Darin Cleir honored as MHS Outstanding Alumni

Marshfield’s Darin Cleir received the MHS Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award as a surprise at the 13th Annual Marshfield Reunion Festival, where he was celebrating his 40th class reunion.

Cleir was a natural choice when considering this year’s award winner, according to Lyndall Fraker, who organizes the Reunion Fest.

“He’s someone who’s gone above and beyond. We have some outstanding alumni and we always look at folks who are high ranking military officers like Dr. Tommy, of course… Colonel Ron Replogle, people like that who reach a pinnacle of whatever their occupation might be,” Fraker explained. “Darin probably has the largest privately owned family business as far as employing and providing the livelihoods former families than any other privately owned business in Marshfield.”

Not only has he reached that pinnacle as a small business owner, but he actually operates five businesses and on top of that, he’s a good man to all who know and have worked with him.

“Over the last 30 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to call Darin a close friend. In those 30 years, Darin has taught me a lot about business and life in general,” said Daryl Hopkins, his Rost Sales Manager. “I have always admired Darin’s ability to run his company based on Christian values, which has lead me to have a closer walk in my faith… Congratulations Darin on 50 years in business and the “outstanding alumni” award!”

Derrick Strickland, his Rost Plant Manager said, “Over the last 10 years, I have been blessed to work along side Darin Cleir. Over those 10 years I have got to witness his passion to provide a service for his community. I can’t think of a better man to win this award! Congratulations Darin, it’s well deserved.”

Darin has managed to grow Rost Ready Mix to one of the largest Ready-Mix Plants in this area.

In the first FULL year open, Rost Ready Mix delivered a little less than 12K yards.

In 2023, Rost delivered over 212K yards. To break it down a little further, we delivered 29K loads of concrete in 2023.

Darin has been able to grow the business from five trucks in 1974 to 52 trucks to date. Today, Rost celebrates 50 years in business.

Kiera Novotny, his Office Manager, and daughter that works for him said, “He’s my 3rd favorite boss.”

(Be sure and let everyone know that I’ve only had 3 jobs, too.)

“My dad is the most humble, thoughtful, inspiring, and hardworking man I’ve ever known,” said Jodee Smith, his oldest daughter. “He definitely deserves this award. No matter how much it might embarrass him.”

“He’s the kind of man that every girl dreams to marry one day. It took us a little longer to get together, but he was worth the wait! His business sense started in Jr. High, when he would stop at Mary’s Variety store on his way to school, to buy candy to sell for a profit during school hours. I’ve watched him work harder than any person I know. His dad once said that he hired Darin for his ‘shoulders up’, and his brother Dan for his ‘shoulders down’,” said Carm Cleir, his wife & best friend.

“Not only does he run five businesses, but he makes sure his family knows just how much he loves them, and cares for them. He doesn’t like recognition, so he has taught me a lot about humility and godliness. In my eyes, he’s a man after God’s own heart. I love and admire him so much, as does his family. Congratulations, my Darin!”

The surprise was pulled off perfectly, disclosed only to his family until the day of the event and the moment it was time to announce the Outstanding Alumni.

“We knew he wouldn’t do it if he knew he was getting an award,” explained Fraker. “I talked to Carl and we decided it would be a surprise. I think certainly on top of all of his accolades, he’s a very humble, great human being. The award is well-deserved.”