Building a mission-driven nonprofit quickly w/ Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s Mike Sutton

Mike Sutton was named CEO of the Tampa Bay Gulfside unit a decade ago, when it had just finished house No. 280 and was only in Pinellas County. Now it’s in two more counties — Pasco and Hernando — and is closing in on house No. 1,000. On this episode, Mike talks about his why and how he connects that to his day-to-day role at Habitat. He also talks about how he holds the team accountable and what he looks for in leaders.   

 

3 Takeaways:

1. (10:40) Promoting from inside is extremely valuable
2. (12:20) Culture fit is the most important value
3. (14:00) Hire slow, fire fast

Timestamps:

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(00:30) Introducing Mike Sutton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside 

(04:00) How Mike got into nonprofits, starting at YMCA

(05:40) What is the mission of Habitat for Humanity? 

(07:00) Day to day for Mike

(08:20) Tipping points for scaling the organization, growing for 11 straight years

(12:00) What do you look for in leaders?

(15:00) Personal learning lessons as the CEO

(16:45) Handling difficult conversations

(18:40) Lessons from mentors

(20:30) The experience of being at a Home Dedication

(24:15) Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside in 2025

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