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Entrepreneurs

    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 23, 2019
Top Entrepreneurs: Hardware store chain president adopts a Wynn-ing formula

How life affirming is the positive work culture fostered by president Michael Wynn at Sunshine Ace Hardware? One employee took it all the way to her grave.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 23, 2019
Top Entrepreneurs: Glass company shines in grabbing market share

Bill Daubmann abandoned one career dream to address a family illness. Now, with a rapidly growing business on the cusp of an even-bigger breakthrough, Daubmann is primed to reach another dream.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 23, 2019
Top Entrepreneurs: Roofing component manufacturer's growth is no flash in the pan

Fort Myers specialty products maker is on pace with ambitious expansion plans. That could lead to more challenges for founder Jeffrey Bonk.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • May 23, 2019
Top Entrepreneurs: CEO grows boat club business, expands into other vehicles

John Giglio has grown Freedom Boat Club by focusing on customer service. His plans for the company’s next phase include a move into RVs — and he’s ready for the road trip.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • May 23, 2019
Top Entrepreneurs: Ice cream company owner scoops out winning formula

Matt Eastman is building off sweet success to gain big time clients and expand Lickity Splits Ice Cream across Florida. One key: relentless determination.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • May 17, 2019
Entrepreneur cleaning up with skin care stores

Chronic skin conditions led Deanna Wallin into a career change. Her Naples Soap Company founded 10 years ago is now a $10 million retailer and wholesaler.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • April 26, 2019
Crunch time: Industry veteran returns to his passion with renewed vigor

Crunch Fitness president and co-owner Geoff Dyer, based in Tampa, Florida, finds himself back as a fitness industry entrepreneur after decades of working his way to the top.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • April 12, 2019
Leader helps build great teams — from Baghdad to fast-food counter

Onetime military logistics expert turns his expertise toward the restaurant industry.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 12, 2019
Pool rules

Retired executives acquire Tri-City Pools with the goal of raising the level of professionalism in the pool service industry. They say retraining, rebranding and refinement will result in resurgence.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • April 5, 2019
Buzzer beater: Entrepreneur aids athletes' search for a second act

Paige Thomas, founder and CEO of Elevate Branding in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida, secured a deal to help Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade transition to a business career after he retires from basketball later this year.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 22, 2019
Cycling studio co-owner comes full circle

CycleBar Naples partner Jake Maulin started as spin class instructor, now serves 340 members at Mercato studio.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • March 1, 2019
Healthy obsession: Determined businessman brings long-dormant idea to life

Jim Price founded St. Petersburg, Florida-based Go Epic Health and acquired control of Cholesterade, a health supplement created by the late Dr. Robert Cade, the University of Florida professor who brought Gatorade to the world.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • March 1, 2019
Child watch

Behind a $5 million valuation and some national attention, tech startup IGPS has eyes on bigger days ahead by filling a growing demand.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • February 22, 2019
Making ice in a pinch

After three generations as a family fishery on Pine Island, red tide put a deep freeze on Barnhill Fisheries stone crab and mullet business. Reinvention awaits as its new venture, Got Ice, caters to emergency deliveries.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • February 8, 2019
How to go out on your own and leave a corporate gig and salary behind

After leaving his 20-year corporate career behind, Robin Hazel now runs a profitable BrightStar Care franchise, based in Pinellas County, Florida.

  • Entrepreneurs
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