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Results for:

  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Traci McMillan Beach |
  • November 24, 2017
Call to Arms

Jan Babiak avoided women's groups for 15 years. Now she leads a conversation on why women are underrepresented on boards and in high-powered leadership roles.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • August 1, 2014
Rising Tide

The boat industry is getting big again. Manufacturers, suppliers and retailers are posting significant sales increases.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • March 21, 2014
Mobile health

Sarasota could be the next Kansas City or Madison, Wis. Don't laugh. For entrepreneurs and executives in the emerging mobile health industry, that's a good thing.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Traci McMillan Beach |
  • September 9, 2016
Open door

Bob Briesacher has spent three decades building the name of his garage door company. He's done it so well, competitors have become copycats of the brand.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Beth Luberecki |
  • February 19, 2016
A little love

Insula Cos. has a healthy portfolio of apartment acquisitions and renovations. But now it faces new challenges, mainly higher prices and more competition.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • March 11, 2016
Go-getter

A passion for startups drove Sheryl Hunter to launch a super-specialized law firm. Clients are rolling in.

  • Law
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • February 6, 2015
Crown jewel

Charles Murray oversees a manufacturing firm that's up more than 135% since 2011. But that won't stop him from a major strategy shift.

  • Industries
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon |
  • February 13, 2015
Tom's time

Tom Santilli guided his firm to the top of Entrepreneur Mountain, a climb that included surpassing $20 million in sales. Then he made the decision of a lifetime.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Laura Lyon |
  • January 31, 2025
Complicated yet successful Tampa Bay nonprofit merger draws national attention

The Boys & Girls Club now want to show others how its done. "We couldn't find any reason why we should not merge," the CEO says.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Chuck Merlis |
  • July 17, 2025
Former Pinellas homeless couple now run $1.5M car detail firm

Starting, and now growing, a niche auto industry business has been a lifesaving enterprise for the Eberhardts.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Louis Llovio |
  • July 19, 2024
Speak up or keep quiet: When politics and business intersect

Business owners are often taught to not speak about politics and political beliefs or risk tuning customers away. Some ignore the advice and advocate openly.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Janet Leiser |
  • October 9, 2025
Tatum Walker, 39

40 Under 40 winner Tatum Walker is senior business development specialist at Lee County Economic Development Office.

  • Class of 2025
  • By Lesley Dwyer |
  • March 19, 2026
Water slides, bowling, go-karts and lots more coming to Lakewood Ranch

Several entertainment options are under construction on the Sarasota County side of Lakewood Ranch.

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • September 15, 2006
Robust Restaurants

Sales at Peach's and First Watch restaurants average $1 million per store. But growth plans for both lie in opening new stores nationwide.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • July 15, 2004
Perils of Efficiency

Tampa lawyer Michael J. Echevarria has streamlined the mortgage foreclosure process. In business, he would be hailed. Not so in law.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • November 26, 2005
Real Estate Briefs (Sara/Mana)

Tarragon acquires Mainstreet at Bradenton for $38 millionChicago joint venture buys 800 acresBooth Studio buys building, consolidating operationsAA Alexander Fine Jewelers buys St. Armands buildingTwo investors buy portion of retail strip center

  • Manatee-Sarasota
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Brian Hartz |
  • July 31, 2020
Pier ahead: Amid a new reality, rebuilt $92M amenity finally opens

After nearly a decade without one, St. Petersburg, Florida, again has a pier, with the $92 million project, more than seven years in the making, opening on July 6.

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • March 18, 2011
Risky Venture, Low ROI

The Productivity Committee concluded the economic projections and opportunity costs were too high. 'Not much verifiable information in the business plan.'

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff |
  • October 5, 2007
Foreign Born

After surviving the paperwork gauntlet, a hip overseas firm is officially open in the U.S. It chose Sarasota for its U.S. headquarters.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Adam Hughes |
  • March 18, 2005
Real Estate Briefs (Tampa)

Chicago's Waterton Associates buys Tampa's Oaks ApartmentsArcherd Kingsway buys land to develop single-family homes Palazzo Di Oro LLC buys St. Petersburg facilityWestgate Plaza grocery center sold to PMAT investmentsTrammell Crow's Abberger named vice-chair of committeeBrokers, Realtors receive top Pinnacle Awards

  • Tampa Bay-Lakeland
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