Junior Achievement of Utah inducted Wilford W. Clyde, of Clyde Companies, Inc., into the Utah Business Hall of Fame in May 2024 at JA City in Salt Lake City.

It was an honor to induct Wilford Clyde into our Utah Business Hall of Fame and to celebrate his superb contributions to our community. The Utah Business Hall of Fame was first established in 1990 by Junior Achievement of Utah to recognize past and present business leaders for their outstanding and enduring efforts to improve the products, processes, and human relations of business. One of our most critical objectives with the Hall of Fame event is to provide our young people with a better understanding of who the true heroes of Utah are, thus giving these young minds notable examples to emulate.

Wilford W. Clyde is one such example. He is a builder—of people, roads and buildings, community, and connection. He began his career at Geneva Rock as the company’s first accountant, then at age 30, became general manager and later president. He currently serves as chair of Clyde Companies, Inc., a premier critical infrastructure and construction services provider in the Intermountain West, Southwest, and Great Plains.  

Wilford’s commitment to his hometown of Springville weaves throughout his life—from commissioner for youth softball and ten years as girls’ softball coach, to co-chair of the Springville Museum of Art Annual Ball and co-president of the Springville High School Booster Club, serving alongside Natalie, his treasured wife of nearly 50 years. Wilford also served on the city council and two terms as mayor. 

Wilford served in industry leadership, 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. 

A commitment to “Building a Better Community” and honoring his family legacy of giving back shows in Wilford’s community service: 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.

Wilford’s commitment to helping young people realize their potential and his passion for strengthening communities makes him incredibly deserving of this recognition. Wilford was joined by laureates Crystal Maggelet, Ray Pickup, Ron Jibson, and Charles Dahlquist who served as the honorary chairperson. We were also honored to hear remarks from Utah’s First Lady, Abby Cox. All of our laureates demonstrate business excellence, courageous thinking and acting, inspired leadership, and community-mindedness. These icons of business are exemplary role models for future generations.

We would like to thank Delta, our title sponsor, for their incredible support of the Hall of Fame evening. We’re also grateful to all of our other sponsors who helped make the night such a meaningful and memorable celebration, namely:

• Clyde Companies
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation
• Colliers
• Ron Jibson
• Kirton McConkie