About Secure Built

A Local & Trusted Brand

The “Secure” name means something in and around Ocala and Central Florida. It means an unsurpassed commitment to quality and client service. Just ask the hundreds of home owners we have served throughout the region. Our extensive background in insurance restoration & geotechnical construction, combined with our proven professional background is what sets us apart from other custom home builders in Ocala, FL.

Company Overview

Active Members of Marion County Building Industry Association.
$2,000,000.00 surety bonding aggregate
Excellent+ level of credit & payment history with all suppliers, subcontractors, vendors & banking relationships.
Exceptional financial strength.

Ryan Gummer

Contractor & Owner (CRC1331562)

Dedicated, results-oriented professional with over 25 years of hands-on experience as a Contractor and firm owner in the central Florida construction industry. A Marion County, FL resident since 1985, Mr. Gummer has obtained significant knowledge of local area geological conditions and is often contacted by area construction professionals for knowledge and information.

Founded and operated multiple construction contracting firms since 2007 with offices in Marion & Hernando Counties.
Successful background in accounting & finance, strategic planning and construction management.
Regarded as a trusted authority in local geological construction matters, providing invaluable geotechnical guidance to fellow industry peers.
Successfully completed over 1,000 residential and commercial projects, totaling more than $75,000,000.00 since 2007.
Design+Built multiple award winning model homes as recognized by Marion County Building Industry Association (MCBIA).

Kyle Lefebvre

Sales and Client Management Associate
June 2021 – Present

Your first point of contact when considering Secure Built, LLC for your next home.
Assists with sales processes, ensuring clients’ needs are met and expectations are exceeded.
Manage client relationships throughout the home building process, providing support and guidance.
Administer the warranty program post-occupancy, ensuring client satisfaction and addressing any concerns promptly.
Can provide firsthand experience and insights into the build process by building and living in a Secure Built custom home in Marion County, FL.

Marion County Fire Rescue | Lieutenant Firefighter/Paramedic

2006 – Present

Currently serves as a dedicated firefighter and paramedic, demonstrating leadership and teamwork in emergency situations.
Upholds departmental protocols and safety standards to ensure the protection of lives and property.
Train and mentor junior firefighters, contributing to the professional development of the team.

Brianna Harker

Sales and Client Management Associate
2008 – 20016 & 12/2024 – Present

Your first point of contact when considering Secure Built, LLC for your next home.

Known for her exceptional communication skills, responsiveness, and personalized approach, Brianna ensures every step from initial inquiry to key handover is seamless and enjoyable.

Brianna is also a certified interior decorator, bringing valuable expertise to Secure Built by assisting clients with their selections and finishes, ensuring each home reflects their unique tastes and preferences.

A native Floridian, Brianna moved to Ocala in 1983 and has considered it home ever since. She attended Dunnellon schools from 1st grade through graduation, deepening her roots in the local community. Brianna purchased her first home in Southeast Ocala in 2004, solidifying her long-term commitment to the area.

Professionally, she served as a Project Coordinator for Secure Foundation Systems, Inc. from 2008 to 2016 as sister company to Secure Built, LLC.

Her adventurous spirit took her traveling as a full-time RVer from 2017 to 2024, where she maintained her Ocala residency and shared her experiences through the YouTube channel “Embracing Detours,” amassing 30,000 subscribers at its peak.

Brianna grew up riding horses, and her passion for travel, outdoor adventures, and exploring interior design trends continues today. She prioritizes building strong client relationships based on trust, transparency, and exceptional service.

Nicole Cortez

Office Manager & Interior Design Specialist

Nicole Cortez is a dynamic and results-driven professional with over 16 years of dedicated tenure at Secure Built, LLC and its affiliated companies. As the Office Manager and Interior Design Specialist, Nicole expertly coordinates administrative tasks, manages project permitting, and facilitates seamless communication between clients, suppliers, and subcontractors. Her commitment to timely and responsive client service ensures every project runs smoothly from initial consultation through project completion.

