Two Generations of A.O. Reed Legacy at Qualcomm

At A.O. Reed, our strength lies in the people who help build and sustain our legacy. The Clarke family reflects that continued tradition, spanning two generations and more than four decades of service. The contributions, particularly through our long-standing relationship with Qualcomm, reflect what we value as a company.

Jerry Clarke joined A.O. Reed in 1981 as a pipe fitting general foreman. With a career in the trades beginning in 1964, he brought decades of experience in industrial piping and plant systems. Early on, he played a key role in the development of the Qualcomm campus in the early 1990s, overseeing mechanical installations such as chilled water, hot water, high-pressure gas, cooling towers, and cogeneration systems. The technical demands were high, requiring coordination with trade partners. At times, he designed and installed piping layouts using his field expertise to shape workable, efficient systems.

Jerry helped establish A.O. Reed’s long-standing reputation with Qualcomm. His leadership and commitment to quality work earned the trust of project teams and the client, setting a precedent for the next generation.

His son, Mike Clarke, followed him into the trade and built a 39-year career at A.O. Reed. During that time, Mike also supported work at the Qualcomm campus, maintaining and upgrading systems that his father had helped install. His depth of experience and familiarity with the site eventually led to a dedicated role supporting Qualcomm’s facility needs, reinforcing the long-term trust between client and contractor. For Jerry, seeing his son carry the torch is a proud moment: “He made the customer happy,” he said. “It’s great and gives a great sense of pride.” Mike recently retired, concluding a career defined by professionalism and technical skills.

The Clarkes’ experience reflects the company culture A.O. Reed has fostered over generations. Jerry described the field environment in the 1980s as similar to what it is today, where tradespeople were respected for both their work and insight. Open communication, collaboration, and support from leadership allowed crews to take ownership of their work and feel part of the company’s success. That foundation continues to shape how we operate today.

Having two generations collaborate with the same client highlights the kind of generational presence A.O. Reed values. A majority of our employees have remained with the company for more than a decade, and we take pride in the long-term careers and trusted partnerships that define our work. We are honored to have had both Jerry and Mike as part of A.O. Reed’s continued legacy.