Our Legacy
Phil Emmer
(1928-2018)
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Phil Emmer didn't just build homes—he built a legacy rooted in integrity, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way.
Born in 1928 and raised in South Florida, Phil earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech before serving in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After learning every side of the homebuilding business—from construction to real estate finance—he founded Emmer and Company in Miami in 1954. Six years later, he moved to Gainesville and established Emmer Development Corp., laying the foundation for what is now The Emmer Group.
Over more than six decades, Phil led the development of over 8,000 homes and apartments across Florida. But numbers never defined his success. His reputation was built on thoughtful planning, enduring quality, and an unwavering commitment to treating customers, employees, and business partners with honesty and respect.
Outside of business, Phil believed strong communities don't happen by accident. He dedicated countless hours to civic leadership, higher education, affordable housing, the arts, healthcare, and charitable organizations throughout Florida. Together with his wife, Barbara, he quietly supported causes that strengthened lives and enriched the communities they called home.
Known for his sharp wit, relentless curiosity, and hands-on leadership, Phil believed there was always a better way to solve a problem—and he wasn't afraid to challenge conventional thinking to find it.
Today, although Phil passed away in 2018, his principles remain the foundation of The Emmer Group. Every home we build, every community we manage, and every relationship we cultivate reflects the standards he set more than 70 years ago: build with purpose, stand behind your work, and leave things better than you found them.
Lori Emmer Cain
(1965 - 2022)
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Lori Emmer Cain, daughter of Emmer Group founder Phil Emmer, was born in Miami on June 29, 1965. She moved with her family to Gainesville at a young age, where she attended Gainesville High School and later graduated from the University of Florida.
Lori joined Emmer Group in 1985 and built her career from the ground up. Under her father’s mentorship, she embraced every opportunity to learn the business, earning greater responsibility through hard work and determination. She became Assistant Project Manager for the single-family construction division in 1992, Project Manager of the Capri community in 1994, and was named Vice President of Emmer Development that same year.
In 2002, Lori became President of Emmer Development, leading the company for two decades. During her tenure, she oversaw the development of communities including Capri, Sorrento, Portofino, Capriana, and most recently, Lugano—a traditional neighborhood development in Southwest Gainesville.
Beyond her leadership at Emmer, Lori was deeply committed to the building industry and the Gainesville community. She served as President of the Builders Association of North Central Florida, held multiple professional licenses, served on numerous local boards, mentored students, and volunteered extensively. Her dedication earned her many honors, including BANCF Builder of the Year and recognition from the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council as one of its Women Who Make a Difference.
For 20 years, Lori led Emmer Group with a genuine passion for building quality homes, strengthening the community she loved, and creating a workplace where employees were treated like family. Her leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment continue to shape the company’s legacy today.