Our Purpose

Provide Education about careers in Construction

Construct My Future provides an engaging and hands-on learning environment to allow middle school-aged student campers to learn about the opportunities and careers revolving around the construction trade industry. The week long summer camp provides the camper and family with knowledge about the different types of businesses in the trades and the fulfillment that can be achieved while working in this industry.

According to a Georgetown University study, job demand in the construction industry steadily increase and pay on average $55,000/year while being paid to train. Many students are encouraged by parents and schools to explore college degrees when there is no promise for a job that has demand in the marketplace. All along, the students and parents absorb student loan debt while not fully understanding the potential of a career in the trades. Careers in the building industry and skilled trades offer another path.

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Board and Executive Team

Marla Cloos-CAMP Director

Bobby Stem - AOGC

Marla brings a wealth of knowledge to the Construct My Future team with her heavy involvement in the annual Build My Future event. She owns Green Home Coach, a Green Building consultancy helping achieve healthier building standards throughout the US as well as sits on the Professional Women in Building Council.

Bobby was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma and raised in Tulsa. Bobby earned an undergraduate in Political Science at the University of Central Oklahoma, and his law degree at the Oklahoma City University School of Law. Bobby started in politics driving former Governor George Nigh during college and has remained in the political arena ever since. Bobby is married to Tiffany, has two daughters (Rayna and Annebella), and enjoys going to Grand Lake on weekends.

Dr. Ben Bigelow-Treasurer

Ben F. Bigelow is an associate professor and Director of the Construction Science Division at the University of Oklahoma. He attended High School in Coppell, TX and earned a BS in construction science at Texas A&M University, an MS in construction management at Arizona State University, and a PhD from The School of Education at Colorado State University. Professionally Dr. Bigelow worked for a production homebuilder and has owned and operated his own small contracting business. He continues to perform select projects, and provides consulting services.

William Blake-President

William owns Vesta Foundation Solutions with locations in Oklahoma City, Northwest Arkansas and Dallas. They provide foundation repair services to homeowners fixing over 62 homes a week. He is a strong advocate for developing new hiring and workplace culture practices allowing them to have industry leading retention rates and metrics for service. Will also diverted his focus on construction trades rather than pursuing a long term degree and is a great case study for the Construct My Future's initiative

Christy Howell-Secretary

Christy is a business owner specializing in custom ICF design/builds and interior design. A graduate of Fine Arts with UCO, Christy not only brings an enthusiasm to help educate our student campers about the skilled trades, she lives it. She also helps lead the Build My Future Event held every year in Fall hosting over 600 high school students. She pioneered groups such as Professional Women in Building and continues to be involved in the local Home Builders Association.

Terry Clinefelter-Vice President

Terry is the Department head for OSU-OKC Construction technologies. He is found more in the field and workshop more than in the classroom! He brings a hands-on approach to making sure the camp has an interactive location with all of the tools needed for an exciting curriculum. Terry also implements editing programs that helps place students directly in the workforce right after completion. He is recognized by numerous Construction Businesses for creating some of their best employees all coming from his amazing program.

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