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Project 3036: Neighborhood Restoration

HC Brands purchases property at 3036 Philips Highway in efforts to improve the surrounding neighborhood. 

CEO Bryan Croft in Front of the 3036 Building
 

Past

Our story began in 1954 as Holmes Stamp & Sign, a manufacturer of rubber stamps and signs, servicing predominantly Jacksonville residents. Fast forward to 2001, CEO Bryan Croft purchased the company from his father, Bob Croft, with big dreams for the small business. Croft dreamed of the day his company could serve customers all across the country through online sales, so he spent all of his spare time learning how to build the company's first website.

For 40 years, HC Brands called 1670 San Marco Blvd. home, but as more and more orders came in, the small business outgrew its building and Croft decided it was time for a larger space. While he knew growing his customer base nationwide was essential to the business' long-term success, his driving force has always been providing jobs here in Jacksonville and making this city a place where people can live and thrive. 

HC Brands Timeline

HC Brands Family of Brands

Present

In January of 2010, HC Brands found its new home at 2021 St. Augustine Rd. E. in Jacksonville. While the building had everything our growing small business needed, the surrounding area wasn't the safest. A part of our mission as our company grows and develops more resources is to give back to the local community by volunteering our time with local charities and providing a great place for Jacksonville residents to work. This year we've taken that mission a step further by purchasing the property directly across the street from our headquarters in efforts to clean up our neighborhood.

On the property lies a rundown building that has been vacant for years, but used to be a Juvenile Residential Facility. A quick walk through the building showed CEO Bryan Croft just how desperately this property needed to be demolished and given the opportunity for a fresh start. The property will be cleared out in the coming months and the future for 3036 Philips Highway looks bright.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Future

"I love Jacksonville! I'll never leave this city, and it's important to me as a Jacksonville small business owner to show my support to my community," said Croft. 

Croft's intent for purchasing the property was to clean up the space and improve the neighborhood. This first step has been accomplished, and while eventually HC Brands will need more space as it continues to grow, there is no solid plan in place for what will be done with the property in the meantime. If you have fresh ideas for this land or have interest in the property, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Bryan at bryan@holmescustom.com