A Conversation with Build Mississippi’s President
We sat down with the president himself, Brent Bean, and heard all about his start with Build Mississippi, his passions, and what he has in store for the organization. Let’s spill the beans.
Q: Why did you want to get involved with Build Mississippi?
A: Being able to tell young people in our state about the different pathways to a great career and life sounded exciting to me. Especially when I could prove to them they didn’t have to leave the state to build a great life for themselves. I saw too many students being pressured into the same narrow definition of success—high test scores and four-year college admission. I wanted to jump at the opportunity to break that cycle.
Q: What hesitations did you have about that kind of mission?
A: My main concerns were: How difficult will it be to change people’s mindsets about what a successful career could look like? How receptive will the education system be to embracing our message? Worries about those led to many afternoon loaded teas, ha. Over the years, though, I’m excited and grateful to say that those worries have been eased.
Not only have we seen a huge shift in the general population’s perception of a construction career, but we are also welcomed and invited by school administrators, counselors, and principals across the state to come and speak to their students.
Q: Okay, let’s back up. We know you didn’t just start as the president, so tell us, what’s your journey been like at Build Mississippi?
A: Ha, well, you’re right about that, it took a few years to get here. I began as North Central Area Director, where I built relationships with schools and learned firsthand about the challenges those instructors faced. After a while, I transitioned to the role of Vice President of Adult Craft Training. Overseeing our apprenticeships and short-term classes in this role made me aware of the challenges contractors faced when hiring. The last area I needed exposure to was the inner workings of our organization, and our former president, Mike Barkett, gave me just that.
Because of my experience, I saw the huge impact we could make on Mississippi, so when the opportunity came, I jumped at the chance to make a difference as Build Mississippi’s president.
Q: What motivates you to continue to grow the construction workforce of Mississippi?
A: It’s the people – always has been. We have the privilege of giving fellow Mississippians the chance to change their lives with not just a job… but a long-lasting, rewarding career. A career they can be proud of every day when they go home.
I truly believe construction careers can be life-changing for people and their families. What’s more motivating than that?
Q: Well, aren’t you a sap. What are your top priorities for Build Mississippi right now?
A: We want to continue to reach the untapped communities in our state. So many Mississippians are still unaware of the success they could have in construction. Thankfully, we have made great strides in partnering with more and more schools across the state, which helps get the message to more and more students in those areas. Up next for us is the homeschooling sector and continuing to enhance our current career and technical centers.
With these efforts, we’re making sure every Mississippi student can consider a career in the trades.
Q: How is the construction industry evolving in Mississippi?
A: Technology is rapidly changing the construction industry. Our state’s economy is booming and shows no signs of slowing down. There is also going to be a mass worker shortage in the next decade as boomers retire, as in 100,000 jobs will need to get filled…
With technology advancements and boomer retirement, there are endless opportunities for people to find a construction career and have a hand in building Mississippi.
Q: We’re not naïve to the fact that this job is a tall order: trying to educate an entire state on the perks of the trades. What keeps you going?
A: In short, my faith. I know that the Lord has me here right now, and it’s my duty as a follower of Christ to embrace that daily and give it my all. Sometimes when I carry the stress home, my wife reminds me of the impact we’re making – that Build Mississippi is helping change lives for the better. It’s been a privilege to see countless students grow to become business owners, project managers, and superintendents.
Many of them credit their success to us showing them the possibilities in construction, but I know Who really deserves the praise.
Q: Before we let you leave for hunting camp, what advice do you have for the next generation of builders?
A: God created you for a purpose. Use the unique characteristics He’s given you and do what you love so that each day you can go home with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Just know that if that job is in construction… the sky is the limit.