Buddy Brew founders outline Sprouts expansion and growth strategy
Dave and Susan Ward explain how Buddy Brew is scaling beyond its cafe roots.
Children’s Dream Fund plans 140 dreams, keeps no-refusal model
The nonprofit plans 140 dreams while maintaining its no-refusal model.
Inside the rise of Source 1 Solutions: From startup struggles to global success
In late 2019, the Tampa Bay Business and Wealth team sat down to hear Robert Hessel’s story for the first time. It was touching and introduced us to a wonderful partner and advertiser, and then we learned that there was more to the story than we initially thought. These things can happen in this media … Read more
Phil Lee is guiding Florida Blue’s West Florida region with a mission-first mindset
When Phil Lee stepped into the role of market president for Florida Blue’s West Florida region, just over a year ago, he wasn’t just filling a high-profile executive position. He was inheriting a legacy left by the late David Pizzo, a beloved and influential leader who helped shape the region’s health care landscape for over … Read more
Jim Shimberg’s next chapter is fueling growth for Euclid Group in Tampa
For more than a decade, Jim Shimberg was known as one of Tampa Bay’s most influential developers, playing a key role in shaping the city’s skyline through transformative projects like Water Street Tampa. But in the past year, Shimberg has embarked on a new chapter—one that brings together his extensive real estate expertise, legal acumen … Read more
Tim Marks reflects on nearly two decades leading Metropolitan Ministries
Tim Marks never imagined he would become the chief executive officer of Metropolitan Ministries. An electrical engineer by trade and a corporate sales director by success, he spent the first half of his career far removed from the world of nonprofits. “Anyone can make a difference in a nonprofit,” Marks says during a candid interview, … Read more
Tampa’s Danny Persaud extends his ‘Legacy’ to Ocala
Danny Persaud is always a busy guy. He often has his business, and philanthropic, eyes on varying different projects and causes. With the racing his mind is often doing, it’s no surprise he also has a passion for race horsing. After attending the Kentucky Derby, his interest grew and now, it’s another project he’s excited … Read more
In Memoriam: Remembering David Pizzo
On February 9, David Pizzo, market president of West Florida for Florida Blue, a Tampa Bay community leader and our friend, passed away, after silently battling pancreatic cancer. Pizzo was with Florida Blue for 27 years. He was also known locally for his significant work, in the community, in the realm of economic development, nonprofits, … Read more
Global communication expert Erica Dhawan shares her secrets –for those who will listen
Over the last decade, Erica Dhawan, a best-selling author, founder and chief executive officer of Cotential, a global business consultancy, has built an international reputation as an expert in connectional intelligence and digital communication – but at heart, she’s truly an insightful listener. Recently named as one of the top 50 Management Thinkers in the … Read more
Kristina Lavallee’s cake business is ready to rise to the next level
For Kristina Lavallee, life keeps getting sweeter. Founder and namesake of local dessert company, The Cake Girl, Lavallee’s rise to success is already a sweet tale. She first dreamed of owning her own cake company as a little girl, growing up in Puerto Rico and baking with her mother, a chef and caterer, specializing in … Read more