Supporting Business Growth in Southwest Florida
SWFL Business Magazine
At SWFL Business Magazine, our mission is to help business owners and entrepreneurs gain the visibility they need to thrive in Southwest Florida. Serving Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero, we provide a trusted platform that showcases local businesses, connects professionals, and strengthens the community through both print and events.
We believe awareness is the foundation of growth. That’s why we go beyond simple promotion — we actively bring businesses into the spotlight through our premium magazine distribution and our exclusive Business Speed Networking events. These gatherings give entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and expand their reach in a meaningful way.
Led by our founder, Leonardo Cracchiolo, who brings years of business experience and community insight, Southwest Florida Business Magazine is dedicated to making sure your business isn’t just seen — it’s remembered.
At the heart of what we do is a commitment to supporting local success, building lasting relationships, and showcasing the businesses that make Southwest Florida thrive.
In addition to guiding you through the lending landscape, we also specialize in bringing awareness to your business through our exclusive events and the SWFL Business Magazine, distributed throughout Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero. This dual approach gives you both the knowledge to secure funding and the exposure to grow your brand locally.
Founder & CEO
Leonardo Cracchiolo
Leonardo Cracchiolo is a strategic entrepreneur, business connector, and the founder of SWFL Business Magazine. Born in Palermo, Sicily, Leonardo immigrated to the United States at the age of 10 and was raised in a family deeply rooted in entrepreneurship. From masonry and construction to restaurant ownership and service based businesses, entrepreneurship was not a concept in his household, it was a way of life. From an early age, he was taught how to operate a business, understand responsibility, and maintain a clear separation between personal life and professional discipline.
At 19 years old, Leonardo entered the business lending industry, starting at the ground level as a telemarketer. Within six months, his work ethic and analytical mindset elevated him into a funding specialist role. After only two years of building experience for others, he made the decision to open his own lending company. Over time, his expertise and performance led to an opportunity to serve as a Vice President Commercial Lender at a bank, where he operated at a high six figure level.
Despite professional success in the corporate world, Leonardo recognized limitations that conflicted with his long term vision. Corporate structures restricted creativity, innovation, and growth. With clarity and conviction, he chose to walk away from a secure career and start from scratch, prioritizing purpose over comfort. His focus shifted toward what he does best, building systems, developing brands, and connecting business owners in intentional and results driven ways.
Leonardo is known for his disciplined approach to business and his ability to think strategically while paying close attention to detail. He avoids shortcuts and does not subscribe to copy and paste thinking. Instead, he focuses on creating original ideas, refining processes, and executing with precision. He maintains firm boundaries between business and personal life, a principle instilled by his family early on and one he continues to uphold.
Through SWFL Business Magazine and its exclusive Business Speed Networking platform, Leonardo is redefining how professionals connect in Southwest Florida. His work prioritizes quality over quantity, intention over noise, and long term reputation over short term gain. His leadership reflects consistency, originality, and a deep commitment to community impact.