• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Newsletters
  • Podcast
  • Public Notices
  • 40 Under 40 Nomination
  • Mobile App
  • Subscribe
  • Login
  • News
  • Strategies
  • Entrepreneurs
  • M&A
  • Leadership
  • Regions
    • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    • Manatee-Sarasota
    • Charlotte-Lee-Collier
    • Florida
  • Industries
    • Business Support
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Residential Real Estate
    • Development
    • Finance
    • Food-Beverage
    • Health Care
    • Manufacturing
    • Retail
    • Sports–Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Travel-Tourism
  • Insights
  • More
    • Advice
    • Transactions
    • 40 Under 40
    • Big Book of Business
    • Subscribe
    • Opinion
    • Executive Diversions
    • Change-Makers
    • Reprints
  • News
  • Strategies
  • Entrepreneurs
  • M&A
  • Leadership
  • Regions
    • Regions
    • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    • Manatee-Sarasota
    • Charlotte-Lee-Collier
    • Florida
  • Industries
    • Industries
    • Business Support
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Residential Real Estate
    • Development
    • Finance
    • Food-Beverage
    • Health Care
    • Manufacturing
    • Retail
    • Sports–Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Travel-Tourism
  • Insights
  • More
    • More
    • Advice
    • Transactions
    • 40 Under 40
    • Big Book of Business
    • Subscribe
    • Opinion
    • Executive Diversions
    • Change-Makers
    • Reprints
  • Newsletters
  • Podcast
  • Public Notices
  • 40 Under 40 Nomination
  • Mobile App
  • Subscribe
  • Login

Entrepreneurs

    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • June 19, 2023
Software entrepreneur finds his footing after personal medical scare

Chris Abbott turned a dreadful few weeks into a new opportunity to get back to what he calls his "entrepreneurial roots."

  • Entrepreneurs
  • By Jim Stinson
  • June 5, 2023
Scrappy, innovative real estate entrepreneur reaps rewards of hard work

In just six years, Josh Marzucco, thanks to a strong housing market, has transformed his real estate startup into a statewide player.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • June 1, 2023
Finance professional launches CFO company, utilizing some fatherly inspiration

After two decades of crunching numbers for various employers, Michelle Delker, inspired by her father and father-in-law, has ventured out on her own.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • May 26, 2023
After transitioning ownership, Tampa land dealer rolls on

With a rich history and grounded approach to doing deals, Eshenbaugh Land Co. continues to grow as it moves into the future with a foot firmly in the past.

  • Commercial Real Estate
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • May 23, 2023
Bradenton photographer has big plans for small-scale events

Rana Tierney is turning a backdrop for photo shoots into a second business. It’s a major six-figure investment, and what she hopes will be a big tipping point.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • May 23, 2023
Columbia owner talks overcoming debt, resilience in commencement speech

Richard Gonzmart encourages graduates to remain steadfast when facing hurdles. "I have a gift. I think differently. If someone says something can’t be done, I say, 'watch me.'"

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • May 12, 2023
Students as young as 14 forge entrepreneurial paths

As young workers struggle to keep up with Tampa Bay’s rising cost of living, educators have responded with programs aimed at cultivating business development skills at an earlier age.

  • Entrepreneurs
« 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 »
The best of Business Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest business and commercial real estate news from Tampa Bay to Naples.

Sign Up

Latest News

1
  • February 3, 2026
St. Petersburg Gas Plant RFP draws nine proposals
2
  • February 3, 2026
DeSantis, MLB commissioner support Tampa Bay Rays' stadium plans
3
  • February 3, 2026
California hedge fund makes $1.1B offer to buy MarineMax
4
  • February 3, 2026
Landmark downtown Sarasota hotel torn down for new project
5
  • February 2, 2026
AI, emerging tech at the forefront of annual annual jobs summit

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-362-4848

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Podcast
  • Big Book of Business

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Distribution Points
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Your Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
×
3 Articles Remaining!
Not a Subscriber?

Click here to Subscribe

Already a Subscriber?

Click here to Login

Sign Up for Daily Brief

Start your day with the top Gulf Coast business news you need to succeed.

Sign Up for CRE Central

Stay updated with a weekly roundup of big deals, market shifts and the people shaping commercial real estate from Tampa Bay to Naples.

Smart People Subscribe.

Turn headlines into game plans. The playbook’s right here.
Subscribe to the Business Observer today.

Subscribe Now