In 1974, James “Jim” Ragland established J.E. Ragland Construction, Inc., specializing in concrete work, a craft he mastered under the guidance of his father, Ed Ragland, and his uncle, Elding Lee. By 1992, Jim expanded into the supply industry, founding Ragland Supply, Inc. with the vision that his son, Jason E. Ragland, would one day manage it. However, newly married and soon to welcome his first child, Jason opted for a more traditional career path. Though he pursued other opportunities, Jason’s passion for construction and business, much like his father’s, never waned.
Jason’s journey took him from the construction industry to working in the nuclear sector, where he was employed at a uranium enrichment facility. It was here that Jason truly embraced the principle of "safety as a lifestyle." His ability to connect with both management and hourly personnel earned him a spot on the facility’s safety committee. Reflecting on his upbringing, Jason credits his father's mentorship for his ability to balance the perspectives of both laborers and clients. Whether in the field, digging trenches, or attending high-level meetings with clients and officials, Jason remembered his father’s guiding words: “We all put our pants on one leg at a time. Never forget where we came from.”
Over the years, Jason gained invaluable experience working on projects across various sectors, including sewage treatment plants, schools, universities, prisons, manufacturing facilities, airports, and government buildings. This hands-on experience shaped his ability to overcome the complex challenges of modern construction.
In 2013, Jason left the construction field to care for his father, whose health was rapidly declining. He pursued a career in nursing to become his father’s primary caregiver, earning his registered nurse certification in May 2015. Jason remained at his father’s side, helping his mother care for him until Jim’s passing in December 2019.
Although Jason continued his nursing career—working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021—his heart remained in construction. In September 2022, Jason founded Ragland Construction & Supply, LLC, fulfilling his lifelong passion. He officially left nursing in August 2023 to focus entirely on growing the business, training employees to embrace a safety-first culture, and providing the high-quality services that Ragland Construction & Supply, LLC stands for today.
With years of real-world experience and knowledge passed down from his father, Jason is committed to carrying forward the legacy of his family. “Never forget where we came from” continues to be the company’s driving principle.