Fifteen years ago, Brittany and Jesse Culbreth embarked on a journey to providing excellent construction to Northeast Florida. Today, Emerald C’s Development is one of the most trusted names in commercial interior build-outs, tenant improvements, and commercial renovations, with a team known as much for integrity and relationships as creativity and craftsmanship.
Along the way, the company’s story has been dotted with milestone projects, industry honors, community partnerships, and a growing team that treats every project like their reputation depends on its success because it does. Most recently, President and Co-Owner Brittany Culbreth received the Jacksonville Business Journal’s (JBJ) 2025 First Coast Ultimate CEO honor (recognized for the 2025 class, with celebration in October 2026), underscoring the leadership philosophy that has powered Emerald C’s since day one: do what’s right, for clients, partners, and the community.
2010–2014: Laying the Foundation
Emerald C’s started in 2010, when Brittany and Jesse earned their General Contractor license and incorporated the company. Early on, the couple cut their teeth on smaller renovations and residential work, projects that built capital, sharpened processes, and reinforced a simple operating principle: be transparent, be responsive, and deliver the quality you promised.
By 2013, they took the leap, leaving their day jobs to run Emerald C’s full-time and redirecting their attention to the commercial market. The firm’s first tenant-improvement projects for local businesses were turning points, proving that the Emerald C’s approach –hands-on leadership, strong subcontractor relationships, and proactive communication – translated seamlessly into beautiful, functional commercial interiors.
2015–2019: Momentum, Markets & Milestones
With momentum building, Emerald C’s expanded into the recreation, corporate office, education, and healthcare sectors. The company became a repeat name on fast-growth and entrepreneurship lists, including the Gator 100 (Five Years in a row, Top 10 twice) and the Jacksonville Business Journal’s Fast 50. Notable work included:
- Velocity Trampoline Park (2015, now Flight Fit-N-Fun)
- Dogtopia on Hendricks (2018)
- PACE Center for Girls Headquarters (2019)
These years cemented Emerald C’s reputation as one of Jacksonville’s go-to contractors for high-level commercial interior build-outs, projects where tight timelines, live environments, and brand experience all have to align.
2020–2022: Resilience & Reinvention
The COVID pandemic tested every construction playbook for all companies. Emerald C’s adapted, tightening safety, sequencing, and supply-chain contingencies to keep clients online and on schedule. This period also brought a defining investment: purchasing and transforming a new headquarters next to the Stadium at Duval and Talleyrand. Completed in 2022, the Emerald C’s HQ earned NAIOP Renovation Project of the Year, a tangible example of the firm’s design-build coordination, value engineering, and finish quality.
Other signature projects during this time showcased a wide range of industries and capabilities:
- Adjective & Co (2021) – Creative studio workspace
- NAI Hallmark (2021) – Modern corporate interiors
- Anna’s Playroom for Dreams Come True (2022) – A community project close to the heart
- M. Lounge at Matthew’s Restaurant (2022) – Luxury hospitality renovation
- Tecovas at St. Johns Town Center (2022) – High-end retail build-out
2023–2025: Expansion, Excellence & Leadership
Emerald C’s continued its steady growth, adding talent and deepening relationships across corporate, healthcare, retail, and industrial sectors. Its recent project highlights include:
- Berkley Insurance (2023) – Sophisticated corporate interiors
- Renasant Bank (2024) – Modern branch transformation
- Workscapes (2024) – Showroom and workspace innovation
Along with these successful projects, recognition has also continued to follow. Brittany was named NAIOP Associate Member of the Year (2024), reflecting her leadership and service to the industry. And in a capstone to the company’s 15-year mark, she earned the JBJ First Coast Ultimate CEO (2025) recognition, celebrated this month (October 2026), a testament to Emerald C’s people-first business model and to a culture that values long-term relationships over short-term wins.
What Sets Emerald C’s Apart
Hands-on leadership. As owners, Brittany and Jesse remain directly involved, reviewing plans, vetting scopes, and stepping in when something isn’t right. That accountability shortens feedback loops and protects budgets.
Preconstruction rigor. From early cost modeling to creative value engineering, Emerald C’s brings vision and clarity to scope, sequence, and spend, so clients sign leases and kick off projects with eyes wide open.
Interior specialization. The firm’s core strength is commercial interior build-outs and tenant improvements, especially in occupied or schedule-sensitive environments. Expect thoughtful phasing, clean worksites, and respect for your staff and customers.
Trusted teams. Great outcomes begin with great employees and partners. Over the years, Emerald C’s has cultivated a deep bench of trusted employees, subcontractors, and industry allies: designers, engineers, and suppliers who share the firm’s commitment to quality and communication.
Awards & Recognition: More Than Just Trophies
Emerald C’s track record includes Gator 100 honors (2017–2021), multiple JBJ Fast 50 recognitions (2018–2021), UF Outstanding Young Alumna (2017, Brittany), JBJ 40 Under 40 (2021, Brittany), and NAIOP Project of the Year wins (2021 & 2022). These aren’t just office garnishments; they reflect the trust clients place in the team and the consistency Emerald C’s brings to every job.
Building More Than Spaces: Community at the Center
“Giving back is in our blueprint.” From day one, Emerald C’s has invested time and resources in organizations that strengthen families and neighborhoods across Northeast Florida. The team’s annual “12 Days of Giving” and ongoing partnerships, support groups such as PACE Center for Girls, Dreams Come True, Foster Closet, Feeding Northeast Florida, Ronald McDonald House, K9s for Warriors, DESC, Hugs Across the County, Jacksonville Humane Society, and more.
Brittany and Jesse also give back by shaping the future of the industry, serving with their University of Florida colleges to mentor students and align curricula with real-world needs.
The Emerald C’s Way: Values in Action
“It’s never just about the walls we build; it’s about the people, the relationships, and the legacy we’re creating together.” — Brittany & Jesse Culbreth, Founders
Those words show up in the details: in clear preconstruction budgeting that protects small-business owners; in well-tended jobsites that respect neighbors; in fast, honest updates when conditions change. The result is a client experience defined by trust, transparency, and craftsmanship, and spaces that perform as beautifully on day one as year ten.
Looking Ahead: From Foundation to Future
As Emerald C’s marks 15 years, the firm’s mission hasn’t changed: to build with integrity, mentor and empower a high-performing team, and to strengthen the city by creating spaces that inspire work, healing, learning, and connection. With an ever-expanding portfolio, an energized team, and a reputation built project-by-project, the next chapter looks even brighter.
Let’s Build What’s Next – Together
Whether you’re planning a tenant improvement, reimagining a corporate office, modernizing a bank or retail environment, or upgrading a healthcare space, Emerald C’s brings the experience, discipline, and care to deliver, on time, on budget, and true to your brand.
Emerald C’s Development: Proudly serving Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 2010.
Emerald C’s Development: Creating Jacksonville’s Workplaces with Vision, Value, and Excellence
