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Entrepreneurs

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • 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
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • 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
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • 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.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • August 24, 2023
$300K career skills program sets out to triple next year's impact

A career training program partnership between CareerSource Suncoast and State College of Florida seeks to expand its reach.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • August 24, 2023
Naples startup helps homebuyers avoid real estate commissions

Listella, an online home listing service, looks to shake up traditional real estate sales by injecting technology and simplifying the process.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jim Stinson
  • August 23, 2023
Ybor City entrepreneur enhances cigar culture

A family of cigar-experienced entrepreneurs will be opening a store in a development by Texas firm.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jim Stinson
  • August 18, 2023
Chicken restaurant chain's new CEO relishes the post's challenges

The former CEO of the Tampa-based chicken chain decided it was time for "term limits."

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jim Stinson
  • August 9, 2023
Sarasota attorney, entrepreneur dives headfirst into next big career challenge

Lawyer, referee, businesswoman, TV analyst and now soccer club president Christina Unkel accepts a new challenge.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • August 4, 2023
Entrepreneur overcame serious mistakes to build a promising career

Vince Serrano didn't become an entrepreneur and top-of-the-chart recording artist overnight. It took some mistakes and a passion to overcome hardship.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 3, 2023
New FGCU president aims to carry on predecessor’s momentum

Aysegul Timur’s steady rise in higher education has led her to a career-defining leadership moment.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 1, 2023
Mixon Fruit Farms leaves a legacy of making memories in Bradenton

Mixon Fruit Farms closed July 29 after 84 years in operation.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 28, 2023
Siesta Key vacation rental business launches national company

Heather Plampin founded a vacation rental management business out of near-broke desperation. Now, with attention to detail — and marketing — she’s targeting clients outside the region.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Ryan Kohn
  • July 17, 2023
Soccer entrepreneur aims to build off successful debut season

Building a fan base in soccer takes patience and the ability to pivot when necessary — much like the sport itself.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 14, 2023
Serial business owners buy a pair of Sarasota bagel businesses

From skiing to schmear, the core of the Koffman brothers’ business model remains straightforward: Treat people well, and avoid micromanaging.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • July 7, 2023
Tampa Bay construction manager overcomes political turmoil, language barriers

JE Dunn Construction project manager Maria Escalona is not one to let obstacles stand in the way of pursuing her true calling.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
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