Business View Magazine - Nov 2023

51 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 11 BRANTLEY CONSTRUCT ION “We had a huge Covid influx here in Lake Placid, Highlands County. We did not shut down for Covid. We did not quarantine,” Brantley says. This decision to remain operational during the pandemic proved to be a pivotal moment for the company, as it attracted a new wave of clients seeking a weekend retreat away from the locked-down South Florida. “This past January 1st, I believe we had 18 homes under construction. This coming January 1st, we’ll probably have six or so, which is back to the normal amount of homes as far as custom homes.” Brantley also reflects on the construction cost changes: “Prior to Covid, our average cost per square foot was in the $95 range. Now, we’re in the $165 a square foot range.” This significant increase has prompted a change in the company’s operations. “We’ve had to change some of our procedures regarding how we order things. Now, once we sign the contract, we have to order everything immediately,” he explains. The labor shortage presents a significant