Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building

Join Mollie Carmichael for a conversation with Mattamy Homes’ Dan Grosswald about Newfield, a next-generation master plan in Martin County, Southeast Florida. Together they explore how a working farm, a 2,000-acre preserve, and a walkable town center are reshaping what healthy, connected living can look like. Learn more about Zonda at https://zondahome.com

In this episode of Zonda’s Inspirational Leadership Series, host Mollie Carmichael sits down with Uri Man, CEO of Lagoon Development Company, to explore how his team is transforming real estate—one lagoon at a time. Uri shares how his upbringing as the son of Israeli immigrants shaped his relentless drive, and how a chance encounter with Crystal Lagoons technology inspired a bold vision: bring beachfront living to inland communities. Now a leading developer of lagoon-centered masterplans, Uri’s projects like Balmoral and Lago Mar are boosting home sales, attracting top builders, and redefining what it means to build community. His latest venture? A partnership with Sports Illustrated to bring the first Sports Illustrated Resort to Texas. About the Series Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYT Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s Connect https://www.zondahome.comhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLIhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFBhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTWhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

Discover the story behind Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered city. In our latest Inspirational Leadership Series, Syd Kitson and Tom Hoban share how vision, resilience, and innovation shaped one of the most groundbreaking master-planned communities in the nation. About the Series Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYThttps://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s Connect https://www.zondahome.comhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLIhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFBhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTWhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

In this episode, Mollie Carmichael sits down with Chris Weekley, President and Vice Chairman, and Jay Brown, CEO of David Weekley Homes, to talk leadership, legacy, and purpose. Hear how the company is navigating generational transition, scaling with intention, and staying true to its mission of building dreams and enhancing lives. About the Series Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYThttps://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s Connect https://www.zondahome.comhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLIhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFBhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTWhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

In this episode of our Inspiration Leadership Series, Mollie Carmichael sits down with Scott Larson, CEO of HomeAid, to talk about his powerful mission to end homelessness. Scott shares the surprising realities behind homelessness, the vital role of affordable housing, and how the homebuilding industry can be a force for change. About the Podcast Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYThttps://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s Connect https://www.zondahome.comhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLIhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFBhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTWhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

In the latest episode of the Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building podcast Mollie Carmichael sits down with Jeremy Laster, President of Rancho Mission Viejo. Over the past 22 years, Mr. Laster has overseen the development and operation of more than 2.0 million square feet of commercial real estate assets, over 2,500 apartment units and the planning and construction of Rienda, the newest village at Rancho Mission Viejo. About the Podcast Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYThttps://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s Connect https://www.zondahome.comhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLIhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFBhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTWhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

In the latest episode of the Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building podcast Mollie Carmichael sits down with Margaret Whelan, Founder and CEO of Whelan Advisory Capital Markets – a boutique investment bank and broker-dealer focused on M&A and capital-raising advisory exclusively for the residential housing and construction industry. Hear how Margaret's experience as a young immigrant leaving war-torn Ireland motivated her to seek the good in her circumstances and helped her become a trailblazing woman in her field. About the Podcast Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYThttps://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s Connect https://www.zondahome.comhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLIhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFBhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTWhttps://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

The latest episode of Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Homebuilding features an interview with Liesel Cooper, National President of Century Communities. Liesel shares with Mollie the ins and outs of her career, how she got her start, and how her legacy will continue in the future leaders she inspires today. About the podcast Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. » Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYT » Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s connect: »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

The latest episode of Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Homebuilding features an interview with Gene Myers, Owner and CSO of Thrive Home Builders. Learn how Gene became one of the most influential green builders in the industry. About the podcast Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. » Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYT » Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s connect: »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

The latest episode of Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Homebuilding features a very special interview with John Martin, owner of Martin & Associates. With over 50 years of experience in home building, product design, market research, community planning, land development, sales and marketing, John Martin brings a lot of skill and a legendary reputation to the table. About the podcast Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. » Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYT » Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s connect: »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

Over the past 25 years, Tony Avila has served as an advisor in over 100 homebuilding merger and acquisition transactions. Tune in to learn about Tony’s path into the real estate industry, what inspires him every day, and his remarkable achievements, both inside and outside of the office. About the podcast Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. » Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYT » Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s connect: »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

Hear from Trumark co-founders Gregg Nelson and Michael Maples. The dynamic duo struck up a friendship while studying business at San Jose State University. Their shared faith strengthened their friendship, and ultimately led the pair to go into business together. About the podcast Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. » Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYT » Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s connect: »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

Hear from Toll Brothers Chairman and CEO, Doug Yearley, about his career in home building and who inspires him. About the podcast Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. » Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYT » Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s connect: »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

Rick Severance is President of Wellen Park. Learn more about how the mastermind behind one of America’s largest master planned communities is fostering great leadership skills in the next generation. About the podcast Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael, Principal, Advisory, of Zonda. Each episode features an insightful personal conversation with a key thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. » Subscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeYT » Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews About Zonda Building the future of housing. We exist to inform, advise and connect the next generation of housing industry experts, leveraging the information, insights, and people that move the industry forward. Let’s connect: »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG

Shravan Parsi is the CEO and founder of American Ventures, a commercial real estate and multifamily development, operating and investment company. Inspired by the desire to build amazing communities and provide quality lifestyles, he says, “It’s not about the money, it’s about what kind of impact you’re leaving.” Get to know Shravan, who inspires him, and what he thinks the most valuable leadership qualities are, in this episode of the Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building podcast hosted by Zonda’s principal of advisory, Mollie Carmichael. »Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG About Zonda Zonda provides data-driven housing market solutions to the homebuilding and multifamily industries. From builders to building product manufacturers, mortgage clients, and multifamily executives, we work hand-in-hand with our customers to streamline access to housing data to empower smarter decisions. As a leading brand in residential construction, our mission is to advance the home building industry, because we believe better homes mean better lives and stronger communities. Together, we are building the future of housing.

