In Business Power 100

Tim Cleary Named to In Business Power 100 for Third Year

Ideal Builders’ Executive Vice President recognized for connecting people, organizations, and causes across Greater Madison

MADISON, WI – October 2026 — Ideal Builders Executive Vice President Tim Cleary has been named to the 2026 In Business Madison Power 100 list, marking his third consecutive appearance on the annual roster of community changemakers. The distinction highlights Cleary’s ongoing role as a vital local connector who builds community partnerships, unites leaders, and fosters economic growth across the region.

Honorees were celebrated in September at In Business Madison’s annual Exec Connect event at Blackhawk Country Club, which brought together more than 200 business and community leaders who are driving positive change in business, nonprofits, schools, and government.

Known for his collaborative approach, Cleary redirects personal accolades toward the civic organizations and nonprofits he serves. He focuses heavily on human connection, building stronger relationships by quietly bridging the gaps between local business and community causes.

Showing up for Greater Madison

Cleary’s community influence is defined by active, hands-on volunteerism and nonprofit board membership in the Greater Madison community. He lends his time and leadership to regional initiatives spanning cancer research and patient care, economic growth, public safety, small business support, and youth development.

He serves as Chair Emeritus of the UW Carbone Cancer Center Advisory Board, is a member of its Executive and Venture Philanthropy committees, and is a board member of Friends of Carbone. His broader civic involvement includes board or committee leadership with Smart Growth Greater Madison, the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Foundation Board of Directors and its Small Business Committee, and WayForward Resources. Deeply committed to public safety and youth athletics, Cleary serves as President of the Middleton Law Enforcement Foundation and serves on the boards of First Tee of South Central Wisconsin and the Middleton Baseball and Softball Commission, where he also volunteers.

This recognition further builds on Cleary’s deep-rooted dedication to the Madison community, which includes his recent induction into the Middleton High School Athletics Hall of Fame for both his athletic legacy and his ongoing leadership in youth sports.

“Tim leads with humility and genuine warmth, always more interested in strengthening the organization and the community around him than in receiving credit for it. Because of Tim, WayForward is stronger, our reach is wider, and countless Dane County families have had access to resources they might not otherwise have found. In turn, our community itself is stronger.”
– ELLEN CARLSON  |  President & CEO, WayForward Resources

The Relationship-Driven Approach at Ideal Builders

At Ideal Builders, Cleary oversees business development, client and employee relations, and executive leadership. Known throughout the industry for building relationships, he routinely connects clients with the architects, brokers, and partners needed to bring complex projects to life.

These cross-industry connections run in every direction, frequently bringing community partners and corporate leaders into the same conversation. This relationship-first approach forms the foundation of Ideal Builders’ corporate philosophy. It has also driven substantial business success, with 90% of the firm’s clients returning for subsequent projects.

“I’m convinced Tim knows everyone in Dane County. He connects people and opens a lot of doors, and he makes it look effortless. At Ideal, we get to walk through those doors and take great care of the people on the other side. That’s how we build lasting relationships.” – JASON BOLLIG  |  President & CEO, Ideal Builders

Building Lasting Foundations

When asked what he finds most rewarding about the construction industry, Cleary notes that it centers on creating structures built to endure. Colleagues and community partners say the same philosophy applies to the networks and relationships he’s established. “What sets Tim apart is not just what he has accomplished, but how he goes about it,” said Andy North, two-time U.S. Open champion and UW Carbone Cancer Center Advisory Board member. “He is humble, dependable, and always focused on helping others succeed. His leadership roles with the Carbone Cancer Center and many other organizations reflect a lifelong commitment to serving his community.”

““The most rewarding part of this work isn’t just the brick and mortar. It’s bringing the right people together to create a lasting, positive impact for the place we all call home.” – TIM CLEARY  |  Executive Vice President, Ideal Builders

Tim Cleary’s profile appears in the October 2026 issue of In Business Madison, alongside the other Power 100 honorees.

ABOUT IDEAL BUILDERS

Ideal Builders is a commercial construction company based in Madison, Wisconsin. For 25 years, we’ve built award-winning spaces for clients across industrial, biotech, healthcare, boutique hospitality, financial, and office footprints. We know what makes a good project great: collaborative partnerships, a focus on service, and genuine care for the people who experience our spaces. Learn more at idealbuilders.com.