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Executive Diversions

    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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 »
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