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Entrepreneurs

    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • July 9, 2009
Sox Appeal

Eddy Garcia has always been a disciplined real estate buyer, only choosing well-located sites in the path of growth. He hit a home run when Lee County picked his land for the future spring training stadium of the Boston Red Sox.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 9, 2009
Mission: Difficult

The job market might be in tatters, but a pair of military veterans sees promise in running a business devoted to finding work for other veterans.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • July 2, 2009
Choco-preneur

A physicist set out to create something kids can use to help them eat healthier. He ended up inventing a natural kind of chocolate, which is now made on the Gulf Coast.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • June 25, 2009
Virtual Vine

What's the secret to selling tomatoes online? Cut out the middleman.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • June 11, 2009
School of Matlacha

Leoma Lovegrove is one of the Gulf Coast's most prolific artists. She's also an entrepreneur who has turned her small gallery into a global draw. Her advice: Think big.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • June 4, 2009
Rev up sales

John Marazzi opened the Naples Nissan dealership at a new location in Naples in October, just as the credit crisis took a turn for the worse. Now, it's all about grabbing market share.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • May 28, 2009
Against the Tide

The boating industry may be down, but it's not out. One entrepreneur is betting yachts and larger boats will ride out the economic downturn and he says he's already seeing the first signs of a recovery.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 28, 2009
Foot Patrol

Bill Johnson's entrepreneurial spirit — and his inner inventor — can be traced to his wife's un-tanned feet. His next step: Sales.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 21, 2009
Stimulus you can believe in

Successful Gulf Coast entrepreneur and commercial real estate investor Harvey Vengroff has long said the region's economy lacks diversification. He sees the recession as a chance for real change.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • May 21, 2009
The Invisible Entrepreneur

Companies such as Harvey Software that grease the wheels of American commerce often work quietly behind the scenes.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 14, 2009
Where are they now?: Man of the People

Amscot Financial serves the financial services needs of many consumers who prefer to cash checks at a location other than a bank.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 14, 2009
Entrepreneur of the Year 2009: A Package Deal

Eric Baird has constantly pushed himself to do better at what is now his $26 million packaging and shipping company.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • April 30, 2009
Stock the fridge

Hotels on the Gulf Coast are counting on Florida visitors staying close to home to boost a lackluster year so far. Discounts for Floridians will abound to maintain occupancies.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • April 20, 2009
Expansion Call

With a learn-to-delegate process nearly complete, an entrepreneur now hopes to continue growing her property management company.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2009
Strong pulse

Engineer Thomas Osypka bought the cardiac medical products company his father started and has grown revenues with clients around the world.

  • Entrepreneurs
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