Business News

Entrepreneurship Knows No Age: Wilmar Schmidt’s Landscaping and Handyman Journey



Entrepreneurs come in all shapes, sizes, persuasions, and ages, as it turns out. At 18, Wilmar Schmidt is busy building a business in Babcock Ranch and the surrounding area. In fact, he sees Southwest Florida as his oyster of opportunity. When adults think of young entrepreneurs, we tend to envision them as technology wizards. But, as Schmidt found out, there […]

Boosting Local Commerce: Biz @ Babcock Ranch strengthens bonds with SWFL Inc. Chamber of Commerce



What helps to transform and coalesce a new development into a vibrant town with its own unique characteristics and personality? It is often the local, unassuming small businesses that do that. They not only make things work for residents but also contribute to the local economy as well as the lasting character of a community. Adding to the lifeblood of […]

‘Dreamer of the Year’ TIME Magazine honors Syd Kitson for Babcock Ranch vision


Syd Kitson, founder of Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town, has been recognized as the 2023 TIME “Dreamer of the Year.” “Dreaming fearlessly to me is thinking of those great ideas, those big ideas, those game-changing ideas, and making them a reality. It’s that intersection of dreaming and doing, and that is what can change the world,” said Kitson. The […]

The Hatchery is a charming place for sharing workspaces and ideas for growing businesses



Christina Peacock is the perfect person to “mother-hen” a gangly group of busy entrepreneurs, marketers, event planners, and nonprofit organizers who co-create and manage their businesses in a central space overlooking Founder’s Square. Peacock manages the Hatchery, an open workspace housed in an airy office environment that feels smart, comfortable, and energized, but definitely not cooped up. Located on the […]

New Product Innovators Wanted for Second TechXpedition



The second annual TechXpedition is back, gearing up for the Startup Challenge at Babcock High School from April 26 to 28. Organizers are actively seeking 100 people with viable, innovative ideas for products or services that offer marketable solutions to real-world problems, especially those incorporating high-tech components and artificial intelligence (AI). Last year’s event primarily targeted Babcock Ranch residents, but […]

Kumon Learning Center comes through for Babcock Ranch students



Babcock Ranch’s Kumon Learning Center has been in business since November 2021 and recently moved to 42091 Cypress Parkway in Crescent B Commons. Brian Ford, Kumon’s owner and instructor, has plenty on his resume. He’s a Babcock Ranch pioneer resident. He’s a Florida Gulf Coast University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science and journalism. He followed that with […]

SolarButterfly soars into Babcock Ranch, spreading inspiration



In late August, the SolarButterfly glided into Babcock Ranch’s Founder’s Square for another stop on its global tour. The journey is the brainchild of Louis Palmer of Lucerne, Switzerland, who has been looking at renewable energy solutions for two decades. His first electric vehicle, a solar taxi, pulled a trailer, outfitted with stationary solar panels, and it drew heavyweight interest. […]

Driftwood Stable Equestrian jumps into the horse business



Just south of Babcock Ranch on Fox Hill Road near State Road 31 is Driftwood Stable Equestrian. Sondra Makowski is the owner and head trainer of this new riding and jumping academy. She previously operated Driftwood Stable Equestrian on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, for six years, climaxing in 2022 with an award for best horseback riding stables of Beaufort […]

Mandy Carter is all over the map in the town she loves



Meet Mandy Michelle Carter, Southwest Florida travel writer, marketing whiz and Babcock Ranch’s own social media influencer. For the past two years, she has been the primary force behind the Kentucky Derby Gala fundraiser for Babcock Schools’ arts and athletics programs. And starting in July she will serve as president-elect of the Babcock Ranch Rotary Club. Somehow she manages all […]

Buying something for Mom?

Plenty was in store at Mother’s Day Pop Up Shop and Crafts event


As far as Cindy and Larry Christman saw it, buying a dozen red roses for Mother’s Day was a win-win situation. A win for the Babcock Ranch residents and visitors who bought them, and a win for the mothers and grandmothers who received them. It was actually a double win-win situation, because it was also a sweep for the Babcock […]


Category Pages are limited to 365 days. Please use the archive page or the search box to find older articles.