Change-Makers

September 12, 2025

Lakewood Ranch physician develops niche as 'dementia doc'

Dr. Miguel Rivera seeks to not only help his patients directly but also help others, from caregivers to first responders, understand aging cognitive issues.

September 12, 2025

Selby Gardens CEO guides attraction to national prominence

Jennifer Rominiecki has helped shine a national spotlight on a Sarasota cultural landmark, leading it to even brighter days.

September 12, 2025

Naples billionaire keeps up major investment in newspapers

David Hoffmann, who grew up in a small town with a strong local paper, believes the newspaper industry can bounces back with strong local coverage and sound business practices.

September 12, 2025

Hospitality exec aims to bring people together with St. Pete food hall

Natalia Levey looks to elevate just about anything she is involved in, from cooking to creating five-story food halls.

September 12, 2025

Architect details progress on $6M Tampa train station revival

Jerel McCants is on a mission to showcase how architecture can play a big role in how the built environment can positively shape society and societal norms.

September 12, 2025

Entrepreneur has set up thousands for solid health care careers

Sylvia Dorisme has gone from unemployed and "lost in the world" to founding a Fort Myers health care training school nearing a graduation milestone.

August 23, 2024

Developer pushes tiny homes as solution to affordable housing crisis

Dan Dobrowolski has been building small houses for two decades and believes they provide homeowners what they need and are more humane than traditional apartment blocks.

August 23, 2024

Entrepreneur invests millions into 'no senior left behind' model

Not yet 40, Kris Chana has already been in the senior living industry for nearly 15 years. He has a lot more to offer.

August 23, 2024

Transportation, logistics entrepreneur behind the wheel of 2 companies

The president and CEO of FleetForce and ParkPro is "being methodical" about growth as he looks to fill the pipeline with CDL drivers and empty parking lots with truckers in need of rest.

August 23, 2024

Tech leader creates statewide women-empowering platform

Raechel Canipe is helping women find their way in technology — one Slack post at a time.

August 23, 2024

Polk County education exec links employers, job seekers

Naomi Boyer is focused on how to change the way the world looks at skills.

August 23, 2024

Fort Myers Beach Chamber head leads complicated Ian recovery

Jacki Liszak balances many needs and wants in her role as the town’s chief business cheerleader.

August 23, 2024

Secretive Naples' exec on how to build a $3B medical device business

Reinhold Schmieding says little publicly about the company he founded, Arthrex. His silence belies the company’s resounding, generational success.

August 25, 2023

A college president who almost didn't go to college

As a young woman, St. Petersburg native Tonjua Williams got an opportunity and has turned it into a career and a calling.

August 25, 2023

Teenage job at McDonald’s taught First Watch executive valuable lesson

Lilah Taha-Rippet says doing something you hate "could be good for you" and lead you to previously unseen career opportunities.

August 25, 2023

Banker chases a green model — both in money and the environment

Ken LaRoe's mission-driven bank is zeroing in on $400 million in assets and a new headquarters.

August 25, 2023

International CPA turns Fort Myers into her global business hub

Marie Grasmeier didn't fret about starting an international tax accounting firm.

August 25, 2023

Fourth-generation Bealls leader embraces change in business, industry

In looking ahead, Matt Beall looks back to the advice of his grandfather that changing up things is essential to any strong business model.

By Amanda Postma
August 25, 2023

Passionate entrepreneur on a fight against hunger

Stuart Haniff has been on a mission to end hunger after learning an important lesson from his father at a young age. If he doesn't do it, then who will?

August 25, 2023

Tampa Bay Rays' top official juggles multiple tasks in building winning team

Brian Auld does a lot of work that doesn't necessarily make the sports, or news, headlines.

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