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.

Raymond Dow - Consultant

Raymond is the former owner of R.G. Dow Company. Since 2012, he has served as a Consultant for J. McLaughlin Construction and works in the field day-to-day to help with operating and daily job tasks. Raymond brings more than 45 years of experience in the industry to the company.

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.

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.

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. 

Dennis Harvey - Truck Driver & Laborer

Dennis joined our team in 2017 as a truck driver and laborer after relocating back to the Houlton area. He has extensive driving experience and takes great pride in his work, his truck, and the outcome of our projects. 

Steve Long - Truck Driver & Operator in Training

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.

Priscilla Dow - Administrative Assistant

Priscilla is no new face to the industry as she was formerly with R.G. Dow Construction and when we purchased the company in 2012 she came on board part-time continuing her 35+ years experience with J. McLaughlin Construction. Priscilla handles our payroll, accounts receivables as well as accounts payable. We are very fortunate to have her and she helps to make sure day-to-day office operations run smoothly.