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
