Influencers & Innovators

Mark Gordon
September 4, 2026

USF Athletics CEO relishes opportunity to go all gas, no breaks

Rob Higgins treats having first-ever in his title and resume like a privilege, even with the pressure.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Beth Luberecki
September 4, 2026

SWFL nonprofit donor consulting firm surpasses $120M in revenue

VeraData, founded by Michael Peterman, has tapped into machine learning and AI to innovate — and influence — the way nonprofits find and connect with donors.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Anastasia Dawson
September 4, 2026

Fast-food franchisee chooses Tampa to debut healthy eating drive-thru

Tampa-based drive-thru concept Greenlane is redefining convenience with fresh, made-to-order meals — and bringing innovation to an industry sorely lacking it.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Elizabeth King
September 4, 2026

Feld Entertainment CEO on prioritizing innovation, challenging assumptions

To foster innovation, Feld Entertainment, under CEO Juliette Feld Grossman, prioritizes creating an environment that allows people to take risks and challenge assumptions.

Manatee-Sarasota

Elizabeth Djinis
September 4, 2026

Founding high school principal launches AI-fueled education business

Onetime teacher Marlee Strawn, who her students say had "eyes in the back of her head," has turned her innovative approach to special education, aided by AI.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Elizabeth Djinis
September 4, 2026

Sarasota-based fashion influencer approaches 2M Instagram followers

A fashionista has found success in a fickle field dominated by trends partially by going against the hot thing. Blair Eadie, instead, finds innovation in consistency and the courage to be different.

Manatee-Sarasota

Louis Llovio
September 4, 2026

Moffitt Cancer Center's CEO at historical forefront of new treatments

Dr. Patrick Hwu is a decadeslong researcher who sees the Tampa center's mission as extending and improving the lives of cancer patients.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Mark Gordon
September 4, 2026

St. Pete tech entrepreneur uses AI to help save family farms

AgWise is bringing a bushel of AI technology to an industry — farming — sorely in need of it.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Mark Gordon
September 4, 2026

First Watch CEO pairs innovation with steady growth at $1.2B firm

Chris Tomasso says leading with innovation requires both a passion to try new things with the patience to stick to a strategy.

Manatee-Sarasota

1 »

USF Athletics CEO relishes opportunity to go all gas, no breaks

SWFL nonprofit donor consulting firm surpasses $120M in revenue

Fast-food franchisee chooses Tampa to debut healthy eating drive-thru

Feld Entertainment CEO on prioritizing innovation, challenging assumptions

Founding high school principal launches AI-fueled education business

Sarasota-based fashion influencer approaches 2M Instagram followers

Moffitt Cancer Center's CEO at historical forefront of new treatments

St. Pete tech entrepreneur uses AI to help save family farms

First Watch CEO pairs innovation with steady growth at $1.2B firm

Downtown Tampa tower with $385M in sales nears the top

Downtown Sarasota apartment towers reach leasing milestone

ZooTampa's Creatures of the Night returns this fall with new attractions

Tampa investor buys minority stake in Scottish football club

Tickets on sale now for Business Observer's 40 Under 40 celebration

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