Entrepreneurs

Richard Granville says all you’ll need to work effectively in the future is an inexpensive computer linked to the Internet, where all your applications and data will be stored in a “cloud.”

Silver Lining

Cloud computing is one of the hottest trends in technology. A Fort Myers entrepreneur is getting ready to take your business there.

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Ralph Gross launched a company to buy and sell used airplane parts in 2007, after a 10-year career as a mechanic for airlines. The company, North Port-based Aero Sol, has about $3 million in inventory on any given day.

High Risk

Ralph Gross craved his own airline industry business for more than 10 years. His ultimate choice was all high-risk, high-reward.

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Speedster Motorcar Sales in Largo has been building new cars such as these Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg replicas for 30 years. Jeff Akins has his hand on a coffin nose model that runs on an electric motor, the future technology for the carmaker.

Plugged In

Who says you can’t build cars in Florida? Two Pinellas County companies are betting on new electric technology to boost the auto industry’s fortunes.

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Michael Feuer, who founded OfficeMax in 1988 with $20,000 and grew it into a $5 billion office supply business, is starting a new retail chain dedicated to health and wellness. Two of the initial three stores are on the Gulf Coast.

Opportunity Max

A top corporate America executive bets big on the Gulf Coast economy. If his past success is a guide, the new venture will be a big hit.

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Leslie Hindman, who owns and manages the Chicago auction house that bears her name, opened an office in Naples to seek out more consignments.

Supply the Demand

Leslie Hindman owns and manages the largest auction house in the Midwest. So what is she doing opening an office in Naples?

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Taylor Kent, 12, invented TextTapperz, thumb socks that help you text on your phone more easily. What started as a science fair project turned into a family business.

Thumbs Up

Texting can wear out your thumbs and a slip can ruin your middle-school reputation. Count on a 12-year-old to help you type TXT MSG more accurately.

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Michael Fountain, (left) director at the University of South Florida’s Center for Entrepreneurship, brings his experiences with taking clinically researched products to market into the classroom. Having once hired a CEO for a company she co-founded, Rebecca White, (right) director of the University of Tampa’s Florida Entrepreneurship Center, knows what skills entrepreneurs need to succeed.

Entrepreneur U

Students at both the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa are taking part in a new approach to entrepreneurship — being taught it in the classroom.

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Recent Headlines

County school tax passes easily

Quail West owners give away amenities

Stuart S. Golding Co. buys Shoppes At 54

Morgan House owners buy Fort Myers building

Atco Inc. buys gas station

County school tax passes easily

Sarasota County residents solidly approved the continuation of a school tax in a March 16 referendum vote.

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Quail West owners give away amenities

Quail West Development gave control of club assets and amenities to the member-run group, Quail West Foundation.

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Patient executive 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.

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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.

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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.

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