In honor of Veterans Day this week, Justice Design News presents a Q&A with Brandon Langerud, a project manager with JE Dunn Construction. Langerud served in the Air National Guard as a Staff Sergeant and has been with JE Dunn for 11 years. Today, he brings that experience to his work in the federal and justice construction sector, including his involvement with the Whittaker Courthouse façade replacement project.
This interview explores how Brandon’s military experience has influenced his approach to teamwork, decision-making, and leadership; what drew him to federal and justice construction; and what it means to help deliver facilities that support courts, public safety agencies and other essential public services.
How does your Air National Guard experience show up in the way you lead a project team today?
As an aircraft mechanic, I was responsible for maintaining assigned aircraft, including preventive maintenance, documentation and verification. That work required close attention to detail because overlooking even a small item could have serious consequences.
I bring that same mindset to project management at JE Dunn Construction. I want the team to understand the path from start to finish, know their individual responsibilities and consistently follow up, verify and document the work. When everyone understands their role and stays focused on the details, the entire team is better positioned to succeed.
What drew you to the construction industry?
I’ve always been mechanically inclined and curious about how things are built. Even as a kid, I enjoyed building with LEGOs and figuring out how different components worked together.
That interest continued through construction work in high school and college, related coursework and my military experience as an aircraft mechanic.
I was drawn to construction because it gave me the chance to solve problems, work with others and see the results of our efforts.
On the Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse façade replacement, what was it like delivering major exterior work while the courthouse stayed open and in use?
It required constant communication and careful planning. The courthouse remained active throughout construction, with court proceedings, meetings and other daily activities continuing inside. At the same time, our work involved removing portions of the exterior, installing new steel and drilling into concrete, which could create significant noise and disruption.
We had to consider how each activity could affect the people using the building, especially during trials and court proceedings. Daily planning meetings brought together JE Dunn, our trade partners, the courts and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to review upcoming work and identify potential impacts. We also established direct communication channels so concerns could be reported and addressed quickly. That coordination allowed us to adapt the work to the courthouse’s needs and keep the project moving safely and efficiently.
Where do a military unit and a construction project team feel most alike?
In both environments, success depends on people understanding their responsibilities and working toward a shared goal. No mission or project is completed by one person working alone.
As an aircraft crew chief, I was primarily responsible for the aircraft, but I wasn’t an expert on every system. We relied on specialists in areas like hydraulics and avionics, and part of my responsibility was knowing when to bring in that expertise. A construction project operates in much the same way. The project manager helps lead the effort, but success depends on people with specialized knowledge who understand their roles and know when to engage the right resources.
Nothing is accomplished in a silo. Everyone has an important role to play, and the team must work together.
What responsibility comes with building facilities that courts, public safety agencies, and the public rely on?
You have to recognize that the work will impact people beyond the project’s immediate completion. These facilities must serve today’s staff and visitors, but they also need to remain safe, functional and dependable for the people who will use them in the future.
It’s important to remember that the work we execute today will have an impact on the people who use these facilities in the future. That’s why we approach every decision with care and focus on delivering quality that lasts.
This Veterans Day, what do you hope people across design and construction recognize about the veterans on their teams?
I hope people recognize the experience and perspective veterans can bring to a team. Many veterans have worked in fast-paced, unpredictable environments where staying calm, adapting quickly and creating order are essential.
Those skills translate well to the construction industry, where priorities can shift and many activities must be coordinated all at once. Veterans can provide a steady presence during uncertainty while helping the team remain focused on the mission and the work ahead.
What’s one lesson from your service that translates especially well to a construction project?
The importance of teamwork. Every person’s effort, attitude and commitment can shape the success of a project or mission.
There will always be challenges, but focusing on solutions and supporting the people around you can influence how the entire team responds. When everyone brings a positive mindset and a shared commitment to the goal, the team is better equipped to work through obstacles and succeed.
Brandon Langerud is a Project Manager with JE Dunn Construction specializing in complex federal, military, and healthcare projects. He holds a Master of Science in Construction Management and Sustainability from Colorado State University and brings extensive experience in project delivery, renovation, facility activation, and Initial Outfitting programs. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he helps guide projects through planning and execution with a focus on quality, risk management, and stakeholder alignment. A veteran of the North Dakota Air National Guard, he is passionate about delivering sustainable, high-performance facilities that provide lasting value.
