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Entrepreneurs

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 27, 2007
Hands-off Buchanan becomes hands-on

Freshman Congressman Vern Buchanan has earned kudos for reaching out to constituents and is winning respect in Washington.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 27, 2007
A Bridge to Somewhere

A developer's response to the collapsing Gulf Coast condo market is to think big by building a two-lane bridge. Innovation, though, doesn't come cheap: The project is costing more than $3 million.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 27, 2007
Coming to America

A British-born construction guru now working on the Gulf Coast finds flaws in how American developers track a project's finances.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 27, 2007
Real Opportunities

Dennis Gilkey, who recently resigned as CEO of the Bonita Bay Group, says there are opportunities to make money in Southwest Florida real estate.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 27, 2007
Finding 'The Perfect Customer'

A two-year-old postcard marketing business thrives by flipping around the meaning of junk mail. It's delivered almost $2 million in revenues so far.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 27, 2007
A Seller's Market

The private equity market continues to set records, raising $44 billion in the first quarter, up 67% from last year. Growth is expected to continue well into 2008.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 27, 2007
Internet Marketer

Pam Gaylor, who opened a franchise of TruePresence late last year, isn't new to the industry. She has more than 20 years marketing experience in the Tampa Bay area.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 20, 2007
Risk Eliminators

Surgeon and pilot Richard C. Karl expects his startup to play an important role in the national trend to reduce operating room mistakes. The company is working with hospitals to make surgery safer.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 20, 2007
Avoiding Trouble

As Century Bank approaches $1 billion in assets, its strategy is changing to reflect the current banking market. Loan denials, for example, have doubled over the past year.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • April 20, 2007
Clean Technology

Taking an old-tech company high-tech has meant huge savings and a competitive advantage for Platinum Total Fabricare.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
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