As President of Deltec Homes, Steve Linton is a leader in a movement to create energy efficient, durable homes that are also beautiful. His thoughtful leadership includes stewarding environmental impact programs at the company as well as advocating for sustainable design in the building community.
Steve has a degree in Civil Engineering from Cornell University, a master’s degree in business from Western Carolina University, and is a leadership fellow at the Thayer Institute. Steve is also a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional and has been a green building consultant for ABC’s Extreme Makeover program. Steve regularly writes on topics ranging such as green building and sustainable business, and he presents on sustainable design and building science at national building conferences.
Steve loves spending time with his wife and two sons and is also an avid outdoorsman, pursuing climbing, trail running, and mountain biking in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. He serves regularly as a volunteer or board member at organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the GreenBuilt Alliance, Western Carolina University, and Scouts BSA.
Steve is on a mission to change the face of housing in America, from the status quo to the Deltec way: where excellence comes first, and where homes can have a positive effect on the planet, protect us from the most severe weather on earth, and reconnect us with the natural world that is all around us.
3 Key Points
- Everything I learned about business I learned as a middle school teacher: How do I prepare? How do I set expectations? What attitude am I bringing into the room? These questions set companies up for success.
- Family-owned businesses have their skin in the game at the next level: soul in the game, a deeper connection.
- Community projects are one of the ways that companies can contribute.
Quote
The best way for a company to make decisions is where the ownership of problems is clearly defined. Leaders don’t need to solve every problem. By decentralizing decisions to the people who have the expertise and experience, the company is way better off.
What We Talked About
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- 01:26 – what is different about Deltec?
- 3:53 – the vision of connection
- 05:01 – why the move to Deltec?
- 07:45 – the transition into leadership as a non-family member of a family-owned business
- 10:34 – how did the unique design of Deltec Homes evolve?
- 13:31 – international customers, including Mongolia
- 14:54 – environmental impact
- 18:58 – home survival in high wind events like hurricanes
- 20:31 – community involvement
- 22:35 – unique construction, simple system for builders
- 25:11 – marketing challenge
- 28:04 – business model
- 29:28 – diversity
- 31:46 – decision-making
- 34:16 – what’s the future of Deltec?
Actionable Tips
- Don’t feel like you as a leader need to solve all the problems. Let your people grow and have the impact they are capable of having.
- Be curious. Always be interested in learning.
- Explore the B corporation framework. Make sure you’re thinking about accomplishments, not activities.
Resources Mentioned
- Deltec Homes
- Reach out to Steve directly at slinton@deltechomes.com
Resources for Your Business
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Ursula Jorch, Host of The Impact Interviews
Ursula Jorch is a business coach, speaker, and podcaster who shows women leaders how to turn their businesses into profitable agents for lasting change, global impact, and a force for good in the world.
