Entrepreneurs

Laura Lyon
April 4, 2025

Tampa duo gives longtime theater new life despite industry challenges

The movie theater business has taken some hits. But Shana David-Massett and Tim Massett are undeterred and optimistic — counting an investment of $2 million — on the industry's future.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Business Observer Staff
April 1, 2025

Tickets available for the Business Observer’s Top Entrepreneur luncheon

The event includes a panel discussion among three highly-accomplished entrepreneurs.

Florida

Laura Lyon
March 31, 2025

Lee county Girl Scout sets record: 50,000 lifetime cookie sales

Olivia Trader has some key sales tips, none bigger than this: Take advantage of every opportunity.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Elizabeth King
March 28, 2025

Cleaning provider grows behind core principle: Over-communicate with clients

Not yet 30, Alejandro Florez, going from bank teller to founder of a $3 million cleaning company, has learned a lifetime of entrepreneurial lessons.

Manatee-Sarasota

Andrew Warfield
March 26, 2025

Sarasota Housing Authority CEO: Building affordability without stigma

William Russell came to town in 2005 to lead the Sarasota Housing Authority out of insolvency. What was thought to be a short-term assignment is still going strong two decades later.

Manatee-Sarasota

Laura Lyon
March 14, 2025

TV personality expands her brand with multiuse media studio

Multimedia entrepreneur Rhonda Shear brings a never-say-no attitude to her latest role: running a high-tech production studio

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Laura Lyon
March 13, 2025

Tampa hardware store owner seeks to transform community

All of his ventures have one common thread: strong customer service.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Louis Llovio
March 7, 2025

Wilton Simpson talks egg prices, farm bill and political future

Florida's Agriculture and Consumer Services commissioners spoke at land conference in Lakeland about how a farm bill can boost farmers, ban fluoride in the water and limit the use of drones.

Florida

Laura Lyon
March 3, 2025

'Two-tour' FL senator begins next chapter: CEO of $300M family office

Former politician Tom Lee has gone from homebuilding to wealth building.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Elizabeth King
February 20, 2025

Manatee entrepreneur uses social media to build crafty business following

Papercrafting company Pink and Main fills a niche that big-box retailers cannot, according to owner Michelle Currie.

Manatee-Sarasota

Laura Lyon
February 18, 2025

Tampa school launches entrepreneurship institute, seeks to hire director

The new director of a Tampa private school's Entrepreneurship Institute will be tasked with germinating relationships with local businesses.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Laura Lyon
February 5, 2025

Tampa liquor store chain grows revenue 25%, store count 50%

Liquor Depot owner Trey Lawson keeps tabs on trends and tastes. He also has found a just-right recipe for turning social media posts into brick-and-mortar store foot traffic.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Beth Luberecki
January 29, 2025

Former hotel sales exec eyes big growth for SWFL home inspection business

Hotel sales executive-turned-entrepreneur Joe Nugent, in seizing opportunities for his now 10-year-old home inspection company, has a never break rule: "I won't just hire a warm body."

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Mark Gordon
January 27, 2025

Follow the reading habits of a local million-dollar tech startup founder

From a police officer to the global C-Suite to starting his own company, Casey Marquette remains steadfast on one get and stay ahead factor: reading leadership books.

Manatee-Sarasota

Mark Gordon
January 24, 2025

Naples billionaire: Why and how he's giving away his fortune

Scrappy self-made Naples billionaire Tom Golisano is approaching $1 billion in lifetime donations to nonprofits. Business principles guide his giving.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Tampa duo gives longtime theater new life despite industry challenges

Tickets available for the Business Observer’s Top Entrepreneur luncheon

Lee county Girl Scout sets record: 50,000 lifetime cookie sales

Cleaning provider grows behind core principle: Over-communicate with clients

Sarasota Housing Authority CEO: Building affordability without stigma

TV personality expands her brand with multiuse media studio

Tampa hardware store owner seeks to transform community

Wilton Simpson talks egg prices, farm bill and political future

'Two-tour' FL senator begins next chapter: CEO of $300M family office

Manatee entrepreneur uses social media to build crafty business following

Tampa school launches entrepreneurship institute, seeks to hire director

Tampa liquor store chain grows revenue 25%, store count 50%

Former hotel sales exec eyes big growth for SWFL home inspection business

Follow the reading habits of a local million-dollar tech startup founder

Naples billionaire: Why and how he's giving away his fortune

Sarasota company signs lease at The Westin

Shaquille O'Neal makes Florida return with opening of Tampa-area restaurant

Downtown Bradenton building sells for nearly $1.1 million

Sarasota advertising, marketing firm owner dies at 65

$35M Longboat Key mansion is Sarasota County's most expensive listing

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