• 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

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • June 27, 2024
Naples couple builds $65M animal handling facility at JFK airport

The ARK at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City has handled all kinds of animals, from horses to snakes. Its success — including more than $7 million in annual revenue — stems from a determined and dogged Naples couple.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • June 25, 2024
Niche Fort Myers wrap packaging firm celebrates steady wins

The packaging executive at a family-run business with five decades of success says a key lesson along the way is simple yet can be scary at first: Over-communicate with customers, especially when things go south.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Laura Lyon
  • June 21, 2024
The business of crane safety: From skyscrapers to zoos to toilet paper

The boom in construction over the past several decades has led to a boom in cranes operating across Florida. That, in turn, has boosted a company dedicated to training people how to use cranes safely.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Laura Lyon
  • June 20, 2024
Accidental Tampa area wedding venue owner embraces new gig

What started as a pandemic fill-in has become a thriving business for Toni Miller and her family.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • June 19, 2024
Resilient bar owner celebrates 25 years of success — and grit

Two-plus decades running bars and nightclubs have taught Joanna Olsen a lot about resilience and persistence. “Never quit," she says. "Just get back in there and conquer."

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • June 14, 2024
New president of high-end builder grapples with high cost challenges

Recently named president of Kurtz Homes Naples, David Gordon will keep building on his father-in-law’s legacy while adding some new touches.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • June 5, 2024
Bankruptcy judge OKs Hoffmann's $21.25M purchase of Midwest dairy

The Hoffmann Family of Cos. won a bankruptcy auction last week for the Illinois dairy company.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • June 5, 2024
The Factory in St. Pete sells, anchor tenant rebrands

A building sale in St. Petersburg resulted in the expansion and rebranding of an immersive art experience.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Laura Lyon
  • June 4, 2024
Manatee sheet metal manufacturer buys seven machines to boost efficiency

Gator Stamping CEO lives by one his business mantras: ‘You can never rest on what you do. You've always got to be reinventing yourself.’

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • June 2, 2024
AeroVanti founder's lawyer walks away from $30M contempt case

A federal judge has granted permission for Patrick Britton-Harr's attorney to withdraw from the case.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Laura Lyon
  • May 29, 2024
Lakeland startup makes tech-driven advances in publishing field

A husband-and-wife team seeks to help authors and publishers come together quicker — and with markedly improved books that will sell more copies.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 27, 2024
Anna Maria Oyster Bar founder to slow down, names next CEO

Restaurateur John Horne found a succession plan in the office next door to his, with up-and-coming executive Eleni Sokos.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • May 24, 2024
AeroVanti founder's brother says life, finances in tatters from company collapse

After futile efforts to help his brother's floundering private air service company, debts and pressure mount for Todd Britton-Harr.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 23, 2024
Venice construction company founder to sell firm to 3 employees

Owner Jeff Charlotte has partnered with three of his employees to take over his construction business.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 20, 2024
Norman Love Confections names new CEO; founder to stay with firm

While founder Norman Love aims to slow down, the company he founded nearly 25 years ago has big-growth goals in mind. "This company has been chomping at the bit to grow," says Love.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
« 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 »
The best of Business Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

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

Sign Up

Latest News

1
  • March 27, 2026
Property owner proposes 46 townhomes to replace Sarasota bowling alley
2
  • March 27, 2026
Three-building complex sells in Clearwater
3
  • March 27, 2026
Furniture store closing Sarasota location
4
  • March 27, 2026
DOJ sues Busch Gardens parent company for rollator walker ban
5
  • March 26, 2026
Athletic training franchise opens in Sarasota

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 © 2026 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