Milford alumnus Dwight Bishop
is a chief estimator for Brown Construction in Kearney. What makes the company
unique is its main focus is the design and construction of churches throughout
the nation.
“I really enjoy working with the churches from
the conceptual stage to the final construction bidding,” Bishop said. “The
church process is not very quick. It can take several years from concept through
fundraising and building. It is always very rewarding to complete the
construction of a church.”
Bishop
graduated from SCC Milford in 1997. He worked for various businesses before
settling at Brown Construction. Over the years he’s worked his way up the ladder
and loves his job.
“I was able to begin my career at Brown
Construction as a carpenter, moving up to a foreman, superintendent, general
superintendent, and now chief estimator,” he said. “Being able to learn all
areas of the building process allowed me to move up through the ranks and end
up where I am today.”
He was
initially attracted to SCC because of the hands-on experience he was gaining,
as well as the instructors having had real-world experience in the fields they
taught. He also made many lasting friendships with both students and
instructors.
“I enjoyed the level of training I received in so
many aspects of the construction trade, from laying brick to estimating,” he
recalled. “It was a well-rounded program.”
Because of
the onset of COVID-19, churches were changing the way services were being held,
which meant many of the church construction projects were put on hold. As a
result, Brown Construction branched out and took on other construction projects
throughout Nebraska.
“A few of the
projects we were recently awarded include the Kearney Community Tennis Facility,
the Lincoln County Jail in North Platte, and the Grant Swimming Pool.”
Bishop said he
plans to stay at Brown Construction until he retires, since he loves what he
does and the people he works with. When he’s not working, he enjoys turkey
hunting and spending time with his wife of 20 years, Tricia, his daughter
Ariana and his son Gavin.
If you have any
alumni feature ideas, please send them to agallagher@southeast.edu