misha ezratti glhomes com

February 3, 2025

The Story Behind GL Homes

Ever notice how some builders stick to cookie-cutter designs? GL Homes never did. From the start, this company put craftsmanship at the forefront—think detailed crown molding instead of cheap trim. It’s the sort of place where a front door feels like an invitation, not a concession.

Growing Up in Hollywood, Florida

Misha Ezratti’s childhood actually played into his career. Picture a kid riding his bike past construction sites, waving at crews pouring foundations. That wasn’t rare for him—his dad, Itchko, was GL Homes’ founder. By the time Misha hit high school, he knew more about framing than most contractors. Jumping into sales, blueprint review, even paint selection? He did it all starting in 2002.

From All-Hands to President

Working in every corner of a company changes your perspective. One week, Misha might be chatting with homeowners about window choices. The next, he’d be in hard hats with project managers on site. That hands-on grind paid off in 2016, when he stepped up as President. Leading a pipeline of roughly 10,000 homes isn’t just boardroom talk—it’s about balancing budgets, design trends, and local zoning quirks in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach.

A Different Take on Leadership

Forget the boss-on-a-pedestal act. Misha treats leadership like a team sport. Imagine a coach who joins in on drills; that’s his style. Weekly huddles include everyone from architects sketching floor plans to sales reps showing models to buyers. By leaning on those voices, he spots issues before they become headaches. Like when a new eco-friendly material delayed shipments—his team rerouted resources within 48 hours. That sort of agility comes from trusting the people on the ground.

Designing Homes People Love

GL Homes isn’t shy about letting buyers customize. Want a chef-style kitchen with double ovens and a pot-filler faucet? Go for it. Or maybe someone needs an at-home office with soundproof walls—no problem. Other builders tuck customization into fine print. Here, it’s front and center. That’s why communities feel alive: people invest in what they actually want, not a one-size-fits-all box.

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

South Florida’s real estate scene moves fast. Trends shift from open-floor living today to multi-gen suites tomorrow. GL Homes keeps pace by tracking local buyer data—what sold last quarter, which layouts drew the most traffic online. Then they tweak designs in real time. It’s like a restaurant updating its menu after hearing diners rave about one dish. Only here, the “dish” is a floorplan with vaulted ceilings.

Recognition on the Rise

You don’t get onto Florida Trend’s “Florida 500” by accident. Misha earned that nod by scaling the business without cutting corners. And the South Florida Business Journal “Ultimate CEO” award in 2024? That was less a trophy and more proof that investors and community leaders trust his vision. Awards don’t build homes, but they signal who’s steering the ship.

Building Beyond Bricks and Mortar

GL Homes pitches more than houses. Think playgrounds where neighbors swap BBQ recipes. Or community centers that host weekend yoga classes. Misha often talks about “building connections,” not just homes. In 2019, he fronted an “Ending Homelessness Breakfast,” rallying funds and volunteers. It’s not flashy philanthropy—he’s at the mic, sharing stories of families finding stability. And those events stick in people’s minds.

Family Values at Work

A tight-knit family influences everything here. The Ezratti clan shares Sunday dinners and business brainstorming alike. That continuity shows up in how GL Homes treats clients: long-term relationships over quick flips. When troubleshooting warranty issues, they don’t pass you between departments. One call, one point of contact. It’s like calling your cousin for advice rather than an anonymous support line.

Navigating Challenges Head-On

No developer escapes supply-chain hiccups or shifting interest rates. A few years back, lumber prices spiked overnight. Most builders paused new starts. GL Homes rerouted contracts, sourced alternative suppliers, and kept communities rolling. It meant extra coordination calls at dawn and late evenings. But by refusing to freeze, buyers got their homes on schedule. That reliability becomes your brand’s secret sauce in a market full of delays.

What’s Next for GL Homes

Looking ahead, the focus is on sustainable practices and tech-savvy living. Solar-ready rooftops are rolling out in new communities this year. Smart home integrations—imagine lights, locks, and thermostats syncing to your phone—are standard options now. They’re also eyeing expansion into emerging Florida markets, places where land is plentiful but quality builders are scarce. The goal is clear: grow without losing the flair that made them special.

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, it isn’t just about square footage or price per square foot. It’s about how a home shapes daily life. A well-lit kitchen sparks family dinners. A quiet office boosts productivity. A friendly front porch becomes the spot for neighborhood chats. GLHomes.com, under Misha Ezratti’s watch, keeps those human moments front and center. And that’s what makes the difference between a house that looks good on paper and a home people can’t wait to move into 😊