Rise Up

Tom Wessel's self-named construction firm was one of only a few Gulf Coast contracting firms to gain revenues in 2009.

In fact, the company grew 51% last year, from $5.3 million to $8 million. The seven-employee firm also moved into a new headquarters in Lakewood Ranch in 2009.

But don't be deceived by the growth, Wessel says. Last year was one of his toughest ever and he thinks 2010 will be even more of a struggle. While Wessel is optimistic on at least three pending bids for work, he realizes those bids could be denied because clients continue to wait out the recession — a familiar refrain in the region.