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Results for:

  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • August 27, 2009
Waterfront stimulus

Fort Myers has grand plans for its waterfront. Now if only the capital markets would cooperate.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • December 18, 2009
Sweet Survival

An $800,000 investment in a frozen dessert business nearly turned sour when the lead entrepreneur suffered a few major setbacks. The comeback, however, is already underway.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • September 17, 2010
Success Haul

A pair of successful Gulf Coast entrepreneurs has written the story of their young business life. It's a tale of overcoming mistakes and other obstacles.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • June 18, 2010
Call forward

Fifth Third Bank paid a high price to boost its presence in Florida in 2005. David Call, the bank's South Florida president and CEO, says the situation is stabilizing.

  • Finance
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • December 28, 2012
Rebuilding a Brand

Steve Lush is rehabilitating the brand of upscale furniture retailer Robb & Stucky after it was liquidated in bankruptcy in 2011.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Rachel Gomez |
  • June 28, 2013
Fishy fun

An innovative local nutrition business unwittingly landed a stellar celebrity endorsement when Jennifer Aniston talked up its products. Now the firm seeks to find a lot more friends.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Alex Walsh |
  • July 1, 2011
Thinking Irrationally

Could the research of one USF grad student help you increase sales?According to Burger King's latest ad campaign, the answer might just be yes.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • September 16, 2011
Pump it Up

The fitness club industry was certainly weakened by the recession. A cop-turned-fitness entrepreneur, however, has latched on to a big growth plan, with the Gulf Coast in the lead position.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • September 23, 2011
School Work

Employers are clamoring for students who can work collaboratively and solve technical problems together. One high school in Fort Myers plans to deliver.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • September 23, 2011
Acceleration Machine

The idea people behind a technology startup sometimes lack two key elements: cash and know-how. A trio of Gulf Coast business veterans is here to help.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Alex Mahadevan |
  • December 9, 2011
Big Branding

Sabal Trust Co. espouses conservative practices to reflect its goal as a trust firm. A big investment on rebranding shows the firm can take chances as well.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • December 16, 2011
Long Ride

Mark Trudeau says personal service is the key to sales, whether it's a $20,000 bike or a cup of coffee.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • September 13, 2013
Less Pane

Going for business in up-markets, specifically in a subcontractor role, has been an escape hatch through the recession for a local company. It's zeroing in on $10 million a year in sales.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • October 5, 2012
Jump Bump

Rich Heruska has already built and run a fast-growth business. Now he aims for fast — and sustainable — growth.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • June 15, 2012
Game On

Sam Vrinios is a decidedly unordinary teenager. For one, his business is approaching $500,000 in total sales — and he's only 15.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss |
  • June 15, 2012
Please, say thank you

Randall Kenneth Jones says there's money to be made by being courteous. You can thank him later.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jennifer Glenfield |
  • October 26, 2012
Sandwich Appeal

An entrepreneur changes the standard “Help, I've fallen and can't get up” alert system. What happens after users push the button could change health care — and its costs.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Carl Cronan |
  • February 18, 2011
The New Cable Guy

Tom Ward's plans as president of Custom Cable Industries include finding new markets for its products, along with expanding current relationships. It starts with interrogation, which he knows a little about.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Alex Mahadevan |
  • January 20, 2012
Staffing Opportunity

Staffing firms saw increased demand during the downturn. Two Tampa business leaders foresee the trend continuing.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Alex Mahadevan |
  • January 1, 2012
Natural Growth

As John Ramil closes out his first full year as president and CEO of TECO Energy Inc., he stands firm in his goal to grow the firm independently. Despite competitors combining, a growing customer base buoys his hopes.

  • Strategies
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