Meet Dustin at Brown Construction

Chief Financial Officer | 19 Years of Service

At Brown Construction, strong leadership behind the scenes plays a critical role in supporting our people and projects. This month, we’re highlighting Dustin Hershberger, our Chief Financial Officer, who will celebrate 20 years with Brown Construction this May.

Over the past two decades, Dustin has helped build the financial systems, operational structure, and strategic support that allow our teams across the country to succeed.

From CPA to Construction Leadership

Before joining Brown Construction, Dustin worked as a CPA in Lincoln, Nebraska, developing a strong background in accounting and finance. He first became familiar with Brown Construction through a family connection to the Brown family.

What ultimately drew him to the company was the passion and integrity of the leadership team—values that continue to define the culture at Brown Construction today.

A Role That Changes Every Day

As CFO, Dustin’s day-to-day responsibilities are anything but routine.

Some days are spent working through cost analysis and balancing the books, while others involve technology troubleshooting, legal correspondence, or insurance negotiations. His role often shifts depending on the needs of the company.

No matter the task, his focus remains the same: helping the Brown Construction team succeed by stepping in wherever challenges arise.

Building Systems That Support Growth

While many roles in construction focus on specific projects, Dustin’s work is often behind the scenes. One of the accomplishments he’s most proud of is helping develop the accounting and information systems that support Brown Construction’s operations and growth.

Rather than pointing to a single project, he takes pride in the collective work our team has accomplished across the country.

Navigating Challenges Together

One of the most challenging seasons during Dustin’s time at Brown Construction was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry faced major disruptions, including supply chain delays and rising inflation.

Through adaptability and teamwork, the company successfully worked through those challenges.

Looking back, Dustin believes the experience ultimately made the organization stronger and more resilient.

Growing Beyond Accounting

Over the years, Dustin’s professional development has expanded far beyond finance. His role has allowed him to gain significant experience in areas such as contract law, technology systems, and human resources.

That broad knowledge base allows him to support the company in many ways and continue contributing to its long-term success.

A Culture Built on Attitude, Character, and Excellence

When asked to describe the culture at Brown Construction, Dustin points to three core principles:

Attitude, Character, and Excellence. "We strive to maintain a company culture which rewards bringing a positive attitude to work, conducting business with integrity, and striving for excellence daily."

Of those values, character stands out most to Dustin.

“Who you are will always precede what you do,” he says. “Your attitude and excellence are a product of your character.”

Mentorship and Leadership

Throughout his time at Brown Construction, Dustin has been mentored by Todd Brown and Mike Leigh, both personally and professionally.

Their leadership and commitment to integrity have had a lasting impact on how Dustin approaches his own role and leadership within the company.

The Challenge of Each Day

What motivates Dustin to come to work every day is the challenge itself.

Every day presents a different puzzle, and he enjoys the process of identifying problems and finding solutions that help the company and team move forward.

Life Outside the Office

Outside of work, Dustin enjoys spending time with his wife, Breann, and their three boys: Mason, Miles, and Merit.

He stays active through fitness, golf, sports, and coaching, often sharing those interests with his family.

A fun fact many coworkers may not know is that Dustin grew up showing quarter horses and traveled across the country competing in horse shows.

Looking Ahead

Looking toward the future, Dustin plans to continue serving Brown Construction in whatever ways the company needs.

He’s also excited about the opportunities ahead for the construction industry. As the workforce continues to age, he believes there will be significant opportunities for younger generations to bring energy and innovation into the field.

Advice for Future Team Members

For anyone considering a career at Brown Construction, Dustin offers simple advice: Work hard, be diligent, and act professionally.

Consistent effort and performance don’t go unnoticed. And for those looking for a place to build a career? “If you enjoy working hard with a good group of people,” Dustin says, “you’ll struggle to find a better place to work.”

Why the Work Matters

While Dustin’s role is often behind the scenes, he finds purpose in the impact Brown Construction’s work has on communities.

The buildings our team creates become lasting spaces where people are served, continuing to make a difference long after construction is complete.

And for Dustin, seeing those long-term impacts is a constant reminder of why the work matters.

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