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Entrepreneurs

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Laura Lyon
  • May 8, 2025
Kristy Craig Anderson went from home staging out of a garage to a $10M firm

"There are so many things about being a business founder entrepreneur that are rewarding. The biggest for me … is this idea that you're creating something from nothing." –Kristy Craig Anderson, Dwell & Co.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 8, 2025
Henry Detwiler: From a 10x20 egg tent to a thriving, 6-store grocery business

“Every thing, every square foot matters.” –Henry Detwiler, Detwiler’s Farm Market

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • May 8, 2025
Anthony Solomon: Walking away from a deal is often the smartest move

“Your job is to solve puzzle. That’s how I look at what we do. Putting the puzzle together.” –Anthony Solomon, The Ronto Group

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • May 8, 2025
Elizabeth Dosoretz has built a statewide network of mental health practices

"Don't be afraid to try something or to fail or to innovate in a way that's different. … You can try it, and you can always innovate and change or pivot if you need to." –Elizabeth Dosoretz, Elite DNA Behavioral Health

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 8, 2025
Kim Githler grew media company by connecting, constantly evolving

"Experience is everything — and learning from mentors. … I found mentors, I listened to them, and they helped me get to where I am. They are still helping me to this day." –Kim Githler, MoneyShow

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 2, 2025
Fast-casual franchisee grows to four SoFresh stores in region

"I like the challenge," says entrepreneur William Wolf, who started out as a professional gamer and recently turned around an underperforming restaurant in a matter of months. One lesson? Put customer service first.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Laura Lyon
  • April 18, 2025
No show dogs: Cybersecurity CEO talks $3B valuation, potential IPO

Brian Murphy details the hows and whys of getting to $3 billion in valuation.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 17, 2025
Realty team helps shape condos across the region

Simon Bacon, executive director of Development Services for Michael Saunders & Co., says variation is ahead in the condo market.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • April 15, 2025
Former Navy Seal's Tampa firm brings solar power to Manatee arts school

Manatee School for the Arts' planned solar project includes 3,000 panels and was drawn up by former U.S. Navy Seal Steve Rutherford, who used technology to protect soldiers in Afghanistan.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
  • For Subscribers Only
    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
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 »
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