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Entrepreneurs

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • May 14, 2010
La Isla del Encanto

Fort Myers isn't exactly fashion central, so celebrity jewelry designer Erika Peña moved to Puerto Rico, where she plans to open her own stores. She hopes the island lives up to its slogan: the Enchanted Island.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 14, 2010
Hanging Tough

The painful back injuries Wayne Ruben suffered after he was named the Review's top entrepreneur turned out to be the least of his troubles. The real estate bust brought more aches.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Carl Cronan
  • May 7, 2010
Turning Pages

Shawna Vercher is opening new doors for book writers to get their works before readers' eyes. The story of a disgraced NBA ref provided the first big bounce.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 7, 2010
Recession Cushion

The furniture industry, no surprise, is hurting. But at least one Gulf Coast entrepreneur has found a way to thrive in the industry despite the dire circumstances.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • April 30, 2010
Kick the Glass

The recession is a daily do or die battle for many Gulf Coast business owners. That's just fine for entrepreneur Steve Schwartz, who actually used to fight for a living.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Carl Cronan
  • April 30, 2010
Unlocking Potential

Gilles Arditi, a 20-year veteran of the hotel industry, started Southwind Hospitality as a way to help owners and mortgage holders turn properties around. One solution: Half-hour housekeeping.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Carl Cronan
  • April 30, 2010
Next-Gen Goals

Brian Boyer and Travis Norris practically grew up with DataComm Networks. Now, as owners the last two years, they want to take the IT firm to new heights while retaining top employees through generous benefits.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Carl Cronan
  • April 30, 2010
Moving By Design

Interior designer Marla Davidson, whose tile and stone designs can already be found far and wide, uses her new showroom to build brand awareness in time for the recovery.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • April 23, 2010
A New View

Florida's sunshine is a ray of hope for Ed Marin, who recently moved his $5 million art business to the Gulf Coast from California.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Carl Cronan
  • April 23, 2010
Ongoing Legacy

Tampa business legend John Sykes continues to build from both business and community standpoints. People listen when he speaks, even if it isn't always what they want to hear.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • April 15, 2010
In it Together

Even companies that aren't in a struggle to survive the recession could use a makeover now and then. A Gulf Coast accountant has taken hold of that philosophy.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • April 15, 2010
Plug and Go

Kevin and Michelle Borders created an easy-to-use device that detects temperature changes and power loss in the home remotely. The Naples entrepreneurs aren't strangers to building a business from scratch.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • March 29, 2010
Entrepreneurial Excellence

Nominations for the Review's 2010 Entrepreneur Awards are due this Thursday.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • March 25, 2010
Back in Style

Even the fastest-growing franchises can stall in an economic downturn. But a WineStyles franchise owner is taking advantage of the recession by improving operations.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • March 25, 2010
CEO Fitness: Marathon Mom

Kristen Horler wanted to complete the 2010 Sarasota Half Marathon injury free.

  • Entrepreneurs
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