Clay was born and raised in Montgomery, AL, and was the first at Auburn University to graduate in Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Family Business. Today, he works in his family’s firm building transportation infrastructure (roads and bridges). Clay is also a commercial real estate agent, real estate investor, and developer. He is married to Melissa, a Georgia native and former WSFA news reporter. They have two sons, Anderson and Edwin, and live in Montrose, Alabama.

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What is your favorite thing to do with your boys on the weekends?

We love to play golf! Anderson, 7, has started playing in US Kids Tournament Events and Edwin, 4, will start in a few years.

What does Aro mean to you?

Aro means accountability. It’s a product of accountability that puts boundaries on my phone usage. It’s a really important product to our family and has brought us joy by allowing us to spend intentional and meaningful time together.

Tell us a story about how Aro has impacted your relationship with your family, spouse, kids, etc.

I remember Anderson looking at me and saying “Daddy can I watch my pad because you watch your pad all day?” I knew I needed to immediately put my phone in Aro and play with him.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

Our wedding day was so special and sweet, but it seems like such a blur with all that goes on. I wish I could go back to that day and moment, surrounded by our family, friends, and community that we love so much and just intentionally be present at such a special point in time.

Do you have a moment when you realized your phone was getting in the way of what’s important to you?

Both of my sons came to me a few months ago and said, “Dad, just put down your phone and play football with us outside. You can do it. We know you can.” It's moments like the one I just described that makes me realize how much our kids want our love, attention, and playfulness.

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