Coastal Intel Solutions LLC

10/07/2026

A must-read for parents…

Thanks to our amazing supporters, we’ve reached our $100,000 match goal! But there’s still more to do—join us in protecting children and supporting our mission.

09/29/2026

We love supporting our community and having our name next to all these amazing other LOCAL businesses who do as well. Support every one of these businesses because they are out there supporting our kiddos!!

09/25/2026

“Who needs to hire a P.I. for surveillance when there are cameras everywhere?”

It sounds logical. Cameras are everywhere now. Hotels, businesses, parking lots, doorbells, traffic systems, and Flock cameras are just some examples, but having cameras nearby doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to access the footage later.

Sometimes the biggest challenge in a private investigation isn’t finding the answer. It’s being asked to find it after the opportunity has already passed. The following is a good example of why timing matters when hiring a private investigator:

I recently spoke with a client who suspected a spouse may have been unfaithful during a weekend beach trip. The trip took place about three weeks earlier, and the client hoped I could obtain surveillance video from the hotel where the spouse stayed.

Hotels generally take guest privacy seriously, and rightfully so. In most circumstances, they won't simply provide a private investigator with guest information or surveillance footage upon request. Access to that type of information may require appropriate legal process or authorization. Even then, it's not always as easy to just "check the video" as they make it look on television.

The client explained the information wasn’t being sought for litigation. They simply wanted to know what happened so they could decide whether reconciliation was possible. They felt if I relayed this to the front desk staff, it would change their opinion.

I understood that completely, but the reason for wanting the footage really doesn’t change the hotel’s obligation to protect the privacy of its guests.

Had surveillance been conducted during the weekend in question, lawful observation from public vantage points might have answered many of the client’s questions.

Was the spouse alone when arriving at the hotel?

What car did they arrive in?

Did someone else exit the vehicle?

Were they traveling with the group of friends they said they were with?

Who did they leave the hotel with?

Who did they return with?

Where did they go during the evening?

There can be a significant difference between observing someone having dinner with a large group of friends and observing that same person spending the evening alone with another individual and walking the beach together afterward.

Neither observation automatically proves wrongdoing.

That’s an important distinction.

Surveillance doesn’t make judgments. It documents activity.

The investigator’s job is to objectively observe, document, photograph or record when lawful, and report what occurred as accurately as possible. What that activity means and whether it crosses a boundary in a relationship is ultimately for the client to decide.

Time can also affect what evidence remains available. Surveillance video may be overwritten, memories can fade, witnesses may become more difficult to identify or locate, and movements that could have been observed and documented as they occurred may be impossible to reliably reconstruct weeks later.

When you need answers about something happening now, surveillance can sometimes provide facts that may be impossible to reconstruct weeks later.

Timing matters.

Thomas Branick
Owner / Licensed Private Investigator
Coastal Intel Solutions LLC
Licensed & Insured Private Investigations
Brunswick County & Coastal North Carolina

Professional Skill. Personal Commitment. PPSB License #424678

Call now to connect with business.

09/25/2026

You can’t grow without learning.

Investigative services remain the core focus of Coastal Intel Solutions and the foundation the business was built on. As I continue that work, I’m also expanding my training and capabilities into insurance loss control and property inspection services for business clients.

I’m pleased to share that I’ve completed the Loss Control Academy training program. The coursework strengthened my knowledge of insurance loss control, property inspections, hazard identification, building construction, life-safety considerations, and field documentation.

These new services will complement the investigative work Coastal Intel already provides, including surveillance, background and due diligence investigations, witness location and statements, and other field investigative services.

The training also builds on my prior experience in investigations, fire service training, site observations, photography, and detailed report writing.

Continual learning has always been an important part of how I approach investigations, business, and professional growth.

Certificate verification:
https://losscontrolacademy.com/verify/bd5511d3-ffaf-44d7-bb40-696c4648f26a/

This certificate was verified on against Loss Control Academy's secure database. The certificate holder successfully completed all required coursework and assessments.

08/14/2026

Need reliable information about activity at a property when you cannot be there?

Coastal Intel Solutions conducts limited, assignment-specific investigative site visits for attorneys, property managers, real estate professionals, investors, lenders, estate representatives, property owners, and other clients throughout Brunswick County and nearby coastal North Carolina communities.

Depending on the client’s investigative needs, a visit may include:

• Documenting observable signs of current or recent occupancy or activity
• Documenting visible activity during the visit, including persons, vehicles, or deliveries
• Photographing client-specified areas or facts relevant to the assignment
• Noting nontechnical exterior observations, such as overgrowth or accumulated debris
• Providing a concise report of the date, time, and factual observations

All observations are made from lawful public vantage points or locations where lawful access has been confirmed and authorized. Interior entry occurs only when lawful access has been specifically authorized.

This service is limited to investigative observation and factual documentation. It is not a home inspection, property-condition evaluation, appraisal, code inspection, or security service. We do not evaluate or test building systems; provide opinions about safety, habitability, value, code compliance, structural integrity, or repairs; patrol, monitor, guard, or secure property; check locks or access controls; enforce against trespass; confront or remove individuals; or determine anyone’s legal right to occupy the property.

Contact Coastal Intel Solutions privately to discuss your assignment.

Coastal Intel Solutions LLC
Thomas Branick
NC PPSB License 424678
Business Permit Number 644493M

07/30/2026

One of the most interesting things about operating a private investigation business is discovering new ways investigative services can help people.

A real estate broker recently contacted Coastal Intel Solutions seeking a quote for a property field visit on behalf of an investor. They needed an independent person to visit the location, photograph visible conditions, determine whether there were signs of occupancy, and provide a short factual report.

It was a good reminder that private investigators do much more than surveillance and background checks.

For clients who cannot personally visit a location, an investigator may be able to provide:
• Independent observations
• Property and asset photographs
• Occupancy or activity checks
• Documentation of visible conditions
• Clear written reporting

This type of assignment is NOT a home inspection or property appraisal. It is objective fact gathering conducted within a clearly defined and properly authorized scope.

Sometimes clients simply need a reliable professional to be their eyes and ears in the field.

07/23/2026

06/28/2026

Coastal Intel Solutions continues to serve clients throughout southeastern North Carolina.

Recent assignments have taken me to Whiteville, Wilmington, and Leland, reflecting my commitment to providing professional investigative and process service support wherever my clients need assistance.

Whether you’re an attorney, business owner, or private individual, I offer responsive, discreet, and reliable service across Brunswick County and the surrounding region.

📍 Based in Brunswick County
🔎 Investigations
📄 Process Service
📋 Background & Due Diligence Research

If I can assist with your next matter, feel free to reach out.

Call now to connect with business.

06/17/2026

Proud to announce Coastal Intel Solutions LLC is now a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business.

BBB Accredited since 5/7/2026. Detective Agency in Supply, NC. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, get a quote and more.

05/08/2026

UPDATE: Located and safe

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating:
Christine Elizabeth McArdellAlso known by the nickname “Blinky”
Ms. McArdell is from Leland but is known to frequently visit the areas of Bolton, East Arcadia, and Delco.
She was last seen driving a maroon 2016 Kia Optima displaying North Carolina temporary registration WF38602.
Anyone who has seen Ms. McArdell, the vehicle, or has information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Bell immediately at 910-713-3229.
Please share this post to help bring her home safely.