Executive Diversions

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Brian Hartz
January 9, 2026

Tampa attorney gets hands-on with woodworking hobby

Shutts & Bowen LLP’s Alan Higbee says carpentry helps him leave the stressful work of a lawyer where it belongs — at the office.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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Mark Gordon
January 9, 2026

Global mountain-climbing Sarasota couple seeks new challenges

Jennifer and Dan Vigne look for hikes and climbs where they can push themselves mentally and physically.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Beth Luberecki
January 8, 2026

Leadership coach embraces new challenge with improv

Darcy Eikenberg relishes the idea of not being the expert in pushing herself to learn a new skill.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Mark Gordon
January 8, 2026

Closet design firm exec catches big wins while fishing

Taylor Rinehold loves the thrill and strategy of the chase while fishing.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Elizabeth King
January 7, 2026

Orthopedic surgeon is gold medal rower, was semipro soccer player

"It's amazing the places that sports have taken me," says Dr. Sara Simmons, who recently won a rowing event at a world championship in Spain.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Mark Gordon
January 7, 2026

Naples interior designer rekindles passion for open-water swimming

Regan Billingsley Interiors founder Regan Billingsley says "I love starting the day with a swim."

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Elizabeth King
January 6, 2026

Sarasota business owner tends goal at three ball hockey venues in region

Children's World Uniform Supply co-owner Tim Holliday says being a ball hockey goalie helps him get "dialed in" to focus on one thing.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Anastasia Dawson
January 6, 2026

Tampa financial adviser unplugs on air

Kevin Caldwell’s love of music led to a gig as a community radio DJ on WMNF.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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Anastasia Dawson
January 5, 2026

Marketing executive caught the bug for collecting vintage Volkswagens

When she’s not running Pinstripe Marketing & Interactive, Ginger Galloway is likely driving around town in one of her three beloved vintage Volkswagen cars.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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Mark Gordon
January 5, 2026

Sarasota nonprofit CEO finds her zen by creating, teaching ancient Japanese art

Megan Howell has taken her love for the culture — and art — of a country some 7,300 miles away to new levels.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Louis Llovio
January 4, 2026

Tourism chief rock and rolls all nite and parties every day

Santiago Corrada has amassed a collection of Kiss memorabilia with at 100,000 pieces.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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Janet Leiser
January 3, 2026

Naples marketing director cloaks himself in history

Jacob Winge's passion goes back — way back — in time to get his mind off work.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Business Observer Staff
October 26, 2025

What is your hobby or pastime? Be part of the Business Observer’s Diversions issue

Mountain climbing or moonlighting as a secret agency tracking human trafficking rings. Whatever you do outside the office, we want to know about it.

Florida

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Beth Luberecki
May 11, 2025

Trust company exec, cancer survivor relishes global marathon successes

Between surviving cancer and running marathons across the world, it's no wonder Jeff Muddell now says "any challenge in life seems small."

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Beth Luberecki
January 10, 2025

SWFL nonprofit exec takes center stage with dramatic side gig

Horizon Foundation Executive Director Bill Johnson's advice for people who try acting is wise counsel for anyone, in any endeavor. "Anything is possible," he says. "If you don’t try it, you’ll never know."

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

1 2 3 4 5 »

Tampa attorney gets hands-on with woodworking hobby

Global mountain-climbing Sarasota couple seeks new challenges

Leadership coach embraces new challenge with improv

Closet design firm exec catches big wins while fishing

Orthopedic surgeon is gold medal rower, was semipro soccer player

Naples interior designer rekindles passion for open-water swimming

Sarasota business owner tends goal at three ball hockey venues in region

Tampa financial adviser unplugs on air

Marketing executive caught the bug for collecting vintage Volkswagens

Sarasota nonprofit CEO finds her zen by creating, teaching ancient Japanese art

Tourism chief rock and rolls all nite and parties every day

Naples marketing director cloaks himself in history

What is your hobby or pastime? Be part of the Business Observer’s Diversions issue

Trust company exec, cancer survivor relishes global marathon successes

SWFL nonprofit exec takes center stage with dramatic side gig

Polk hotel-to-apartment conversion project obtains $30M loan

Sarasota venture studio launches AI-driven hiring product

ZooTampa raises $33M toward largest expansion to date

Former Tervis CEO named COO at noted Sarasota law firm

Downtown Clearwater project obtains $160 million in financing

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