Jim Brown, President of J.R. Brown Construction, Inc., has built a career defined by craftsmanship, leadership, and dedication to his community. A 1985 graduate of the Carpentry program at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center, Jim credits his time at GACTC for providing the foundation on which he built a successful and respected career in construction.

After graduating, Jim founded J.R. Brown Construction, Inc. in 1989. What began as a small subcontracting business has grown into a leading general contracting firm serving residential and commercial clients across Central Pennsylvania. The company has earned numerous honors, including the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Small Business Award (2018), and has been recognized for quality craftsmanship and integrity.

Jim has also played a major role in advancing Pennsylvania’s construction industry. He has served as President of the Pennsylvania Builders Association and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Home Builders. Most recently, he accepted the position of Executive Officer for the Blair-Bedford Builders Association, where he continues to make a positive impact on the region’s building community and is leading ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand member engagement.

Among his many professional accomplishments, Jim recently completed a $3.5 million residential project in the Fox Chapel area of Pittsburgh, reflecting the high level of skill and leadership that define his work.

Originally from Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, Jim now resides in Hollidaysburg with his wife, Maureen. He has two children, Steven and Megan, who both live in Virginia. In his free time, Jim enjoys traveling with his wife and is currently working toward his Bachelor of Arts in History at Penn State. Jim’s commitment to quality, professionalism, and service stands as an inspiring example of where a GACTC education can lead.