The Utah Asphalt Pavement Hall of Fame inductee is chosen each year from among industry representatives and peers as someone who has significantly contributed to the betterment of the asphalt pavement industry in Utah. It is presented to an individual who actively fostered and demonstrated vision and dedication in advancing the asphalt pavement industry and overall investment in quality infrastructure for the state of Utah.
This year’s Hall of Fame Inductee is Wilford W. Clyde of Clyde Companies Inc.
Wilford W. Clyde is a builder — of people, of roads and buildings, of community and of deeply meaningful connections. He currently serves as chair of Clyde Companies Inc., a premier critical infrastructure and construction services provider in the Intermountain West and Great Plains regions.
Wilford was born and raised in Springville, Utah. His father, Blaine P. Clyde, often took young Wilford to job sites to watch the construction of critical infrastructure projects. Later, Wilford worked for his brother, Paul, and learned even more about construction and management.
Wilford also learned deeply rooted values from his grandfather and namesake, W. W. Clyde. His grandfather not only founded the family business; he also infused those same ethics throughout the organization. Today, they’re part of Clyde Companies’ identity: We Value People, Our Word is Our Bond, Always Give a Full Measure, and We Continuously Improve.
At 17 years old, Wilford spent a share of the summer working on the Geneva Rock asphalt crew. He learned to shovel and rake asphalt. It was here that he learned to appreciate the craftsmen that work in the industry, and the difference between a good asphalt job and a bad one. Following high school graduation, Wilford attended Brigham Young University (BYU) and earned a degree in accounting. His devotion to BYU only grew with time, and he later served as the national president of the Cougar Club and on the BYU Athletic Leadership Council.
Prior to graduating from college, Wilford’s father took him for a ride to the point of the mountain where Geneva Rock had several gravel pits. He told him there were many opportunities there and encouraged him to apply.
After a church mission to New Zealand and college graduation, Wilford began his career at Geneva Rock. The manager at Geneva Rock, Dave Thomas, was a great mentor to Wilford, teaching him about dealing with people and the business. Wilford started as the company’s first accountant, then at age 30, became general manager and later president, nurturing and growing the construction company to unparalleled success.
In 1998, the individual companies of the Clyde family combined under the parent company of Clyde Companies. In 2001, Wilford became president of the enterprise and led a major expansion. He oversaw the acquisition of over 40 businesses, as well as operational growth in Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada, moving annual revenue from $200 million to nearly $2.5 billion in 2022. Clyde Companies Inc. now includes subsidiaries Beehive Insurance, Bridgesource, Clyde Capital Group (CCG), Geneva Rock, Sunpro, Sunroc and WW Clyde.
Wilford’s pride in and commitment to his hometown started early and weaves throughout his life. He volunteered as the commissioner for multiple youth softball leagues and coached city-league girls softball teams for 10 years. He and his wife, Natalie, also co-chaired the Springville Museum of Art Annual Ball and the Utah Valley University President’s Ball, and they were co-presidents of the Springville High School Booster Club. Wilford now heads up Springville Rising, an effort to re-energize and strengthen his beloved community.
With artwork featured prominently in his office and throughout several company buildings, Wilford is a passionate supporter of arts and culture. There is no more enthusiastic ambassador for the Springville Museum of Art and its world-class collection. In a similar vein, Wilford has consistently supported higher education through generous monetary and material donations, sponsorships and scholarships.
A humble, yet insightful advocate for best practices and cooperation, Wilford also prioritized serving in several industry leadership roles, including chair of the Utah Manufacturers Association; president of the Utah Chapter of the Associated General Contractors; president of Beavers Inc.; and on the Advisory Committee of the BYU Construction Management Program.
Wilford’s commitment to “Building a Better Community” and honoring his family’s legacy of giving back is further evident in his community service, including the Springville City Council (1989-92), two terms as Springville’s mayor, chair of the Board of Trustees at Utah Valley University, chair of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, Envision Utah, the Utah State Board of Regents, board of directors for the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, and starting the Clyde Institute of Construction Management.
Because he’s not likely to tell you about his awards, we will: In 1995, Wilford was the Utah Manufacturers Association “Businessman of the Year.” In 2000, Wilford was honored as a founding member of the UVU Wolverine Club and elected to the UVU Wolverine Hall of Fame. Then, in 2002, he received the Ernst and Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award. In 2014, Wilford received BYU’s Jay S. Newitt Construction Management “Industry Professional Award” and was inducted into the Nebo School District Athletic Hall of Fame.
Wilford was recently asked what his latest recognition, as the UAPA Hall of Fame Inductee for 2025, means to him. He said, “I feel very honored to receive this award from the UAPA and feel there are probably others more deserving than myself. I would like to thank all of those in our company who have dedicated their time and effort to the production and placement of asphalt. It is an important part of our business.”
Since the start of his career, there have been many changes in the industry. From the use of computers and software to control all aspects of the business to the surveying of all sites and roadways being done by Global Satellites, Clyde Companies, under Wilford’s leadership, has shown an extraordinary ability to adapt, grow and prosper.
When reflecting on his career, Wilford sees the most rewarding part as the interpersonal relationships he has developed with the people he’s met — the employees, vendors, customers and people in the community. “People is what it is all about,” he says.
What matters most to Wilford’s loyal heart is his family and friends. He always appreciates the love and support of his brothers, sisters, their spouses and in-laws. He treasures his wife, Natalie Egbert Clyde; their four daughters and their spouses: Camille and Jeremy Hafen, Melia and Ty Peterson, Alison and Brandon Henrie, Katie and Tyson Perkes; as well as their grandchildren. In their spare time, the Clydes enjoy traveling, boating, fishing in Alaska, golfing and watching any sporting event, especially those involving their grandkids.
Congratulations, Wilford, on a well-deserved induction into the UAPA Hall of Fame!
