BUILDING A LEGACY

Meet the New Owners: Nathan and Shannon Brown

Every legacy begins with a spark. For Nathan and Shannon Brown, that spark was ignited in a small town where life still moves at a neighborly pace. They both grew up in communities where people waved at each other, where kids were raised with resilience and kindness, and where family was the heartbeat of life. From the very beginning, Nathan and Shannon dreamed of giving their children that same gift: a home rooted in love, faith, and tradition. They wanted a place where Avery and Grayson could thrive, be surrounded by friends, and feel at ease while navigating the joys and trials of growing up.

 Their journey together began in 2000 when Nathan and Shannon were married, a partnership built on faith and shared dreams. This year, they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, a milestone that mirrors not only their devotion to one another but also their dedication to the life and legacy they are building.

 In 2010, Nathan and Shannon put down roots in Pilot Point, Texas. They chose the area for its open expanses of land and horses, the tall trees that reminded them of home, and the chance to raise their family close to the lake. It wasn’t just about finding a house. It was about finding a community where their kids could grow up surrounded by friends and where neighbors did life together.

Building More Than a Business

 The Brown’s lives have always been fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to excellence. In 2001, Nathan launched a technology company that grew into a national leader in cellular connectivity, an industry that touches nearly every corner of modern life. Meanwhile, Shannon built a deeply impactful career as a Licensed Professional Counselor, guiding others with wisdom and compassion.

 By 2013, their ambitions had branched into real estate. That year they created SNAG, named after the first letters of Shannon, Nathan, Avery, and Grayson. It was a family venture from its very foundation. What started with a few single-family rentals quickly evolved into a thriving portfolio. SNAG became more than a name; it was a symbol of how each member of the Brown family was woven into the vision.     

 Their vision didn’t stop there. Together, they ventured deeper into real estate, transforming modest beginnings into multifamily communities and, ultimately, into custom homebuilding. Their teamwork, marked by trust and vision, made every home they touched not just a project but a reflection of heart. The synergy they built over the years would come full circle, equipping them with the vision and skills for one of their greatest passion projects.

A Historic Treasure Reimagined

  As their children grew and spread their wings, The Brown's turned to new passions, projects that would leave an indelible mark on the community they loved. That path led them to one of Pilot Point’s greatest treasures: the historic Farmers and Merchants Bank.

 Built in 1896, the F&M Bank has stood for nearly a century and a half, anchoring the town square as a symbol of stability and craftsmanship. Next year, it will celebrate its 130th anniversary, a milestone that fills the Browns with both awe and excitement. To be the stewards of such a landmark at this exact moment in history feels destined, as if they were entrusted with not only its walls but also its legacy.

 This is no ordinary building. It is the crown jewel of the square, a monument to the craftsmanship of another era. Its uneven, worn floors tell stories, and its cracked walls hold whispers of the past. Though weathered, its spirit has endured, and it remains a place of history, beauty, and resilience.

 When Nathan and Shannon first walked through its halls, they saw two different visions. Nathan weighed the investment and challenges of restoration. Shannon saw the soul of the building and the beauty waiting to emerge. Nathan asked Shannon to walk him room by room and describe what she envisioned; by the second tour he was sold, and the bank became theirs.

 Their plan is to breathe life back into the old walls while safeguarding its history for generations to come. The reimagined spaces will host two retail shops, a restaurant, boutique short-term rentals overlooking the square, and, at the heart of it all, the vault. The vault will be transformed into something truly unforgettable. As the building steps into its 130th year, it will not just be remembered for its past. It will stand as a vibrant part of Pilot Point’s future.

A New Chapter in Storytelling

 Their passion for legacy does not end with real estate. During their 15 years of living in Pilot Point, a magazine that arrived in their mailbox bimonthly was one of the constants at the Brown home. They had been informed that, if the appropriate people arose, the Prickett family, who created and published Pilot Point Guide, 380Guide, and 380News for over twenty years, might be open to departing with the publications. The Browns were the ideal family to pass the torch to because they had similar passions to Jodie and David Prickett: supporting local businesses, engaging with and promoting people of integrity, exploring and knowing their greater surrounding area, and imparting genuine and ethical information through local media. Eventually, a deal was reached, and the Browns made their publishing debut.

 Moving forward, 380Guide and Pilot Point Guide will be expanded, and 380News will be revived. As they advance the publications to a new level, they will carry on the Prickett family legacy while molding it into their own. The publications will keep fostering community cohesion and assisting small enterprises. It is yet another significant component in the Brown family's legacy.

 The Legacy That Lasts

 Communities are fortunate when they have invested families like the Browns. They are kind and reasonable, with the business acumen and foresight to see what’s ahead. They understand the value of preservation while also recognizing potential and possibility. With fresh perspectives and a forward-thinking approach, they can take something already outstanding and make it even better. Their high standards are matched by genuine heart, and they measure success not only in wins but also in the lessons learned from challenges. The Browns create legacies not just for themselves, but for the community they call home.

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Photography by Ashley Rains Photography