Michigan Licensed Residential Builder. Community developer. Kalamazoo native. Husband, father, and man of faith.
Darnell Clay is a lifelong Kalamazoo, Michigan resident who built his life and career on faith, determination, and a deep love for his community. Growing up in the inner city, he and his siblings became wards of the state and moved through many foster homes. Rather than be defined by those circumstances, Darnell turned hardship into purpose.
He graduated from Loy Norrix High School, then earned a degree in Business Management from Cornerstone University — Magna Cum Laude. He married his high school sweetheart, Nutasha, in 2004. Together they have built a Christian-centered family with 7 children, now celebrating over 20 years of marriage.
In 2009, Darnell founded Cutting Edge Property Services LLC to serve Kalamazoo commercially. In 2019, he launched Valley Vision Construction & Development LLC as a Michigan Licensed Residential Builder. Since then, he has renovated over 100 properties, developed his own neighborhood, and built new single-family and multifamily homes across Kalamazoo and Portage, MI.
Darnell has served as a trusted partner of the State of Michigan, LISC, the Kalamazoo County Land Bank, and the City of Kalamazoo. He served on the Financial Board of Directors for Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services for 7 years (2006–2013) and is a current Board Member of the Home Builders Association of Western Michigan.
Michigan Licensed Residential Builder #2101218993. Fully insured.
B.S. Business Management — Magna Cum Laude. Christian-based leadership foundation.
Home Builders Association of Western Michigan. KNHS Financial Board (7 yrs, 2006–2013).
Properties renovated across Kalamazoo and Portage, MI. Neighborhood developer.
Darnell’s work has never been just about building structures — it’s about building people and communities. For 15+ years he has volunteered at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, participated in the Kalamazoo Deacons Conference, and served with Youth for Christ and the Inner City Respect Academy.
He mentors youth and young adults who have experienced foster care, trauma, neglect, and addiction — drawing on his own experience to offer hope and practical guidance. He also volunteers as a Little League Head Baseball Coach in Kalamazoo.
Darnell is the co-founder of Gourmet Gardens and founder of EGGS (Encourage, Growth, Gifts & Skills) — both initiatives focused on empowering the next generation. He is also an aspiring published author, writing daily inspirational material that he looks forward to sharing.
His mission is simple: use construction, creativity, and good business to solve real problems and create real opportunities for the people of Southwest Michigan.
“Our work is built on Faith, Family, and Focus. We don’t just build structures — we build trust, build community, and build a better Kalamazoo.”
— DARNELL CLAY, FOUNDER
