Rebuilding Captiva Shores: How Benchmark Turned a Hurricane-Hit Community into a Symbol of Resilience
We’re proud to have been featured in a recent article highlighting our work on the long-awaited restoration of Captiva Shores—a project that became personal for us in more ways than one.
When Hurricane Ian hit Captiva Island in 2022, it left destruction in its wake. But for the residents of Captiva Shores, the real damage was in the waiting—nearly two years with stalled progress and no clear path forward. When we took over the project, we knew it wasn’t just about rebuilding structures; it was about restoring confidence and delivering results.
Today, that work is 90% complete. We’ve rebuilt six duplexes, two quads, and one home—transforming the site into a symbol of strength and renewal. But what made this project truly special was the team behind it. With a predominantly female-led management team, we approached this rebuild with both precision and empathy.
Project Manager Brandi Schulte led coordination with the HOA, while Sarah Vest worked one-on-one with homeowners to bring their vision back to life. Behind the scenes, Cassidee Rentsch kept things moving—handling permits and paperwork with tireless dedication. Together, our team made sure that communication was clear, progress was visible, and expectations were met with transparency every step of the way.
As Brad Nickel, our President, shared in the article:
"They just wanted progress because they hadn't had any in almost two years… What you ask for is what we give you, and if there's a problem, we handle it head-on."
Captiva Shores isn’t just another project in our portfolio—it’s a reflection of who we are. After Hurricane Ian, our own office was under five feet of water. We worked from our attic, juggling over 100 restoration projects. Those early days shaped how we approach every job—with urgency, clarity, and a deep understanding of what our clients are going through.
We also took this opportunity to rebuild with the future in mind. Many of Captiva Shores' original structures, built in the 1980s, didn’t meet modern hurricane codes. Today, these homes are not only restored but fortified—built to withstand whatever comes next.
This is just the beginning. We’re currently working on the restoration of the island’s shopping center, hotels, and multiple condo buildings. As we continue rebuilding Captiva and Sanibel, our mission remains the same: to restore the places people love—and to do it with integrity, accountability, and heart.
Captiva Shores is more than a construction project.
It’s a promise kept.