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Entrepreneurs

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 8, 2009
Art afloat

David and Lee Ann Lester retired to Bonita Springs after building one of the world's most successful fine-art fairs in Palm Beach. But they couldn't stay away, even as the economy has taken a turn for the worse.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 8, 2009
Portrait Power

An entrepreneur seeks a growth track by sticking to a tough task: Using time wisely.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Bumpy ride, hazy finish

Optimists say the future for commercialreal estate looks much more positive ayear out. Pessimists worry about whatcan go wrong before then.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Madness to the Method

There is a cottage industry of consultantsand others built around impact fees. Should the "art" of regulatory fees be regulated?

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Urban Gamble

Environmentalists and bickering politicians killedRon Throgmartin's riverfront condominium projectin downtown Fort Myers. Now, the land's for sale.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Micro-managed Health

Avalon Healthcare faces giant competition, but itis gaining contracts in the Florida health care market.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Go Anywhere

Lynn Murtagh's airplane lets him travel from one job to another anywhere east of the Mississippi River. It's given him a broad range as the economic downturn takes hold.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Positive Thoughts

George Rauch still holds out hope that his$3 million bet on beachfront tourism pays off. He is keeping his 'fingers crossed.'

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
The Hard Part

A mixed-use project revolving around condos is near completion, despitethe market turmoil. The next challenge: Landing buyers and tenants.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Making Progress

Greg Sembler is repositioning The Sembler Company during a tough time for the retail industry.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Sun still shines

No matter the economy, Realtors need a presence onthe Web because that's where most buyers begin their search for property. CyberSunshine sticks to the top firms.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Still on Fire

A Bradenton manufacturer of super tough fire trucks keeps on motoring. It's fueled partially by Army contracts.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
BIG Moves

A corporate executive who gave up a globetrotting careerfor something more entrepreneurial likes the transition so far.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Adjusting Care

Dr. Jon Hemstreet, a St. Petersburg doctor, expands the services of his concierge medical practice.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2009
Bank This

Despite the financial turmoil, two longtime Naples bankers raised millions of dollars to start a new bank that will open its doors in January. Their last endeavor was hugely successful.

  • Entrepreneurs
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