Entrepreneurs

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Mark Gordon
February 5, 2024

Life after lockup: Roofing CEO reflects on year in prison for PPP loan fraud

Casey Crowther is contrite yet driven as he continues rebuilding his life and roofing company after serving time in prison. "I get that this is on me, and it’s my job to show people who I am."

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Beth Luberecki
February 2, 2024

Entrepreneur pivots to roofing while overcoming major tragedy

Hannah Vogel’s path toward owning a roofing company, Vogel Roofing, hasn’t been easy. But she persevered. Now she wants other women to see the possibilities in the field too.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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By Katelyn Ferral
January 18, 2024

Entrepreneur seizes opportunities to expand $2.6M flooring business

Andrea Couture has big plans for a unique flooring and concrete company she acquired three years ago.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Lesley Dwyer
January 16, 2024

Sarasota restaurateurs open new sushi location after years of delays

"If you set your mind to it, you will find a way," says Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill co-owner Jeffrey Karasawa.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Jim Stinson
January 15, 2024

Tampa real estate branding entrepreneur sells firm but isn't retiring

Longtime real estate branding and marketing entrepreneur Nancy Walker recently sold her business to two employees.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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Mark Gordon
January 5, 2024

Former St. Pete state senator targets big changes in Tallahassee

A pair of policy-first leaders look to inject a sense of strategy into the chaos that often dominates in Tallahassee through a nonprofit think tank and policy bank, the Florida Policy Project.

Florida

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Beth Luberecki
December 29, 2023

$3.5B real estate brokerage, in a digital world, keeps opening offices

Naples-based John R. Wood Properties shows no signs of slowing down as it surpasses 65 years in business. Neither does its president and CEO.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Brian Hartz
December 23, 2023

Homebuilder targeting affordable market plots solid 2024 and even bigger 2025

An upstart division of a prominent homebuilding company continues to capitalize on housing market trends as it sticks to its winning formula.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Beth Luberecki
December 22, 2023

Hurricane protection products firm braces for stormy economy in 2024

Advanced Hurricane Technology, while winning accolades and new customers, keeps one eye on a slowing economy that "certainly is scaring everyone here," the firm president says.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Mark Gordon
December 21, 2023

Funeral home business finds success with new life celebration model

In an industry like funeral services, where one executive says many leaders can be quite "stubborn," change happens slowly. A Sarasota family business helps pick up the pace.