Industries

August 19, 2024

137 companies in region ranked among fastest-growing in US

Companies from Lakeland to Naples made the Inc. 5000 list for 2024.

June 5, 2024

Commissioners move toward defunding Sarasota County EDC

The local business tax, which helps fund the EDC, is on its way toward repeal.

By Louis Llovio
January 6, 2023

Logistics firm exec says supply chain improving but recession could be a step back

BlueGrace Logistics’ COO Adam Blankenship says shipping costs are stabilizing “after a period of historically high levels for the past couple years.”

By Business Observer Staff
January 6, 2023

2023 Capital Markets Forecast: Inflationary Vortex and Our Investment Roadmap

The Investment Team at Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors, Inc., a member of the M&T family

By Brian Hartz
January 5, 2023

Medical cannabis industry focused on client growth in 2023

Right now, the biggest obstacle the local market is facing is cost structures.

By Guest Author
October 3, 2022

Leading Florida Real Estate Agent Roger Pettingell Explains Why Luxury Real Estate is Trending This Year

By Brian Hartz
July 7, 2022

At capacity: Industry struggles with a counterintuitive 'COVID bump' challenge

Furniture retailers are confronting an unexpected, pandemic-driven business oddity: an oversupply of product.

By Brian Hartz
June 3, 2022

Investors continue to target HVAC, plumbing firms

Thanks to private equity dollars flooding into the market, the home services industry continues to consolidate, but the potential rewards come with risks.

By Brian Hartz
March 17, 2022

Wage warrior: CEO goes above and beyond for worker pay

Tampa-based Volt Lighting has raised its starting hourly pay rate to double the state’s minimum wage.

By Mark Gordon
March 2, 2022

Homebuilder, after a 20-year absence, returns to firm where he was president

David Hunihan has some big plans to build processes at Lee Wetherington Homes.

By Brian Hartz
January 6, 2022

FleetForce Truck Driving School, Winter Haven

Winter Haven trucking school addresses supply-chain crisis with innovative driver recruitment program.

By Business Observer Staff
September 10, 2021

Why It’s Important to Regularly Review Your Employee Benefits Program

For the health of your business.

By Mark Gordon
September 2, 2021

Business owners weigh in on getting back to work — and what it looks like

Tricky decisions about the future of work — hybrid, in-office or full-on work-from-home — have put many executives in a bind. With safety paramount, followed closely by flexibility, some businesses in the region have forged a pandemic path.  

By Louis Llovio
July 22, 2021

Beverage distributor says billionaire investor's money is for growth not to purchase the company

CEO Tom Pepin says Maryland investment firm will his prominent beverage distribution company grow — but insists the business was not sold.

By Louis Llovio
July 8, 2021

Grocers look for an edge as competition gets even tighter

To stay competitive in a brutal market, grocers need to find ways to differentiate themselves. A cheaper can of beans no longer cuts it.

By Beth Luberecki
May 27, 2021

Entrepreneur sees the light on virus elimination

Forward-thinking entrepreneur makes pandemic shift to create a device that can eliminate pathogens. Up next: more market need-based shifts.

By Beth Luberecki
May 14, 2021

Firm stays ahead of competitors to provide clean air technology

A pre-pandemic move from military clients to general commercialization pays off for one fast-acting firm. ‘The two most important things we can be doing as a company is innovating and marketing’ one executive says.

By Mark Gordon
April 22, 2021

Music industry manufacturer seeks to regain pre-pandemic gust of growth

Company anticipates big rebound when schools reopen.

By Elizabeth Djinis
April 22, 2021

Mask company battles supply and demand dynamic

Running a mask manufacturing business isn’t the cinch it was 12 months ago. One company’s path shows the pitfalls — and promise.

By Beth Luberecki
April 16, 2021

Boat sales surge reaches marine components manufacturer

Veethree Electronics executive says he hasn't seen sales volume like this in 15 years.

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