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Entrepreneurs

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • December 18, 2015
A side of schmear

Teaching work basics to young workers isn't a chore for Judy Ott. It's a core part of her success.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • December 11, 2015
Athlete's foot

The Foot Landing has proved a good fit in Punta Gorda. Knowing what to stock is key in its success.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • December 11, 2015
Twist and shout

Pam Oakes may have sold her automotive repair shop in Fort Myers, but that hasn't stopped the well-known mechanic from more entrepreneurial ventures.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • December 4, 2015
Birkenstocks and ball gowns

It takes a deft combination of patience and persistence to sell something like the opera.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • December 4, 2015
Full throttle

A former MarineMax salesman has been an independent yacht broker for three years. It pays to have an honest streak.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • December 4, 2015
'Listers Last; Buyers are Liars'

What does telling stories have to do with selling homes? A lot, it turns out.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • December 4, 2015
Get linked

Social media site LinkedIn is a great way to find the right people, but then you have to be persistent with follow-up phone calls and personal visits.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Steven Benna
  • December 4, 2015
A live life

TV shoppers don't have access to the physical element of making a purchase. That's when selling an idea becomes key.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • November 27, 2015
Office operative

Joe Gammons borrowed from the political campaign playbook to successfully grow his office furniture and flooring company.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 27, 2015
So (not) obsolete

A bold business owner hopes she's about to 'kick it in the teeth' on growth. Understanding what customers want is key.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • November 27, 2015
Built the dream

An admitted 'hotshot from New York' came to Florida in the 1970s to escape snow. He discovered more than sun.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • November 13, 2015
Jackets required

Celebrities and executives seek out Dominic Lacquaniti's suits, preserving a craft that's disappearing.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • November 6, 2015
Better spread

Betsy's Best nut and seed butters are sold in all Whole Foods supermarkets in Florida. But the company's founders have bigger plans.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Steven Benna
  • November 6, 2015
Mobile men

Anthony Fernandez turned his knack for fixing things into an entrepreneurial venture. Major expansion plans are on the horizon.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • October 30, 2015
Senior housing

Robert Gillette, 75, was one of the first developers of the modern senior housing concepts. He traces his success to staying in the trenches.

  • Entrepreneurs
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