Business Observer

Florida restaurateur Greg Powers can take a punch. And he can punch back, too. Undeterred by hurricanes, his company, which oversees 15 Florida restaurants, aren't backing away from its core model: operating waterfront eateries. His Beachside Hospitality Group is on the lookout for restaurants to add to its portfolio and plans changes at its three newly acquired Manatee County restaurants.

This week's episode of From the Corner Office features Business Observer's own managing editor, Mark Gordon. Mark plays a pivotal role in steering "what the CEO needs to know" with his passion for uncovering impactful stories and providing valuable insights ensures our readers stay informed about the latest developments in business and leadership across Florida’s Gulf Coast. Thanks to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Kerkering Barberio & Co., you can listen now: https://lnkd.in/eQAjUvEv

This week's episode of From the Corner Office features Patrick Del Medico, who has worked for brands like Procter & Gamble and Stryker Corp and discusses leadership lessons, insurance needs and the importance of a company culture. If you’re looking for one aspect of a leader, is it a skill or attitude? This is the episode for you. Thanks to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Kerkering Barberio & Co. , you can listen now: https://lnkd.in/e3j3gaNk

Naples-based Platinum Dry Cleaners got some big news in November, when it was named a Top 10 finalist for the 2024 CINET Global Best Practices Awards at the Texcare International Show in Frankfurt, Germany. The awards honor innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship and overall best practice excellence. “We’re anxious to see what a brand new season is going to bring,” says co-owner Craig Bamberg.

he Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. has added a new staff member and promoted two veterans, moves its leader says will “future-proof” the organization in 2025. Yanet Lopez was brought on to be the director of business retention, according to a statement, while Elizabeth Cordes was named director of business recruitment and expansion, and Ellen Kelley was elevated to manager of investor engagement. “Heading into 2025 we are future-proofing the EDC for effectiveness, efficiency and relevance in delivering results for our community,” Sharon Hillstrom, president and CEO, says in a statement.

An enterprising Fort Myers couple has spent the past year-plus tweaking and slow-growing a farm and event business. The couple, Rodney and Stacey Poole, plan to increase the events side of the Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm in 2025. The Pooles renamed the farm operation Blossom & Brie after the female matriarchs on the property — a donkey named Blossom and a dairy cow named Brie.

This week's episode of From the Corner Office features Kim Richmond who talks about navigating the early parts of career, in Corporate America, with an emphasis on taking risks, resiliency and curiosity. Thanks to our exclusive podcast sponsor, Kerkering Barberio, you can listen now: https://lnkd.in/e3tkaUMz

L.L. Bean, 10 new mall stores coming to Sarasota's UTC in 2025. https://lnkd.in/e6T9N2S6

Naples law firm Woodward, Pires & Lombardo P.A. has named Zachary Lombardo and Kenneth Mundy non-equity partners. Lombardo’s primary focus is helping public and private clients in a wide variety of land use and local government matters. He is also the city attorney for Everglades City. Mundy is a litigator focusing on family and marital law, including complex divorces, child custody disputes, child support and alimony issues. https://lnkd.in/ecZUhMua

Workforce development official Keidrian Kunkel has been named CEO of CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas. Kunkel most recently served as a senior operations director for Eckerd Connects, overseeing workforce development regions in Louisiana, Maryland and North Carolina. The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals recognized Kunkel as Workforce Professional of the Year in 2020 and as a New and Emerging Professional in 2017.