Agate Construction is Founded in 1981, Agate Construction is based in Clermont, New Jersey, approximately 20 miles south of Atlantic City and 50 miles southeast of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. James E. Johnston, Jr., chairman and CEO, is a civil engineering graduate of Manhattan College and licensed professional engineer. After starting with the Nuclear Division of the Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. and then with Scientific Design, an international petrochemical design/build firm, Johnston gravitated to southern New Jersey and worked for two area contractors, becoming well versed in the nuances of the state’s heavy highway and marine construction industry before starting Agate Construction. In 1992 Johnston’s son James, III, a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, joined the company. Since that time he has served in various capacities from project manager to director of operations. In June 2004, Johnston was named president of Agate.