Builders at Heart: Crystal Beltran

This article is part of our series Builders at Heart, where we highlight the passions and backgrounds of the Clark team – the things that shape us – that allow us to tackle challenges head-on, solve complex problems, and build what matters.

Crystal Beltran is a pipelayer with Clark Water currently working in Frederick, Maryland. Learn about Crystal’s nine years with Clark and what she likes best about construction and her role.

Tell me about your background.  

I was born in California and then lived in Mississippi before moving to the DC area nine years ago. I have three children who are 16, 18, and 20. My sister Angel Fortner worked for Clark for nine years and inspired me to move here, get into construction, and join Clark.

Who has had the most influence on your life and why?  

My sister has had the most influence on my life. When I was a young child, she stepped up and raised me. She has served as a mother figure my whole life and is my biggest inspiration.  

When did you start in the industry?  

I started in the construction industry nine years ago and have been with Clark Water the entire time. Before I started with Clark, I was a car hop with Sonic and had been working there since I was 16. That was my very first job.

What made you pursue a career in construction?

Watching my sister grow in her career inspired me to get into construction. She started as a laborer and rose to the position of site coordinator. She really pulled me in. My sister is very smart.

“There are so many opportunities in the construction industry. Be willing to learn! If you don’t know it when you start, people on your team will help you.” 

Crystal Beltran, Pipefitter, Clark Water

Tell me about your current role.

In my role, I am very adaptable and really do everything. I have progressed so much in my career and become certified in many different areas, such as forklift operator, brazing copper pipe (up to 6 inches), the threader machine, PVC piping, and stick welding.

What do you like most about your current role?

I really like seeing what we’ve accomplished and built at the end of a project. We will get a project and work on that for two or three years, and I like being able to look back on all the progress and see what I have done. I love being able to tell my kids, “I did that.” For example, I was working on the Silver Line when I started with Clark, and I’m proud to know I helped build that.

What is your proudest accomplishment, either personally or professionally?  

My proudest accomplishment has been stepping into the big world of construction. I’m very proud to know that my kids can look up to me and know that anything is possible.

Any advice for someone considering a career in construction?

Definitely! There are so many opportunities in the construction industry. Be willing to learn! If you don’t know it when you start, people on your team will help you learn and grow. With so much to learn, I definitely plan on staying in construction for a long time.