39 | Education: Texas A&M University | Company: UMB Bank
Taylor Clark was motivated to contribute to his community by observing the people who live in it.
His neighbors, Clark said, have a sense of gratitude for their ability to live in the Park Cities, where residents view their schools and community as a shared project.
“I wanted to learn from them,” he explained, “and contribute to that mission.”
Clark has done exactly that. As market leader for Texas – Commercial Real Estate at UMB Bank, he has helped finance major local projects that have shaped the area, including Legacy West, Village Main Street, and the renovation of Turtle Creek Village.
His volunteer work has included serving as a tutor at West Dallas Community School, on the Community Fund for The Real Estate Council, and with various programs at his church. He can also be found behind the lunch counter in the Armstrong Elementary cafeteria or on the field coaching YMCA sports.
Clark is co-founder of the Park Cities Dads Club Pickleball Tournament. Although its games are played on scaled-down courts, the event has had an oversized impact on Highland Park ISD’s schools. The tournament brings together about 100 participants each year. In 2026 it raised $15,000 to support district teachers.
“My daily radius is pretty tight. My office is in Preston Center, our kids attend Armstrong Elementary, and we are active at Park Cities Presbyterian Church,” Clark said. “I’ve found that this community has a unique ‘culture of action,’ where if you see a need, there is usually a group of neighbors already working to fix it.”
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
I’ve always been drawn to people who have a sense of gratitude for where they live. When I moved here, I saw parents and neighbors treating the schools and community like a shared project. I wanted to learn from them and contribute to that mission.
What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?
I enjoy seeing something go from a concept to a finished product. In my job, that’s a new development that changes the city skyline; in the community, it’s seeing a charity event like the Pickleball Tournament scale from an idea into a district-wide tradition.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?
I didn’t have a rigid map. I just tried to work hard and find a place where I would be challenged by smart people and good leaders. By keeping my options open and trying to emulate the integrity of those I respected, I ended up in a career that suits my interest in the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of business.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
Most of my early jobs involved working for our family friend’s landscaping company during school breaks. It was exhausting, hands-on work that taught me a deep respect for anyone who shows up and gives their best effort at a physical job every day. It also motivated me to stay focused on my education.
Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career?
Entering the job market in 2010 was a challenge. During my graduate studies, I realized I had a natural affinity for the finance side of real estate. I looked for a city with long-term growth potential (and where my now wife was living at the time), which led me straight to Dallas.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
Being a first-generation college graduate and finishing at the top of my class at Texas A&M is a point of pride. More recently, I’m proud of the $20,000 in sponsorships we raised for the 2025 Pickleball Tournament to support our local teachers.
Which leadership skills have been the most challenging for you to develop and why?
Communication is a lifelong study. Learning how to clearly articulate a vision, have difficult conversations, and ensure everyone feels heard while staying focused on the goal is a balance I’m constantly working to improve.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now?
Dallas is growing rapidly, which is a great “problem” to have, but it requires us to be very intentional about what we want this city to become. While we have our most local community here in the Park Cities, our challenge is to make sure everyone in Dallas has a path to be successful.
If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
I would focus on creating more robust, sustainable support systems for our local schools and teachers. They are the foundation of the community’s future growth.
If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?
Some Assembly Required, starring Jason Sudeikis. It would mostly be a comedy about me trying to figure out how to fix some old car or house project while simultaneously coaching a youth basketball team.
What is your favorite local restaurant or shop?
Taco Joint in Preston Center. It’s our family’s second kitchen.
What’s on your bucket list?
I want to visit every continent, including Antarctica.
What do you have in mind for after 40?
Professionally, I want to continue scaling UMB’s presence in Texas. Personally, I’m looking forward to the next decade with my kids as they move into middle and high school.
Is there anything else you think we should know about you?
I’m a constant student. I try to maintain a diverse group of friends from different walks of life because I’ve found that you learn the most from people who see the world differently than you do.
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