Business Observer

For the second time in just over four years, Sarasota-based hydraulic cartridge valve manufacturer Helios Technologies has replaced a CEO for allegations of a potential violation of the company’s code of business conduct and ethics. The latest news is in regard to Josef Matosevic, who had been named president and CEO of the company, one of the largest private employers in Sarasota, June 9, 2020. Matosevic replaced Wolfgang Dangel, who had been let go in April 2020, for violations of company policy, including “poor judgment involving a consensual relation with an employee.”

The co-founder of a local plumbing company who was known for making friends with everyone he met has died. James Michael “Mike” LaPensee of Anna Maria died June 22. He was 79. He was a “true islander," former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore says, describing him as the “never-met-a-stranger type guy, and I think that’s what made him successful.” A celebration of life for James Michael “Mike” LaPensee is planned from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, at the Key Royale Club, 700 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach.

The May 2024 visitor data shows a slight increase in cost of lodging but overall decreases in visitors and occupancy. https://lnkd.in/e_puTNpt

"It doesn’t matter your background as long as you work hard," says Donald Suxho, co-founder of Global Sports Institute in Venice. "If you put in the work, opportunity will come." In the latest episode of From the Corner Office, Suxho discuss coaches and mentors he met along the way who taught him resilience, determination, grit and more. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/eR92_4rx

Dawn McKenna says selling trophy properties, like this $295 million Naples compound, is a happy mix of art and science. Four months after one of the most expensive residential properties in the U.S. was put up for sale in Naples, the broker looking to land the buyers — and the commission that comes with it — is trying something new.

Several career paths led Sarasota entrepreneur and philanthropist Jackie Rogers to launch her skincare line, House of Hilt. "Wearing all of the different hats," Rogers says. "I’m making the product, so I've got a lot of different jobs to do. Keeping everything moving forward is the biggest challenge." She hopes to expand into retail and open a store or spa.

Barron Collier Cos. CEO Blake Gable has been named chairman of the Greater Naples Chamber Board of Directors. The company is one of the largest land development, management and stewardship companies in Florida. Businesses it operates in include agriculture, land development and mineral management, according to a statement.

Tampa General Hospital hits another benchmark in its quest to open a behavioral health hospital in Tampa. Announced in 2022 and slated to open in 2025 after breaking ground last August, the CEO of the facility has now been chosen. Doug Leonardo, with a background in behavioral health spanning 25 years, will begin his tenure effective July 1.

A Naples couple splits time between Southwest Florida and New York City, where they oversee one of the largest and busiest airport animal cargo terminals in the world, The ARK at JFK. Core challenge: Rules and regulations change and are updated frequently. Also, individual airlines sometimes have different procedures and policies with animals. What’s next: The couple, John Cuticelli and Elizabeth Schuette, would like to work with others to bring The ARK at JFK-like facilities to more airports nationwide.