Leading with transparency and trust with Jeff Eslinger

April 30, 2026

Jeff has been a leader at two family-run homebuilding businesses in the Sarasota-Manatee market. The first was Eslinger Homes, which operated from 1976 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

(07:30) Patience and good listening are must-have leadership characteristics
(09:30) There is only one way to do things, the right way
(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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