A Wise Move

White paint stains on Carl Wise's shorts and sweat on his forehead, prizes from a day of hard labor, make him look like just another one of the guys on the job.

Yet Wise has an unusual role in this project, a $4 million renovation of a former steakhouse, pool hall and nightclub in Sarasota. He not only lays tile, tightens doorknobs and puts in some 18-hour days. He's also the boss of the operation, The Devyn, a multi-room event venue that can host parties and events for up to 1,000 people. Wise, who also owns Bee Ridge Florist and All Event Rental & Design, both in Sarasota, has been at the Devyn every day since May, literally on his hands and knees.

“I know exactly how things need to be,” says Wise, who isn't related to area commercial real estate broker Carl Wise. “Plus, people work harder and move faster when they see the boss out there killing himself.”