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Results for:

  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • August 21, 2015
Electric life

Hard work, combined with self-confidence, helped Isaac Barpal get from a kibbutz in Israel to the top of Corporate America.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • June 19, 2023
Software entrepreneur finds his footing after personal medical scare

Chris Abbott turned a dreadful few weeks into a new opportunity to get back to what he calls his "entrepreneurial roots."

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • June 11, 2010
Trading Places

Collier County's large community banks have been decimated by the collapse of construction and development. But it seems there are plenty of eager banks ready to take their place, including the newest entrant: EverBank.

  • Finance
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By John Haughey |
  • August 9, 2019
Improbable global business lands new opportunities

Lakeland entrepreneur took Bob Knight has come a long way since 1984.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Steven Benna |
  • April 15, 2016
Executive Q&A: Barry Shevlin, CEO, Vology

"Cash is like oxygen," says the longtime business owner, one of many lessons he's learned.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jeff Durosko |
  • April 17, 2023
Win the day with employees — even in a tight labor market

From luncheons to launching a monthly good news newsletter, there are better to ways to engage with a firm's No. 1 asset.

  • Advice
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • October 20, 2022
Gale force: Health tech firm steps up for storm-battered clients

Gale Healthcare, which serves nurses and long-term care facilities, didn't waste anytime in responding to the needs of hurricane-ravaged Southwest Florida.

  • Health Care
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • September 22, 2006
Thomson: Federal pay twice the average worker's

The average federal wages and benefits are now double those of the private sector. This happened under the Republicans' watch. Why?

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • January 18, 2008
LASDAY: Segment to increased profits

Client segmentation of "profitability" spotlights hidden costs and real profit. After adding back internal expenses, you should recapture lost billings.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • April 21, 2021
Manufacturer, even after pandemic dip, sold in $4.3 billion deal

New Port Richey's Welbilt Inc. purchased by by Illinois-based Middleby Corporation in all-stock deal valued at $4.3 billion.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • April 10, 2020
Medical supply firm aims to maintain payroll amid crisis

The coronavirus pandemic has put a crimp in long-range planning at Mercedes Scientific.

  • Leadership
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Beth Luberecki |
  • November 16, 2023
Longboat Key community hub overcomes fundraising challenges

Rising costs led to a push for more financial support from town residents for the Karon Family Pavilion.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • September 2, 2005
Real Estate Briefs (Tampa)

Triple Net Pays $55 Million for ApartmentsSun Vista affiliate acquires Gulfport's Bayfront VillasCoral Gables group buys Montecito apartmentsAtlantic American affiliate pays $22 million for rentalsMiami investors purchase Cypress Pointe apartments

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • September 19, 2005
Real Estate Briefs (Sara/Mana)

Kurland Family Plans Fruitville Mixed-use ProjectClark Comfort Inn owners buy nearby RamadaTradition Tarragon buys Whispering OaksIsaac Group buys buildings on State, PineappleKemick Properties buys land for home community

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • October 31, 2003
Flattering Figures

Chico's is the hottest women's retailer in America. But its founders are stepping back a third time. New CEO Scott Edmonds, a former plumbing wholesaler, must now prove the third time's a charm.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • August 23, 2019
With innovative home plans, builder caters to evolution of 'single-family' housing

The Chicago firm has capitalized on a burgeoning trend in the region: multigenerational housing. New challenges await, including a battle for land.

  • Strategies
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • February 18, 2026
Potential New College takeover of USF Sarasota-Manatee campus looms

A local group is fighting back against the move, with a former University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee top official saying this would sacrifice one public school for another's dreams.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • January 30, 2004
Lightning Master (Tampa edition)

Jay Feaster spends most of his time near the ice rink, not in the courtroom. In Feaster's first full season as general manager of Tampa Bay Lightning, the National Hockey League team won its first division title.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • September 23, 2005
A Near-Death Experience

Leslie Flegel quadrupled Source Interlink's size in one year. But at one point, his acquisitions almost sank the company. Nonetheless, he's transforming the way magazines, CDs and DVDs are distributed.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • June 29, 2007
Coffee Talk

Gaining and losing muscle in the Russell: Coast Financial Holdings, the battered parent company of Bradenton-based Coast Bank, has suffered yet another setback: Being booted off the prestigious family of Russell Indexes, one of the leading stock market tracking funds.Chamber recognizes pro-business legislators: A diverse combination of old standards and rookie state legislators from the Gulf Coast were given high grades, and praise, by the Florida Chamber of Commerce when it comes to voting and pushing through bills in the best interests of business. Coffee businesses roast a good deal: Sarasota-based coffee entrepreneur Michael Duranko's main goal since he opened his first Local Coffee & Tea shop on Siesta Key in February has been to combine his ambitious growth plans with a keep-it-local mantra.Bay City Plywood re-brands: Tampa-based home improvement chain Bay City Plywood is modifying its name to add "Cabinets" to become Bay City Plywood & Cabinets.Hovnanian: Fort Myers is the worst housing market: What once was one of the best housing markets has turned into the worst.Colliers Arnold growing, makes moves: Clearwater-based real estate brokerage Colliers Arnold has hired 70 new people in the past year and is planning a move to bigger office digs.WCI Communities stock drops below $20: The stock of WCI Communities dropped 18% in the week ending June 26, generating endless speculation on message boards and blogs.Existing-

  • News
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