Jeff has been a leader at two family-run homebuilding businesses in the Sarasota-Manatee market. The first was Eslinger Homes, which operated from 1991 to 2010. In 2017, he co-founded E/M Custom Homes. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Jeff talked about the leadership lessons learned in shutting down one company, when the housing market collapsed in 2008-2010 and launching a new one. He also talked about what he learned from his mentors in the business.

3 Takeaways:

1. (07:30) Patience and good listening are must-have leadership characteristics
2. (09:30) There is only one way to do things, the right way
3. (16:05) It’s not about you, it’s about who you surround yourself with

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Jeff Eslinger, president, E/M Custom Homes

(04:35) What is E/M Custom Homes?

(05:40) An opportunity but no company

(07:25) Must-have leadership characteristics

(08:30) Balancing patience and decision making

(10:10) Jeff’s leadership influences

(12:15) Lessons from Jeff’s grandfather

(13:40) Hard decisions

(16:05) Best leadership advice

(16:35) Hard feedback

(18:00) What is coming up in 2026?

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Jack Cox has been with Sarasota-based Halfacre Construction since 1985 and is now president and owner. He’s also chairman of the board at Lakewood Ranch based-FCCI Insurance. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Jack talked about Halfacre’s long history of projects in the Sarasota-Manatee region and his role in continuing the company’s legacy. He also talked about what he looks for in hiring and promoting leaders, and what he’s learned about leadership from being on community nonprofit boards

3 Takeaways:

1. (09:00) Leaders need consistency
2. (10:00) Set the vision by giving guardrails, let employees do the rest
3. (13:00) Learn from others and adapt your leadership approach

Description:

(00:00) Introducing Jack Cox, president and owner, Halfacre Construction

(04:25) About Halfacre Construction

(06:45) Landmark projects

(08:00) Why be involved in nonprofits?

(09:00) What does every leader need?

(10:00) Setting the vision

(13:00) Leadership approach

(14:10) Accepting feedback

(15:30) Making tough decisions

(16:30) Leadership legacy

(18:10) Halfacre Construction in 2026

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A nationally recognized workplace expert, Linda, based in Sarasota, is the architect of the Spectator-Free Workplace methodology, which fosters shared ownership of performance and revitalizes engagement, productivity and morale. Linda worked in journalism and corporate communications, with GE and AlliedSignal, before starting her own firm. Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Linda talked about her work in helping leaders break down silos and become better listeners to the entire team. She also talked about some key lessons learned from her entrepreneurial parents to legendary GE executive Jack Welch.

3 Takeaways:

1. (04:50) People make the success in business
2. (07:30) You can’t lead with a void of knowledge
3. (12:45) Use AI to spark creativity

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Linda Dulye, founder, Dulye & Co.

(04:30) What is Dulye & Co.?

(06:40) How do you advise your clients?

(09:00) Creating a better culture

(10:20) AI-proofing your career

(12:30) Using AI as a tool

(14:30) Linda’s career trajectory

(17:30) Must-have leadership characteristics

(19:00) Using feedback

(20:10) Mentors

(23:30) Syracuse Basketball and Dulye & Co. in 2026

Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more.

Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.