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Results for:

  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • December 29, 2006
Incredible Courting

Five million-dollar waterfront homes aren't so unique these days on the Gulf Coast. But a group of local developers is betting on a project that includes playing golf and tennis on the footsteps of legends.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • June 6, 2005
Real Estate Briefs (Tampa)

Coquina Key Arms to be converted into condosTwo more hotels to become condominiumsNew York investor buys Ambassador ApartmentsBill Edwards buys office property in Treasure IslandMcKibbon Hotel Management expands corporate officeWyndham International Inc.obtains $24.75 million mortgage

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • September 18, 2008
Custom Made

Charley Hannah and Mike Bartoletta have struggled like all homebuilders, but their conservative approach is helping them prepare for a stronger market.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • April 4, 2008
Brokers to the Banks

Defaulted commercial real estate loans at banks in Florida could spell opportunity for brokers. One firm in Fort Myers recently set up a separate division to manage those.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • November 4, 2011
Hong Kong Zones

Platapalooza got people talking about how to fix planning disasters of older communities such as Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral. Removing government barriers is the first fix.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • June 22, 2012
Carpet Ride

Rufus Ashby scrambled to survive the recession. He made tough moves, including a major downsizing of his flooring and carpet business. Now, armed with a new financial backer, he finally sees better days.

  • Industries
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • January 31, 2014
Ride 'em, cowboy

A company that straddles the entertainment and manufacturing industries has boosted sales 55% since 2011. Now it targets more fun, and more growth.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Beth Luberecki |
  • September 13, 2024
Sarasota entrepreneurs buy three Florida companies in six years

Gavin Broadfoot and Morne Hobson have learned a lot about buying established businesses, having done it three times in six years. One key: Be open for any opportunity.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Grier Ferguson |
  • October 28, 2020
Pandemic leads to ups, downs for Main Street communities

New, creative strategies lead the way for three designated Main Street communities in the region.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Grier Ferguson |
  • April 28, 2017
Biz Kids

More than a dozen middle school and high school students recently pitched their original business plans and ideas to panels of investors. Validation — and cash — was on the line.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • September 13, 2007
Formidable fence

A $36 million statewide fence company, already one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast, hopes to expand even more. Its catalyst for growth is through bonds traditionally used by government agencies.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • May 30, 2008
Stabilized Success

All it took was two years - and a crafty $20 million risk - for Ken Sanborn to turn his company from a $5 million small business to a $150 million-plus juggernaut. Up next: Managing it.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • September 17, 2004
Real Estate Briefs (Sara/Mana edition)

This week's items: Coldwell Banker names Green to head Florida West marketDaves, Property Markets Group buy Chart House restaurantBen Brown Insurance buys Toale Bros. siteR&S Development starts phase II

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Janelle Makowski |
  • January 9, 2004
Fun Again

Merger and acquisition activity picked up in 2003 after a bad year in 2002. Some predict 2004 will be even better.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • October 29, 2009
Mission Re-Ignition

The car business was drowning in 2008 and so was George Manian's high-end dealership. Manian found an airway through a massive company overhaul.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • November 10, 2006
Hollywood on the Gulf

Two television show pilots have been shot locally, thanks to an actor turned entrepreneur who plans to bring Hollywood to the Gulf Coast through his production company.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • June 13, 2008
International Flavor

A Mexican businesswoman happily discovers that American challenges, such as a stifling economy, beat the worries she faced back home.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • February 12, 2009
Great Scott

Twenty somethings have an extra burden other entrepreneurs don't face: youth. Here's how Samantha and Derek Scott overcame that barrier.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • October 22, 2004
Act Like Act Lke Founding Fathers

Sarasota Countyis fixes for the affordable housing problem has more of problems than solutions and has the possibilty of creating widder ranging troubles than the original issue.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Alex Walsh |
  • April 1, 2010
Culture Values

Good management shows in more than just profits. Tribridge's ability to retain talent and successfully integrate acquired companies speaks to its management style.

  • Strategies
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