At Crain Construction, relationships have always been at the heart of how we do business. That’s why we’re grateful for the opportunity to spotlight Tom Gregory, our Director of Business Development. Since joining Crain in September 2024, Tom has already made a big impact with his energy, perspective, and industry experience.
With a background in civil engineering and an MBA from the University of Kentucky, Tom’s career has spanned leadership roles across construction, engineering, design, and building materials firms. But for him, business development is rooted in building trust.
“A lot of what I do is being the face of Crain out in the market,” Tom explains. “It’s about finding new opportunities and forming new relationships that can grow into long-term partnerships. That starts with visibility and continues with follow-through and consistency.”
Familiar Faces, Shared Values
Tom’s connection to Crain actually began long before he joined the team. During his years with Butler Manufacturing, he worked closely with Crain as one of their Butler Builders.
“I met the Rankins about 15 years ago,” he says. “Even then, I could tell the people at Crain were the real deal. There’s a strong reputation in the market, and the fact that so many of the same people are still here speaks volumes about the culture.”
A culture rooted in collaboration, respect, and a willingness to grow was a major reason Tom decided to come on board.
“What’s impressed me most is Crain’s openness to new ideas,” he says. “They’ve been around for more than 90 years, but they’re still nimble, still evolving. Not every company with that kind of legacy is willing to try something new or listen to different perspectives. Here, the leadership team genuinely wants to grow and create opportunities for the next generation.”
Bringing Local Expertise to the Table
Tom sees Crain’s local knowledge as a major differentiator in a quickly changing market.
“Nashville’s development landscape has transformed dramatically,” he explains. “There are so many new players who may not know Crain’s history. That’s why it’s important for us to be out there, telling our story and showing what makes us different, especially when it comes to navigating local permitting or adding value through design-build expertise.”
At Crain, he says, wins don’t happen in a vacuum.
“Chasing the deal is fun, but closing it as a team is even better,” Tom says. “I might be the one who finds an opportunity, but it takes everyone—estimators, project managers, our executive team—to bring it across the finish line. That kind of collaboration is what makes this place special.”
Tom is especially proud of Crain’s ability to deliver in a design-build approach, which allows the team to get involved earlier in a project and create more value for the client. “That’s when we’re at our best—working side by side with the architect, solving problems early, and keeping budgets on track.”
Planting Roots in Middle Tennessee
Originally from Virginia Beach, he moved to the area in 2014 with his wife and two sons. Now settled in Franklin, he says they’re happy to call Middle Tennessee home.
“We’ve lived a few different places, but this is where we want to stay. My father lives nearby now, and we’re close to my wife’s family in Kentucky, so it feels like we’ve found our spot.”
Through his personal relationships, his strategic thinking, and his shared vision for the future, Tom’s approach to business development reflects Crain’s values: integrity, teamwork, and a long-term mindset.
