• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Newsletters
  • Podcast
  • Public Notices
  • 40 Under 40 Nomination
  • Mobile App
  • Subscribe
  • Login
  • News
  • Strategies
  • Entrepreneurs
  • M&A
  • Leadership
  • Regions
    • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    • Manatee-Sarasota
    • Charlotte-Lee-Collier
    • Florida
  • Industries
    • Business Support
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Residential Real Estate
    • Development
    • Finance
    • Food-Beverage
    • Health Care
    • Manufacturing
    • Retail
    • Sports–Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Travel-Tourism
  • Insights
  • More
    • Advice
    • Transactions
    • 40 Under 40
    • Big Book of Business
    • Subscribe
    • Opinion
    • Executive Diversions
    • Change-Makers
    • Reprints
  • News
  • Strategies
  • Entrepreneurs
  • M&A
  • Leadership
  • Regions
    • Regions
    • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    • Manatee-Sarasota
    • Charlotte-Lee-Collier
    • Florida
  • Industries
    • Industries
    • Business Support
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Residential Real Estate
    • Development
    • Finance
    • Food-Beverage
    • Health Care
    • Manufacturing
    • Retail
    • Sports–Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Travel-Tourism
  • Insights
  • More
    • More
    • Advice
    • Transactions
    • 40 Under 40
    • Big Book of Business
    • Subscribe
    • Opinion
    • Executive Diversions
    • Change-Makers
    • Reprints
  • Newsletters
  • Podcast
  • Public Notices
  • 40 Under 40 Nomination
  • Mobile App
  • Subscribe
  • Login

Entrepreneurs

    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • December 12, 2025
Hoffmann Marine's top executive navigates $150M in deals

Hoffman Marine President Jenny Gezella navigates the acquisition-hungry business of boating through a high-energy, high-reliability approach.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • December 9, 2025
Tampa sports agent signs MLB all-stars, hustles for more

The pro sports agent world is known for leading with sizzle. JB Greer, less than two years into running his Tampa startup sports management agency, aims to deliver substance over sizzle.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • December 5, 2025
Charlotte warehouse developer began career as journalist in Middle East

The local entrepreneur behind a warehouse project in Punta Gorda was a journalist reporting from Gaza for international news organizations.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • December 5, 2025
Water filter manufacturer in Manatee, with new product, in expansion mode

After building a local supply chain, Epic Water Filters is poised for growth. Plans include moving to a larger facility and doubling its payroll.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 28, 2025
Area's biggest homebuilders to seize opportunities in 2026 after rocky '25

Inflation, tariffs and of course interest rates have dented the homebuilding sector. But, says homebuilder Ian Schmoyer, a "good operator is going to find margin, find a way to get through it."

  • Florida
    By
  • Anastasia Dawson
  • November 26, 2025
Executive Q&A: ULI chair's 20-year old prediction on Tampa's growth comes true

Tampa developer Phillip Smith talks about his goals for his term as chairman of ULI Tampa Bay, what attracts developers to the region and the challenges that lie ahead.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 25, 2025
Noted restaurateur Paul Fleming moves brand from California to Florida

Veteran restaurateurs, with brands in several categories, make an all-in choice on Florida.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • November 19, 2025
The Parrot owners buying, rebranding former Big Top Live venue

Renamed The Parrot Live, the business featuring live music is getting a multimillion-dollar update.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • November 14, 2025
SWFL media exec pursues long-shelved dream: Running for Congress

The president of Fort Myers-based radio and television station company Sun Broadcasting is vying for Florida's 19th district seat to serve the community and fulfill a lifetime goal.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
    By
  • Anastasia Dawson
  • November 7, 2025
Florida tortilla manufacturer seeks to conquer retail with new chips brand

Steve Allen, the Pinellas County-based retail manager for Florida-based industrial tortilla manufacturer Easy Foods, is helping the company launch its first snack food: Island Time Snacks.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • October 24, 2025
Studio that builds companies, backed by prominent leaders, launches in Sarasota

A group of Sarasota executives steeped in founding and exiting businesses has turned their attention — and wallets — to a new startup, Suncoast Venture Studio.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • October 17, 2025
Coworking spaces in region emphasize flexibility, culture

An amenities race — hello, cold plunge — is breaking out in developing and leasing coworking spaces. A pair of Sarasota entrepreneurs leads the way.

  • Florida
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • September 24, 2025
Noted Naples chef rebuilds life, business after vicious accident

Brian Roland was nearly killed four years ago while working a catering event. He has turned his recovery into a story of hope, resilience and, importantly, faith.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • September 12, 2025
Architect details progress on $6M Tampa train station revival

Jerel McCants is on a mission to showcase how architecture can play a big role in how the built environment can positively shape society and societal norms.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • September 12, 2025
Entrepreneur has set up thousands for solid health care careers

Sylvia Dorisme has gone from unemployed and "lost in the world" to founding a Fort Myers health care training school nearing a graduation milestone.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
1 2 3 4 5 »
The best of Business Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest business and commecial real estate news from Tampa Bay to Naples.

Sign Up

Latest News

1
  • December 13, 2025
Report: Small business optimism up, but worries percolate
2
  • December 12, 2025
CEO of Bradenton EDC announces retirement
3
  • December 12, 2025
Manatee County to break ground on $40M veterans complex
4
  • December 12, 2025
Moez Limayem confirmed as USF’s new president
5
  • December 12, 2025
Developer proposes three-story mixed-use project on St. Armands

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-362-4848

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Podcast
  • Big Book of Business

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Distribution Points
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Your Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
×
3 Articles Remaining!
Not a Subscriber?

Click here to Subscribe

Already a Subscriber?

Click here to Login

Sign Up for Daily Brief

Start your day with the top Gulf Coast business news you need to succeed.

Sign Up for CRE Central

Stay updated with a weekly roundup of big deals, market shifts and the people shaping commercial real estate from Tampa Bay to Naples.

Smart People Subscribe.

Turn headlines into game plans. The playbook’s right here.
Subscribe to the Business Observer today.

Subscribe Now