Central Florida Executives Collaborate for Affordable Housing Initiative on World Habitat Day

Central Florida's Executive Build 2025: A Community Commitment to Affordable Housing

On October 6, 2025, Central Florida's most influential executives came together to participate in the Executive Build 2025 event, organized by Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka. This significant initiative coincided with World Habitat Day, marking a day dedicated to encouraging global awareness about housing issues.

Fifteen prominent leaders from various sectors rolled up their sleeves to aid in the construction of a new home for a deserving family within the community. The movement not only aimed to provide tangible support through the physical act of building but also served as a powerful reminder of the vital need for affordable housing in the region.

"Executive Build stands as a beautiful example of our community uniting to tackle one of the most pressing issues we face today: housing affordability," expressed Jay Zembower, Chairman of the Executive Build and of the Seminole County Board of Commissioners. He further emphasized that when business leaders collaborate with local families and volunteers, they are not merely constructing houses but are indeed fortifying the very fabric of the community.

Among the esteemed participants were Carl Brown of Total Solutions Group, Tim Dolan from Waste Pro, and John Gerhold, CEO of HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital—each bringing their unique skills and inspirational leadership to the project. With affordable housing increasingly becoming a formidable challenge for many working families, the event served dual purposes: fundraising and advocacy, calling on the broader business community to engage in proactive solutions.

Penny Seater, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka, highlighted the significance of the initiative: "This isn't just about building a single home; it's a testament to what can result when businesses, philanthropies, and government unite for a common goal. The sight of our region's top executives working hand in hand sends a clear signal: affordable homeownership is attainable when we come together."

As the executives worked on the new habitat home, they took the time to meet Carrie, a local daycare director and future homeowner. Learning about her journey underscored the profound impact of their contributions, illustrating the human stories behind the need for affordable housing.

David Johnson, Seminole County Property Appraiser and Habitat Board Chair, along with Chassity Vega of the Greater Orlando Builders Association, reiterated the critical nature of this project during speeches that morning. They expressed that initiatives like Executive Build create genuine pathways toward homeownership, not just lofty aspirations.

The Executive Build 2025 project also offered sponsorship opportunities for businesses keen on supporting affordable housing initiatives, signaling a push for corporate responsibility in community development. To further engage with and contribute to this mission, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka website.

Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka has played a pivotal role in shaping brighter futures and stronger communal bonds across Central Florida for over thirty years. Through a blend of financial aid, volunteer work, and partnerships with businesses, they construct affordable homes that are sold to families earning lower to moderate incomes. Homebuyers are also empowered through financial education and by actively participating in the building process, reinforcing the notion of community and shared responsibility.

For Central Florida, the efforts showcased on World Habitat Day were not just about the homes being built but the communities being strengthened, serving as a call to action for all sectors to join in resolving the critical issue of affordable housing.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka.