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Entrepreneurs

    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 6, 2009
Leather Innovation

Entrepreneur Ron Simkins has had his sights on the multi-billion dollar leather industry for nearly a decade. He is finally moving in with what he hopes is a big bang.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Alex Mahadevan
  • August 6, 2009
Barter is smarter

A lack of cash is pushing some business owners to look elsewhere for services. One Gulf Coast entrepreneur is hoping to cash in.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • August 6, 2009
The Home Team

Maryann Ferenc helped found a local group of business operators to promote independent businesses, and they learned a lot about their own jobs as a result.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • July 23, 2009
Cleaned Fuel

Wout Lisseveld has created an ingenious way to keep fuel sludge from clogging up marine engines. It's the kind of technology that solves problems for all sorts of companies that can't afford engine malfunctions.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • July 23, 2009
Creative Construction

Chaos in the construction industry has created opportunities for small and nimble firms to take market share away from the larger, well-established companies. Synergy Contractors in Fort Myers is one beneficiary.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • July 16, 2009
Love of Law

Marcy Shaw, 35 Wright & Shaw

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • July 16, 2009
A Successful Climb

Joe Disanti, 39 Wachovia/Wells Fargo Bank

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • July 16, 2009
Bend it Like Braden

Braden Chandler, 24 MVP Sports Arena

  • Strategies
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • July 16, 2009
To China and Back

As controller of Asian operations for South Carolina-based textile firm Springs Industries, Michael Briers

  • Strategies
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • July 16, 2009
Staying Afloat

Mitzi Maggio, 38 Salt Shaker Marine Custom Yachts

  • Strategies
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 16, 2009
Clients Know Best

Michael Peters left the palm trees of Tampa for the skyscrapers of Manhattan

  • Strategies
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 16, 2009
Starting Over

Suzi Marteny, 37 Marteny & Toner Law Firm

  • Strategies
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • July 16, 2009
Rocket Parts

Matt Griffin, 39 Vortex Racing

  • Strategies
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 16, 2009
Special 40 under 40: The Right Mix

Patricia Entsminger, 39 • Belinda Holmes, 37 Jennifer Glassmoyer, 36 Chris Chiaro, 32Ben Jones, 26 • Kerkering Barberio

  • Strategies
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 9, 2009
Hybrid Capital

Florida's venture capital well hasn't completely dried up. One Gulf Coast startup with big plans is hoping to tap into some funds soon.

  • Entrepreneurs
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