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Entrepreneurs

    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 20, 2007
Always on his mind

Being laid off was the tipping point for a marketing guru who long dreamed about starting his own firm. A timely run-in with country legend Willie Nelson was the inspiration.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 20, 2007
Doing the Dirty Work

Spaulding Decon takes on Gulf Coast jobs most people don't want to see. It's an unusual niche with plenty of dirty work to go around.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 13, 2007
Mastery Now

Research and long-term planning are key parts of the growth plan for a sign-making franchise company that grew more than 25% in 2006.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 13, 2007
Connection Maker

One dean says the University of South Florida, with its 40,000 students, is a rising star, as is its business school. It's time to shine the light.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 13, 2007
On a Roll

Rick Collins had to cajole about 1,000 customers to rescue hurricane-shutter company Rolsafe. Now, he's marching up the West Coast to Sarasota and Tampa with ambitious growth plans.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 13, 2007
Mowing 'em Down

Finding ways to save on gas and electricity has provided a jolt for a growing landscaping company seeking to conquer the entire Gulf Coast.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 13, 2007
Build the Vision

34-year-old Matt Leiter is the point person on two high-profile projects on Palm Avenue. He has a vision for downtown Sarasota.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 13, 2007
Moving On

Imagine buying a business that relies on the former owner to manage the day-to-day operations. Then, he dies.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 13, 2007
How to Sell Yourself

Forget the Internet and help wanted ads, a career adviser says. Expand your network to hear about the best jobs and learn how to sell yourself.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 6, 2007
'Capitalism at Its Finest'

Small- and medium-size companies are benefiting from increased competition among Tampa Bay area banks for their business now that the housing market has slowed.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 6, 2007
Lending Lessons

Loan loss reserve portfolios are increasing up and down the Gulf Coast, and for good reason: Banks don't want to be left without a seat when the real estate music stops.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 6, 2007
Regional Expansion

Regions Financial is focused on merging with AmSouth Bancorporation, but expect the bank to grow aggressively in Southwest Florida when that's done.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 6, 2007
'Best Year Ever'

Rising interest rates boosted income at Bank of Tampa, which had as much as 36% of its deposits in checking accounts in 2006. As for real estate loans, the bank has a lower percentage than other community banks.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 6, 2007
Free to Grow?

There's no such thing as quiet expansion in the heavily regulated - and highly competitive - Gulf Coast banking industry.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 6, 2007
The Big Picture

Jerry Pearson, Florida chief investment officer at Fifth Third Bank Investment Advisors, considers the broad economic themes before making his investment picks. It might make you think differently about your portfolio.

  • Entrepreneurs
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