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Entrepreneurs

  • 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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
  • 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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • May 10, 2023
Naples entrepreneur inks high-growth deals

David Ogden has purchased two local printing businesses in the last two years — and he’s looking for more.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • May 9, 2023
Business Observer celebrates six top entrepreneurs

Event featured a panel conversation and three videos.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • May 4, 2023
2023 Top Entrepreneur: Dr. Jacqueline Darna, founder of NoMo Nausea and Intellidoc, Tampa

Dr. Jacqueline Darna’s initial foray into medical entrepreneurship, a consumer product called NoMo Nausea, was a hit. Now she aims to disrupt telehealth.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • May 4, 2023
2023 Top Entrepreneur: Jen Whyte, co-founder of Fort Myers Brewing Co., Fort Myers

Jen Whyte has turned Fort Myers Brewing Co. from a sudsy side hustle into a much-loved local beer maker.

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