In 1977, Howard Brown took a leap of faith. After years in construction, he knew the industry inside and out. With a sharp eye for detail and a strong work ethic, he decided to build something of his own and launched Brown Atlantic. Nearly 50 years later, his sons are now stepping into leadership roles. They are blending the lessons from their father with new perspectives, and Brown Atlantic is ready to face the future with a strong, united vision.
What set Howard apart is his super spatial intelligence, a rare ability to visualize spaces before they’re built. He can walk onto an empty lot and see the finished project in his mind, down to the smallest details. To him, these aren’t just construction projects. This is art. That instinct has helped him turn many raw spaces into functional, well-designed properties. Where others might see challenges, he sees possibilities. A tight lot or a tricky elevation aren’t obstacles to Howard, just pieces of a puzzle waiting to be solved. Over the years, his business grew, earning an impressive reputation for quality and collaboration.
But success didn’t come overnight. Construction is an industry built on trust, and Howard knew that every project was an opportunity to prove himself. He prioritized relationships, working closely with architects, engineers and clients to ensure that every detail met his high standards. His reputation spread, not just because of the quality of his work, but because of the way he worked: with integrity, patience and a commitment to getting it right. That approach laid a foundation strong enough to support not just buildings, but a family legacy.
His sons, Rudder and Kep, spent their summers on job sites, learning the ropes. “We weren’t just swinging hammers,” Rudder recalled. “Dad made sure we understood the work.” Those lessons stuck, and after college, both sons returned to the family business, bringing fresh ideas while staying true to the foundation their father built. “The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason,” Kep said. “What’s ahead matters most. Even if there’s no immediate benefit, it’s about seeing the bigger picture.”
Their background in sports has also shaped their business philosophy. Rudder played football at The Citadel and Kep played baseball at University of North Carolina Wilmington. They are both back-to-back conference champions and see a direct connection between athletics and construction. “It’s about competition, staying at the top of your game and working as a team,” Rudder explained. “You don’t win championships without preparation and trust in your teammates. Business is the same way.” This approach laid a strong foundation for the boys, and by the time they were ready to step into larger roles, they knew they had earned their place.
That teamwork extends beyond the Browns themselves. Brown Atlantic doesn’t just build structures; they collaborate with homeowners to bring their visions to life. Every project is a partnership, and the best results come from a process built on mutual respect and clear communication. Clients aren’t just hiring a contractor. They’re choosing a team that listens, develops a shared vision and works with them every step of the way. “There are a lot of people in this business, but we work differently,” Howard explained. “Ninety percent of what we do is working with the owners to bring their vision to life. It’s not about us, it’s about them.”
As the business evolves, the Browns remain committed to what matters most: quality work and strong relationships. “You’re only as good as your last project,” Rudder said. “Following up with clients, checking in, it’s all part of the job.” For Howard, success isn’t just about profit. “Trust God, trust yourself, surround yourself with positivity and success will follow,” he stated. That philosophy has built more than a business, it has built a legacy — one that Rudder and Kep are ready to carry forward for years to come.
By Allyah Harrar
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