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Results for:

  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • March 29, 2013
Flower Power

A.P. Hollingsworth initially sought to grow a barbecue-sauce business. But he instead combined a passion for orchids with a fearless entrepreneurial spirit to build a longstanding flower company.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • September 28, 2012
Stay Simple

A former NBC creative director says marketing a product or service shouldn't be complicated. One key to success: Tear down internal silos — immediately.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • October 28, 2016
Resilient market

Since the recession, Naples' residential real estate market has been a bellwether for the Gulf Coast. Is a real estate slowdown on the horizon?

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Chuck Merlis |
  • October 9, 2025
Jake Halusic, 36

40 Under 40 winner Jake Halusic is founder and CEO of Trofeo.

  • Class of 2025
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • February 24, 2017
The Governor v. The Speaker

Don't let the dispute over Enterprise Florida devolve to the level of Washington politics. Be statesmen.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Beth Luberecki |
  • September 22, 2023
Fourth-generation leather goods manufacturer eyes expansion

Some well-timed shifts in mindset while maintaining its customer-centric model has led luggage and bag manufacturer Korchmar to new growth opportunities.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • January 5, 2024
Former St. Pete state senator targets big changes in Tallahassee

A pair of policy-first leaders look to inject a sense of strategy into the chaos that often dominates in Tallahassee through a nonprofit think tank and policy bank, the Florida Policy Project.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • September 22, 2025
Manatee County commissioners end funding of Bradenton EDC

Other public and private sources remain intact, but commissioners question the value of the county's contribution, which is close to $350,000 a year.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • August 27, 2025
Once-powerful Sarasota developer Henry Rodriguez reshapes, refocuses life

A go-star in development and politics, Henry Rodriguez now laments the direction his life took. "I was young, influential and making a ton of money," he says, "but I was miserable."

  • Leadership
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • December 2, 2022
St. Petersburg receives four bids to redevelop Tropicana Field site

The Tampa Bay Rays have signaled renewed interest in the property by submitting their own proposal, in partnership with Hines, a Houston, Texas-based developer.

  • Construction-Development
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • February 3, 2006
Real Estate Briefs

Developers buy Nello's for condo projectFirst America Bank buys Realtors' buildingNorth Port developer consolidates holdingsNorth Fort Myers residents form co-op, buy villageMinnesota-based buyer buys lots in Bonita SpringsGrazing land sold in AlvaAffordable-housing foundation acquires apartment complexAtlanta developer to convert 400 St. Pete apartmentsMiami investors say they won't convert complex

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Rod Thomson |
  • March 24, 2012
Bridge to Survival

Prince Contracting in Tampa reinvented itself as a public-sector infrastructure builder. It worked.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • May 14, 2009
Entrepreneur of the Year 2009: A Package Deal

Eric Baird has constantly pushed himself to do better at what is now his $26 million packaging and shipping company.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • June 19, 2006
Coffee Talk

Name change, 2.0: The DOS Computer Center is getting a name upgrade.Sparkling ethics: Most would agree that Gary Trippe is one of the most ethical people around, which is why few will begrudge him keeping a $10,000 diamond he won at an ethics-award banquet.Wealthy people have feelings: The majority of the wealthiest Americans - and Floridians - are pessimistic when it comes to the housing market (who isn't?) yet as a group, these big spenders are almost at record high-levels when it comes to being optimistic about the overall economy.Mercantile pays premium: Quincy, Ill.-based Mercantile Bancorp paid a healthy premium for Naples-based Royal Palm Bancorp of Naples-about three times book value.Really smart people: Sarasota-based New College is Florida's honors college, so by definition, the school has a lot of smart people walking around its leafy campus a few miles north of downtown Sarasota.Sailing delayed: Material delays and labor shortages have forced Bonita Springs-based Expoships to move up the inaugural sailing of its Grand Luxe ship from December 2006 to June 2007.Money in the bank: It's much too early to count the cash, but organizers of the not-yet-chartered Insignia Bank have reason to feel positive.Lead by doing: Surveys and polls from various outlets show the poor numbers when it comes to employee job satisfaction.Insurer to grow in Florida: At a time when insurance companies and brokers are figurin

  • News
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • March 12, 2004
Dealing with NIMBYs

Debra Garrett's efforts to win approval for a Publix in east Sarasota County show the new reality for developers. Before you file for anything, be aggressive getting out the facts and be willing to make a lot of concessions.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Carl Cronan |
  • December 17, 2010
Stay Strong

After 40 years, Tom James gave up his CEO title at Raymond James, but not all of his responsibilities. He says the financial services firm has the capacity to grow twice as big as it is now.

  • Industries
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Amanda Postma, Louis Llovio and Mark Gordon |
  • May 6, 2021
Help wanted crisis has restaurants scrambling

The timing is like burnt toast: just as the economy opens up, restaurants are facing a critical shortage of employees. But solutions are percolating.

  • Travel-Tourism
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • February 5, 2024
Life after lockup: Roofing CEO reflects on year in prison for PPP loan fraud

Casey Crowther is contrite yet driven as he continues rebuilding his life and roofing company after serving time in prison. "I get that this is on me, and it’s my job to show people who I am."

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • August 3, 2023
New FGCU president aims to carry on predecessor’s momentum

Aysegul Timur’s steady rise in higher education has led her to a career-defining leadership moment.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • March 23, 2007
Costliest Year Yet

From life insurance to workers' comp to property coverage, insurers take risks on their clients. They gamble they'll take in more than they pay out.

  • Entrepreneurs
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