Former NFL Player Changing Game Across the Coast, Combining Construction with Science

Living and working along the Gulf Coast comes with benefits and challenges not found in other parts of the country. That’s why it’s important to hire a contractor who understands those factors.

On Thursday, Aug. 22, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome Beacon Contracting to the area as the company cements its place in the business community. The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. at 12261 Hwy. 49, Unit 7, in Gulfport’s Acadian Plaza.

Founded by former Mississippi State and NFL linebacker Richie Brown, Beacon Contracting offers science-backed building services as a proactive way to combat the high humidity, salty air, hurricanes and other storms that affect residential and commercial construction in the southernmost portion of the Magnolia State.

“While all reputable contractors follow codes and ordinances in order to pass inspection, it’s the measures we take behind the walls that make our builds stand out,” said Brown. “In addition to meeting wind resistance, exposure and elevation requirements, we specialize in techniques to improve air quality, moisture control and, ultimately, longevity. By doing so, we feel confident that our structures will stand the test of time.”

Brown, a Long Beach native who holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology and a master’s degree in business, takes every opportunity to educate his clients on modern building techniques. He’s also laser-focused on transparent bookkeeping so his clients fully understand each line item and where every dollar of their hard-earned money goes. 

“After the NFL, I was very fortunate to begin my construction career under an upstanding, knowledgable mentor,” he said. “Through that experience, I learned I wanted to branch out and really make a difference as both a residential and commercial contractor right here in my own backyard. I saw a gap in the market that needed to be filled, and starting my own company was the next logical step. My hope is that Beacon’s practices will become the new standard in construction.”

Brown added with the building boom spreading across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it’s an exciting time for the area and he wants to make his mark through finding better, research-driven ways to build. He also wants to put his values of honesty and integrity above all else.

“We’ve found that construction sometimes can be overwhelming and full of unknowns for the average homeowner or investor, and they simply want to hire someone they can trust,” he continued. “That’s a big deal to us at Beacon. Not only do we strive to provide products that are multigenerational in nature, but we want to help our clients feel comfortable with what often is their largest investment.”

In addition, multiple studies have shown that people spend up to 90% of their lives indoors where the concentrations of some pollutants are often two-to-five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. That’s where paying attention to what’s behind the walls comes in.

“Thanks to advances in technology, we can work with architects and other professionals to minimize interior emissions,” said Brown. “By optimizing ventilation and filtration — and creating different zones for different uses — we can positively affect our clients’ safety, well-being and quality of life.”

Beacon Contracting is one of the Gulf Coast's fastest growing construction firms, specializing in custom homes and private commercial builds. They are set apart for their expertise in high-performance building-science practices in both arenas. Committed to excellence, Beacon operates with a strong focus on innovation and efficiency. Learn more at beaconbuilt.us or check them out on Facebook and Instagram.