MarineMax acquires Texas marina

MarineMax has expanded its presence in Texas by acquiring Endeavour Marina, in Seabrook. Endeavour Marina is a full-service marina, serving the greater Seabrook market, and is located on Clear Lake. As of August 1, 2022, the MarineMax team will begin running marina operations. The Endeavour team will remain. Russell Burns, general manager of MarineMax Houston, … Read more

‘Decommoditizing’ your products and services

Jim Marshall

Does it bother you when prospects treat your specialized products, and services like a commodity? Are you tired of having to discount deals to win competitive situations? Salespeople generally don’t like talking about these things because it really hurts their pride—and deep down, it even makes them question the purpose of their existence, professionally speaking.  For … Read more

Suhail Rifaie took an unexpected journey with his father’s ‘Sweetheart’ and has no regrets

It’s a profound foundation for Suhail Rifaie, family. In almost every important matter in his life. Every goal he has ever set. It’s why he wanted to attend medical school, it’s why he set milestone markers on his life’s journey, with when in his life it was time to have a wife and children, and … Read more

What does it cost to live on a 40-home island with Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen?

A $59 million compound on the star-studded Indian Creek is emerging as a tropical modern playhouse being developed by Todd Michael Glaser and is now accepting bitcoin as payment. The new construction spans nearly 16,000 square feet, featuring architecture and interiors by Kobi Karp, with 12 bedrooms on a 53,696-square-foot lot with 134 feet of … Read more

Tampa General Hospital executive publishes children’s book to connect families through magic of storytelling

Safety Harbor resident Teddi Rae Barber was inspired to write her children’s book, “The Jungle’s Magic,” as a vehicle to help her five-year-old son adjust to his unique adoption story. In April, Barber self-published the book on Amazon, which hit no. 1 on its first day. The story was created to help families, of all … Read more

University of South Florida hits fundraising record with more than $151 million in gifts

►The Florida Board of Governors voted unanimously to formally designate USF as a “Preeminent State Research University,” which will bring the school $6.15 million in additional funding. The University of South Florida also appointed Michael Kelly the new vice president of athletics.

Philanthropic gifts from the University of South Florida community exceeded $151 million in fiscal year 2021-22, the highest amount in the institution’s nearly 70-year history. “Our university has a history of setting ambitious goals and surpassing expectations,” said USF President Rhea Law, in a statement. “I want to convey my deep gratitude to the thousands … Read more

Jesuit High School adds Cammie Chatterton to Board of Trustees

Cammie Chatterton, president and chief executive officer of Bay Food Brokerage, in Tampa, has been elected to join the Board of Trustees at Jesuit High School, also in Tampa. Jesuit High School’s president, Father Richard Hermes, recommended Chatterton to the board, which then voted to admit her to the position, according to a statement. Chatterton’s … Read more

Two Tampa Bay family-owned business services companies announce merger

WCC Business Solutions, a Clearwater-based office equipment and services company, has acquired Modular Business Technologies, based in Tampa. The company will be doing business as WCC Business Solutions with both Gordy Link, president and chief executive officer of WCC, and Joey Ferrante, president of Modular, remaining in their respective positions, at the newly merged entity. … Read more

Fixing Tampa Bay’s housing crisis

By Willy Nunn, president and chief executive officer of Homes by West Bay  Attainable. Affordable. Housing. Tampa Bay no longer has a reasonable, available housing market. Rather, frightening statistics covered by local media outlets confirming that we are facing a housing crisis and, potentially, an even bigger economic one. Consider this data: Tampa Bay’s housing … Read more