Clark Lowe Leads with Discipline and Empathy in a Changing Workforce

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

At a time when corporate restructuring and remote work continue to reshape the American workplace, Clark Lowe, President and CEO of O’Connor Company, offers a rare blend of military precision, entrepreneurial instinct, and deeply human leadership. With a background that includes nearly a decade in the U.S. Marine Corps and an MBA in Finance, Lowe brings discipline to a business philosophy rooted in adaptability, culture-first thinking, and operational excellence.

From his headquarters in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Lowe oversees a national construction firm with a distinct model: 90% of his staff works remotely. That’s almost unheard of in general contracting—but for Lowe, it’s a natural evolution. “We’re going against the grain,” he says. “While big companies like SpaceX and JP Morgan are forcing returns to the office, we’re leaning into the future. And we’re doing it in one of the most traditional industries out there.”

The O’Connor Company, which Lowe acquired rather than founded, operates across three distinct verticals: general contracting, project management, and construction consulting. That diversified model gives them flexibility in the market—and gives Lowe insight into the shifting dynamics of the construction industry. But what sets him apart isn’t just the business model—it’s the mindset.

“Our company culture is built around trust, autonomy, and problem-solving,” he explains. “We don’t believe in bumpers and endless policies. We create wide lanes for our people to operate in, and if someone strays too far from our values, they naturally weed themselves out. It’s not about micromanagement. It’s about alignment.”

Lowe’s retention rates speak volumes: O’Connor Company had 100% staff retention last year and over 90% this year—a remarkable feat during a time when burnout, layoffs, and cultural disconnect are widespread across corporate America.

That’s why Lowe is increasingly being asked to share his insights on one of the most overlooked aspects of layoffs: the toll on those who remain. “There’s this silent crisis happening inside companies,” he says. “We always talk about the people who get laid off—but what about the people who stay? They’re the ones navigating survivor’s guilt, uncertainty, and the fear they’re next. That anxiety kills productivity and erodes trust.”

So what’s the solution? According to Lowe, it starts at the top. “The first 30 days after a layoff are critical. That’s when culture can either be repaired or permanently damaged,” he says. “Leaders have to communicate clearly, acknowledge the impact, and double down on transparency.”

Lowe emphasizes the difference between managing and leading. “We manage processes. We lead people. That shift in thinking is everything,” he adds.

Part of O’Connor’s secret sauce is an in-house leadership development program unlike anything else in the industry. Rather than relying on dry training manuals or traditional seminars, the company delivers “micro-moments” of leadership content—short, digestible insights delivered via email, Teams, or even physical mail, three times a week. “We’ve modeled it after how people consume information today,” says Lowe. “Quick, visual, and actionable. Like a leadership TikTok.”

That willingness to rethink everything—from workflows to personal development—is what defines Lowe’s leadership. He hires for intangible qualities like curiosity and integrity, rather than just experience. “We can teach construction,” he says. “But you can’t teach work ethic or emotional intelligence. That’s either in you or it’s not.”

Despite his clear vision and impressive growth trajectory (with over 70 employees projected to top 100 by next year), Lowe remains humble. “We haven’t figured it all out,” he admits. “We learn something new every day. But we’re building a company that values people, adapts fast, and solves problems one at a time.”

In a world where the workplace is rapidly evolving, Clark Lowe is proving that strong culture, clear vision, and human-centered leadership aren’t just compatible with growth—they’re essential to it.

🎧 Hear the full, unedited interview with Clark Lowe on the Savoir Faire Audio Experience.