In this episode of Zonda’s Inspirational Leadership podcast series, Mollie Carmichael sits down with Syd Kitson, CEO of Kitson & Partners, and Tom Hoban, President and CIO, to discuss the incredible story behind Babcock Ranch — America’s first solar-powered city.
Syd and Tom share how a bold vision, rooted in sustainability and resilience, transformed 91,000 acres into a thriving master-planned community where 90% of the land is permanently preserved. From launching a charter school before the first residents moved in, to designing for storm safety that withstood Hurricane Ian, their approach has set a new standard for community development.
Their conversation touches on leadership lessons learned through football, family values, and decades of navigating the ups and downs of real estate cycles. You’ll want to tune in to hear about their unwavering focus on integrity, innovation, and putting people first.
Babcock Ranch is more than just a community — it’s a legacy of dreaming big, doing the hard work, and leaving the world better than they found it.
Listen to the full conversation to hear how Syd Kitson and Tom Hoban turned vision into reality and why Babcock Ranch is changing the way we think about the future of housing.
Tune in now
Read the full article on BUILDER to dive deeper into their vision for the future, and listen to the full podcast episode to hear the conversation firsthand available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, PlayerFM, and Listen Notes.
“Our ability to weather the toughest times — and come out with the same team and partners — is what I’m most proud of.”
Tom Hoban
President & CIO, Kitson & Partners
About the series
Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael. Each episode features a personal conversation with a 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.
Get in touch with Mollie
Mollie Carmichael is a Principal of Zonda’s Advisory services. Mollie’s expertise in marketing, products, and home design coupled with Zonda’s data, helps clients understand home shopper needs so that builders and developers can maximize revenue. Discover how we can help you think ahead and provide creative and functional solutions to your customers.
Listen to past episodes
Explore our library of podcast episodes, or click below to select a particular episode.
- Episode 29 – Chris Weekley and Jay Brown, David Weekley Homes
- Episode 28 – Scott Larson, CEO, HomeAid
- Episode 27 – Jeremy Laster, President, Rancho Mission Viejo
- Episode 26 – Margaret Whelan, Whelan Advisory Capital Markets
- Episode 25 – Leisel Cooper, Century Communities
- Episode 24 – Gene Myers, Thrive Home Builders
- Episode 23 – John Martin, Martin & Associates
- Episode 22- Tony Avila, Builder Advisor Group & Encore Capital Management
- Episode 21 – Gregg Nelson and Michael Maples, Trumark
- Episode 20 – Doug Yearley, Toll Brothers
- Episode 19 – Rick Severance, Wellen Park
- Episode 18 – Shravan Parsi, American Ventures
- Episode 17 – Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso
- Episode 16 – Joan Webb, The New Home Company
- Episode 15 – Mike Forsum, Landsea Homes
- Episode 14 – Eric Lipar, LGI Homes
- Episode 13 – Ross Perot, Jr., Hillwood
- Episode 12 – Ryan Marshall, Pulte Homes
- Episode 11 – Sheryl Palmer, Taylor Morrison Homes
- Episode 10 – Doug Bauer and Tom Mitchell, Tri Pointe Homes
- Episode 9 – Tommy Beadel, Thomas James Homes
- Episode 8 – Brent Herrington, DMB Development
- Episode 7 – Howard Englander, The Englander Company
- Episode 6 – Bert Selva, Shea Homes
- Episode 5 – Steve Alloy, Stanley Martin Homes
- Episode 4 – Ronda Conger, CBH Homes
- Episode 3 – Randall Lewis, Lewis Management Corp.
- Episode 2 – Larry Webb, The New Home Company
- Episode 1 – Adrian Foley, Brookfield Properties and Development
