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Entrepreneurs

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 4, 2008
Cover Update: Message in a bottle

Gas prices rose and home sales fell in 2007. People were watching their dollars more. But that didn't discourage Michael Probst from continuing to expand Cork & Olive or change the business model for the Tampa-based, service-oriented retail wine chain.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 4, 2008
Cover Update: Anchor man

For Mike Moran, a 56-year-old boat repair specialist and entrepreneur who invented an environmentally friendly anchor, 2007 will be the year that his product started gaining some statewide and national momentum.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2007
How Hank Fishkind Would Change Florida

Florida's pre-eminent economist offers his prescriptions for Florida tax policy. Given the economy, state and local politicians may want to listen and take heed.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2007
College Prep 101

Studyworks, a Tampa-based college test preparation company, is taking on big competitors by forming a niche and offering online courses.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2007
A Helping Hand

Jeff Archambault, a stay-at-home father, needed a free hand while feeding his newborn. Now, the Baby Butler's at your service.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2007
The Genius of Cape Coral

A Southwest Florida man came up with an ingenious device to make an oil change less messy. Then a competitor almost sidelined him.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2007
Rougher Road

Commercial real estate's exceptional exuberance is forecast to hit a dour note in '08. Still its long-term future looks strong.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2007
Light It Up

Installing home theaters and a remote control for 350 light bulbs can be lucrative. It's all about 'taming technology.'

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2007
'Refocus & Rebuild'

The new chairman of the beleaguered human resources firm Gevity nearly became a scientist. His laboratory-like focus is now on the company's strategy.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2007
Radio Web

The onslaught of the Internet, satellite radio and podcasts has altered the radio business. But Beasley Broadcast Group is investing in new technology to counter those threats.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2007
Dipping into Success

Bob Johnston and his brothers turned around The Melting Pot 10 years ago by remaking the restaurants,fine-tuning the menu and focusing on the customer experience.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2007
Business Cheer

Russ Whited has just three weeks to sell thousands of Christmas trees. He's got it down to a science.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2007
Prepare for War?

More than 1 million square feet of new office space will come on line in Tampa's Westshore market in the next18 months, which may trigger a rate war.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2007
Man of Steel

Mario Longi has helped build Tampa-based Gerdau AmeriSteel into the nation's No. 2 steel recycler. He's aiming higher.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 21, 2007
Corner Control

George Bushong has come a long way in six years, from sheer survival to systematically fortifying his company.

  • Entrepreneurs
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