Small Business Success Stories

Madrid Engineering Group of Polk County

Larry Madrid has been working his way up the engineering ladder since he graduated from Colorado State in 1984 with a master’s in geotechnical engineering. Upon graduating, Madrid moved to Florida and started working for an engineering firm where over the course of eight years he climbed his way from entry-level engineer to director of geotechnical engineering.

Active Family Chiropractic of Hillsborough County

Dr. Jenny Mejia, Chiropractic Physician, comes from a long line of chiropractors. Her grandma started the trend graduating and beginning practice in the late 1950s. Since then Mejia’s mother, father, and uncle have all chosen the chiropractic route.

Music Compound of Sarasota County

Jenny Townsend has always had a love for music. Working her way through college as a student in the hospitality program at University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, she landed at a restaurant that hosted local bands. Thus the seed for her dream was planted.

The Modern Paws of Hillsborough County

Ben and Lisa Prakobkit have always had a love for animals – particularly dogs. “We are very much pet driven,” Lisa said. “We love caring for them, finding out ways to get them nutrition.”

PaleoSimplified of Pinellas County

Nearly five years ago, Eileen Forte, frustrated with the lack of healthy options available for snacking, found herself making a homemade grainless energy bar in her kitchen.

Javi’s Salsa of Hillsborough County

After working for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years, Javier Nava decided it was time to trade in his badge for salsa. Upon retirement, Nava committed to his three-year-old company, transforming himself from part-time salsa maker to full-time businessman.