Entrepreneurs

By Beth Luberecki
March 19, 2023

Travel agency emerges from pandemic stronger than ever

Preferred Travel of Naples was able to move quickly when the world started traveling again, thanks to some smart and shrewd decisions made during the pandemic.

Entrepreneurs

By Business Observer Staff
March 8, 2023

Original owner returns, plans to open new Sarasota brewery, restaurant

Darwin Santa Maria has announced plans for a new brewing facility in Sarasota.

News
Manatee-Sarasota

By Beth Luberecki
March 7, 2023

Plumbing pro takes high-tech, professional approach to essential service

After going through two prior incarnations of his plumbing company, entrepreneur John Verhof has hit on a concept built for the long haul.

Strategies

By Mark Gordon
March 6, 2023

YouTube competitor opens new Longboat Key headquarters

In a rare interview, Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski talks about tech companies, freedom of speech principles and the YouTube competitor’s growth track.

News
Manatee-Sarasota

By Beth Luberecki
March 3, 2023

Excitement builds for arrival of beloved Boston restaurant chain

Kelly’s Roast Beef has opened its first location outside of New England in Florida. Several more are on the way.

Entrepreneurs

By Mark Gordon
February 24, 2023

Tampa restaurant company resurrects California-famous Tiki brand

23 Restaurant Services, the company behind Ford’s Garage, revs up another restaurant concept with an iconic American heritage brand behind it.

Industries
Hospitality-Tourism

By Amanda Postma
February 23, 2023

Nonprofit sets up fishing charters for disadvantaged kids

Chasten Whitfield was just 16 when she began these fishing charters. Now she hopes to make it a full-time job.

Entrepreneurs

By Jim Stinson
February 14, 2023

Syrup company goes from $5,000 loan to $60M in sales

Jordan Engelhardt keeps finding her way around and through obstacles. In the process she’s built a small syrup empire.

Entrepreneurs

By Mark Gordon
February 8, 2023

Statewide pool service firm makes splash with Naples acquisition

Naples Pool Service was founded in 1969.

News
Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Mark Gordon
February 1, 2023

Entrepreneurs target $2M+ home services market with new firm

Franchised-focused founders seek to fill what they believe is a big gap in the luxury home services market. White gloves optional.

Entrepreneurs

By Louis Llovio
January 30, 2023

NY billionaire talks about his St. Pete tower on visit

John Catsimatidis Sr. filmed a commercial and gave an update on his 46-story tower under construction in downtown St. Petersburg.

Commercial Real Estate

By Brian Hartz
January 23, 2023

Clearwater logistics company launches franchising program

Red Rover Moving and Storage, developed by PODS Founder Pete Warhurst, aims to add 20 franchise locations in 2023.

News
Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Brian Hartz
January 19, 2023

Ex-attorney successfully ventures into winemaking

A happenstance discovery of historical documents led attorney Desiree Noisette to quit her job and go full on into a new career: winemaking. The high-risk move is paying off.

Entrepreneurs

By Beth Luberecki
December 29, 2022

Flame burns bright for company that handles cannabis finances

A Southwest Florida cannabis financial services firm, riding industry boom, is preparing for a big year.

Entrepreneurs

By Amanda Postma
December 27, 2022

Chicken salad franchise owners fly through first three locations

Despite construction delays, finding team members to fill spots has been relatively easy, allowing the new Chicken Salad Chick locations to open quickly.

Entrepreneurs

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