Introduction: About Itzhak Ezratti, GL Homes founder
Florida’s most respected communities don’t just appear on a map; they’re envisioned, designed, and built by leaders who care deeply about the people who call them home. Few embody that vision more clearly than Itzhak Ezratti, founder and chairman of GL Homes.
For more than four decades, Itzhak has shaped the Florida home-building industry and the communities within it through his commitment to quality, integrity, and care for others.
His story is one of lasting impact: A single vision grew into one of the state’s most successful home builders, and that same vision evolved into a culture of leadership and philanthropy that continues to guide GL Homes today.
At its core, Itzhak Ezratti’s legacy is defined not just by the homes he’s built but by the lives he’s helped improve. Through GL Homes Philanthropy and decades of community partnerships, Itzhak has shown that great leadership is about more than business success. It’s about giving back, leading responsibly, and leaving a legacy that strengthens the communities one serves.
GL Homes: A foundation built on leadership by Itzhak Ezratti
Every lasting legacy begins with a simple idea. For Itzhak Ezratti, that idea was to build homes where people truly love to live. When he founded GL Homes in the 1970s, he set out to create neighborhoods defined by craftsmanship and community, not just construction.
Under Itzhak’s guidance, GL Homes quickly became one of Florida’s more trusted and recognized names in real estate. But Itzhak Ezratti’s leadership was never just about building homes; it was about building a company culture grounded in respect, accountability, and doing things the right way. He encouraged his team to see every decision, from land planning to customer service, as an opportunity to uphold the company’s core values.
That commitment to quality and integrity positioned Itzhak Ezratti as a true pioneer in Florida home-building leadership. His belief that a company’s success should serve both its residents and its region became a defining part of GL Homes’ community impact.
Today, that early vision continues to shape the company’s future, where innovation, excellence, and generosity remain inseparable from the GL Homes name.
Building communities that give back
For Itzhak Ezratti, building homes was about the people and communities who would thrive within them rather than just the structures themselves.
From the earliest GL Homes developments, he emphasized that every neighborhood should enhance the lives of its residents and the surrounding community. That belief has become a cornerstone of both the company’s philosophy and Itzhak Ezratti’s legacy.
As GL Homes grew into one of the largest and most respected home builders in the state, Itzhak ensured that growth was always guided by responsibility. Each new project began with a commitment to thoughtful design, long-term planning and community partnership — principles that remain hallmarks of Florida home-building leadership today.
Through Itzhak’s example, GL Homes Philanthropy evolved naturally from the company’s culture. Supporting families, protecting the environment and improving quality of life became as integral to GL Homes’ identity as architectural design and craftsmanship.
From donating land for schools and parks to supporting affordable housing and local infrastructure, the company exemplifies that true success extends beyond the borders of any one development.
This dedication to community has produced measurable community impact across Florida. In Port St. Lucie, Boca Raton and Naples, GL Homes has contributed to projects that bring people together through green spaces, resort-style amenities and charitable programs that serve local families.
By leading with empathy and integrity, Itzhak Ezratti built more than a company; he built a culture of giving back. His vision continues to shape how GL Homes approaches both development and philanthropy, proving that strong communities are the truest measure of a builder’s success.
The heart of giving: Itzhak Ezratti philanthropy
For Itzhak Ezratti, giving back is a reflection of how leadership should look in practice. His approach to philanthropy is guided by the same principles that built GL Homes from the ground up: humility, responsibility, and care for the communities it serves.
Over the years, GL Homes Philanthropy has become a defining part of the company’s identity. Under Itzhak’s leadership, the organization has supported a wide range of causes across Florida, such as hunger relief, homelessness, education, health, and youth development programs. These initiatives aren’t about recognition; they’re about results.
Through long-term partnerships with trusted nonprofits, including the Lord’s Place and other local organizations, GL Homes helps provide essential services to individuals and families in need.
Whether it’s supporting mobile meal programs, contributing to affordable housing or funding community outreach efforts, the company’s giving reflects a deep understanding of what it means to be a good neighbor.
Itzhak Ezratti’s influence as one of Florida’s leaders in philanthropy extends far beyond the home-building industry. His belief that success carries a responsibility to give back has helped set a standard for corporate citizenship in Florida.
For Itzhak, philanthropy isn’t about headlines; it’s about heart. And through his legacy, that heart continues to guide GL Homes toward a future defined not only by quality homes but meaningful community impact.
A legacy of leadership: Inspiring the next generation
Leadership, when grounded in purpose, has a way of lasting beyond a single generation. Today, Misha Ezratti, president of GL Homes, continues to build on the strong foundation established by his father, Itzhak Ezratti.
Under Misha’s guidance, the company remains deeply committed to the same values that have defined its success: excellence in home building, integrity in leadership and a genuine dedication to giving back.
Through mentorship and example, Itzhak Ezratti has passed down not only a business but a belief system in which every decision, whether choosing a building site or supporting a charitable initiative, should serve a larger purpose. That sense of responsibility continues to shape GL Homes’ community impact today, influencing how the company plans, builds and invests across Florida.
This spirit of continuity can be felt in every aspect of the organization, including its innovative approach to community design and its enduring commitment to philanthropy. The result is a company culture where leadership and compassion coexist naturally and where the mission remains clear: to build communities that make Florida better than before.
As Misha Ezratti leads the next chapter, he’s guided by the timeless principle his father has long embodied: When you build with purpose, you build something that lasts.
Conclusion: The enduring Ezratti legacy
From humble beginnings to statewide influence, Itzhak Ezratti’s leadership has shaped more than a company; it has shaped a culture. Through his vision, GL Homes has become a model of excellence, responsibility, and generosity in Florida’s home-building industry.
His enduring legacy of leadership and giving continues to guide the company today, inspiring the next generation to build with purpose, lead with integrit,y and always leave communities better than it found them.