New CFDC Board Chair Brandon Clark, The Ruthvens, Looks to Build a Better Future for Polk County Residents
As president of The Ruthvens, Central Florida’s warehouse specialists with decades of experience in industrial, manufacturing, and distribution space, Brandon Clark brings a long-term perspective on responsible development, economic opportunity, and community growth to his leadership of the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC).
Brandon Clark is an industry and community leader who joined The Ruthvens in 2018. As president, he oversees the company’s operations, development, leasing, financing, and strategy. Clark will draw on his experience leading the third-generation family business as he begins his tenure as Chair of the Central Florida Development Council Board of Directors.
Clark’s appointment also continues a longstanding connection between The Ruthvens and CFDC. His father-in-law, Greg Ruthven, Chairman and CEO of The Ruthvens, previously served as CFDC Board Chair during the 2013 – 2014 fiscal year, underscoring the family’s longstanding involvement in advancing economic prosperity in Polk County.
“Running a third-generation family business teaches you to think in decades,” says Clark. “At The Ruthvens we are underwriting development projects for the next fifty years. Economic development works the same way. The projects that move the needle for Polk County today, the infrastructure, the development-ready land, the workforce pipeline, those were decisions somebody made ten, twenty or thirty years ago.”
Running a third-generation family business teaches you to think in decades… Economic development works the same way. The projects that move the needle for Polk County today, the infrastructure, the development-ready land, the workforce pipeline, those were decisions somebody made ten, twenty or thirty years ago.
Brandon Clark, The Ruthvens
CFDC Board Chair
Positioning Polk for Responsible Development
Clark said his goal as CFDC Board Chair is to continue advancing initiatives that create lasting, positive impacts for the Polk County community. He highlighted the success of InvestReady Polk, a CFDC initiative that supports long-term economic growth by building a comprehensive database of industrial-ready sites and aligning land-use and infrastructure planning efforts across Polk County.
“The more pieces of property we get through that process, the more development-ready sites we have on the shelf when a good project comes looking for a home. This program helps uniquely positioned properties across the county become better prepared for responsible development,” said Clark.
Clark reiterated the “long-hold mentality” born from his experience with The Ruthvens, noting the potential impact of decisions and their future magnitude.
“I want to make the patient, sometimes unglamorous decisions now that put the next generation of Polk County in a stronger position,” he said.
Playing to Our Strengths
Clark sees significant opportunities in Polk County’s strategic location and workforce. Situated in Central Florida along the I-4 tech corridor, Polk County benefits from regional connectivity and access to major markets, making location one of the county’s greatest economic strengths.
Clark also emphasized the value of the local workforce and the opportunity to connect more residents with jobs closer to home.
“Right now, a lot of Polk County residents commute outside the county for work every day, and I see that as a built-in labor force waiting on the right employers to show up here,” he said. “The work that the CFDC does will help more of those residents find quality jobs, here, in Polk County over the years to come.”
The work that the CFDC does will help more of those residents find quality jobs, here, in Polk County over the years to come.
Brandon Clark, The Ruthvens
CFDC Board Chair
Clark will work alongside a strong team of board leaders, including Immediate Past Chair Emery Smith, whose service has helped shape the organization’s leadership.
“Emery taught this board what it looks like to lead without needing the credit. He’s given years of service to CFDC, and it has never been about himself. That’s the standard he set, and it’s the one I intend to continue,” said Clark.
Clark is joined by Kyle Story of The Story Companies, Vice Chair, and Steve Crisman of Citizens Bank & Trust, Secretary/Treasurer.
With a long-term perspective and a commitment to responsible growth, Clark looks forward to building on CFDC’s momentum and strengthening the partnerships that move Polk County forward. As Board Chair, he will focus on creating opportunities that benefit businesses and residents today while helping position the county for generations to come.
