Forty Under 40: Daniel J. Barnes

One the most rewarding parts of Daniel Barnes’ job is McClelland’s longstanding relationship with the University of Arkansas. The two entities have worked on a bevy of projects over the years, including the installation of the current playing surface at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

But like the officials who call the games, Barnes said a good civil engineer shouldn’t get noticed.

“If we did our job right,” he said, “you never know we’ve been there.”

Barnes, who earned a civil engineering degree at Louisiana Tech in 2002, has been working for McClelland since graduating. He worked at the company’s headquarters in Little Rock before being asked to run its Fayetteville branch in 2008.

Barnes is proud of the fact McClelland’s diversified client base helped it avoid layoffs during the recession, and said activity seems to be on the rise.

“Things are moving forward,” he said. “Folks are calling every day. We’re seeing money being invested.”

Barnes grew up in Fordyce and credits his father for instilling his work ethic and teaching him the value of money.

“He would always encourage me, but he always said, ‘You can do a little better.’ He pushed me that way,” Barnes said.

Barnes is heavily involved with the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, which provides free care to schoolchildren without dental plans.