Entrepreneurs

Beth Luberecki
September 7, 2023

SWFL glass company makes national revenue growth list — for the seventh time

MY Shower Door founder Bill Daubmann says the biggest obstacle to the company's continued growth is a common obstacle: not having enough people.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Beth Luberecki
August 29, 2023

80-year-old entrepreneur still going strong, now with new laser cleaning firm

After some five decades in business, Russell Ireland says the cliche rings true. "We have always looked at crises or problems as opportunities," he says.

Manatee-Sarasota

Jim Stinson
August 25, 2023

International CPA turns Fort Myers into her global business hub

Marie Grasmeier didn't fret about starting an international tax accounting firm.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Amanda Postma
August 25, 2023

Passionate entrepreneur on a fight against hunger

Stuart Haniff has been on a mission to end hunger after learning an important lesson from his father at a young age. If he doesn't do it, then who will?

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Louis Llovio
August 25, 2023

A college president who almost didn't go to college

As a young woman, St. Petersburg native Tonjua Williams got an opportunity and has turned it into a career and a calling.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Mark Gordon
August 25, 2023

Teenage job at McDonald’s taught First Watch executive valuable lesson

Lilah Taha-Rippet says doing something you hate "could be good for you" and lead you to previously unseen career opportunities.

Manatee-Sarasota

Mark Gordon
August 25, 2023

Builder learns how to embrace change, work on self-improvement

Marc Devisse overcame opening a restaurant during COVID, which now serves as a confidence-booster for other ventures — and his personal life.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Brian Hartz
August 25, 2023

Tampa Bay Rays' top official juggles multiple tasks in building winning team

Brian Auld does a lot of work that doesn't necessarily make the sports, or news, headlines.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Brian Hartz
August 25, 2023

Banker chases a green model — both in money and the environment

Ken LaRoe's mission-driven bank is zeroing in on $400 million in assets and a new headquarters.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Mark Gordon
August 25, 2023

Fourth-generation Bealls leader embraces change in business, industry

In looking ahead, Matt Beall looks back to the advice of his grandfather that changing up things is essential to any strong business model.

Manatee-Sarasota

Mark Gordon
August 25, 2023

Local FPL exec fills predecessor’s role with aplomb

With the pandemic in its infancy in summer 2020, Devaney Iglesias took on a big task: taking over a high-profile position for a retiring FPL executive.