Rob Cleavinger:
Building Dreams

From laying concrete to leading operations

If 2022 Builders’ Board Chairman Rob Cleavinger needed any encouragement in college to hone his engineer’s mind and pursue his knack for construction, his job laying concrete provided it daily. Cleavinger’s countless hours spent over wet concrete provided him time to think about his future in the construction industry. His experience with the basics would lead him far.

Photo by Diana Gonzalez

Born in Lawrence, Kansas, Cleavinger is a Jayhawk born and bred. A passionate athlete inspired by his father’s coaching and sports officiating career, choosing the University of Kansas wasn’t an effortless decision. Cleavinger had opportunities to play football at a couple of small schools, but chose to hang up his uniform and pursue an architectural engineering degree with an emphasis in construction at his hometown university. He helped financially support himself by placing a lot of concrete along the way.

Cleavinger’s hobbies growing up included playing sports, camping and fishing, all of which can be attributed to his father.

Above: When not traveling to watch baseball, Cleavinger and dad, J.D., fish on Pickle Lake in Ontario, Canada. Photo provided by Rob Cleavinger

“He was a teacher, coach and sports official for almost 40 years. I was blessed to be able to travel with him and meet and interact with a lot of incredible people,” said Cleavinger. “Whether we were at a high school, community college or NCAA Division game, it was always a learning experience. I learned so many life lessons on coaching, motivating and communicating that still remain with me today.” After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1992, Cleavinger interviewed at JE Dunn Construction Company. Growing up 40 miles west of the company “in pursuit of building perfection,” JE Dunn was his dream job.

After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1992, Cleavinger interviewed at JE Dunn Construction Company. Growing up 40 miles west of the company “in pursuit of building perfection,” JE Dunn was his dream job.

“It was the biggest and best, and that is the organization I wanted to be a part of,” said Cleavinger.

He was turned down for the role.

Some advice Cleavinger received growing up helps guide him through life’s challenges.

“Work hard, embrace adversity and never quit. Life, business and construction, especially, are not easy,” said Cleavinger. “And these principles have served me well in my 30 years in the business.”Cleavinger spent the next two years at a small civil design firm before setting his sights on JE Dunn once again. In 1994, his perseverance paid off and he was extended an offer.

That offer turned his dream job into a 28-year-and-counting reality.

“I have been blessed with many opportunities throughout my career at JE Dunn,” Cleavinger said.

During his career, he’s had the opportunity to work on almost every type of building they take on, and that diversity of project type gives him confidence in his current role overseeing their operations group for the Midwest.

From building campuses for health care, to education facilities, to sports complexes, Cleavinger’s skill set has grown over the last 28 years, but he’s even more inspired by the colleagues and fellow construction professionals he gets to work with every day.

“Getting to come to work every day with my friends and people that I respect most in the world makes it fun and less like work,” said Cleavinger. “I look around and see the level of experience we have in the organization and am amazed. ”When thinking back on his most accomplished projects, it’s hard for him to pick one.

Above: (Pictured left to right) Garrett, Helen, Grant, Amy and Cleavinger pose together during a trip to Tulane University. Photo provided by Rob Cleavinger

“Sprint World Headquarters will always stick in my mind,” he said.

It was JE Dunn’s largest project at the time. It took almost five years to complete and led the organization to surpassing the $1 billion mark in annual revenue.

Of course, as a passionate sports fan, the sports projects are very near and dear to his heart.

“Seeing people enjoy the first game or event in a space you were a part of creating definitely gives you a sense of pride,” Cleavinger said.

Watching his two sons succeed in their sports-career journeys provides Cleavinger an even more elevated sense of pride. Just as their father instilled the love of sports in them, Garrett and Grant have carried the passion a generation further.

His son Garrett played college baseball at the University of Oregon and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2015. He made his major league debut in 2020 for the Philadelphia Phillies and now plays for the LA Dodgers. His other son, Grant, is a senior at Lawrence High School and is committed to play baseball next year at Tulane University. He and his wife will be frequent visitors to Los Angeles and New Orleans.

Above: Cleavinger often visits Dodger Stadium to support son, Garrett, and daughter-in-law, Helen, during games. Photo provided by Rob Cleavinger Right: Cleavinger, son Grant and wife Amy visit Greer Field at Turchin Stadium, Tulane University. Photo provided by Rob Cleavinger

His wife of almost 31 years, Amy, has been by his side every step of the way as the family successfully pursues their goals.

“She has endured and allowed me to chase my dreams,” Cleavinger said. “And now, we spend our summers chasing our boys around the country playing baseball.”

When he’s not traveling for baseball, you can likely find him fishing in Canada. Whether it’s in sports, life or your career, Cleavinger’s tips for success are actually simple.

“Treat people with respect and fairness and do what you say you are going to do,” he notes. “Asking questions and being driven to continuously learn and improve your knowledge and understanding makes us all better.”

And when it comes to achieving the career goals he’s truly after, Cleavinger is just getting started.

“I really want to help and mentor our next generation of leaders ... I only hope to help them as those before helped me,” he said. The Builders’ Association President Don Greenwell knows Cleavinger’s goals will serve the board well. “Rob is the leader to get us further focused on our business plan, Plan-23,” he said. “The board and staff have designed team-based structure as we develop relationships, increase engagement and build skills in our industry.”

As 2022 Builders’ Board of Directors Chairman, Cleavinger feels grateful to the industry that has provided him so much.

“I am forever grateful for what this community and the construction industry has provided to me and my family,” he said. “The Builders’ Association in collaboration with the Association of General Contractors of America is such a huge part of this community and the construction industry, and I am fortunate to be able to give back. It is vital to our membership through commitment, collaboration and advancement, and I am very proud to be just a small part of that.”

Above: (Pictured left to right) Amy, Grant, Garret and Cleavinger tour Dodger Stadium in California. Photo provided by Rob Cleavinger Top right: Cleavinger makes his office feel like home with sentimental sports mementos. Photo by Diana Gonzalez Bottom right: Cleavinger meets with JE Dunn colleagues to discuss upcoming project plans. Photo by Diana Gonzalez

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