In the family

Building self-storage units, luxury waterfront homes and a soundstage for a college doesn't scream cohesive business.

But for the Baldwin family, based in Sarasota, those pieces are the blocks of a fast-growing commercial real estate and development entity. It starts with Brad Baldwin, who has developed residential communities and other projects, from St. Petersburg to Boca Grande, for 30 years. Baldwin's son J.B. Baldwin, previously in commercial loans for Florida Shores Bank and commercial mortgages with Thomas D. Wood & Co., is another key player.

Project activity is heating up, the Baldwins say, even while challenges and obstacles complicate some developments. “There is a lot of risk associated with what we do,” J.B. Baldwin says. “We are putting out our own money, and we are putting ourselves on the line.”