As the owner of a local luxury custom home-building company, my weekdays are a whirlwind of meetings, site visits and managing a talented team of professionals who strive to serve our clients. From navigating architectural plans to selecting high-end finishes, there’s no shortage of decisions to be made. The responsibilities are demanding, but the results—a beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind home for each client—are always worth it.
Owning this business means I’m constantly juggling roles: mentor, leader, problem-solver and visionary. I guide my team, ensuring everyone from our designers to our contractors work in harmony all while maintaining the high standards our clients expect. It’s not just about building homes; it’s about building relationships, trust and a reputation for excellence. I love my job and take this very seriously. My weekdays are filled with challenges pushing me to be my best—decisive, focused and strategic.
But when the weekend rolls around, I trade my office environment for something completely different: a little league baseball field. That’s right—when I’m not managing a team of homebuilders, I’m managing the action on a diamond full of kids learning the game.
A Journey Through Coaching and Umpiring
My journey in coaching and umpiring started 40 years ago, when I was young and unattached. I partnered with a couple of friends to coach a Little League team. Transitioning from a businessman to a coach, I learned quickly that leading young athletes requires a different approach. It wasn’t just about teaching the fundamentals of the game; it was about building confidence, instilling discipline, learning teamwork and developing respect for the institutions that form the foundation of the game. It became a rewarding challenge to balance the competitive nature of baseball with nurturing the personal growth of each child.
25 years ago, I was blessed to take on the role of coaching my two sons in Little League. Once my sons grew beyond Little League age, I shifted roles—from their coach to a coach for other kids in the league. I continued to pour my energy into guiding them on the field, but my connection to the game became less about parenthood and more about giving back to the community. I watched as the lessons of respect, perseverance and accountability transcended the field and became life lessons for everyone involved.
Now, with my children grown, I’m back, this time as an umpire. It’s a role that allows me to remain involved in the sport I love, but from a different angle. As an umpire, I’m no longer shaping the players’ skills directly, but I am helping maintain the integrity of the game. My job is to keep the game fair and flowing smoothly, much like I do with my business—ensuring everything stays on track and everyone follows the rules.
Teambuilding, First and Foremost
Some might think umpiring little league baseball would be a stark contrast to running a business, but I see surprising similarities. Just like in my business, there’s a team relying on me—only this time, it’s
young players who need a fair, calm and consistent figure to keep the game moving. I make split- second decisions, often with people watching and ready to challenge a call, much like when I’m making on-the-spot decisions at a job site. Whether it’s monitoring baserunners and fielders or overseeing a complex construction project, I’ve learned confidence, clear communication and staying level-headed under pressure are key.
The biggest difference between the two roles? The stakes. In custom home building, every decision impacts someone’s future—this is their forever home, after all. I take responsibility seriously, ensuring no detail is overlooked and we’re delivering on every promise. In Little League, the stakes are lower, but in a way, the reward is just as great. I get to watch kids develop skills, build friendships and learn the value of teamwork and respect for others. It reminds me, while success is important, so is keeping a sense of perspective.
The Balancing Act
Weekends on the baseball field help me recharge for the workweek. It’s a chance to unplug from the hustle of business ownership and immerse myself in the simplicity of the game. There’s something refreshing about watching kids play for the love of the sport without the weight of deadlines or client expectations. It’s a reminder sometimes the purest joys come from the simplest moments.
In many ways, being an umpire makes me a better business owner. It teaches me patience, reinforces the value of clear communication and reminds me leadership is about more than just making decisions—it’s about setting an example for those around you. Whether I’m on a job site or behind home plate, I’m always striving to be a fair, reliable and consistent leader.
So, when Monday comes around and I’m back at the helm of my company, I carry those lessons with me. Whether I’m overseeing the build of a stunning custom home or calling a close play at third base, I’ve learned leadership, no matter the arena, comes down to passion, integrity and a genuine love for what you do.
And trust me, when you love what you do, balancing the two becomes second nature. Now, play ball!
Tom Lykos
Southwest Florida Little League Baseball Umpire
President | CEO
The Lykos Group
