Rod Hershberger

CEO & chairman, PGT Innovations, a Venice-based window and door manufacturer

“Because of where we are as a company—we bought two other window and door manufacturers, CGI in Miami in 2014, and WinDoor in Orlando in 2015—we have to figure out how to fit an umbrella over all three. We want to make sure that we are clear with our brand so that our customers know what we stand for. We spent 2016 talking to customers, getting feedback, asking how they think we should look. It will take some time to get the names, the logos and the rebranding so that people will understand.”

Tim Boyle

Co-owner and vice president, U.S. Tent Rental, an event equipment rental business

“We need to find more people capable of doing the job at the same level as my current staff. We are struggling to find young go-getters here. We have some simple tests—basic math, writing and intelligence tests—and you’d be surprised how many people fail them. This is eighth grade math, and people in the Sarasota area with college degrees don’t pass. We hired [a company] to recruit topnotch people from a higher pool outside our back yard. We’ve just recruited someone from Maine and another from St. Louis.”

Kristin Horler CEO & founder

Baby Boot Camp, a stroller fitness program for new moms

“Growth. I want to reach more women and grow our franchise system to 125 branch owners nationwide. We will finish up 2016 just under 90. We just hired a new franchise director here in Sarasota, launched a new website [in late 2016], and hired a new marketing and products coordinator and updated our technology.”