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Results for:

  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • February 6, 2004
Beat the Competition: Claim Fame

You have a personality. So does your company. Is it good or is it bad?Lou Lasday, an independent marketing advisor who resides on Longboat Key, creates action-oriented strategic corporate initiatives for emerging companies.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • August 27, 2010
Beyond eBay

Gulf Coast entrepreneur Jim Moore finally launched a Web site for his $20 million business after years of resistance. It was a lucrative move.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Bob Andelman |
  • September 23, 2016
Lord of the Shirts

The creator of iconic Mr. Sun and World Tour apparel thinks like a businessman first, artist second.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • July 1, 2016
Paper power

A paper-based business, founded five years ago by a resolute entrepreneur, defies the digital age.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • October 15, 2020
Ashley Drummonds, 32

Founder, ABS Protein Pancakes

  • Class of 2020
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • August 29, 2003
Driven Lawyer

Frank Russo's clients number in the thousands. The former prosecutor takes on 400 new cases most years. His specialty: DUI defense.

  • Law
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Kevin McQuaid |
  • June 24, 2021
Gulf Coast senior housing projects demonstrating renewed energy as pandemic wanes

Gulf Coast senior housing developments in downtown Sarasota and Naples show “green shoots” amid optimism that demand is gaining as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes.

  • Commercial Real Estate
  • 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 Brian Hartz |
  • January 31, 2020
Reinventing the steel: New leadership revives metal-making firm

Tampa Steel & Supply, with new owner Troy Underwood at the helm, has grown significantly and expanded its technical capabilities.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Beth Luberecki |
  • February 21, 2020
Entrepreneur creates surprise-and-delight shirt business

Sara O’Brien’s yearn for creativity led to a trendy business making and selling shirts with funky phrases. One mantra: Never quit. ‘If you just keep going,’ she says, ‘the energy eventually shifts.’

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • May 21, 2007
Walsh: Gulf Coast Economy Ailing; Cut Taxes Now

Jobless claims are rocketing upward all along the southwest coast of Florida. In Lee County, they're up 130% (to 1,742) from a year ago April. In Charlotte and Collier counties, they're up 112% (to 435, 625, respectively). In Manatee, they're up 83% (to 652), and in Sarasota they're up 68% (to 910). After hitting a low in 2006, unemployment rates are rising.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • August 18, 2006
Unflinching Optimism, Practical Steps

Even as they predict brighter days, Gulf Coast Realtors and those in related industries are taking protective measures now.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • April 3, 2023
Prominent Southwest Florida nonprofit CEO to leave position

Sarah Owen has held nonprofit CEO roles for nearly 20 years.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Amanda Postma |
  • November 1, 2021
Fast-growing community on the cusp of getting a new Publix

WMG Development broke ground for The Shoppes at Palmer Ranch project. The 65,848-square-foot center will be anchored by a Publix, making a trip to the grocery store just a walk away for some residents.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Observer Staff |
  • July 16, 2009
Clients Know Best

Michael Peters left the palm trees of Tampa for the skyscrapers of Manhattan

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • January 1, 2021
Economic forecast: tech organization rethinks how it engages members

Jill St. Thomas, executive director, Tampa Bay Tech

  • Technology
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • October 4, 2013
Christian Cotter, 29

Director of Management Recruitment and Development, First Watch Restaurants Inc.

  • Class of 2013
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • October 16, 2015
Jackie Zumba, 28

Owner, Jackie Z Style Co.

  • Class of 2015
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • August 27, 2004
Coffee Talk (Sara/Mana edition)

This week's items: Gulf Coast bankers get FBA honorsNo news from city regarding The Beckett Whitney Group LLC's offer to purchase the City CentreVenice-based PGT Industries Inc. may need a bigger help wanted sign.

  • News
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • June 28, 2013
Happy fields

A cavernous former hotel in downtown Fort Myers will get new life as senior housing, removing an obstacle to growth there.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
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