TAMPA – He is the ultimate "building dad" — and while he has plenty of projects to be proud of, he refuses to say his favorite out loud.
Casey Ellison, founder and CEO of Ellison Companies, captivated an audience at the Conversation with a CEO event hosted by the USF Muma College of Business. He shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced in launching his company, and his passion for revitalizing historic buildings.
On March 6, he sat down with David Blackwell, the Lynn Pippenger dean at the business college, before a crowd of over 50 alumni, students, faculty, and business professionals from the region at USF’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation in downtown Tampa.
Ellison’s career trajectory was anything but linear. Starting at USF with aspirations in pre-med, he explored multiple fields — including political science, civil engineering, and finance — before ultimately earning his degree in finance.
During his time at USF, he worked for a local contractor in development management, gaining firsthand experience in the industry before ultimately branching out on his own. His father was his boss at the time, and he even joked about the awkwardness of giving your two weeks' notice to your dad.
Today, Ellison Companies operates as a family-run business. His father serves as chairman of the board and leads Ellison Advisors, while his brother heads the construction division, and his sister manages strategic planning and marketing.
Ellison has gained recognition for his work in revitalizing historic buildings, transforming it into vibrant, modern spaces while preserving their historical integrity. Notable projects include the Oxford Exchange, Stovall House, and portions of Armature Works.
“When you start with an existing building, you’re starting ahead of the game—there’s already a story there,” he explained. “A building has a soul, and giving it new life is incredibly rewarding.”
When asked whether he had a favorite project, Ellison was coy.
"Those projects are like my children. And like children, I would never pick a favorite," he said. "I love them all and equally."
His company focuses on creating spaces that are not just functional but also foster meaningful connections between people, making place-making a core element of his work.
This passion for revitalizing spaces naturally extends to his interest in hospitality. Just as he believes in restoring historic buildings to create vibrant community hubs, he sees hotels as more than just places to stay — they are experiences that bring people together.
“When you start with an existing building, you’re starting ahead of the game — there’s already a story there. A building has a soul, and giving it new life is incredibly rewarding.” — Casey Ellison
Ellison’s interest in hospitality has driven his company into the hotel industry. From an early age, he was fascinated by the unique atmosphere of hotels, from their design to their service. His first success in the sector was Hotel Haya in Ybor City, where his team played a role in development and ownership.
Building on that success, his company recently secured an agreement with Marriott to develop eight boutique hotels across the U.S., with the first locations set for St. Petersburg and Tampa, followed by Palm Beach.
His enthusiasm for the hospitality industry stems from his belief that a great hotel offers an unmatched experience — one that blends comfort, service, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Ellison also emphasized the supportive nature of the Tampa Bay business community, describing it as a unique ecosystem where collaboration outweighs competition. He highlighted how local entrepreneurs and professionals genuinely want to see each other succeed, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and shared growth.
He credited this culture of mutual support as a key factor in his own journey, noting that many of his early opportunities came from connections within the community. “The community here is powerful. And the willingness of the community to lift each other up is huge,” he said. “911±¬ÁĎÍř have got to keep Tampa hospitable.”
This warm and encouraging atmosphere reinforced his decision to build his career in Tampa, allowing him to pursue his passion for revitalizing spaces while being surrounded by like-minded individuals who believe in the region’s potential.
Beyond his business ventures, Ellison stressed the importance of company culture in building a successful organization. “Culture is number one. If you have culture, you'll attract the talent and you'll retain the talent,” he emphasized.
He believes that fostering a workplace where employees feel valued and supported is key to retaining top talent. By maintaining a positive and inclusive environment, Ellison Construction has built a dedicated team that takes pride in their work and remains committed to the company’s mission.
The event concluded with Ellison reflecting on his journey and expressing gratitude for the opportunities he has had. His story of perseverance, adaptability, and passion for revitalizing spaces left a lasting impression on attendees, reinforcing the entrepreneurial spirit that USF fosters among its students.