful for the care he took in telling the story and especially for the many colleagues, partners, and friends who shared their perspectives with him.

Behind the camera also lies a talented group of people who helped bring this story to life. I want to recognize photographer Aaron Kotowski, photo director Robyn Selman and her partner Peter Schnaitmann, along with Hillary Launey and Mike Collingsworth. Their creativity, patience, and attention to detail helped capture something I’ve always believed in: the art and science of building.

The truth is that no one builds anything meaningful alone. It’s our customers, partners, team members, and tradecraft workers who make it happen in the rain, mud, cold, heat, on planes, trains, and in pickup trucks.

Whatever success I’ve had comes from the extraordinary people who have challenged me, trusted me, worked alongside me, and helped turn ambitious ideas into reality.

That is what I hope people take away from this story.

Because it’s never really been about one person, or even the buildings themselves – it’s about the people, the purpose, and what we can accomplish together.

The October/November issue of Forbes is on newsstands now. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this story possible, and even more grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey. This story is yours.