Cuban commerce

Cedar Hames's advertising agency, Paradise, specializes in travel and hospitality — a big reason why Hames is heavily focused on getting new business Cuba.

The 14-year-old agency with 30 employees has offices in St. Petersburg, Naples, Daytona and Tallahassee. The company is in a growth spurt: It increased business by a third last year, and Hames says he wouldn't be surprised if it grows that much again this year.

Florida, says Hames, with its large Cuban populations in Miami and Tampa, should lead the way in doing business with its close neighbors. “The pent-up demand is incredible,” he says. “As soon as they can rationalize spending money, we're going to see a huge influx.”