Earlier this year, Crain Construction welcomed a new face to the leadership team: Mark Hoffman, our Chief Financial Officer. While new to the company, Mark brings a seasoned perspective to the role with over 20 years of financial leadership experience rooted in construction and industrial operations.
With the retirement of longtime CFO Jim Pedigo, it was important to find someone who could step into the role with both technical knowledge and a relationship-driven leadership style. Mark checked both boxes. Since joining the team, he’s already made an impact by streamlining financial systems, reinforcing our long-term growth strategy, and embracing Crain’s core values with humility and enthusiasm.
A Numbers Guy with a People-First Approach
Mark grew up in Troy, Michigan, just outside of Detroit. Even though he’s lived in Nashville since 2010, he’s still a proud Michigan State Spartan and loyal fan of his hometown sports teams.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Michigan State and a master’s degree from Walsh College, Mark became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2010. He kicked off his career in public accounting with a focus on the construction industry. This experience shaped his appreciation for the complexity and long-term planning that construction work requires. Over the years, he served in leadership roles at Eco-Energy, an ethanol marketer and distributor, where he held positions as Assistant Controller, Director of FP&A, and Tax Director.
That diverse background gave Mark a broad lens on corporate finance and the ability to blend hands-on accounting with strategic planning, risk management, and compliance oversight.
Why Crain Felt Like Home from Day One
When a mutual friend introduced Mark to the opportunity at Crain, he was immediately intrigued. Though he didn’t personally know anyone at the company at the time, he had heard consistently positive things about the way Crain treats its employees and clients.
“From the first conversation, it was clear this was a place where people take pride in their work and in each other,” Mark says. “That culture was confirmed during the interview process, and I’ve seen examples of it every single day since I’ve joined.”
As CFO, Mark leads all aspects of Crain’s financial strategy by overseeing budgeting, forecasting, audits, cash flow, and compliance. He works closely with senior leadership to manage growth, mitigate risk, and ensure the business continues to operate with fiscal discipline and transparency.
“I’m still learning something new every day,” Mark says. “But it’s been a great experience so far getting to know the numbers and getting to know the people behind them.”
Guiding with Purpose and Principle
Mark describes his leadership style as hands-on but empowering. He believes in setting clear expectations, giving people the tools they need to succeed, and recognizing effort along the way.
“I try to lead by example,” he says. “For me, it’s about providing support, guidance, and opportunities for others to grow in their roles. I believe in positive reinforcement, but also in giving honest, constructive feedback that helps people improve.”
One value that particularly resonates with Mark is Crain’s commitment to “doing the right thing.”
“That mindset is real here, not just something written on a wall,” he says. “And it shows up in how we treat each other, how we work with clients, and how we make decisions.”
Life Outside the Office
When he’s not working, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife of nearly 13 years and their three children. As a family, they love being outdoors, especially spending time on the lake, traveling, and discovering new places together. Mark is also a big fan of live music, especially when singer-songwriters get the chance to tell the stories behind their songs.
If you’re looking for a life motto that captures Mark’s approach, it’s simple: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s a principle that shows up in how he approaches life and one that aligns perfectly with the culture we’re proud to maintain at Crain Construction.
Strategic Growth, Backed by Experience
As Crain continues to grow, having someone like Mark in the CFO seat ensures we’re managing our resources wisely and thinking strategically about the future. His expertise in construction finance and his thoughtful leadership approach make him a valuable asset to our team.
We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to the impact he’ll make in the years ahead.
