Sargent Corporation: a legacy of building people and projects

COURTESY OF GENERAL DYNAMICS BATH IRON WORKS

Approaching its 100^th anniversary, Sargent Corporation has been a pillar of Maine’s heavy civil construction industry since its founder, Herbert E. Sargent, began hiring out his REO dump truck during Maine’s warmer months. What started as a one-truck operation has grown into a company of over 525 employee-owners working across New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Headquartered in Orono, Maine, Sargent operates from regional offices in Fremont, New Hampshire; Ashland, Virginia; and Greensboro, North Carolina. The company specializes in site work, airport and highway construction, landfill projects, underground utility installations, renewable energy projects, environmental remediation, steel fabrication, and the supply of aggregates and asphalt.

Central to Sargent’s legacy is its commitment to its people. Leadership, including CEO Herbert R. Sargent—grandson of the founder, has prioritized preserving the company’s culture. After seeing the original H.E. Sargent company pass through multiple owners, Herb R. Sargent re-established control of the business in 2005, merging their construction company, Sargent & Sargent, with the original firm to form Sargent Corporation.

In 2013, the company took a transformative step by converting to a 100% employee-owned business through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This move addressed succession planning and safeguarded the company’s culture. The ESOP gave employees a direct stake in the company’s success, fostering a shared sense of purpose and ownership.

The company has weathered tough economic seasons and tackled complex projects, including big-box retail developments, landfill projects, and airport constructions in Maine and Virginia. This period of growth saw the rise of leaders such as Douglas Morrison P.E., Vice President of New England Operations, and Justin Porter, Vice President of Mid-Atlantic Operations—both of whom exemplify Sargent’s dedication to promoting talent from within.

In 2018, Sargent’s leadership sought to enhance its operations by inviting employee-owners from all levels to participate in strategic planning. This initiative led to the establishment of Sargent’s Core Purpose and Values. The Core Purpose—“To build and be faithful stewards of the Sargent legacy and the resources entrusted to us”—honors the company’s history while guiding its future. The Core Values—Investing in People, Honing Our Craft, Doing the Right Thing, and Winning in the Field—anchor the company’s culture and decision-making.

Sargent’s commitment to its values is evident in its projects. A standout example is the Back Cove West Storage Conduit project in Portland, Maine, completed in 2023. This complex project involved installing precast concrete box culverts below sea level, requiring extensive collaboration and innovation. Superintendent Adam Tenan led the team in designing a solution that minimized bedrock removal and trench depth, utilizing custom equipment such as a specialized widened excavator and a gantry crane. The project’s success earned Sargent its first national AGC Build America Award in 2024.

As the company nears its centennial in 2026, it remains focused on strategic growth, such as expanding into North Carolina, while maintaining its core values. In 2024, Eric Ritchie was named President and COO, working with Herb R. Sargent to continue fostering mentorship and growth within the company.

Sargent’s story is about resilience, innovation, and dedication to its people. From a single dump truck to its current role as a leader in heavy civil construction, the company continues to build exceptional projects and careers. Looking ahead, Sargent’s next century will be defined by the same foundational commitment to its people, projects, and purpose.

For more information, visit www.sargent.us and listen to the “On Track” podcast on iTunes and Spotify.