Holding a Florida Real Estate License (#SL3370117) since 2017 and a certification as an Interior Decorator, Nicole leverages her advanced knowledge of new construction design principles to craft bespoke living spaces tailored to each client’s lifestyle. Specializing in functional and aesthetically appealing custom kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and entire home interiors, she meticulously manages client allowances, expectations, and budgets, delivering outstanding results within established financial parameters.

A proud Marion County resident since 1990, Nicole actively contributes to her community through volunteer efforts, supporting various local charitable organizations and participating in community events that enhance quality of life for fellow residents.

Core Competencies:

Office Administration & Project Coordination
Custom Interior Design & Space Planning
Budget Management & Client Allowances
Real Estate Expertise & Client Consultation
Community Engagement & Volunteerism

Nicole’s extensive experience, creative insight, and passion for excellence make her an invaluable asset to the Secure Built team and the clients she serves.

Houston Brothers

I’m a State Certified Residential Contractor #CRC1332964 with over 7 years of progressive experience at Secure Built, LLC with a proven track record of overseeing successful home builds from project planning to completion.

Secure Built, LLC

Manage a wide range of residential construction projects, including advanced, luxury home builds and multi structure same property construction.
Performs project planning, layout, production, safety, scheduling of crews & equipment, while overseeing company quality control efforts.
Coordinate with inspectors, owners, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure project timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
State Certified Residential Contractor (#CRC1332964), ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and codes.

Local, Marion County Landlord

Currently manage a portfolio of rental properties, overseeing tenant relations, property maintenance, and financial management.

Maintenance Volunteer

Actively contribute to the maintenance program at my church, participating in regular maintenance tasks and repairs to ensure the safety and functionality of the church facilities.
Collaborate with other volunteers to develop and implement preventive maintenance plans, resulting in reduced maintenance costs while improving facility conditions.

Personal Information

Married with 3 children.
Enjoy spending free time on family kayaking trips and mountain biking at our local Santos trails.

       
   Secure Built Custom Home Builders
   28 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   A D 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
It has always been our dream to build our custom forever home, and when the time came to vet builders, we had the absolute honor of meeting the Secure Built team.

Unlike other builders we met, Secure Built never tried to upsell us, change our vision, or tell us something couldn't be done. Instead, they used their years of experience and expertise to figure out how to make it happen - including navigating all those lovely Florida code requirements! 😅 From our custom bi-fold door and windows to the floorplan we personally designed to all the little integrated details, they turned our dream into a buildable reality.

When we first contacted Secure Built near the end of April 2025, Kyle invited us to visit their model during the Parade of Homes. There we met Brianne, who was happy to show us around. Another gentleman stopped to chat and answer questions, and after a few minutes we realized it was none other than the owner himself, Ryan!

Honestly, meeting the owner without initially realizing who he was and seeing firsthand how humble, kind, and genuinely excited he was about his work sealed the deal for us. We knew Secure Built would be the right fit for our forever home.

Throughout the entire process, Ryan, Nicole, and Houston were there for us. This was our first home-building experience, so we had a LOT of questions and a lot to learn. Ryan’s communication was EXCEPTIONAL. He kept us updated, explained what to expect, answered our questions, and offered guidance whenever we needed it. We never felt left to figure things out on our own.

With a complex custom project of this scale, a few blips are inevitable. What mattered was how they handled them. We never felt ignored, cheated, or taken advantage of. There was transparency throughout, and whenever an issue arose, Ryan personally worked with us to get it resolved efficiently and fairly and keep things moving. We couldn't have asked for a better person to have in our corner.

In fact, the most frustrating part of the entire process was making all the selections. So many choices, so many options...so many shades of white paint. 😂

As for the home itself, the quality of the work, materials, and attention to detail really shine through. Secure Built works with incredibly talented tradespeople.

Trinity Tile gave us access to premium tiles not available at big box stores, Donald's tile work is IMMACULATE, Classic Kitchens cabinetry is stunning, Evie was a gem and the quartz installation was phenomenal, Edwin is a beast at getting the electrical laid out exactly where we wanted it, and Chris and Avery installed beautiful frameless showers and a custom closet setup based on our sketch.

The bottom line is Secure Built knows how to build homes - not just houses but HOMES. They provide guidance, invaluable education, and support while still giving you the freedom to create something uniquely yours.

