Our Team

Joshua McLaughlin – Owner & President

Josh founded J. McLaughlin Construction, LLC in 2012 after having purchased the former R.G. Dow Company of Houlton Maine, which had been in business for 38 years, to continue serving Houlton and its surrounding communities.

A Houlton native, Josh began working in the earthwork industry in 1998. He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management Technology and minored in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Orono. After college, Josh went to work for a large commercial heavy civil construction company, working on large-scale windmill, highway, landfill, and airport projects as Lead Foreman for eight years. He is certified in Erosion Control through the Maine State Nonpoint Source Center, MDEP.

Josh was named Aroostook Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015 by the LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development.

Brent Dickison - Operator & Lead Foreman

Brent brings more than 35 years of experience in the industry as an equipment operator. He operates equipment for J. McLaughlin Construction, as well as, holds the role of site foreman overseeing efficient execution of work, job site layout, quality control, and safety on the job site.

Jason Knapp - Operator & Site Foreman 

Jason joined our team in 2015 with several years of driving and equipment mechanical experience. A graduate of Northern Maine Community College in Diesel Mechanics, Jason has worked numerous years in the woods industry and the heavy civil earth industry. Jason is a valuable asset to our company serving as an operator and helps run successful projects as a working foreman. He is also instrumental in our shop with maintenance when needed.

Ben McQuade - Site Superintendant & Project Manager

A Mars Hill native, Ben began his earthwork career working for his family's business, A E McQuade & Sons. He holds a bachelor's degree in business finance. Ben previously worked for Sargent Corporation as a foreman and spent a few years in the financial services industry. 

Dawson McLaughlin - Laborer & Foreman in Training

Dawson came on board in late 2023 after graduating from the University of Maine with a BS in Construction Management Technology and a minor in Surveying. Dawson can be found laboring when needed or running one of our GPS base rover setups and assisting with project layout. He continues to learn about the day-to-day operations of our projects in hopes of soon running projects for our company.

Gerald Dickison - Heavy Equipment Operator & Consultant

Gerald joined our team in 2015 after 40 years as co-owner of Dickison and London Inc., a former heavy civil contracting company based out of Houlton, Maine. Gerald continues to serve as an excavator and grader operator for our company as well as pass on his skillset of years of experience as a Consultant. Gerald’s contacts and reputation in the industry make him an extremely valuable asset for our company.

Brian Dickison - Lead Mechanic & Equipment Operator

Brian joined our team in 2017 as a lead mechanic specializing in heavy equipment and large truck mechanics. After a year of full-time mechanic work, Brian began operating equipment specializing in excavator operation. Brian continues to hone his skills and has increased his operating abilities. Brian still holds our main mechanic role, but in the summer months when he isn’t making repairs, he operates and oversees our residential small projects. Brian is a multi-talented asset and brings great value to our team.

Dennis Harvey - Truck Driver & Laborer

Dennis joined our team in 2017 as a Class A truck driver and laborer. Dennis drives dump truck, operates our lowbed and belt trailer/tractor combo, and helps with labor activities when not needed in a truck. He is company minded and eager to help wherever is needed.

Steve Long - Truck Driver

Steve joined our team in March of 2019 after nearly 20 years in the freight business. He is a full-time truck driver for our company and assists with operating equipment as needed to continue to expand his experience in the seat of earthmoving machines. During the winter, Steve helps with equipment maintenance in our shop.

Terry Nason - Truck Driver

Terry is a retired potato farmer and native to Aroostook County. He joined J. McLaughlin Construction in 2020 as dump truck driver to work during the summer months. Terry brings great driving skills and a positive attitude to the team. We are thankful to have Terry on board. 

Jordan McNinch - Truck Driver & Operator in Training

Jordan started at JMC in 2022 after several years working in the retail industry working for a local lumber yard company. Prior to that, Jordan had several years of building construction experience. Jordan began as a dump truck driver and went on to obtain his Class A driver’s license. He now operates dump trucks and our lowbed from time to time. Most recently, Jordan has begun operating as the opportunity arises and his natural abilities lead us to believe that Jordan will become an operator for our company in the future. We are thrilled to have Jordan part of our team.