HuB fills up in only a year
After just a year of marketing, the HuB Building on Fruitville Road and its namesake business incubator are full. Owned by Sarasota entrepreneur Jesse Biter, the 40,000- square-foot building is primarily occupied by the HuB collaborative workspace, which occupies the third floor and half of the four-story building’s second floor. With the arrival of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County and the leasing of some remaining second floor incubator…
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Differing visions for the future of downtown Sarasota
Major development is coming back to downtown Sarasota. After a lull in building thanks to the recession, several luxury high rises are slated to be built. But some are warning that if the city wants to stay relevant, it can’t just cater to the ultra-wealthy. Local experts say a recovering economy and pent-up demand are fueling the soon-to-be building boom downtown. But they say that in order to move the…
Read MoreLakewood Ranch Business Alliance learns secrets to success
It’s easy to see that Jesse Biter is the Mark Zuckerberg of Sarasota. At just 37, the Pennsylvania native is a multi-millionaire living and working downtown, all while trying to change the business climate of his beloved city. Biter shared his secrets to success during a presentation Thursday to about 150 members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. His keys: trust God, maintain a positive workplace environment, don’t micromanage, think…
Read MoreJesse Biter shares his downtown Sarasota vision at Lakewood Ranch
Entrepreneur Jesse Biter took his vision for a more vibrant and affordable downtown Sarasota to this master-planned, city-in-the-making. His Thursday breakfast speech went over well, even considering the receptive crowd — about 130 members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, most of whom depend at least in part on the continued success of the 33,000-acre planned community. Biter, who sold a $2.5-million-a-month automotive sales software system to Auto Trader Group…
Read MoreJesse Biter: Entrepreneur and downtown booster
Jesse Biter, 37-year-old tech entrepreneur and founder of the mega-successful Dealers United, has been grabbing headlines as a friend of innovators and downtown activist. Owner of the HuB, a business incubator with a high cool factor, he’s been buying up downtown property with the intention of developing affordable housing for young people; he’s also aggressively supported a pro-business commission and a ban on panhandling. What are downtown Sarasota’s strengths? “We…
Read MoreJesse Biter becoming a political force
If there were any remaining doubters that Jesse Biter is fast becoming a big deal in Florida politics, it likely ended in South America last week. The 36-year-old Sarasota entrepreneur already has become a key player and campaign donor in local races, played host to U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio twice, and headquartered Rick Santorum’s presidential campaign in Florida. Now, Biter is becoming a regular on international trade missions with Florida…
Read MoreThe man behind the plan: Jesse Biter
Jesse Biter has a vision for Sarasota, and he plans to carry out that vision. The 36-year-old Pennsylvania native sold his $16 million auto-sales software firm, HomeNet, in 2010, and currently owns DealersUnited. The software entrepreneur has big plans to build a 168-unit apartment complex on a downtown acre to offer what he calls “obtainable” rental units for working professionals. Biter, who managed the Florida campaign for presidential candidate Rick…
Read MoreSoftware entrepreneur plans pub next to the HuB
Software entrepreneur Jesse Biter wanted a place downtown to have a beer after work with friends and co-workers, but the 36-year-old just couldn’t seem to find the right hangout. Mattison’s on Main Street often is too crowded for him. The Sports Page is closing to make way for condos. Smokin’ Joes is, well, too smoky. So Biter decided to build his ideal place himself. Biter, a multimillionaire who has acquiring…
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