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Entrepreneurs

    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • March 26, 2023
Survey: Florida is best state for startups

The state edged out Texas in a recent study.

  • News
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • March 19, 2023
Travel agency emerges from pandemic stronger than ever

Preferred Travel of Naples was able to move quickly when the world started traveling again, thanks to some smart and shrewd decisions made during the pandemic.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • March 8, 2023
Original owner returns, plans to open new Sarasota brewery, restaurant

With lessons of growing the first go-around of his business too fast fresh on his mind, Sarasota chef and craft beer entrepreneur seeks to do things differently in act two.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • March 7, 2023
Plumbing pro takes high-tech, professional approach to essential service

After going through two prior incarnations of his plumbing company, entrepreneur John Verhof has hit on a concept built for the long haul.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • March 6, 2023
YouTube competitor opens new Longboat Key headquarters

In a rare interview, Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski talks about tech companies, freedom of speech principles and the YouTube competitor’s growth track.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • March 3, 2023
Excitement builds for arrival of beloved Boston restaurant chain

Kelly’s Roast Beef has opened its first location outside of New England in Florida. Several more are on the way.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 24, 2023
Tampa restaurant company resurrects California-famous Tiki brand

23 Restaurant Services, the company behind Ford’s Garage, revs up another restaurant concept with an iconic American heritage brand behind it.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • February 23, 2023
Nonprofit sets up fishing charters for disadvantaged kids

Chasten Whitfield was just 16 when she began these fishing charters. Now she hopes to make it a full-time job.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • By Jim Stinson
  • February 14, 2023
Syrup company goes from $5,000 loan to $60M in sales

Jordan Engelhardt keeps finding her way around and through obstacles. In the process she’s built a small syrup empire.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 8, 2023
Statewide pool service firm makes splash with Naples acquisition

Naples Pool Service was founded in 1969.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 1, 2023
Entrepreneurs target $2M+ home services market with new firm

Franchised-focused founders seek to fill what they believe is a big gap in the luxury home services market. White gloves optional.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • January 30, 2023
NY billionaire talks about his St. Pete tower on visit

John Catsimatidis Sr. filmed a commercial and gave an update on his 46-story tower under construction in downtown St. Petersburg.

  • Commercial Real Estate
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • January 23, 2023
Clearwater logistics company launches franchising program

Red Rover Moving and Storage, developed by PODS Founder Pete Warhurst, aims to add 20 franchise locations in 2023.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • January 19, 2023
Ex-attorney successfully ventures into winemaking

A happenstance discovery of historical documents led attorney Desiree Noisette to quit her job and go full on into a new career: winemaking. The high-risk move is paying off.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • December 29, 2022
Flame burns bright for company that handles cannabis finances

A Southwest Florida cannabis financial services firm, riding industry boom, is preparing for a big year.

  • Entrepreneurs
« 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 »
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