Change-Makers | Business Observer

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Change-Makers

By

Louis Llovio
August 25, 2023

A college president who almost didn't go to college

As a young woman, St. Petersburg native Tonjua Williams got an opportunity and has turned it into a career and a calling.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By

Mark Gordon
August 25, 2023

Teenage job at McDonald’s taught First Watch executive valuable lesson

Lilah Taha-Rippet says doing something you hate "could be good for you" and lead you to previously unseen career opportunities.

Manatee-Sarasota

By

Brian Hartz
August 25, 2023

Tampa Bay Rays' top official juggles multiple tasks in building winning team

Brian Auld does a lot of work that doesn't necessarily make the sports, or news, headlines.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By

Brian Hartz
August 25, 2023

Banker chases a green model — both in money and the environment

Ken LaRoe's mission-driven bank is zeroing in on $400 million in assets and a new headquarters.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By

Mark Gordon
August 25, 2023

Fourth-generation Bealls leader embraces change in business, industry

In looking ahead, Matt Beall looks back to the advice of his grandfather that changing up things is essential to any strong business model.

Manatee-Sarasota

By

Mark Gordon
August 25, 2023

Local FPL exec fills predecessor’s role with aplomb

With the pandemic in its infancy in summer 2020, Devaney Iglesias took on a big task: taking over a high-profile position for a retiring FPL executive.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Amanda Postma
August 30, 2022

Airport executives race to keep up with post-pandemic travel demand

Amid construction at RSW and SRQ, execs navigate rising material costs and a shortage of workers in expectation of handling the rush of passengers better.

Entrepreneurs

By Amanda Postma
August 29, 2022

Entrepreneur set on making a difference in housing industry

When Mark Vengroff's father asked him to take over managing One Stop Housing, he was reluctant. Now, there's nothing he'd rather be doing.

Leadership

By

Brian Hartz
August 26, 2022

Rock-star investor puts stamp of approval on St. Pete

Cathie Wood and her company, ARK Investment Management, have gone all-in on the Sunshine City as the nation's next top tech hub.

Entrepreneurs

By

Beth Luberecki
August 26, 2022

Nationally known Fort Myers hospice CEO, after 40 years, remains industry force

"Making changes means really focusing on what needs to be done, not just what’s easy," Samira Beckwith says.

Health Care

By

Louis Llovio
August 26, 2022

Corporate lawyer now charged with making life easier for Florida business owners

As secretary of Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Melanie Griffin wants to help bring down obstacles.

Law

By

Beth Luberecki
August 26, 2022

Fort Myers difference maker embraces startup community

Phyllis LeFlore-Calloway says she's 'someone who tries to make a difference in the environment I’m in.'

Entrepreneurs

By

Louis Llovio
August 26, 2022

Embarc Collective's CEO teaches what she knows

Lakshmi Shenoy has become the face of Tampa's entrepreneur scene by tapping her own creativity and background.

Entrepreneurs

By

Brian Hartz
August 26, 2022

Multitalented entrepreneur works to create brighter futures for kids, adults

Yvonne Fry has been a force for economic good in Plant City, the hometown that she once wanted to leave behind forever.

Strategies

By

Brian Hartz
August 26, 2022

Head-banging health care pioneer tackles mental illness one text at a time

Johnny Crowder, the founder and CEO of a health tech firm and the frontman of a metal band, hits all the right notes as his business booms.

Entrepreneurs

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