Page 52 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2025

HOME & GARDEN
ONE MAN
Three Worthy Careers
Stephen Carlson Builds His Dream and Yours with Coastal Contracting
story by Cherie Ward photos by Madeline Romano and courtesy of Coastal Contracting
Building a decades-long successful career is an American dream most people strive toward and rarely does one person create three lengthy and distinctively worthy professions in one lifetime. But Stephen Carlson, owner of Coastal Contracting in Long Beach, seems to have figured out the secret.
“I’ve always worked hard at everything I’ve done,” Carlson said. As a custom builder with a strong focus on high-end renovation, Carlson takes immense pride in overseeing every element of each project that lands on his desk at Coastal Contracting.
“Attention to detail is just the way I run my business,” he said adding he’s always excited for each project to come to fruition while maintaining the highest possible standard.
“There is nothing completely perfect in this world, but we get 52 | March 2025
it as close as humanly possible and I don’t accept anything less,” he continued, and added kitchen renovations hold a special place in his heart. “I love seeing all the pieces come together. I take a lot of pride in my work and to me the kitchen brings a sense of togetherness, the place where family is the focus.”
Carlson founded Coastal Contracting in 2012 following a 20-year military career as a member of the U.S. Air Force Security Forces and then a 10-year stint with the Gulfport Police Department. As a law enforcement officer, Carlson spent five years on patrol and five years as an investigator. In his spare time, he built a variety of home improvement projects such as cabinets and helped friends and family with house renovations.
“Building houses has just always been my passion,” he said, adding people should never give up on their dreams.
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