Leading consistently and caringly with Jack Cox of Halfacre Construction

April 23, 2026

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

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

Timestamps

(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

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.