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Entrepreneurs

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 13, 2008
Leaving the comfort zone

Ben Nelson Jr. says spending time away from his marine-construction business made him a better boss and made is company more successful. Now, he faces the biggest test of that as the newly elected mayor of Bonita Springs.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 13, 2008
International Flavor

A Mexican businesswoman happily discovers that American challenges, such as a stifling economy, beat the worries she faced back home.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 13, 2008
Flying Low

Tourism has been one of the few economic bright spots on the Gulf Coast, but the airlines' woes may crimp the industry's growth. One potential salvation: international visitors.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 13, 2008
The Right Balance

Doubling the size of a retail operation during an economic downturn takes a few essentials. Capital, for one. Experience helps, too. The biggest factor? Guts.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 6, 2008
The Swedish Maestro

Starting a hurricane-shutter business during a housing downturn is not for the faint of heart. But one Swedish entrepreneur is betting on a new business model for the industry.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 6, 2008
Impact resistant?

Market realities have forced PGT Industries, one of the oldest, and largest, window and door manufacturers on the Gulf Coast, to make some big changes.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 6, 2008
'A Gideon Moment'

What would drive a successful entrepreneur to drop a six-figure advertising budget to buy 10,000 TV spots urging people to find God? Anthony Leeber Sr. is certain he'll reap the rewards.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 6, 2008
Growin' Gecko's

Restaurants are closing on the Gulf Coast at a breakneck pace. A pair of longtime restaurateurs is trying to buck the trend.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 6, 2008
Calendar of Events

View business events from around the Gulf Coast for free.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • June 6, 2008
Storage of Hope

Cryo-Cell stores umbilical cord blood. Its chief executive, Mercedes Walton, is hoping the company's investments and repositioning pay off.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • May 30, 2008
Stabilized Success

All it took was two years - and a crafty $20 million risk - for Ken Sanborn to turn his company from a $5 million small business to a $150 million-plus juggernaut. Up next: Managing it.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • May 30, 2008
Patient Money

In this real estate downturn, developers need two things: patience and money. The Kuttemperoor familyhas both and they're out to prove it with engineered precision.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • May 30, 2008
Senior Market

Allen McMurtry sells senior housing developments across the country and says demographic changes favor this industry.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • May 30, 2008
Everyman CEO

Marty Miller leads Melitta USA into an increasingly competitive future, but he has a good brand name on his side.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • May 30, 2008
Young Achievers

There is reason to be optimistic about the future workforce of America. A group of spunky, yet savvy fifth-graders can prove it.

  • Entrepreneurs
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