Itchko Ezratti’s Vision for the Next Chapter of GL Homes and Florida Living
Itchko Ezratti: Founder, leader and philanthropist
When Itchko Ezratti founded GL Homes more than four decades ago, he built it with more than brick and mortar; he built it with compassion. From the beginning, his vision for success wasn’t just about constructing homes. It was about creating opportunities and uplifting the people who would live in them.
As founder and chairman, Itchko Ezratti has guided GL Homes with the steadfast belief that true success comes from improving the lives of others. His commitment to philanthropy has shaped both the company’s identity and the communities it serves. Across Florida, his quiet but steady dedication to giving back has helped transform neighborhoods, support families, and strengthen local organizations that make a difference every day.
Today, GL Homes stands not only as one of Florida’s most respected builders but also as a company deeply rooted in service. It’s a reflection of Itchko Ezratti’s personal and professional dedication to community giving.
Leadership rooted in compassion
For Itchko Ezratti, leadership has always meant more than achieving financial success. It has meant building with purpose and ensuring that every accomplishment contributes to the well-being of others.
When he started GL Homes decades ago, Itchko Ezratti was guided by three principles: integrity, quality, and community. These weren’t just ideals; they were the standards by which he measured every decision. He believed that strong companies should do more than meet market demand by also helping to build stronger communities.
That philosophy became a cornerstone of the GL Homes culture. Under Itchko Ezratti’s leadership, the company has grown into one of Florida’s largest privately held home builders, yet it has remained committed to the people behind its success. Whether through large-scale charitable initiatives or local acts of service, Itchko’s influence has fostered a company-wide culture of compassion and volunteerism.
He often says that success isn’t just about recognition but also about responsibility. That belief has inspired generations of employees, leaders, and partners of GL Homes to view philanthropy not as an afterthought but as a shared mission.
Through Itchko’s guidance, GL Homes has become known not only for building beautiful neighborhoods but also for helping the communities around them thrive.
Community initiatives making an impact
Over the years, GL Homes has developed a wide range of community programs that reflect Itchko Ezratti’s hands-on approach to leadership and giving. Each initiative is designed to meet real needs in Florida’s communities, focusing on families, children, and those facing hardship.
The Good Night’s Sleep program
Recognizing that no child should have to sleep without a bed, the Good Night’s Sleep program provides beds, bedding, and sleep essentials for families in need. Through partnerships with local social service organizations, GL Homes delivers these items directly to households, helping parents and children enjoy the comfort and security that every home should provide.
For Itchko, this initiative is about more than furniture; it’s about dignity and care. Something as simple as a good night’s rest can change how a child feels, learns, and grows. Itchko Ezratti and GL Homes Philanthropy want families to know they’re not alone.
The Passion for Playgrounds program
GL Homes also invests in children’s well-being through its Passion for Playgrounds initiative every year. This program funds the construction and enhancement of safe, engaging play spaces, giving kids the chance to have fun, connect, and imagine freely. Many of these playgrounds are located in underserved neighborhoods, where access to safe recreational areas is limited.
By revitalizing these public spaces, GL Homes creates lasting benefits that go far beyond play by fostering community pride and connection among families and neighbors.
The Meal Mobile program
Food insecurity remains a challenge for many Florida families, and GL Homes’ Meal Mobile helps bridge that gap. Working alongside The Lord’s Place, the program delivers nutritious meals and essential resources to neighborhoods in need. Volunteers from GL Homes join local partners to distribute meals, ensuring that no family goes without.
This hands-on model of giving reflects Itchko’s leadership philosophy, which prioritizes direct engagement and meaningful impact over publicity or prestige. The GL Homes team is often on-site during these initiatives, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.
Collaborations that multiply impact
Beyond its core programs, GL Homes partners with a variety of local nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations throughout Florida to support causes such as education, housing stability, disaster relief, and healthcare access. These partnerships amplify the reach of the company’s giving while keeping efforts focused at the community level, where change is most visible and personal.
Through every program, the goal remains consistent: to make life better for Florida families, one neighborhood at a time.
A legacy of local engagement
Itchko Ezratti’s focus on local, sustained impact sets apart his leadership in giving. Rather than writing checks from afar, Itchko believes in direct, community-level engagement, where the whole GL Homes team can support causes they can personally contribute to.
This philosophy has shaped GL Homes’ charitable partnerships across Florida, where the company has a long-standing presence. From funding school programs to supporting local organizations, the company’s outreach efforts reflect an understanding that every community faces unique challenges and that solutions must be tailored with empathy and care.
Many of these initiatives have evolved into long-term commitments, supported by ongoing volunteer work from GL Homes employees and leadership alike. The result is a network of partnerships built on trust, consistency, and shared purpose.
As Misha Ezratti, Itchko’s son and current president of GL Homes, leads the company into the future, these philanthropic roots remain firmly in place. Misha shares his father’s belief that business and generosity should grow together, ensuring that the success of GL Homes continues to benefit Floridians from all walks of life.
Together, the Ezrattis have built not only a company but a culture that treats giving as both a privilege and a responsibility.
Looking ahead to the future of GL Homes
As Florida continues to expand and evolve, so does Itchko Ezratti’s commitment to giving back. His approach to philanthropy has never been static; it adapts to the changing needs of the communities that GL Homes serves.
Looking ahead, Itchko and GL Homes Philanthropy will continue its partnerships with local nonprofits to support programs that address housing affordability, family wellness and community development. He continues to believe that sustainable growth must include compassion and that companies play a crucial role in ensuring that Florida’s future remains bright for everyone.
For Itchko Ezratti, community investment is not a trend; it’s a lifelong mission. What matters most are the lives built inside the homes and the communities that grow around them.
That belief continues to shape the future of GL Homes and its ongoing role as a builder that truly gives back. Every initiative, every home, every neighborhood reflects the same core philosophy: build with care, give with purpose, and always lead with heart.
Conclusion
Through his quiet yet powerful example, Itchko Ezratti has redefined what leadership looks like in the Florida housing industry. His philanthropic vision, rooted in humility and compassion, has left an indelible mark on the communities he serves. He is creating not just homes but hope.
Under Itchko’s continued guidance and Misha’s leadership, GL Homes remains committed to improving lives, strengthening families, and supporting neighborhoods across Florida.
To learn more about GL Homes’ ongoing community involvement and its mission to build stronger, more connected neighborhoods, visit glhomes.com.
