BDG Architects and Parker Walter merges to expand in markets

Close-up of two business professionals in suits shaking hands during a meeting.

BDG Architects and Parker Walter Group are merging firms that will expand their multi-family team and capabilities in other industries including hospitality and the retail marketplace. PWG, and its Sarasota team, will join BDG Architects which has six offices throughout the Southeast and is headquartered in Tampa. “This partnership will benefit our clients and our … Read more

BREAKING: FlyUSA and Paradise Ventures gets approval for Clearwater Airpark

FlyUSA and Paradise Ventures has received the approval from Clearwater City Council to build a fixed-based operator management and real estate development project for Clearwater Airpark. The proposal includes plans to build a new, state-of-the-art FBO and terminal facility and new hangars to attract higher value tenants. In addition, the concept includes plans to relocate … Read more

College Hunks co-founder meets Hollywood again with ‘Bezos’ movie

The first movie created about the founding days of Amazon is set to air on January 24 and Nick Friedman, a Tampa resident, and co-founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, is back in front of the camera.

Spanglish Media recently produced the upcoming movie “Bezos,” a biopic following Jeff Bezos’s founding days of Amazon and the first film made about Amazon’s early days.

In the film, Jeff Bezos’ conflicted first employee, Shel Kaphan, is played by Friedman.

Read more about Friedman and his co-founder Oman Soliman in the TBBW cover story.

“This is truly a compelling time for entrepreneurship globally,” Friedman said, in a statement. “Our company, College Hunks, started from humble beginnings with one truck, in which I was the first original employee. I look forward to bringing that raw experience to tell the story of Shel Kaplan, Amazon’s first employee.”

Marcus Lemonis plays the role of David Shaw, the hedge fund manager and boss of Jeff Bezos before he quit his job to launch Amazon. Jeff Bezos is played by Armando Gutierrez, the well-known producer and star of the hit movies The Little Mermaid, Walt Before Mickey, and Anastasia, among other titles.

Alberto de la Cruz and Armando Gutierrez from Spanglish Media produce the movie. Vision Films is the distributor of the film, and it will be available on major streaming and cable platforms across the United States and Canada on January 24.

The film is based on the book, “Zero to Hero,” the story of Jeff Bezos by Tashena EBanks.

College Hunks co-founders Omar Soliman and Friedman are co-executive producers of the film.

More from the “College Hunks”

Exclusive: A sneak peek of the College Hunks’ ‘Undercover Boss’ episode (VIDEOS)

Cover Story: The College Hunks have grown up, while growing their corporate mission

 

 

One Liners Polk: Keymark Corp., Blackton and more

► The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved Hezedean A. Smith as the new Polk County Fire Rescue chief. (Pictured above)  ► Watson welcomed two additions to its team of medical providers—a registered nurse practitioner, D’Aishia Burgess, who works alongside board-certified pulmonology specialist physician Naem Shahrour from Watson Clinic Main, at 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd., … Read more

One Liners Sarasota and Manatee: Caldwelll Trust, Fat Point Brewing and more

► Fat Point Brewing plans to open a new location, in Sarasota, at University Town Center. (Pictured above)  ► Gulfside Bank, in Sarasota, named Robin Scorsone as assistant manager.  ► The Bay Park Conservancy, the nonprofit responsible for bringing a bayfront gathering place, in park form, to Sarasota Bay, named Tony Gamelin as chief financial … Read more

One Liners Pasco: Gary Plastic Packaging, Shumaker and more

► Morganna’s Alchemy, a company that develops skincare products with an emphasis on anti-aging, hair growth and personal care products, celebrated its grand opening, at 6610 US Highway 19, New Port Richey. (Pictured above)  ► American Freight, a national home retail store, opened at 6233 Tacoma Drive, Port Richey, at the old Toys R Us … Read more