Remnant Construction: A Leap Fueled by Conviction and a Push from Home
“Trust your gut and run your own race. Everyone will tell you what to do based on what benefits them but only you can learn the lessons meant for you.”
— Brandon Nobile, Co-Founder, Remnant Construction
A Leap Fueled by Conviction and a Push from Home
The story of Remnant Construction began long before the company incorporated. Brandon Nobile and his partners had worked together for nearly two decades across two major construction firms. They loved the work, but the company’s changed leadership shifted ownership priorities drifted, and the culture stopped reflecting the values the team believed in.
They left one company hoping the next would be better. It was not. The promises did not match reality. Something had to give. They had been talking for months about starting their own firm but talk only gets you so far. The turning point came when his wife finally said the words that forced a decision:
“You can either go in there and quit today, or you’re never allowed to talk to me about this again.”
So, he walked in and resigned. The next day, every one of his partners did the same.
It was a leap without a safety net, but their clients followed. Even those they tried to transition away insisted on staying with them. Remnant Construction officially began on December 18, 2017, and by January 2, 2018, they had already broken ground on their first building. The momentum never slowed.
Why “Remnant”?
As public construction has consolidated among massive national firms, Brandon and his team felt that something essential had been lost the personal, community-anchored, relationship-driven approach they believed produced better buildings and better partnerships.
Large companies often prioritize volume, efficiency at scale, and shareholder demands over client needs or local nuances. Remnant Construction was founded as the opposite of that philosophy.
They wanted the good parts of big-company experience sophisticated processes, technical expertise, advanced planning without the baggage: bureaucracy, indifference, and a one-size-fits-all model that does not reflect how wildly different even neighboring municipalities can be.
“We were the last ones left who wanted to do things the right way,” Brandon says. “The remnant.”
Owning Their Market; Not the World
Remnant Construction focuses intentionally on the Treasure Coast and surrounding regions, staying largely within an hour of their Fort Pierce headquarters. Their strength comes from knowing every nuance of the local environment permitting, statutes, procurement, politics, subcontractor networks, and fast-growing municipalities like Port St. Lucie, now one of the top 10 fastest-growing areas in the country.
Their specialty is complex public sector work, including K–12 schools, fire stations, and major municipal buildings where compliance with state procurement statutes is essential. Brandon describes the process as high-stakes and intensely competitive filled with protests and scrutiny which is why mastery of statutes and procedural accuracy is critical.
They augment these core projects with select commercial work such as retail centers, medical offices, and industrial warehouses.
Flexible, Nimble, and Built for the Work That Matters
Brandon describes Remnant Construction as a frigate among aircraft carriers. They can turn faster. They can adapt instantly. They can make decisions without layers of middle management. Everyone sells. Everyone executes. Everyone is accountable.
Large contractors often need volume. Remnant Construction does not and does not want to. Brandon prefers to remain known for quality over quantity.
“I’d rather not be the biggest,” he says. “I’d rather be the one people trust.”
Their business model centers on steady, sustainable revenue, not rapid expansion to avoid the problems that can destroy contractors who grow too fast. They target around $50 million in annual revenue, enough to grow modestly and maintain quality without overextending.
This year they will finish just under $30 million, with a backlog of $40 million heading into next year.
Built on Relationships, Not Bids
Where many construction firms chase jobs through blind bidding, Remnant Construction secures many new projects through long-standing relationships. Brandon and his partners have spent 20 years building trust with districts, municipalities, and private clients across the region.
Because of that trust, they often know years in advance which projects are on the horizon. Their challenge is not finding work; it is saying no to people they do not want to disappoint.
“Once you become a solution, everyone wants you to solve a problem,” Brandon says. “But if you take everything, you grow too fast. And then you fail the people who trust you most.”
A Culture That Feels Like Home
Remnant Construction’s culture emerged organically. During COVID, only Brandon and one partner came into the office they began eating lunch together out of necessity. That ritual turned into a company-wide tradition.
Today, everyone in the office eats together. Fridays mean catered lunch. Conversations flow. Employees are encouraged to handle client interactions in their own authentic voice. Brandon believes leadership should empower not micromanage. Employees know the standard; they are trusted to uphold it.
The company has grown to 32 full-time employees, including a mix of seasoned veterans and young professionals learning the craft. The older staff provide mentorship, real-world expertise, and industry knowledge that could otherwise be lost in a field where the average worker age has climbed dramatically from 32 in the early 2000s to somewhere between 42 and 50 today.
Giving Back to the Community That Raised Them
Remnant Construction operates with a community-first philosophy. Every partner grew up locally. Every project they build becomes part of the community they live in. Their commitment goes far beyond construction they sponsor many events and fundraisers in town, sit on boards, and give generously. Brandon alone serves on:
- The Fort Pierce Affordable Housing Authority – Commissioner
- The St Lucie County Cultural Alliance – Chair
- Guardians for New Futures – Chair
- The St. Lucie County Education Foundation – Vice Chair / Immediate Past Chair
- Lucie County Economic Development Council – Executive Board Member
- United Against Poverty – Board Member
- Lucie County Chamber of Commerce- Board Member
Together, Remnant Construction will surpass $200,000 in philanthropic giving this year. As Brandon puts it:
“I did not come from a lot, everything I am is from here. To be able to stay where I’m from, build a business, and be successful I would be an asshole if I was not giving back.”
Challenges That Shape a Company
Remnant Construction knew how to build buildings, but they had no idea how to run a company.
“The accountant was not the problem. The IT guy was not the problem. I was the problem,” Brandon laughs, describing his crash course in business operations.
The company has grown at breakneck speed, with nearly 100% growth from 2023 to 2024 and another 50% expected this year. Growth brings pressure. More employees. More expectations. More complexity. And above all, the weight of responsibility for people’s jobs, families, and livelihoods is important.
Proudly From Florida and Building Its Future
Brandon grew up in the very county where he now builds schools. His kindergarten photo goes into his K–12 proposals “Working in your school since 1989.”
Florida’s pro-business environment, population growth, and rapid residential expansion make it a strong place to operate. Hurricanes create challenges, but policy stability and economic momentum outweigh the risks.
Advice for Entrepreneurs
Brandon’s advice comes straight from experience hard-earned, unfiltered, and grounded in truth:
“Trust your gut. Run your own race. Everyone will tell you what to do, but it is usually based on how it benefits them. You need to learn your own lessons.”
“If you’re stuck working in someone else’s system, you’re stuck working in someone else’s system.”
And finally:
“We jumped off the cliff and built the parachute on the way down. Sometimes that is the only way.”
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GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch (FLCTW)
The Florida Companies to Watch program, hosted annually by GrowFL, celebrates top second-stage companies across the state for their impressive growth and entrepreneurial success. This prestigious program recognizes 50 standout businesses each year, chosen from hundreds of nominees. Honorees are celebrated for their innovation, economic impact on Florida’s economy, and the ability to scale effectively. Through FLCTW, GrowFL not only acknowledges these companies’ achievements but also brings them into a spotlight that enhances their visibility in the marketplace. The event offers an extraordinary opportunity for networking, sharing best practices, and gaining exposure to potential investors and partners, making it a cornerstone for fostering business growth and recognition within Florida’s vibrant business community.
