Cover Stories

You might hear an accent when talking to Joe Johnson. Born in the United States, he spent his formative years in Brazil and, to this day, he carries a slight

There’s a unique character trait that Bobby Harris, founder and CEO of BlueGrace Logistics in Tampa, looks for in new employees—an affinity, and love, for animals. “It’s typically a person

Monica Hernandez often took four buses to go to and from school in Medellín, Colombia. She comes from humble beginnings, with education always being a primary focus in her life.

Before you enter the roasting headquarters of Kahwa Coffee, in St. Petersburg, your nose will know you’re there before you do, in the most delightful way. Brewing since 2006, Kahwa

Cattle ranching in Florida started nearly 500 years ago, most historians agree. While the Carlton family’s history doesn’t go back quite that far, the family’s most recent six generations have

Rob Hessel went on a trip of a lifetime this year. He took his grandmother, Mary Ellen Hessel, to Ireland to visit where his family originated. When he recounts the

Valeri Marks has run eight businesses in her career, including in the telecom, data communications, online real estate, recruitment and health care industries. She prefers to go by Val, is

Michael Lundy is a straight shooter, both in and out of the courtroom. He doesn’t mince words, a trait that has carried him far as co-founder and managing partner at

Rick Thomas has a quiet and reserved personality but his face lights up when he speaks of his love for his wife and children. He entered the life insurance business

Crystal Morris knew how to water-ski practically before she knew how to walk, learned how to fly a plane in college and she started a company with her father after

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

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