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Results for:

  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Grier Ferguson |
  • July 26, 2019
Entrepreneur operates five storefronts in one area mall, with plans for more

Malls nationally are struggling to keep tenants. But Paul Sykes has decided to lean into the benefits at Westfield Siesta Key.

  • Commercial Real Estate
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Andrew Warfield |
  • November 23, 2018
Cold war technology rockets fintech firm to global dominance

ACI Worldwide’s technology began as a solution to prevent an accidental nuclear missile launch. Now the firm aims to prevent competitors from creeping into its space.

  • Finance
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • August 30, 2019
House call: Influential construction exec expounds on leadership philosophy

Beck Group executive Mark House, whose fingerprints are all over some of Tampa Bay’s most iconic structures, has a simple strategy for success: Find and mentor people who can replace him.

  • Leadership
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • July 6, 2018
IT powerhouse makes a change at the top

Tech Data CEO Bob Dutkowsky spent years searching for his replacement at the Clearwater-based IT distributor. He found the ideal candidate by looking to his roots at IBM.

  • Leadership
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Louis Llovio |
  • August 2, 2025
Hoffmann Family's new Naples boutique a step toward national expansion, says matriarch

More than 50 years of marriage and helping create a multibillion business has not dimmed Jerri Hoffmann’s entrepreneurial drive.

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • June 15, 2007
Strategy Combo

A slowing market means First State Bank's growth rate might drop as much as 10% this year, even as executives bank on a strategy that combines two methods. Says its new president: "We have to hustle."

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • June 25, 2007
Corporate Report

NeoGenomics sells stock, adds $4 million in financingTyco Plastics' Sutter becomes Gerdau Ameristeel COOQuality Distribution promotes president to CEOOSI Restaurant Partners completes buy-outHSN celebrating 30th in July, adding Emeril cookware lineCorporate Write starts cruise Web site

  • Industries
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • September 15, 2006
Pub Crawl

After 15 years of deliberate growth, a pair of lifelong friends running a bar and grill chain are about to pass $11 million in annual revenues. Expansion throughout the Gulf Coast is up next.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • November 17, 2006
Sweet Equity

A literal hands-on entrepreneur learns how to grow by letting go. After starting the business on $6,000 in combined family savings, he's grown it to $10 million in annual revenues.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • March 16, 2007
Not Just Talk

An entrepreneur's chat with others about starting a bank turns into reality as the group hires a CEO and files an application with state regulators to form GulfShore Bank. It has raised several million dollars in the first couple weeks of its capital campaign.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • December 14, 2007
A Tax-Cut Miracle

Charlotte County commissioners recently did the unimaginable: They cut taxes on new construction. It took builders 10 years of political action and a construction meltdown to finally be heard.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • December 21, 2007
Dipping into Success

Bob Johnston and his brothers turned around The Melting Pot 10 years ago by remaking the restaurants,fine-tuning the menu and focusing on the customer experience.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • May 21, 2007
Revenue Rescue

Cliff Carothers grounded his corporate career to invest $500,000 in life savings - plus $1.5 million in loans - into a flying ambulance firm. The results have been sky-high success, with more expansion on the horizon.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • January 26, 2008
Unique 2.0

Mike Montgomery couldn't believe how little technology there was inside a $15 million air conditioning company. So he bought it. And then he changed everything.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • February 8, 2008
Tax Act

The rush to beat a tax increase in Lee County distorted the commercial real estate market and will result in a glut of empty space. Meanwhile, the highest taxes in the state on new construction in Collier County keep a lid on new development.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • August 4, 2006
Accidental Entrepreneur

JoDell Anderson arrived at church one night six years ago to sing Christmas carols. When she left, she'd agreed to be part owner of a day spa. Now she's sole owner of the business, growing it into $1 million-plus in annual revenues.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • September 23, 2005
Real Estate Briefs (Lee/Collier)

Texas developer plans Fort Myers condosWal-Mart to Build Third Supercenter in CollierLennar to build condos in Fort MyersUS Home buys condo tract at Heritage BayCondo-hotel plannedfor Inn at Pelican BayTampa group plans Fort Myers Beach condosPulte buys 44 acresin Fort MyersPrime Homebuilders plan town homes for Lee, Collier

  • Charlotte–Lee–Collier
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • February 20, 2004
'It's Like Wildcatting'

Referrals are a way of business for Henry Valenzuela. It's lucrative, too. His law firm collected about $50 millionon behalf of clients since its formation in 1996.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • January 28, 2006
No Regrets, Now

Jim Barge is glad he didn't sell Intellect Technical Solutions Inc. in 2000, despite a few lean years since. It's one of the fastest growing companies in America.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • November 26, 2005
Runnin' Scared

There's nary a beverage can, from Pepsi to Coke to V8, in the supermarket aisle that the Dalton family business hasn't helped create. Three generations of Daltons have had a heavy hand in the company's success.

  • Entrepreneurs
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