CEO and Founding Partner, michael + clark construction

Nate Fehrman is the founder and CEO of a highly successful construction company, built on a foundation of social responsibility and community involvement.

A two-time 2003 graduate of the Architectural Technology and Construction Engineering Technician programs, Nate founded michael + clark construction with his business partner Mike Newton, in 2013. Together, they delivered complex projects in London, Ontario and across the province and grew the business from a startup into one of the largest construction companies in southwestern Ontario.

michael + clark was identified as a high-growth company of influence by the Business Development Bank of Canada, graduating from its Growth Driver program. They grew the company to more than 50 full-time employees, hundreds of subcontractors and $80-$100 million in annual sales.

In 2023, Nate became CEO of the company and created a new senior leadership team after his partner retired. Nate led the strategic initiative to start a separate division and launched both companies in a secondary location in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.

michael + clark works in a broad range of sectors, from industrial, healthcare and commercial facilities to institutional, retail, manufacturing and food processing projects.

Notable recent projects for the company include the new London Children’s Museum, The London Roundhouse – Phase 2, Starlim North America, Bosco & Roxy’s, BOS Innovations, Dr Oetker plant expansion and the Nixon Medical Centre.

michael + clark has now spun out a new division called hexcon, which manages facilities maintenance and small-scale expansions, providing end-to-end services for clients.

In 2023, michael + clark was named a finalist for the London Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards in the medium business of the year category.

While at Mohawk, Nate served as president of the Mohawk Students' Association from 2001 to 2003 and was a member of the Neighbours of Mohawk College Community Committee. He also held positions on the Mohawk College Board of Governors and the Alumni Board of Directors. He returned to Mohawk to deliver a convocation address in 2011.

Prior to starting his own company, Nate was the manager of the design-build department of McKay-Cocker Construction Ltd. He also launched his own property management business in London in 2000, when he was also a site superintendent with Aspen Ridge Homes.

He is an accredited Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Professional and is a certified Gold Seal project manager with the Canadian Construction Association.

Since 2013, Nate has served on the board of Matthews Hall Independent School in London, spending five years as chair. During this time, the board developed a new strategic plan, launched a campus renewal plan valued at $14 million, and governed during the pandemic. He also sits on the board of Museum London and is a committee member of Fanshawe Pioneer Village.

Nate has provided pro bono advisory services for Youth Opportunities Unlimited, was the founding chair of the Northern Bruce Peninsula Cottage Association board of directors and was a board member of the London Chamber of Commerce.

He was featured on an expert panel for building a business in an inclusive economy and at an event hosted by SDG Cities in London called Community Wealth Building: Exploring Pathways to Decent Work.

michael + clark has been recognized for expanding employee benefits packages and instituting a four-day work week.