Small Business Saturday is a moment to pause and recognize the people who pour their lives into building something of their own. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; it represents sacrifice, courage, optimism and the willingness to keep going when the path isn’t certain. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy job, but when you speak to a business owner, they’ll tell you they wouldn’t have it any other way.
We’re honored to highlight three small business owners whose stories reflect the very best of what entrepreneurship can be. Their journeys are different, yet they share common values, a commitment to their communities, and a deep trust in Cogent Bank as their financial partner. Their stories not only honor what they’ve built but also represent a guide for the next generation of entrepreneurs ready to follow their dreams.
Coastal Tide Construction
Abbie Forrest III’s story is one rooted in honesty, faith and a desire to build more than homes. After more than a decade in the Sarasota construction market, he chose to move on from his previous company to pursue a path that better reflected his personal values and his vision for leading and serving his community. He dreamed of creating a construction company centered on honesty and transparency because he believes that when your foundation is built on integrity and you commit to honest work, the success that follows becomes inevitable.
Because of his determination and willingness to get things done, Abbie founded Coastal Tide Construction in 2020, taking on large-scale renovations and new builds that can take anywhere from six months to nearly two years to complete. Even though he leads these huge projects, Abbie approaches each home with humility and care, as if he were building his own home.
With 70% of his clients living out of state, communication becomes the number one priority. Detailed reports, drone footage and transparent updates, even when the news isn’t ideal, help clients feel part of the journey despite the distance. Every project represents someone’s dream, and Abbie is determined to make that dream a reality.
His biggest advice for future entrepreneurs who are pursuing a passion and sometimes can get lost is clear and powerful: “Success begins and ends with the people around you. Hire the right team, lead with kindness and always stay true to your values.”
When Abbie found Cogent Bank, he details finding a banking partner who reflected those same values. Cogent builds trust, similar to Abbie building trust with his clients. Cogent offered Abbie transparency, guidance, support and a genuine belief in his business, making it easy for Abbie to choose Cogent as a trusted banking partner.
Mission Pest Solutions
Jacksonville native and lifelong entrepreneur Russell Skinner Jr. and Navy veteran Tyler Terronez met through friends and discovered a shared curiosity about building something meaningful of their own.
Russell had recently sold a previous business and was ready to undertake a new challenge, while Tyler was ready to dive into entrepreneurship for the first time after his Naval career. The duo saw an opportunity in the pest control market and quickly decided to pursue it.
In May 2022, with zero customers, no background in pest control and no safety net, they launched Mission Pest Solutions. Their determination and willingness to learn about the new market helped them push through and what they didn’t expect was how quickly the business would grow.
Their advice to new entrepreneurs is straightforward: adaptability is everything; most problems can be solved with honest communication; having thick skin matters because not everything will go your way; and being a leader means doing what’s best for your people, not just yourself.
The duo also emphasizes the importance and need of a trusted financial partner. Cogent Bank has been part of Mission Pest Solution’s journey, since the start, because Russell partnered with Cogent Bank in his previous businesses. Russell knew and communicated with Tyler that banking with Cogent would only benefit the company and they would gain a partner that honors transparency and will provide support while they navigate an industry that was completely new to them. Because of this, Russell and Tyler believe that having a partner who supports your beginnings, challenges and growth is the key to succeeding as a small business owner.
Drew Ditty: Allstate Insurance
Drew Ditty’s entrepreneurial story spans more than two decades with a deep belief that taking care of people is at the core of good business. Drew opened his first business 23 years ago, driven by a desire to be his own boss and create a career defined by purpose, not just profit. What he learned early on is that entrepreneurship looks very different on the inside than it does from the outside. It demands sacrifice, long hours, tough decisions and a level of personal responsibility that most people never see.
What makes Drew’s work meaningful is that he has always been passionate about taking care of people, and his biggest belief is that it starts with how you treat the people you work with. He is a firm believer that if you take care of your team, they’ll take care of your customers.
One of the most important traits an entrepreneur can have is also being unafraid to invest. Drew believes that investing is what fuels growth and creates long-term rewards for a business. He highlights that investing can come in different forms, whether it’s monetary or investing in people’s careers. Drew states, “If you want to grow, you have to invest, even when you’re not sure if it will work.”
Finding a financial partner who believes in your vision can be complicated, but Drew formed a relationship with a banker from Cogent Bank years before launching his business. When he was ready to make the transition, moving to Cogent was the smoothest experience he had. He highlights the importance of having a financial partner who understands your goals, noting that the right relationship is key to the growth your business can achieve.
This Small Business Saturday, we celebrate Abbie, Tyler and Russell, and Drew for the determination and courage it takes to start something of their own. Their stories highlight how every journey is different, and every story matters, because each one inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs. Having a financial institution, like Cogent Bank, that supports your vision and guides your financial endeavors, all while being transparent is key in every entrepreneur’s journey.
Being entrepreneurial is part of our Cogent Bank values. We are innovative and flexible in our approach to finding solutions to complex problems and business challenges. That’s why we appreciate partnering with like-minded clients who are always pushing themselves and their businesses forward.
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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational/educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this document may be those of the individuals and may not necessarily reflect those of Cogent Bancorp and its subsidiaries and affiliates, or the entities they may represent. Content contained herein may be used in connection with the advertising and/or marketing of products offered by Cogent Bank or Cogent Private Wealth. The material is not intended to provide or substitute for legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any Cogent Bank product or service. You should consult with a legal, financial, tax, or other appropriate professional(s) for your specific needs and/or objectives before making any decisions.