Spencer Rascoff is the former CEO and co-founder of Zillow, the co-founder of Hotwire, and many other successful ventures, including his newest, Pacaso. Sit down with Spencer and Mollie Carmichael and hear about the birth of Hotwire and Zillow, what Spencer is most proud of in his achievements, and what he would have changed. Learn about his leadership style and who inspires him, in this episode of the Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building podcast. »Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG About Zonda Zonda provides data-driven housing market solutions to the homebuilding and multifamily industries. From builders to building product manufacturers, mortgage clients, and multifamily executives, we work hand-in-hand with our customers to streamline access to housing data to empower smarter decisions. As a leading brand in residential construction, our mission is to advance the home building industry, because we believe better homes mean better lives and stronger communities. Together, we are building the future of housing.

Joan Webb is the retired Chief Marketing Officer for the New Home Company. She championed the way for women in the workplace—challenging home builders to check their biases, and encouraging women to lead difficult conversations and push for what they wanted. Learn more about Joan’s incredible career accomplishments, her niche talents, and her advice for women in leadership in this episode of the Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Homebuilding podcast hosted by Zonda’s Mollie Carmichael. »Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG About Zonda Zonda provides data-driven housing market solutions to the homebuilding and multifamily industries. From builders to building product manufacturers, mortgage clients, and multifamily executives, we work hand-in-hand with our customers to streamline access to housing data to empower smarter decisions. As a leading brand in residential construction, our mission is to advance the home building industry, because we believe better homes mean better lives and stronger communities. Together, we are building the future of housing.

Mike Forsum is a third-generation Swedish carpenter and home builder. Although home building wasn’t his original dream, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Today, Mike is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Landsea Holdings Corporation. He has been in the home building industry for over 30 years. He co-founded Land Ventures in 2008 and joined Landsea in 2016. Together with the leadership of CEO John Ho, he has helped the company grow rapidly from just 30 employees to over 750—not to mention going public in 2021, exceeding $1 billion in revenue and winning the 2022 Builder of the Year award. Learn more about Mike Forsum’s career, who inspires him, and more in this episode of the Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building podcast, hosted by Mollie Carmichael. »Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG About Zonda Zonda provides data-driven housing market solutions to the homebuilding and multifamily industries. From builders to building product manufacturers, mortgage clients, and multifamily executives, we work hand-in-hand with our customers to streamline access to housing data to empower smarter decisions. As a leading brand in residential construction, our mission is to advance the home building industry, because we believe better homes mean better lives and stronger communities. Together, we are building the future of housing.

Eric Lipar is the CEO and chairman of LGI Homes, who boasts a unique business model: they build move-in ready homes targeted specifically to first-time home buyers who are currently renting. Like many in the industry, homebuilding was not Eric’s original career trajectory. He grew up in rural Michigan in a town with a population of just 500 people. He was raised with a strong work ethic—sweeping and mopping his uncle’s tavern every morning, 364 days a year. Pursuing his passion for mathematics, he went to a local college and studied to become an actuary. But the country boy in him realized a desk job pent-up inside all day, every day, was not the path for him. With some guidance from his father, Eric landed a job selling acreage home sites. Later his father started LGI Development, and together they sold their own acreage lots. In 2003 he started LGI Homes, which is now the tenth-largest homebuilder in the U.S. Get to know more about Eric, his leadership style, and what inspires him, in this episode of the Inspirational Leadershippodcast series, hosted by Mollie Carmichael. Thank you to our partners at Builder Advisor Group for underwriting this podcast episode. »Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG About Zonda Zonda provides data-driven housing market solutions to the homebuilding and multifamily industries. From builders to building product manufacturers, mortgage clients, and multifamily executives, we work hand-in-hand with our customers to streamline access to housing data to empower smarter decisions. As a leading brand in residential construction, our mission is to advance the home building industry, because we believe better homes mean better lives and stronger communities. Together, we are building the future of housing.

Ross Perot Jr. is the chairman of The Perot Group and Hillwood and is well known for a great number of achievements—such as developing Alliance, Texas, and making the first circumnavigation around the world in a helicopter at the age of 23—just to name a few. Despite his father's success and growing up in the company of giants such as Steve Jobs, Frank Borman, Margaret Thatcher, and Ronald Regan, Ross never took for granted the values his father instilled in him—family over business, and helping others over success. Learn more about Ross Perot Jr., his upbringing, who inspires him, and what he thinks are the most important leadership qualities, in this episode of the Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building podcast. Thank you to our partners at American Ventures for underwriting this podcast episode. »Get housing industry news & updates: https://bit.ly/ZondaNews »Learn more: https://www.zondahome.com »Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeLI »Follow us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeFB »Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeTW »Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/ZondaHomeIG About Zonda Zonda provides data-driven housing market solutions to the homebuilding and multifamily industries. From builders to building product manufacturers, mortgage clients, and multifamily executives, we work hand-in-hand with our customers to streamline access to housing data to empower smarter decisions. As a leading brand in residential construction, our mission is to advance the home building industry, because we believe better homes mean better lives and stronger communities. Together, we are building the future of housing.