Small Business Success Stories

Florida Orange Groves Winery of Pinellas County

Vince Shook knows a lot about squeezing fruit. Shook is the president and co-owner of Florida Orange Groves Winery. He employs a staff of 15, with his son, Lance Shook, as the executive vice president.

My Office & More of Polk County

After spending many years working in corporate America, Kate Lake decided to branch out on her own. Years ago, when she had a sales position that involved lots of traveling, Lake was in constant need of an office where she could make calls and do paperwork.

AppDataWorks LLC of Hernando County

Jerry Boutot was working as a senior developer for a consulting company in Connecticut when a new opportunity presented itself. His client work had gotten so advanced that he outgrew the company and was offered the opportunity to go out on his own.

Bay Janitorial Service of Pinellas County

After moving to America from Colombia in 1994, Andres Gomez had an entrepreneurial mindset. While in Colombia he worked for his father’s company, but when he got to America, he was determined to be a successful business owner.

Urban E Recycling of Hillsborough County

With an origin story that parallels the beginnings of the very computers they destroy every day, Urban E Recycling has gone from a small, garage-based start-up to a growing business that shows no signs of slowing down.

Central Security & Electronics of Highlands County

Central Security & Electronics began as a one-man operation in 1988. Now, the company boasts 10 employees and considers itself a local success story. Amy Smith, Vice President and General Manager, said, the downturn of the economy and the changing landscape of the industry has confirmed the need to change the type of business the company pursues.