Entrepreneurs

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Andrew Warfield
July 11, 2024

Artist behind $1,800 mailboxes delivers on ambitious expansion plans

Forced to move by redevelopment, pipe-bending entrepreneurial artist Scott Gerber finds a new home.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Mark Gordon
July 10, 2024

No American left behind: The life of Tampa rescue guru Bryan Stern

Bryan Stern leads an A-team of global operators on life-and-death missions to get Americans out of harm's way. His leadership mantra: Don't be a spectator.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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By Emily Leinfuss
July 8, 2024

Sarasota coffee shop doubles in size, adds yarn business

A family of German immigrants musters up a rare match, in opening a yarn store inside their Sarasota European-style cafe.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Elizabeth King
July 2, 2024

With skin in the game, entrepreneur looks to expand product line

Jackie Rogers, who had careers in a variety of industries, takes an opportunistic approach to her latest venture: skincare.

Manatee-Sarasota

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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."