Jordan Richards, 26

Jordan Richards comes across as a man of few words, but his attitude toward his work and career goals speaks volumes. He co-owns, along with his father and mentor, Rick Richards, Fehl Safe Water Systems, which they acquired in 2020. The company, founded in 1994, provides water treatment services for homes and businesses in Bradenton, North Port, Sarasota and Tampa. 

The world of water softeners, chlorination systems, aeration, reverse osmosis, etc., was new to both Richards and his father — they were in the land-clearing business. But that didn’t stop him from taking the plunge, so to speak. 

Photo by Mark Wemple