And most importantly they genuinely care about what they do. Their dedication and pride shows throughout the process and even after. Ryan has made it clear that handing over the keys is just another step, not the end of the relationship.

After working with Secure Built, we aren't just happy with our home - we are genuinely proud to be living in a Secure Built home. To Ryan and the team, thank you so much from the depths of our heart for all that you do.

So if you're considering building a home, don't just take our word for it. Read the other reviews, reach out to them, visit their model home, and see their work for yourself.

Finally, here's a brief timeline of how our project went:

First contact: April 22, 2025
Parade of Homes: April 27, 2025
Floor Plan design: April 30 - June 26, 2025 (turning our sketches into code-compliant plans + modifications)
Permit applied: July/August 2025
Permit granted: October 24, 2025 (county backlog caused major delays)
Clearing & Site Prep: November 3, 2025
Construction Start: December 2025
Ryan's estimated completion date: September 1, 2026
Home completed & keys handed over: August 27, 2026
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Adrian Mansaw 
 12 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was our fifth home-building experience, and without question, one of the best. Secure Built delivers a quality product, and their commitment to customer service truly sets them apart.

Having built several homes before, it was important for us to choose a custom builder who would not only understand our vision but also have the experience and ability to execute it flawlessly. From our very first meeting with Ryan and Kyle at their model home, we were impressed. One of the deciding factors for us was seeing the builder himself at the open house. That level of involvement and accessibility gave us confidence that Secure Built was the right choice.

Throughout the entire process, Ryan and Nicole were hands-on, responsive, and always willing to answer our questions or address any concerns. Communication was excellent, and we always felt informed and supported.

Our only significant frustration involved some of the subcontractors and trades. There were occasional no-shows and scheduling delays that impacted progress along the way. That said, despite those challenges, Secure Built still delivered our home within the timeframe they originally promised. We simply would have loved to move in even sooner!

We have now been in our home for 10 months, and Kyle has continued to stand behind the Secure Built promise. Any warranty items we've encountered have been addressed quickly and with great care. It's reassuring to know that their commitment to their homeowners doesn't end at closing.

If you're looking for a custom builder to help, bring your dream home to life, we highly recommend giving Secure Built a look. Based on our experience, they build a beautiful home and stand behind their work long after the keys are handed over.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Alexandra Jones 
 2 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Securebuilt was incredible to work with and very accommodating. We worked with them to build our dream forever home. We have been living in our home since September of 2025 and we absolutely love it !
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cynthia Fugate 
 1 April 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m always confident referring my customers to Ryan and his incredible team at Secure Built. From the very first step of designing and drafting custom plans to the final touches, Ryan and his team provide a level of care and craftsmanship that truly sets them apart. I’ve seen firsthand how committed they are to bringing each client’s dream home to life with exceptional attention to detail.
The entire process is seamless, and I know that anyone who works with Secure Built will receive not only a beautiful home but one that is built to last and perfectly tailored to their lifestyle. Ryan’s dedication, along with the skill of his team, ensures that each home is built with pride and quality that you’ll love for years to come. I highly recommend Secure Built to anyone looking for a custom home builder they can trust!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Bob P 
 12 February 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
Our experience with Secure Built LLC has been every bit 5-star plus. The glowing reviews are accurate. Read these reviews, GO see the model, ask questions, talk to Secure Built about your vision. What we will emphasize is this: Do not miss the opportunity to work with a unique team of experienced professionals who will PARTNER with you to bring the vision of your QUALITY home to reality.

Unlike some other builders we contacted, Secure Built immediately impressed us with their responsiveness to our phone calls and willingness to answer the load of questions we had! We felt nervous while planning to leave our existing home of 20 years, but Kyle was so patient and explained the build process in detail and provided several helpful resources for us to investigate our financial concerns. We toured their impressive model and Kyle again proved to be knowledgeable, kind, and let us explore the quality construction in a no-pressure environment.

