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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
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • January 25, 2019
Business slow? Try taking a Nickel Ride

One part mobile marketing agency, one part eco-friendly transportation service, The Nickel Ride, headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, has grown rapidly as communities seek new and improved ways to move people and boost commerce year-round in downtown bus

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • January 18, 2019
'Mad Botter' takes 'MacGyver' approach to tech sales

By taking risks and being willing to adapt, an English major carves out a new future as a software entrepreneur.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 11, 2019
Entrepreneur turns global travel into family adventure

Brent Alexander has been to some 70 countries, while the couple’s sons have been on at least 15 trips totaling 38 countries.

  • Executive Diversions
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 28, 2018
Stabilizing a start-up business

While Stephanie Gomez raises capital to grow her startup, she continues to innovate on the product side. Also in the offing: a deal with retail behemoth.

  • Entrepreneurs
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