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Greg Celestan, chairman and CEO of Tampa-based Celestar Corp., was involved in terrorist intelligence for the U.S. Army before launching his own defense contracting firm. But his operations aren’t anything like what we commonly see on TV. Photo by Mark Wemple.
Greg Celestan, chairman and CEO of Tampa-based Celestar Corp., was involved in terrorist intelligence for the U.S. Army before launching his own defense contracting firm. But his operations aren’t anything like what we commonly see on TV. Photo by Mark Wemple.

Intelligent Growth

Celestar Corp., a low-profile defense contractor in Tampa, doesn’t have to operate in the shadows to perform its best work.

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Peter Cunzolo, president and CEO of ExecuJet Charter Service Inc. in Tampa, demonstrates working inside the Gulfstream IV that has been added to its fleet. The jet can seat more passengers and fly longer distances than others the company offers. Photo by Mark Wemple.

Flying Farther

ExecuJet, a Tampa-based private air charter service, is advancing its elite status by bringing a larger Gulfstream IV into its fleet. Its CEO says clients can no longer afford to wait around for the big airlines to take off.

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Crawford Ker, CEO of Ker’s WingHouse, has grown the sports-themed casual dining chain to 19 locations since starting in Largo in 1994. The newest location, shown here, opened in Clearwater this summer. Photo by Mark Wemple.

Bigger Wing Span

Ker’s WingHouse is ready to expand beyond Florida as a regional sports restaurant chain. Its owner doesn’t worry about getting knocked around: That’s how he used to spend many of his Sundays.

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Grant Phelan, left, shares a platter of steamed blue crabs with his father, Tony Phelan, at one of the eight Pinchers Crab Shack restaurants they own from Sarasota to Naples. Photo by Brian Tietz.

GULF COAST 500: Pinching Pennies

The secret sauce to operating a successful restaurant is to control expenses. The Phelans are masters at this business.

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James and Matthew Brosius, co-founders of FreightCenter, are trying various methods to promote the company, including blazing its logo all over a customized Jeep. Photo by Mark Wemple.

GULF COAST 500: Small Cargo

Trinity’s FreightCenter has found a way to help people, even one-time users, find the best pricing available on shipments that are too heavy for parcel drivers, but not enough for their own big rig.

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Gould & Lamb President and CEO John Williams has led the company on a remarkable streak, given the recession: A decade of year-over-year revenue growth for the firm, which is a market leader in the niche industry of Medicare Set-Aside services for insurance firms. Photo by Rod Millington.

GULF COAST 500: Stay On Top

A federal government policy enforcement shift breathed life into a startup insurance services firm in 2001. Now another shift holds lucrative potential.

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James Hanlon and Leslie Haywood, co-owners of eBridge Solutions, added various “green” touches to their new headquarters in Tampa, including an ivy wall within the reception area. Photo by Mark Wemple.

GULF COAST 500: Future Scan

Leslie Haywood and James Hanlon started eBridge Solutions with a paper scanner in an apartment closet. Now the Tampa company is on its way to taking on volumes more sensitive documents.

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THURSDAY’S CUP: Burglar alarm not helpful after burglary

Jerry Marlar, an executive with a Bradenton-based accounting firm, ended an Aug. 23 luncheon panel discussion on business ethics with a jarring statement.

Murphy: Here’s to you, Gulf oil spill

Anna Maria Island restaurateur Sean Murphy has yet again taken a page from the headlines to come up with his latest drink concoction.

Tampa Bay most stressed?

Tampa Bay most stressed? How can this possibly be?!

Wine Festival chief ends successful run

Dawn Montecalvo, one of the most successful charity fundraisers on the Gulf Coast, is leaving the Naples Children & Education Foundation in March.

Chico’s repurchasing won’t end growth

With a huge pile of cash and no big plans to spend it, Chico’s FAS is starting to return some of it to shareholders.

Coffee Talk