Itchko Ezratti's Story

There are entrepreneurs who are defined by their success, and there are others who are defined by their legacy. Itchko Ezratti belongs firmly in the second category. 

The founder and chairman of GL Homes has spent nearly five decades quietly transforming Florida’s residential landscape, one master-planned community at a time, without ever seeking a headline. 

Itchko Ezratti, founding GL Homes

In 1976, Itchko Ezratti founded GL Homes, beginning with a single project in South Florida. 

From that first project, the vision was always larger than what was immediately in front of Itchko and the team he was building. Itchko believed in building homes that combined beauty, function, and long-term value. 

From the beginning, GL Homes was vertically integrated, managing all stages of construction, from land purchase to sales. That end-to-end control over quality would become one of the company’s most durable competitive advantages. 

Building a different kind of community

What distinguished GL Homes early on was Itchko Ezratti’s instinct that Florida homebuyers weren’t simply purchasing a home, they were investing in a way of life. He leaned into that idea completely. 

The Valencia brand of active adult communities transformed retirement living in Florida with resort-style amenities, becoming one of GL Homes’ most successful projects. GL Homes grew into a real estate powerhouse, specializing in high-end communities, especially those designed for the 55-plus market. 

Community after community sold out, often with repeat buyers returning for their second or third GL home, a testament to the loyalty Itchko Ezratti’s approach had earned. 

Today, GL Homes is ranked by Florida Trend Magazine as the largest private homebuilder in Florida, and by Professional Builder Magazine as the 8th largest private homebuilder in the United States. 

Passing the torch to Misha Ezratti

One of the clearest expressions of Itchko Ezratti’s long-term thinking is the way he approached moving from president to chairman. In 2016, Misha Ezratti stepped up as president of GL Homes. Although Itchko still remains involved in the company, his son Misha now oversees operations and, through his leadership, continues to innovate with a hands-on approach that ensures consistency across all communities. 

Being a privately owned company focused exclusively on Florida gives GL Homes a distinct advantage: deep roots in these markets, land purchased early in areas now in high demand, and the creative freedom to better cater to customers. 

A legacy measured in communities, not just homes

Numbers tell part of the story. Over 100,000 people are living in a GL home across the state of Florida. The company has built across Palm Beach, Broward, Collier, Lee, Hillsborough, and St. Lucie counties, and its communities consistently rank among the most sought-after new developments in the state. 

But Ezratti has always understood that the real measure of what GL Homes built isn’t found in revenue figures or square footage. For 50 years, he has guided GL Homes with the belief that success in business must go hand in hand with responsibility to people and place. 

Through partnerships with organizations like Feeding South Florida, GL Homes has contributed resources and volunteer support to help ensure that families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals. Itchko Ezratti has also made housing stability a priority through support for Habitat for Humanity and similar initiatives. Over the years, GL Homes has supported more than 2,000 organizations across Florida. 

Itchko Ezratti: The quiet builder

What makes Itchko Ezratti’s story genuinely compelling is not its scale, but its consistency. He does not seek media attention, does not cultivate a personal brand, and has kept his personal life out of public view. 

His story reminds us that real success comes from patience, family support, and caring about the people you serve. Itchko Ezratti’s journey is not a story about disruption or spectacle. It is a story about showing up, building well, and letting the work speak for itself.