JESSE BITER

CEO, BITER ENTERPRISES, SARASOTA

Biter started his first company at 19. Biter Enterprises is a holding company for various companies he has built. The largest holdings include PropLogix, with 220 employees, and Dealers United with 50 employees. Biter serves as chair of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport’s board.

EDUCATION: School of Hard Knocks, with a hands-on curriculum in real-world experience.

FIRST JOB: I started working early — washing neighbors’ cars at 10, launching a lawn care business at 12, and by 16, running a car detailing and stereo installation service. My first official job was at Radio Shack when I was 18, where I combined my passion for tech with hands-on experience. The income from that job helped fund my first software company.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I’d probably be a travel planner or a professional pilot.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: Most people don’t see the person I was when I had everything on the line — working nonstop, with no guarantees of success. While I’ve been fortunate to have the resources to enjoy life more now, that journey shaped who I am today. I’ve learned the value of balance and taking time for things that truly matter, rather than working every waking hour. It’s been a humbling and rewarding shift in perspective.

HOBBY: Golf has become a big part of my life, even though I never had time for it in the past.

INDUSTRY TREND: While I don’t directly run any businesses at the moment, the ones I own or co-own are navigating uncertain times, especially with the rapid changes in interest rates over the past few years. High rates have had a significant impact on industries like car dealerships and real estate. These challenges have made it harder to forecast growth, but our hope is that rates will eventually come down, providing more flexibility and stability as we continue to shape the future of our businesses.