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Entrepreneurs

    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2008
The Flower Guru

A Gulf Coast florist, known to dozens of florists nationwide as a "never ending machine of ideas," is competing against - and beating - industry heavyweights.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2008
Money Poor, Problem Rich

Commercial real estate faces an array of problems,from a lengthy housing slowdown, a credit freeze and consumer recession worries. Is it really time to buy?

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2008
Fees in free fall

Local governments are reducing impact fees to spur development and boost the tax base.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2008
Crab hedge

As Tony Phelan grew hisseafood restaurant business, he needed to get a handle onvolatile seafood prices. So his son bought Island Crab as a hedge on crustaceans.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2008
Chemical ROMANCE

A $100 million Gulf Coast family-run business that revolves around chlorine continues to clean up - despite economic uncertainty and other looming challenges.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2008
One for the CFOs

With several organizations designed to help CEOs, the Gulf Coast now has one that helps CFOs.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2008
Power Play

Companies and environmental groups are pushing for more renewable energy in Florida, which would increase competition among energy providers.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2008
The French CONNECTION

America still holds a special place in foreign investors' minds. One Frenchman is bringing the American dream of real estate ownership to the French middle class.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2008
Brand awareness

When the economy softens, marketing is often cut. But some Gulf Coast companies are doing the opposite.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2008
Links to Profit

Golf clubs are notorious money losers, but one entrepreneur believes he's found a profitable way to run such a club.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2008
Be nimble, be quick

Brad and Ryan Kugler took over the familyentertainment products liquidation business and boosted its growth through tough deals and flexible response to the market. Now they are seeking an acquisition.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2008
Keep on Rolling

Just because General Motors is facing an abyss doesn't mean its dealers are,too. Charles Winton and business partner Patrick Denson opened a new Chevroletdealership in October 2007 and are focusing on used-car sales and maintenance.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2008
Tiny transactions, GIANT DREAMS

An entrepreneur seeks super-sized growth through puny margins. It's a tough task.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2008
Revolutionary Iron Man

Frank Masyada has developed atechnology to make metal stronger and it may revolutionize many products.

  • Entrepreneurs
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • December 19, 2008
Segway 2.0 - GoPet

A trio of entrepreneurs hopes to go lots of places on their personal electric transporter. Big sales is one destination.

  • Entrepreneurs
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