Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Ranko
Nicholas, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi! My name is Nicholas Ranko, and I was born and raised in Boston, MA.
After the 9/11 attacks, I felt destined to serve my country, so I joined the U.S. Marines in 2006 as an Engineer. I was stationed in North Carolina and later deployed to Iraq multiple times. I served faithfully for four years, meeting and working alongside incredible men and women. It was truly an honor.
After leaving the Marines, I used my GI Bill to attend Towson University in Maryland, where I played Division I football and helped the team win the CAA championship in 2012. I graduated in just three years.
Soon after graduation in 2013, I moved to Charleston with only $500 in my bank account. I lived in my truck for two weeks while saving up for a security deposit. Once I got an apartment, I bought a cheap suit and knocked on every door of government contractors, hoping to land a job. By chance, someone recognized me at one of the companies, and I was hired. Shortly after, they deployed me to Afghanistan and Kuwait.
After multiple deployments, I was burnt out and transitioned into construction management as a Project Manager for a General Contractor. When COVID shut things down, I took the leap and started my own General Contracting company in downtown Charleston. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t been smooth. In fact, I think I’ve hit every low a person could endure.
I’ve been unemployed, living paycheck to paycheck, and watching helplessly as letters piled up, threatening to repossess my 2006 white Chevy Tahoe. I’m probably the first person ever to have an actual negative credit score. It felt like rock bottom. And all of this—while struggling with the weight of my own mental health battles.
There were moments when I wasn’t sure if I’d have a truck to drive or even a place to sleep. But through it all, I knew nothing would stand in my way. No matter how hard things got, no matter how hopeless it seemed, I refused to let it break me.
I never gave up. I never gave in. I just kept moving forward—determined to succeed, no matter the odds.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Like in my life, I never gave up or let the small things interfere with the bigger picture. As a business owner, you have to make decisions that benefit the company while managing risk.
If you have a dream, we can build it. We specialize in commercial construction, and we believe that quality is not a luxury—it’s a standard. We over-deliver ten times out of ten.
What sets us apart from other general contractors is me. Just as I’ve never given up in life, I will never give up or give in on a project. When a client hires us, they’re not just paying for a service—they’re investing in my commitment. I won’t fail or let anyone down on any construction project.
Our brand is built on honesty. You’ve heard that before, but I encourage you to try us and see for yourself.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
To be successful, you need to open your eyes, keep your mouth closed, and your ears wide open. Learn from others, absorb as much as you can, and never let fear or excuses stand in your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dukeconstructionllc.com/
- Instagram: Duke_Construction_CHS
- Other: https://guidetosouthcarolina.com/stories/duke-commercial-construction-building-trust-and-transforming-charleston-s-skyline
