Summary
In this episode of The Clark Way Podcast Superhero Series, Vice Presidents Ronnie Strompf and Mike Hammer recount their experience building Nationals Park, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and strategic problem-solving that ensured timely completion. The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, effective communication, and leadership development within the company. Both leaders share personal anecdotes, including Ronnie's use of 'people engineering' to foster team cohesion and Mike's experiences balancing work with family life. The episode concludes with reflections on the significance of building strong, supportive relationships and the personal fulfillment derived from their work.
Show Notes
(00:00 - 02:46) Introduction - Brief introduction of guests Ronnie Strompf and Mike Hammer.
(02:46 - 08:50) The Nationals Park Project - An overview of the project, including some of the unique aspects of building a stadium and their roles on the project.
(08:50 - 15:46) Mentorship and Building Relationships - Reflections on how their mentorship grew on the project and advice for building relationships.
(15:46 - 21:39) Improvisation - Examples of how the team improvised from early on in the project through opening day.
(21:39 - 24:21) Safety First - Setting the tone for safety from the top.
(24:21 - 33:43) Opportunities for Growth and Development - Discussion on giving people responsibility early in their careers, learning from your peers, and passing knowledge and leadership skills onto the next generation.
(33:43 - 38:12) Personal Insights and Final Thoughts - Stories about hobbies, managing work and life, and finding fulfillment in your work.
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Speaker Bios and Resources
Mike Hammer is a vice president with Clark Technologies, where he provides directional and operational leadership for data centers and mission-critical facilities. Since joining Clark in 2003, Mike has worked on many notable projects, including Nationals Park, The Wharf, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and the Verstandig Pavilion at MedStar Georgetown.
Ronnie Stompf, a vice president currently overseeing the Clark Yard, has spent 47 years at Clark, leading the charge in the field on many of our most iconic projects in the Mid-Atlantic, including Nationals Park, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, and U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters. Throughout his tenure, Ronnie has played an instrumental role in the training and development of Clark’s field leaders.
Link to read the Washington Post article featuring Ronnie: https://clrk.cc/wpnp
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Discussion Questions
Use these questions to facilitate a discussion with your team:
● Who is a mentor that helped shape your career?
● What have you learned from others that you’ve incorporated into your own leadership style?
● How have you successfully built relationships on your projects?
● What reflections did you take away from this episode?
