Since childhood, Joshua McLaughlin knew he wanted to be in construction. He also knew that, if possible, he wanted to remain in Houlton.
Last year, McLaughlin opened his own business, J. McLaughlin Construction, LLC located within the first floor of the Ward Log Homes Executive Center Building.
During his formative high school years, he worked for Dickison & London, learning the excavation trade. He went on to college, graduating from the University of Maine at Orono in 2005 with a degree in construction management. During his summers, while in college, he interned with Sargent Corporation in Stillwater, furthering his knowledge learned while working at Dickison & London.
His first job out of college was with Buildings Etc. in Houlton. While he was back in Houlton working where he wanted to be, within the year he was restless of working in building construction and yearned to go back to his high school roots and work in earthwork. He contacted Herb Sargent at Sargent Corporation who hired him on the spot.
Shortly after he started working for Sargent, he was instrumental in laying out and overseeing environmental permitting procedures on the first commercial size windmill farm in Mars Hill. McLaughlin went on to become an expert in environmental work, layout and field supervision on many additional windmill projects and commercial heavy civil projects throughout the state.
During this time, he married the former Sarah King and they have three children; Dawson, 13; Sidda, 4; and Saylor, 2 years. While he was living in Houlton, he was spending too much time out of town, away from his family.
An opportunity came up and he purchased R.G. Dow Construction from Raymond Dow and his son Greg in May of 2012. Raymond Dow was looking to semi-retire.
McLaughlin said he felt that there was great opportunity in the southern Aroostook region for an experienced earthwork contractor. McLaughlin added that he brings to the table experience learned from two of the best firms in the state, Dickison & London and Sargent Corporation. He has the ability to lay out an entire site and set up grade lines as well as handle all environmental concerns which can arise on a site, especially on lake front properties. In addition, he has developed many contacts within the excavation business, which he can call upon as needed. Raymond and Greg are continuing to work with him and Brent Dickison joined the team this year as well.
He specializes in all earthwork projects from driveway repairs and installation to large commercial projects. His contact information is (207) 532-6335 or cell at (207) 694-2546.
