Sean’s dad joins the team

June 19, 2026

By Tila Grant

DENTON, Texas — Every Father's Day celebrates the bond between dads and their children, but for Clint Tallent and his son, Sean, that connection extends beyond family gatherings and weekend barbecues.

At the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Denton County office, the father and son share something even more meaningful: a commitment to serving their community.

“The funniest thing about working here is that no one knows my name,” Clint said. “They know me as Sean’s dad. They look at me and say ‘Sean’s Dad?’ with a question mark.”

Clint and Sean took very different paths before finding themselves working for TxDOT.

Sean arrived first. About five years ago, a friend helped him get his start in one of TxDOT’s smaller maintenance offices. From there, he eventually transferred to Denton County, where he settled into the rhythms of the yard, the people, and the work.

Today, Sean serves as a transportation maintenance crew chief. One of the perks of working alongside his dad, Sean jokes, is simple: “I get free rides to work.”

Clint arrived later, after a company-wide downsizing left him searching for a new direction.

With nearly 25 years of military service behind him, Clint knew the value of teamwork and structure. During that transition, Sean quietly stepped in, talking with colleagues, offering encouragement, and helping guide his father toward a new opportunity.

Clint joined TxDOT as a construction inspector more than a year ago.

Although father and son work in different sections and their days rarely overlap, they occasionally cross paths in the hallway or in the yard.

By the time Clint arrived, Sean had already built his place within the team. Clint respected that, focusing on learning TxDOT’s systems, safety processes, and expectations as he settled into his own responsibilities and stayed out of the way, as he puts it.

At home, their worlds come together more naturally. Conversations sometimes drift toward work, though not everyone in the house appreciates the shop talk.

Their shared experience has added a new layer to their relationship, one built not only on family ties but also on mutual understanding of their work.

They may not work side by side, but they don’t need to. Each understands the other’s role, and both take pride in serving their communities through their work.