Behind every major business empire is a story shaped by family, values, and personal evolution. In the case of GL Homes CEO Misha Ezratti, much of his success is deeply connected to the people closest to him—especially his wife, Jessica Millman, a classically trained ballet dancer, and the Ezratti family members who built one of Florida’s largest homebuilding companies. With a personal fortune estimated between $450 million and $500 million, Misha is widely known as a leading figure in the real estate world. Still, the story behind the CEO is one of family history, quiet strength, and shared ambitions.
The Roots of the Ezratti Legacy: A Father’s Dream Becomes a Family Empire
The Ezratti family’s rise in real estate began long before Misha became CEO. The foundation was laid in 1976, when Itzhak Ezratti, an immigrant with a bold vision and strong work ethic, founded GL Homes in Davie, Florida. With little more than determination and industry insight, he set out to build high-quality homes for families while establishing a reputation for reliability and craftsmanship.
The company name “GL” stands for “Good Luck,” reflecting the family’s belief that success is built through hard work supported by opportunity. GL Homes began with small duplex projects in Hollywood, Florida—co-developed with Itzhak’s father-in-law, Joseph Hanin—and slowly expanded into a trusted builder across Palm Beach County. Over time, GL Homes earned recognition for its attention to detail, long-lasting construction, and communities designed for residents of all ages.
A major turning point came after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, when the company stepped in to help rebuild homes for displaced families. Their ability to respond quickly and construct durable housing significantly strengthened GL Homes’ reputation across the state.
Today, GL Homes serves over 100,000 residents in Florida and stands among the most successful privately owned real estate developers in the United States. But the company’s growth wasn’t just about construction—it was about family, determination, and passing down a philosophy of excellence.
Growing Up Ezratti: How Misha’s Childhood Shaped the Leader He Became
Born in 1979 in Hollywood, Florida, Misha grew up with a front-row seat to GL Homes’ evolution. His father Itzhak often included him in conversations about land acquisition, customer needs, and community design. For Misha, real estate was not just a business—it was a way of life.
He later pursued a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Boston University, providing a formal foundation to complement the years of hands-on learning he gained as part of a real estate family. After graduating, he returned to Florida and immersed himself in nearly every department within GL Homes—from operations to design to community planning.
This immersive experience shaped his business philosophy:
- Listen to customers
- Build with precision
- Treat employees like family
- Prioritize long-term quality over short-term profit
In 2016, after nearly two decades with the company, Misha became President. His father transitioned into the role of Chairman, and together they ensured a seamless generational leadership shift. The two share a close bond, and when asked about his hero, Misha responded simply: “My father (still is).”
Under Misha’s leadership, GL Homes continued expanding, developing luxury communities, 55+ neighborhoods, and master-planned communities known for amenities, architectural detail, and high customer satisfaction.
Who Is Misha Ezratti Wife? The Private Yet Influential Role of Jessica Millman
Although Misha’s public profile continues to rise, Misha Ezratti Wife, Jessica Millman, keeps a much more private life. Jessica is a professional ballet dancer, a career far removed from real estate but one that brings grace, creativity, and discipline to their partnership.
Jessica’s artistic background contrasts beautifully with Misha’s business-focused upbringing. Their relationship blends two worlds—finance and art—creating a balanced dynamic that deeply influences their household and family decisions.
Together, Misha and Jessica have a son, who represents the next generation of the Ezratti legacy. Though the couple avoids excessive public exposure, those close to them describe a household rooted in love, stability, and shared values.
Jessica herself plays a vital but understated role in the Ezratti family:
- She supports philanthropic causes, particularly those connected to the arts and community development.
- Her creative mindset offers Misha a different way of seeing challenges and opportunities.
- She contributes to shaping the family’s involvement in charitable housing initiatives aligned with GL Homes’ mission.
Much like many successful family-run businesses, Jessica’s presence reflects the idea that behind every strong leader is a partner whose strengths enhance and support the overall vision.
How Family Values Drive GL Homes’ Corporate Culture
One of the defining traits of GL Homes is the company’s family-centered culture. Unlike publicly traded developers driven by quarterly results, GL Homes takes a long-term approach rooted in values passed down from Itzhak to Misha.
1. Stability and Loyalty
Employees stay with the company for an average of 22 years, an exceptional statistic in the real estate industry. This loyalty stems from:
- Respectful leadership
- Opportunities for growth
- A supportive, family-like environment
Such consistency allows GL Homes to maintain high quality standards and unparalleled customer service.
2. A Customer-First Mindset
The Ezrattis believe that homeowners aren’t just buying houses—they’re joining the GL Homes family. This belief shows in:
- Carefully designed floor plans
- Resort-style amenities
- Long-term customer support
3. Community Responsibility
Misha and Jessica continue the Ezratti commitment to giving back. Their initiatives include:
- Affordable housing projects
- Sponsorship of community development programs
- Support for cultural and educational institutions
These efforts are more than corporate obligations—they reflect genuine care for the communities they build.
A Modern Family Leading a Traditional Business
What makes the Ezratti family story particularly compelling is the balance between tradition and modernity. Itzhak built GL Homes with an immigrant’s determination, while Misha and Jessica carry the legacy into a new era using fresh perspectives.
Jessica’s ballet discipline and artistic thinking complement Misha’s financial expertise. Their partnership symbolizes the strength that comes when different worlds come together—creativity meeting strategy, tradition blending with innovation.
Conclusion
The story of Misha Ezratti, his wife Jessica Millman, and the Ezratti family proves a powerful truth: enduring success grows from strong roots. While Misha’s net worth of up to $500 million reflects his achievements, the deeper wealth of the Ezratti family lies in something far more meaningful—values, unity, integrity, and decades of shared purpose.
From Itzhak’s immigrant beginnings to Misha’s modern leadership and Jessica’s creative influence, the Ezrattis built more than a real estate empire. They built a multi-generational legacy defined by loyalty, excellence, and the belief that homes should be crafted with care, not just constructed for profit.
GL Homes stands today as a reminder of what happens when love, family vision, and business strategy work together. At its core, the company succeeds not because of numbers, but because of the people—and the family—behind it.
