Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Monday's Afternoon Update

U.S. business spending plans slumped

Orders for a wide range of U.S.-made capital goods sank more than previously estimated in September, a sign companies cut their investment plans sharply as Washington hurtled to the brink of default. More at Reuters.


Sales and Marketing Advice for Florida business
Road map for your path to profitability

The road to revenue and profitability is rocky. No matter if you’re an established business about to introduce a new product or a startup company, you need a clear path to revenue. That is, a roadmap that bridges the gap between where you are and where you need to be. Read Ron Stein's full column.


Charlie Crist makes Florida gubernatorial bid official

Business Profile

Mr. Solar

mr. solar
As one of just a handful of trained solar-energy installers in Miami-Dade County, electrical contractor Kent Crook expects to reap the rewards if the PACE program booms.

In addition to his Mr. Solar installation business, he also launched Dr. Solar, which will focus on repair and service work.

» Full story

See also:
» By the numbers: Paying for solar energy at a home or business

In front of a crowd of a couple hundred people on the waterfront in his hometown, former Florida Republican Gov. Charlie Crist announced he is running for governor as a Democrat "and the reason is to put you back in charge because you deserve a governor that wakes up every day thinking about you, who you can trust to govern honestly, in our collective best interest." More at the Tampa Bay Times and Bay News 9.


Small Business Advice
A survey may lack important clues about good customer service

So many firms are starting to understand just how important it is that they know how their clientele evaluates the customer service being provided. It seems like every day we all get multiple inquires about the quality of service rendered where we shop or do business. More from Dr. Jerry Osteryoung.


Senior citizens find ways to enter the workforce again

As the U.S. economy continues to recover from the recession, more senior citizens are entering the workforce today compared to 2010, according to a new Gallup poll released in October. Senior Americans aged 65 and older in the workforce increased from 22 percent in 2010 to 25 percent in 2013. More at the Miami Herald.

Business Profile
Road Holland

road hollandA few years ago, someone took a snapshot of Jonathan Schneider and Richard Grossman, avid cyclists and close friends since childhood, after they finished a long charity ride. Their cycling jerseys sported flames and a beer brewer’s logo. The photo sparked a discomfiting realization: They looked like clowns. Thus was born Road Holland, a boutique maker of stylishly simple, high-end, high-performance cycling jerseys that don’t scream “cyclist’’ and won’t embarrass the wearer to be seen in off the bike.

» Full story from the Miami Herald