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Entrepreneurs

    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 »

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Latest News Business Observer

1
  • June 14, 2025
Sarasota company signs lease at The Westin
2
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Shaquille O'Neal makes Florida return with opening of Tampa-area restaurant
3
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Downtown Bradenton building sells for nearly $1.1 million
4
  • June 12, 2025
Sarasota advertising, marketing firm owner dies at 65
5
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$35M Longboat Key mansion is Sarasota County's most expensive listing

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