Logo of a lighthouse emitting a beam of light, with wavy water below, and the text 'Investigations, Backgrounds, & Intelligence' above 'Coastal Intel Solutions'.

Licensed NC Private Investigator Serving Brunswick County & Surrounding Area

Thomas Branick, Licensed Private Investigator

Services Offered / Most Common Reasons People Hire a Private Investigator in North Carolina.

  • Litigation Support, Intelligence, and Surveillance - A private investigator can provide background information and/or legally admissible evidence in civil or criminal cases: personal injury, workers’ compensation, legal disputes, or to support defense or prosecution.

  • Infidelity or suspected adultery — One of the top reasons people hire a private investigator is to investigate suspicions that a spouse or partner is cheating. Private investigators conduct surveillance and gather evidence to confirm or debunk those suspicions.

  • Background checks (personal or business) — Whether for hiring employees, screening potential business partners, vetting tenants, or checking up on a new romantic interest, many clients want a deeper and more thorough background check than what’s publicly available.

  • Family-law matters: child custody, divorce, hidden assets — In contested divorces or custody disputes, private investigators are often hired to gather evidence of living conditions, behavior, hidden income/assets, or parental fitness.

  • Missing persons / locating individuals — Private investigators are often engaged to help locate missing people, whether long-lost family members, estranged relatives, or individuals avoiding contact or obligations (e.g. debtors, absentee parents).

  • Fraud, financial crime, insurance or corporate investigations — That includes suspected insurance fraud, corporate fraud or embezzlement, hidden assets, and other financial misconduct. Businesses or individuals may hire a private investigator to uncover illicit activity or safeguard their interests.

  • Safety, harassment, harassment / stalking investigations — If someone suspects harassment, stalking, or threats — whether personal or corporate — a private investigator may be brought in to gather evidence and document behavior.

Why Choose Coastal Intel Solutions?

When the truth matters, experience is everything. With more than 31 years of law enforcement, investigative, and security expertise, I bring unmatched professionalism, insight, and discretion to every case I handle. My background spans multiple investigative environments and diverse communities, giving me the ability to adapt quickly, read situations accurately, and approach every client’s needs with judgment and skill.

  • Unmatched Investigative Experience - Three decades in the field means I know how to uncover facts others miss. From conducting interviews to analyzing evidence to managing complex investigative scenarios, my experience gives your case a significant advantage.

  • Proven Ability to Get to the Truth - I have a natural talent for cutting through noise and identifying what’s real. Whether you need answers about a sensitive personal matter or a high-stakes business concern, my dedication to accuracy and objectivity ensures you get reliable, actionable information.

  • Clear, Comprehensive Reporting - A good investigation is only as strong as its documentation. I excel at synthesizing information into clear, detailed, and professional reports—the kind you can confidently use for legal proceedings, personal decisions, or business planning.

  • Exceptional Communication - Clients appreciate my ability to explain findings, options, and investigative steps in plain language. I keep you informed throughout the process, so you always know where your case stands and what comes next.

  • Professionalism You Can Trust - With decades of public-safety and investigative service, I operate with the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and respect. Every case—no matter how big or small—receives my full attention and my steadfast commitment to the truth.

Professional Skill. Personal Commitment.

Coastal Intel Solutions LLC  is a private investigations firm established in Brunswick County, North Carolina in 2025. 

The owner, Thomas Branick, has over 31 years of experience in investigations, security, law enforcement, and public safety, in a variety of public and private settings.  

Tom retired from law enforcement in the metropolitan Chicago area and relocated to Brunswick County, North Carolina in 2023.

He resides with his wife, a North Carolina native, and rescue dogs in Holden Beach.  Thomas’ grown children and grandson live out of state but give him a reason to travel frequently. 

Professional man in suit smiling indoors with windows in the background.

NC PPSB License #424678 BPN 644493M

Professional Memberships:

  • North Carolina Association of Private Investigators

  • North Carolina Bar Association (Affiliate Member)

  • Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce

Areas served in North Carolina include, but are not limited to:

Holden Beach, Supply, Civietown, Shallotte, Bolivia, Ocean Isle Beach, Southport, St. James, Calabash, Carolina Shores, Sunset Beach, Sunset Harbor, Leland

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I am a small local business with wide experience in cities, suburbs, rural and coastal areas. I’ve worked with people of all backgrounds and treat everyone the same. The company is new, but my investigative experience is extensive. You will deal directly with the owner, not assistants or rotating staff. I work from a secure, vetted home office to keep overhead low and rates competitive.

  • Each case is different. After you tell me what you need, I will send a contract that lists the services and costs. I won’t start work without a signed contract. For complex cases, or those needing surveillance or travel, I may ask for a retainer upfront.

  • I am a licensed private investigator in North Carolina (License No. 424678). The profession is regulated by the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board under the Department of Public Safety. My company, Coastal Intel Solutions LLC, holds Business Permit No. 644493M and is registered as an LLC with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

  • Use the form below, email inquiries@coastal-intel.com, or call toll-free (888) 316-2884. Voice messages and web inquiries are usually answered in 1–2 business days. For emergencies, call 911 — do not contact a private investigator first. Inquiries are confidential and handled discreetly within the law.

Knowledge is Power… Start a Confidential Inquiry

Logo featuring a lighthouse emitting a beam of light, with waves at the base, and text that reads "Investigations, Backgrounds, & Intelligence." The logo also includes the phrase "Coastal Intel Solutions."