Building Together: Jason Bergeron Celebrates 10 Years at RNGD
From Employee Number 53 to Infrastructure Leader: A Decade of Growth and Impact
When Jason Bergeron joined RNGD a decade ago, the company’s infrastructure division didn’t exist. As the third member of what would become a robust infrastructure team and the 53rd employee overall, Bergeron saw an opportunity to help build something from the ground up.
“The company I came from had everything already in place, equipment, people, systems. I was just another employee,” Bergeron recalled. “I’d always wondered what it would be like to help build something from the very beginning. So, when Brett and Stephen approached me with their vision, I knew I had to be part of it.”
From Construction Company to Learning Organization
Reflecting on RNGD’s evolution over the past decade, Bergeron identifies a fundamental shift in the company’s identity that extends beyond growth metrics.
“At first, we were a construction company. Now, I think we’re a learning company,” he explained. “I still learn from people who just got here. A new team member might come up with an idea I’ve never thought of. And if it’s not the right idea, it’s still a teaching moment. That’s part of the culture now.”
This philosophy has shaped Bergeron’s approach to leadership. Rather than simply directing teams, he focuses on developing problem-solving capabilities. “I ask, ‘How would you fix it?’ Most of the time, they already know. They just need reassurance,” he said.
Projects That Define a Career
Among the numerous projects Bergeron has led, two stand out for their lasting impact. The Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art represents work that continues to serve visitors from around the world. “People from all over the world visit the sculpture garden and museum, and everything we built is still there on display,” Bergeron noted.
However, his proudest achievement came early in his RNGD tenure: successfully building four-by-four-foot box culverts for a hotel project using only temporary workers. “I didn’t think we could do it without experienced guys, but it turns out you just have to push people in the right direction,” he said.
The Renegade Mentality in Action
Bergeron embodies RNGD’s renegade approach to problem-solving, particularly when facing New Orleans’s challenging subsurface conditions. His philosophy is straightforward: “Put a plan together, get it done. Don’t be afraid of it, just go do it.”
This mentality extends to how he mentors team members. Bergeron starts with context, explaining the community impact of each project—whether it’s a new building, a restored historic structure, or critical infrastructure like a pump station. This approach helps teams understand the broader significance of their work before tackling technical challenges.
Building Leaders, Not Just Projects
When asked which RNGD core value resonates most deeply, Bergeron points to “Build Together.”
“In the last four or five years, I’ve realized it’s more important to build a team than just to get the work done,” he explained. “I used to focus on profit and projects. But I’ve learned people are more important than the work and building leaders is the goal.”
This shift in perspective has informed Bergeron’s vision for RNGD’s future. While he anticipates continued growth in green infrastructure, bridge work, and deep infrastructure projects, his focus remains on people. “I hope we’re a billion-dollar company. But more importantly, I hope the core group of people who’ve been here since the beginning are still here for the next 10. We’ve done this together.”
Beyond the Jobsite
Outside of construction, Bergeron maintains diverse interests that reflect his hands-on approach to life. He manages more than 70 beehives, continuing a family tradition his father started with 1,400 hives decades ago. Today, his family runs Bergeron’s Honey Supply, selling raw honey locally.
Bergeron is also an avid skydiver, a passion that began two years ago with a gift jump. “I was nervous the whole way up, but three seconds after I jumped, I fell in love with it. I landed and asked when I could go again,” he said. Since then, Bergeron has completed dozens of solo jumps and introduced several RNGD team members to the sport.
He also builds engines in his spare time, another skill passed down from his father. As Bergeron puts it: “If I have to do it, it’s work. If I want to do it, it’s fun.”
