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Entrepreneurs

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • February 2, 2008
Orange Groove

It takes more than picking to squeeze a profit from a fruit farm, even in Florida. An entrepreneurial couple has the $3 million bill to prove it.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • February 2, 2008
Blueberry Bingo

Big-ticket customers sometimes bring big challenges, too. One company's trick: Be flexible.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • February 2, 2008
Network control

TruWave Networks is building a fiber-optic network in Southwest Florida that could improve telecommunication services for business. It's an expensive proposition, but CEO Frank Mambuca has been through it before on a massive scale.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • February 2, 2008
Shootout

After three years of R&D, Tampa-based Stinger Systems is ready to take on Taser in the electronic immobilization device market.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 26, 2008
Where's the Bottom?

Vulture funds are circling Florida looking to buy residential land for pennies on the dollar, but no one is prepared to call a bottom. A few investors have started buying.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 26, 2008
The New CFOs

CPA Tim Norstrem knows the value of financial professionals, but he's trying to get others to see them as more than just numbers crunchers

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 26, 2008
London calling

Luxury homebuilder Mark Wilson has always taken a contrarian's approach to what is traditionally a copycat business. Now, his company, London Bay Homes, is considering building condos. Don't bet against him.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 26, 2008
Deal Search

A softer economy and new buildings have some tenants hoping for incentives and better office leasing rates.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 26, 2008
'A Great Run'

John Swart looks back on 35 years in the commercial real estate business, where his legendary modesty matches the scope of his projects.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 26, 2008
Unique 2.0

Mike Montgomery couldn't believe how little technology there was inside a $15 million air conditioning company. So he bought it. And then he changed everything.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 18, 2008
More room at the inn

Hoteliers along the Gulf Coast are concerned about the increasing supply of new hotel rooms as demand continues to decline. A surge in European tourists could offset a softening U.S. economy.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 18, 2008
Smile Supply

An accountant-turned-bar-owner gambled she could handle the restaurant equipment business two years ago. The bet is paying off.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 18, 2008
Bottled Up

A Gulf Coast entrepreneur hits the bottle, with the hope of grabbing a piece of a billon dollar-plus industry.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 18, 2008
The Battle Royale

Independent restaurateurs need to figure out the Next New Thing - fast - in order to win the fight with big nationwide chains in 2008.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 18, 2008
The Host

Paul Catoe moved from the executive offices at a Tampa television station to the award-winning post running the convention and visitors association in Tampa Bay.

  • Entrepreneurs
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