Ernie Lefler

Activist, Brainstormer, Business mentor, Change Agent, Connector, Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Idea generator, Philanthropist, Promoter

Prior to starting Quantum Leap Enterprises (QLE), Ernie spent 25 years as a U.S. Naval Aviator. He enlisted in 1978 and served on long-range reconnaissance / surveillance P-3 Orion aircraft as an Aviation Electronics Technician. In conjunction, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and became a commissioned officer, serving as Tactical Coordinator and Mission Commander, flying missions world-wide throughout the Western Pacific, Persian Gulf, and the European theaters, including providing ground support in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Ernie managed personnel in all facets of maintenance, training, quality assurance, mission planning, and physical security. After retiring from the navy, and with the intent of giving back, he completed life-coach training with CoachU, and then returned to his roots in Palm Beach County on a mission to make a difference in young lives. He spent six years as a JROTC instructor with Palm Beach County Schools, focusing on teaching goal setting, self-discipline, and self-esteem. After this rewarding endeavor, he left to fulfill some goals of his own and earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University, becoming a Master Gardener through the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and launching QLE - a sustainable solutions company. A life-long surfer, conservationist, naturalist, and proponent of the belief that, "we are not leaving this world to our children, we are borrowing it from them", Ernie believes we have an obligation to leave this earth better than we found it.

Developing sustainability strategies that focus on the triple bottom line - people (employess, customers, neighbors) the planet (responsible use of resources/end of life solutions), as well as profit.

Urban farming that incorporates composting food waste and organics recycling from local generators like restaurants and grocery stores to fertilize future crops without petrochemical products. Urban farming supplies locally sourced, healthy, organic nutritious food that also reduces the industry's carbon footprint because it hasn't traveled the average 1500 miles that most food travels.

Total Quality (DMAIC) / problem solving by observing and listening to stakeholders, encapsulating issues, organizing dream teams, brainstorming viable options, and executing comprehensive solutions