Leading with transparency and trust with Jeff Eslinger

From the Corner Office · Apr 30, 2026 · 20m

Jeff has been a leader at two family-run homebuilding businesses in the Sarasota-Manatee market. The first was Eslinger Homes, which operated from 1991 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…