Walking into FKQ Advertising + Marketing, visitors most likely will be greeted by a screen welcoming them, by name, to the offices. Attention to detail is one of the qualities that allows FKQ, with headquarters in Clearwater, to compete with larger global firms. “FKQ is not the biggest. We don’t want to be the biggest,” … Read more
It all started with a van, two guys in college with a summer to spare, and an idea. “The summer before our senior year of college, I had an internship at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C. It looked great on my résumé, and in my mind, I was preparing for the next year … Read more
Jean Paul Guilbault, or “JP” as he’s often referred to, never intended to become a CEO. Originally majoring in psychology to earn his doctorate, he says his path to the c-suite was unintentional and unconventional. Intentional or not, his success with expanding the database technology company, Community Brands, is undeniable. With consistent growth and an … Read more
Vick Tipnes is driven by success, but to him, success means nothing if you don’t have freedom. “There are people that have a lot of money, but they’re not successful because they do not have freedom. There’s no success in being chained to a business or a career that you don’t love and have purpose … Read more
If Brian Butler disappears for too long from the Vistra Communications office in Lutz, his assistant, Pam Mooney, knows where to find him. He’s likely down the road at Mort Elementary School—reading books, dressing in a onesie for a laugh, or high-fiving students. It’s one of his favorite activities. He might not be what you … Read more
Monica Eaton-Cardone is many things — a wife, a mother, a businesswoman, a philanthropist – but one thing she is certainly most not, is easily intimidated. With a career spanning multiple industries and many companies, most of her own making, she most recently made a name for herself in Agile technologies, with a dispute mitigation … Read more
Photos by Michael McCoy Ben Heldfond’s most prized possession is a book, one that resonates with the story of his life. A first edition of The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, written by AA’s founders, Bill Wilson and Bob Smith. Heldfond, who is 24 years sober, is forthcoming about his story of recovery. Heldfond is … Read more
Photos by Michael McCoy When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, a young Brian Murphy had it all figured out. “I was going to go to Florida State University, I was going to major in accounting and I was going to be in business,” Murphy says as he laughs earnestly. “My … Read more
Photos by Penny Rogo Michael Saunders is an iconic member of the Sarasota business community, you may know her by her colorful scarves. The woman with a man’s name built her waterfront luxury real estate business during a time when women needed a male signature to get a $5,000 loan. She’s a leader that doesn’t … Read more
By Jo-Lynn Brown Photos by Penny Rogo Jeff Gigante is starting a new journey with his newest concept, Forbici. This transition is pivotal because Gigante is arguably one of Tampa Bay’s busiest restaurateurs, with eight restaurants under the Ciccio umbrella and a long list of philanthropic endeavors. The restaurant group employs more than 1,300 workers … Read more