Dual Roles
Robert Lincoln despises Hometown Democracy and is a trusted backer of developers and their legal rights throughout the Gulf Coast. But in one huge local project, he’s the man fighting developers.
Full Story »Shutts’ open doors
By maintaining a conservative approach to expanding the firm, leaders at the Tampa office of Shutts & Bowen have kept growth positive.
Full Story »Patient executive finally makes his move
Steve Marino, who closed on a $380,000 deal for the land last July, recently announced plans to build a two-building, 20,000-square-foot complex on the site, where he eventually hopes to employ at least 10 people. He hopes a glossy new showroom for appliances will be open by early 2011.
Full Story »Lee bonds draw a diverse crowd
News that $56.1 million in federal tax-exempt financing is available for Lee County businesses has generated considerable interest.
Full Story »Clash with McClash over Amendment 4
When two Republican county commissioners from adjacent counties faced off over proposed state constitutional Amendment 4 — a.k.a. “Hometown Democracy” — in front of the Lakewood Ranch Democrat Club, the audience knew to expect an unusual exchange.
Full Story »There’s money in that pet poop
Dan Vickers is the proud franchisee of a larger business that generated $4.5 million in 2009. Representing one of 100 nationwide locations, the company saw dramatic growth last year, despite a slow economy. That company is Pet Butler. Their business: poop scooping.
Full Story »Bank hints at real estate recovery
Despite posting grim earnings recently, Naples-based bank holding company TIB Financial Corp. reported an improving real estate market in Naples and Fort Myers.
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Downtown Champion
Fort Myers residents elected Randy Henderson Jr. as mayor last fall, a longtime entrepreneur and former commercial banker. With a grand vision for downtown Fort Myers, he’s not letting the slow economy stop him.
Full Story »Backs to Business
Local governments talk about the importance of creating jobs, but the legislative programs of their lobbying groups offer plenty of contrast to business groups’ priorities.
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Flat Fee
One law firm in Fort Myers started charging some clients a flat fee instead of billing by the hour. Despite its initial success, the economic downturn has made it a tougher sell.
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Seeking good loans
Wells Fargo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf says finding creditworthy customers is the bank’s biggest challenge. Wells Fargo became the second-largest bank in Florida when it acquired Wachovia in 2008.
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Recording Growth
Ren Scott Productions is a young Tampa-based video production company that’s growing financially and geographically. Owner Ren Scott says his beginning-to-end approach to building a campaign helps him produce successful material.
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Small package, big success
Business leaders who seek to put an end to the dearth of high-flying technology companies on the Gulf Coast have a new model to emulate: Think Jerusalem.
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Smaller firms grow, too
With its 2006 expansion into Tampa, Shutts Bowen grew by building its new office on the foundation of a 100-year history, and the nearly 200 lawyers already on staff across the state. However, several smaller law firms have found a way to grow as well.
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