We decided to pursue a relationship to partner with Secure Built for our custom home build. This is not a track home experience. Secure Built listened to our needs, concerns, and goals.  We worked together through a custom design process inspired by their Rutherford Farmhouse model as our foundation.  We changed and tweaked a lot to make it our own, filling it with our choices, not the ‘corporate buyers’ selection.  Ryan was instrumental in guiding us through the design process, as well as navigating the possible challenges that inevitably occur in a project of this magnitude. We are so grateful for his experience and local knowledge. We felt well informed throughout the process as Ryan and his team continued to display consistent communication.  If we ever had questions or concerns, they were addressed quickly.

We came to deeply value the team who supported our build. Nicole is incredibly organized and kept everything on track, from coordinating with suppliers for all our finishes to offering honest advice when we felt overwhelmed with choices. Houston kept progress humming, organizing the roughly 30 sub-contractors needed efficiently. We were grateful for his diligence, knowledge, and attention to detail. We passed inspections – the FIRST time. That doesn’t happen by accident. It also speaks to the quality of the sub-contractors, several of whom we met.  They were polite, skilled, and hard working.

We value our relationship with Secure Built and have always felt in good hands. Custom home building requires time, research, a lot of decisions, and some patience.  You want a custom builder that you feel is your partner and who is truly invested in your vision. Again, we would wholeheartedly recommend the team at Secure Built to anyone looking to build their dream home. We LOVE our home!

Thank you Secure Built!
Bob and Wendy
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Aimee Galiano 
 4 November 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Our family could not be happier with our new Secure Built Home! When we decided to build a house for the first time we had read a lot about the ups and downs, wait times, and of course horror stories about contractors. We were very hesitant, but since our family was relocating, we knew we had to bite the billet and make the move. We visited several builders in the Ocala area and attended a couple of home shows in the area. None of them made us feel as comfortable with the process as Secure Built!

Our first interaction was with Kyle! When we met him we knew we would be in good hands. He kept in touch with us and eased our thoughts and concerns. When we had any doubts, he talked us through some solutions that we could consider. Eventually we would decide to continue on to the next step, which is when we met Ryan the owner of the business. Hands down, excellent service! We lived out of town at the time but these guys worked with us, even meeting with us online to help us make some choices. All of our meetings were insightful and well thought out. We felt that Secure Built really took the time to get to know us and what we needed from our home. We’re a big family of six, so there were times when we approached them with some area/space challenges. They worked to find us someway of doing what we wanted, while we staying within budget every step of the way. This was super important to us as well. We very much appreciated how Ryan communicates to his customers. There were no surprises or setbacks! Every week we knew what was happening currently and what was coming up. Secure Built’s designer Nicole was awesome throughout as well. As patient as anyone could be with new homeowners that are still trying to figure out what they want their new home to look and feel like. Once decisions were made Houston was onsite, it felt like he looked out for us, the way he’d do for his own home. Attention to detail was a big deal!

Overall the experience was excellent. The team is top notch! Ryan is very experienced in the market and it shows. We are in love with our home! Everyone that visits falls in love as well. Thanks for your patience with us! We would recommend Secure Built to anyone that is looking to build a beautiful, luxury, well built home.

Dan + Aimee
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Amber Ramirez 
 28 September 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +6
Home building at times can be very stressful, especially in this Florida market, however Secure Built made this experience so pleasant! Extremely responsive and provided great detail on progress updates throughout the build. Definitely will use them again, if we are to ever build again.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Cervellera 
 22 July 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. You won't find a better custom home builder in Central Florida.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jake Bradham 
 24 February 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just finished building our Dream Home with Secure Built and we couldn't be happier.  It was a long and wild adventure building during Covid where there were so many delays and shortages but Ryan, Nicole and Houston were with us every step of the way. I was also able to hand pick, with Nicole's help, each and every part of my vision and it turned out exactly how I hoped. In some companies, the owners are not available to speak to or help answer questions and concerns along the way, but that is not the case with Ryan.  Thank you Ryan, Nicole and Houston for working so closely with us and helping create our Forever Home!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Geri Sikorski 
 13 January 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Built with Ryan and his team 2018-2019 best experience with a builder by far and I have built 7 homes so far.
Hopefully will build with them again soon.
  
 
 
  
 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more