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Strategies

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • May 20, 2020
Furniture stores see range of impacts from pandemic

Facing store closures, reopenings and supply chain issues, furniture stores are working to make sure customers feel comfortable shopping, whether in stores or online.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2020
Real estate sector opens new portal for sales

Agents and brokers embrace a once-unthinkable reality: selling homes without an in-person showing.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • May 6, 2020
Nimble entrepreneurs create opportunities to connect with vendors, farmers and customers

When the pandemic closed the door to one segment of customers, two business leaders, in separate efforts, found new ways to reach people.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon and Grier Ferguson
  • May 1, 2020
Resilient farmers fight back against coronavirus

The region’s agriculture sector is scrambling to keep up with rapid-fire shifts in demand, forcing some unseemly scenes — like 7,000 gallons of spilled milk. But creative solutions are percolating.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 30, 2020
Manufacturer splits employees into two teams during pandemic, sees increased competition, motivation

Sarasota-based Cruise Car has seen more demand lately for its medical carts.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 30, 2020
Volunteer effort uses 3D printers to make face shields for area medical professionals

Beyond helping health care workers, the volunteers are learning key business lessons in efficiency and teamwork.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • April 29, 2020
More hand sanitizer flows from brewery

Big Storm Brewing co-owner L.J. Govoni says the Clearwater, Florida-based brewery's switch to hand sanitizer has helped accelerate its plans to launch a line of distilled spirits. Courtesy photo.

  • Industries
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 23, 2020
Farm market rolls out drive-thru service for groceries

To give customers another shopping option during the crisis, an area company brainstormed different options before landing on a drive-thru. It already has customers asking if the service will stay post-pandemic. 

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 15, 2020
CEO shares insights from pandemic and how family time has been key

Jeff Jackson is CEO and president of Venice-based manufacturer PGT Innovations.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 15, 2020
Staffing, search firms see varied impacts on employers, employees from pandemic

Employee staffing and search firms are seeing firsthand the effects of the coronavirus, from the need to hire more workers quickly to searches being put on hold.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 15, 2020
Area cleaning company grows by staying true to its niche

Crystal Clean Green Cleaning has made a few shifts to new opportunities during the pandemic, including launching a disinfectant service.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 8, 2020
Area manufacturers shift during COVID-19 to make face shields

As demand surges for protective equipment for those on the front lines of fighting the coronavirus, Madico and Precision Products work quickly to change directions.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 8, 2020
Nonprofits get creative to maintain fundraising, presence

Just because supporters of nonprofits can’t get together in person during the COVID-19 crisis doesn’t mean fundraising stops. Enter virtual events.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 8, 2020
Area firm analyzes effects of COVID-19 on global supply chains

The coronavirus pandemic has caused worldwide supply chain disruptions. A strategist from Fort Myers-based supply chain services firm Allyn International shares what she’s seeing and what might be ahead.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • April 3, 2020
Chain reaction: Restaurant’s coronavirus troubles shared by vendors

Sarasota-Bradenton hospitality mainstay navigates crisis on many fronts.

  • Strategies
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