Brian Corcoran Ready To Make Waves at Pleasant Places

Brian Corcoran joins Pleasant Places, Inc., drawing on his diverse experience in road construction and landscaping, and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact as he steps into his role as a Landscape Project Manager.

Originally from the Scottsdale, Arizona area, Brian and his wife had been drawn to the Lowcountry for years. "I’ve been coming here since I was eight to Trophy Lakes on John's Island to water ski," he explained. His competitive water skiing roots in Charleston ultimately led him and his wife to settle on John's Island, just steps away from those same waters. The allure of Charleston’s charm, coupled with a desire to raise a family in a more serene setting than the bustling Scottsdale area metropolis, sealed the deal for their relocation.

Upon moving, Brian began his search for the next step in his career. As a former General Manager with five years of experience in the landscape construction industry, he was looking for a role that offered both challenges and growth opportunities. After connecting with Pleasant Places Inc. COO Palmer Artigues, the family-oriented atmosphere of the company and its potential for growth immediately resonated with him.

"I come from a family business background," Brian said. "Hearing Palmer talk about how they wanted to grow but also maintain that family feel—something that’s not a corporate giant—really spoke to me."

Brian’s background is marked by successes in growth roles, particularly during his time in the construction industry. When he stepped in as General Manager of his former construction business, the opportunity for growth was immense. "They had about 80 employees, old equipment, and no desire to grow," he said. The business, which had been declining for years under previous management, needed a complete overhaul. Despite the challenges, Brian took on the role and made bold decisions that would ultimately help the company grow.

In just five years, Brian helped grow the company from 80 to 300 employees and significantly expanded its operations, including the addition of a landscape division. "It was scary," Brian admitted, recalling the early days of taking over the business. The equipment was outdated, and contracts were unreliable, often leading to customer complaints. But through determination and strategic decision-making, Brian was able to increase the company’s net profit to 32.8%.

Brian’s leadership saw the company’s revenue skyrocket from $8 million to between $45 and $50 million, a testament to his ability to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on the potential for growth.

One of the key takeaways from Brian’s experience is his solutions-based approach to project management. In his previous role, he recognized that many of the company's clients preferred working with contractors who could handle multiple aspects of a project. "They don’t want to hire multiple companies for road construction, landscaping, and curbing," he said. "If you can provide all of that in one package, it’s a win."

This holistic approach is something Brian aims to bring to his new role at Pleasant Places. He believes in looking beyond the immediate project needs and considering how they can provide greater value to clients. "When I’m on a job site, my mind is always spinning, thinking about what could be done differently or better."

One of the most striking elements of Brian’s story is his personal investment in the success of his projects. This personal attention to detail is what he plans to bring to Pleasant Places. "I want my name to be known as dependable," Brian said. "If there’s a project that’s in trouble, I want people to say, 'Get Brian on it—he’ll fix it.'"

When asked about his long-term goals at Pleasant Places, Brian was clear in his vision. "In the first year, I want to go from being 'the new guy' to someone whose name is associated with reliability and problem-solving," he said. He envisions becoming the go-to person for challenging projects and helping the company grow by finding efficiencies and delivering high-quality work.

Brian also understands the importance of building strong relationships with clients. "I’m an anchor," he said. "If something goes wrong, I want clients to know that it’s okay—we’ll take care of it. We’ll give them a world-class experience from Pleasant Places."

As Brian embarks on this new chapter with Pleasant Places, there’s no doubt that his experience, vision, and dedication will make a significant impact. His unique blend of construction and landscaping experience, combined with his solutions-based mindset, positions him as a valuable asset to the team.