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Results for:

  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • June 24, 2016
Eat, sleep, dive

Wayne Hasson co-founded the Aggressor Fleet with one scuba boat in the Cayman Islands more than 30 years ago. Today, the fleet consists of 20 luxury yachts that ply 31 exotic destinations around the world.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • November 6, 2015
Cleaning up

Michelle Spitzer bought into a cleaning franchise after she already built her business. The neat move — it cost $1 — has paid big-time dividends.

  • Industries
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Michael Hinman |
  • July 31, 2015
Safety zone

Building specialized senior housing for former pro football players is a hyper-specific niche for a developer. This one gets into it with a bold game plan.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Beth Luberecki |
  • September 11, 2015
From the ground up

The downturn in the golf industry hasn't slowed down a business with a keen interest in the sport's success.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Traci McMillan Beach |
  • February 20, 2015
Lessons learned

Kevin Hourigan learned how to build a business the hard way — by watching his first firm collapse during an IPO. That lesson helped him create a healthy $10 million company.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Laura Lyon |
  • June 21, 2024
The business of crane safety: From skyscrapers to zoos to toilet paper

The boom in construction over the past several decades has led to a boom in cranes operating across Florida. That, in turn, has boosted a company dedicated to training people how to use cranes safely.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • March 28, 2025
Publisher extends 'poison pill' in response to courtship from Naples firm

The Hoffmann Family of Cos. seeks to open discussions with Lee Enterprises "regarding a potential combination of our companies."

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Louis Llovio |
  • March 24, 2025
Naples’ Hoffmann takes step to buy national newspaper chain

The Hoffmann Family of Cos. is already Lee's second largest shareholder and may take the company private.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Louis Llovio |
  • February 18, 2025
Gulf Coast's top federal prosecutor leaves Department of Justice

Roger B. Handberg has departed as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District after about three years in the position.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jay Heater |
  • June 26, 2025
Builder: Impact fee hike will add $18K to buying Manatee County home

Pat Neal continues to be a master navigating tumultuous real estate waters, including a percolating anti-growth and anti-developer sentiment.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • February 22, 2019
Property pros: Savvy firm uncovers value in unexpected places

In just eight years, EquiAlt, a privately held, Tampa, Florida-based property investment and management firm, has amassed more than $150 million in assets, specializing in distressed properties.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Elizabeth King |
  • July 25, 2024
Shuttered Sarasota window and door company faces complaints, investigations

"There was never intent to defraud or steal money," the owner of Sash & Sill says.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Elizabeth King |
  • September 9, 2024
Tervis bankruptcy: Revenue fell from $90M in 2022 to $33M so far in 2024

Company officials vow this isn't the end of Tervis. "Bankruptcy," say officials in the filing, "is a means of ensuring its continued existence and operational success in the decades to come."

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Beth Luberecki |
  • October 10, 2024
Laura Richardson Bright, 39

40 Under 40 winner Laura Richardson Bright is the chief advancement officer at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples.

  • Class of 2024
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Eric Garwood |
  • October 17, 2025
$314M nonprofit charter school operator targets region for major expansion

Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk and Sarasota are on Mater Academy's list of target schools. That's a request that one Manatee County school board member says will only happen over her "dead body."

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Elizabeth King |
  • December 5, 2025
Water filter manufacturer in Manatee, with new product, in expansion mode

After building a local supply chain, Epic Water Filters is poised for growth. Plans include moving to a larger facility and doubling its payroll.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Amanda Postma |
  • October 14, 2022
Philip DiMaria, 30

Kimley-Horn & Associates, urban planner and project manager

  • Class of 2022
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • January 12, 2007
Two views on Real Estate

John Schaub and Harvey Vengroff, two successful veterans of the Gulf Coast real estate market, offer divergent views on the residential market.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • February 4, 2010
Political office

Joe Gammons uses his political savvy to sell office furniture in the Fort Myers area, one of the hardest-hit areas of the Gulf Coast. His management style has paid off.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Traci McMillan Beach |
  • September 13, 2013
On Hold

Most businesses understand that providing a positive customer experience is a key to success. That's what Aaron Kleinhandler's on-hold messaging company has focused on for the last 12 years.

  • Strategies
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