Ian Schmoyer has helped lead the homebuilding company he founded eight years ago, Christopher Alan Homes, to become both one of the largest privately-owned homebuilding firms in Lee County and a top 100 firm nationwide. The company, with a focus on amenable and affordable homes, builds in Charlotte and Lee counties in Southwest Florida and Palm Bay on Florida's East Coast. On this episode Ian and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon talk about the genesis of Ian’s core hiring rule: never hire jerks. They also talk about his mentors, like his dad, and his views on a hot button issue: housing affordability in Florida.

3 Takeaways:

1. (09:10) Culture is the most needed thing in business today
2. (11:40) Your word is gold
3. (14:40) A lot of successful people kept it simple

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Ian Schmoyer, Chairman, President & CEO, Christopher Alan Homes

(06:25) Why did you get into obtainable housing?

(08:00) What defines Christopher Alan Homes' culture?

(10:10) What leadership characteristics are important to you?

(11:30) Leadership advice

(12:20) Ian’s mentors

(14:00) Book recommendations

(15:05) Overcoming setbacks

(16:30) Magic Wand solution to affordable housing

(17:45) Christopher Alan Homes in 2025

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.

Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.