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Results for:

  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • July 2, 2004
Class Builders

Willis A. Smith Construction Inc. has grown from a small company in 1988 with about $3 million in revenue to one of the larger general contractors in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jay Brady |
  • December 17, 2009
Jobs Killer

A smothering 1,100% state unemployment compensation hike taking effect Jan. 1 couldn't come at a worse time, and may ignite a 'death spiral' of greater unemployment and even higher state unemployment compensation taxes.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jay Brady |
  • December 4, 2009
Biotech Bet

Diversifying Florida's economy from heavy reliance on construction and real estate toward high tech industry dominates agendas of government and business groups. But with baby boomer retiree housing demand poised to jump, the traditional economy may still be the best bet.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • October 28, 2021
Lofty ambitions: Drone-based businesses navigate their way to success

Using the devices for commercial purposes can be a turbulent ride. Some innovators in the region lead the way to clear skies.

  • Technology
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Grier Ferguson |
  • September 9, 2020
Area businesses connected to dogs and cats see surge in business during pandemic

From veterinary centers to pet supply stores, companies are handling fluctuations in business with different strategies.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • October 2, 2020
2020 Election Recommendations: The amendments

As always, many of the proposed constitutional amendments sound good. But they aren’t.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Beth Luberecki |
  • May 28, 2018
Entrepreneurial family takes big shot in alcohol-based ready-to-drink market

family, Jell-O, Ashley Zalkin, Kevin Harrington, Celsius, Khloé Kardashian, Shark Tank, TV,

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Beth Luberecki |
  • October 11, 2019
Firm turns complicated data into revenue streams

Harnessing the power of data means big growth potential for Fort Myers firm.

  • Technology
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • October 24, 2014
Review and Comment

It's all about performance

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • February 27, 2015
Republicans could go all out, but they won't

You know the old joke: Starting Tuesday, March 3, hold on to your wallets. Florida's annual legislative session begins.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • July 7, 2025
Historic, yes; could be better

Credit Speaker Perez and his House colleagues for finally reining in spending. But there are still political gimmicks and pet projects in the budget.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • July 16, 2025
Manatee receives threat of litigation over increased impact fees

Freedom Housing Alliance Inc. says the impact fee increase — it could go from $13,442 for a house to more than $33,000 — violates state statute.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • By Elizabeth King |
  • March 13, 2026
$5 million Sarasota-Manatee pet retail business starts franchising

The franchise market for retail dog food and toys is lucrative. Entrepreneurs — and passionate dog parents — Rob and Linda Emery enter it with a litter full of in-the-field experience.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • August 31, 2007
Commercial Real Estate Briefs

Miami family buys Seville ApartmentsInvestment group plans Gridley Medical BuildingDeveloper begins work on Lehigh mixed-use projectTennessee hoteliers overhauling Sleep InnDiablo Performance moving to Rosemary DistrictCity of Sarasota mulls over downtown parking garageLaramar Group buys Clearwater's Bay ParkMiami Beach apartment owners acquire Sun Pointe PlacePebb Enterprises buys Citrus Park outparcel

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • May 26, 2022
Power to the people: Businesses must reckon with new workforce realities

The labor market pendulum has swung hard against employers. But it’s not a forever turn. Nimble, forward-thinking companies, beyond pay raises, can adapt and adjust.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • October 30, 2008
Corporate Report

Former Wild Oats CEO Maysto lead Source Interlink Cos.CPC of America picks BC Techto make new medical devicesOrthopedic Development Corp.files suit against ex-distributorMIVA reaches content dealwith AccuWeather.comBrown & Brown Inc.increases dividendConcession club rated ninthin Golfweek's top 100 listSarasota CVB picks Rocca forGerman, Scandinavian outreachWalter Industries board toissue new quarterly dividendFifth Third picks Call to headS. Florida bank operationsIllum Productions to provide animation for "9 to 5" showL-3 to provide flight recording systems for AirbusBritish gas grill maker movesU.S. division to Sarasota

  • Industries
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • May 14, 2010
Serious Action

John Lemp built a $120 million company in eight years — in a place not exactly known for technology gazelles. Despite the doubters, he predicts much more growth to come.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • June 30, 2021
Car rental giant officially exits bankruptcy with one question: will it survive long-term?

Hertz leaves bankruptcy with about $5 billion in debt gone, with a $2.8 billion credit line and $7 billion in financing for its vehicle inventory

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Kevin McQuaid |
  • August 18, 2021
Multifamily momentum mows down other sectors

Apartment deals once again rule top commercial real estate sales through the first half of 2021.

  • Commercial Real Estate
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Matt Walsh |
  • June 10, 2021
Opinion: Time's up for public education

Employers’ struggles with a lack of workers and the quality of those hired stem from the actions of the State. To turn the tide, think of this: all private education.

  • Opinion
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