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Entrepreneurs

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • May 23, 2019
Top Entrepreneurs: Cybersecurity guru defies conventional wisdom

Stu Sjouwerman, founder and CEO of Clearwater, Florida-based cybersecurity firm KnowBe4, doesn’t buy into the en vogue concept of failure being a virtue. He also doesn’t believe entrepreneurs should embrace their mistakes and be content with “failing upwa

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • May 23, 2019
Top Entrepreneurs: Ex-attorney cleans up with disruptive approach to business

Amy Martinez-Monfort's South Tampa, Florida, startup, Tampa Laundry Co., embraces modern comforts and conveniences.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • May 23, 2019
Top Entrepreneurs: Family business patriarch's big risks have paid off

Richard Gonzmart has shepherded his Ybor City, Tampa, Florida, family business, the Columbia Restaurant Group, for decades while taking significant risks.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
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