Small Business Finalist: 10 or Fewer Employees: Foreman & Associates

Location: 2511 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

Start date: October 1999

First job ever: Working in the Macy’s shoe department

Something you wish you knew when you started: “More about technology and computers,” Foreman and Associates Inc. owner Michael Foreman said. “When I first started, I had this philosophy that I didn’t need to know much and that I could just hire somebody who knew it, but as technology expanded, I realized I needed to know a lot more about it.”

Business idol: Former Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott, who lives on Longboat Key. “He’s a tactful, diplomatic executive who listens to everybody and anybody before he moves forward,” Foreman said. “His personality is extremely conducive to business.”

Biggest challenge: Getting clients to understand the benefits and drawbacks of a potential product to ultimately give them a better end-result.

Where do you see your business in five years? “I see my business flourishing with another owner, because I’m looking to turn 60 this year,” Foreman said.

Number of employees when started: One part-time

Number of employees today: Five

Typical day on the job: Looking at property, talking to people about construction and giving opinions on plans and how to move forward with them.

Favorite way to spend a day off: Spending time with his wife, TK, and going to the beach or the golf course.