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Entrepreneurs

  • 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
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Laura Lyon
  • March 13, 2025
Tampa hardware store owner seeks to transform community

All of his ventures have one common thread: strong customer service.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • March 7, 2025
Wilton Simpson talks egg prices, farm bill and political future

Florida's Agriculture and Consumer Services commissioners spoke at land conference in Lakeland about how a farm bill can boost farmers, ban fluoride in the water and limit the use of drones.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Laura Lyon
  • March 3, 2025
'Two-tour' FL senator begins next chapter: CEO of $300M family office

Former politician Tom Lee has gone from homebuilding to wealth building.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • February 20, 2025
Manatee entrepreneur uses social media to build crafty business following

Papercrafting company Pink and Main fills a niche that big-box retailers cannot, according to owner Michelle Currie.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Laura Lyon
  • February 18, 2025
Tampa school launches entrepreneurship institute, seeks to hire director

The new director of a Tampa private school's Entrepreneurship Institute will be tasked with germinating relationships with local businesses.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Laura Lyon
  • February 5, 2025
Tampa liquor store chain grows revenue 25%, store count 50%

Liquor Depot owner Trey Lawson keeps tabs on trends and tastes. He also has found a just-right recipe for turning social media posts into brick-and-mortar store foot traffic.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • January 29, 2025
Former hotel sales exec eyes big growth for SWFL home inspection business

Hotel sales executive-turned-entrepreneur Joe Nugent, in seizing opportunities for his now 10-year-old home inspection company, has a never break rule: "I won't just hire a warm body."

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • January 27, 2025
Follow the reading habits of a local million-dollar tech startup founder

From a police officer to the global C-Suite to starting his own company, Casey Marquette remains steadfast on one get and stay ahead factor: reading leadership books.

  • Leadership
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