 Clare also headed a number of other companies such as Galt Stove and Furnace, Clare and Clare and Brodest Ltd. of Winnipeg, Solid Leather Shoe Co. Ltd, Preston Car and Coach Co. and Canadian Office and School Furniture Co. Ltd.

Clare was elected to the Preston town council in 1883 and became reeve of Preston in 1886 serving for two years.He assumed this position again from 1891 to 1898.When Preston was incorporated as a town in 1900 he became its first mayor.