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Entrepreneurs

    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • January 16, 2026
40 years after first hotel sale, 'Queen of Clearwater Beach' is still making deals

Local commercial real estate broker Gi Gi Gillis keeps selling hotels along the Pinellas County beaches as her firm looks to grow.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 13, 2026
Observer Media Group chairman dies at 95

David Beliles lived a life of grit and guts, and grace and generosity.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 23, 2025
New SRQ airport CEO reflects on first month on the job

New Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Paul Hoback equates SRQ and the region to living and working in paradise.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • December 18, 2025
Rays CEO talks childhood baseball, fan experiences and new ballparks

Ken Babby, who recently took over as one of the owners of the Tampa Bay Rays, says baseball is a game that creates bonds and wants those memories made at Tropicana Field and a new ballpark.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    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
1 2 3 4 5 »
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