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, Estero and Fort Myers, 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.
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, Estero, and Fort Myers. This dual approach gives you both the knowledge to secure funding and the exposure to grow your brand locally.
Business Development Executive
Andrea Romano
Andrea Romano is a Business Development Executive at SWFL Business Magazine, specializing in strategic partnerships and advertising placement for local businesses across Southwest Florida.
Born in Rome, Italy, Andrea developed an entrepreneurial mindset early on, launching small resale ventures and cultivating a strong interest in financial growth and business strategy. His natural inclination toward relationship-building and long-term thinking led him into business development.
Today, Andrea focuses on connecting local professionals, understanding their goals, and positioning their brands for meaningful visibility within the Southwest Florida business community. He believes strong relationships, clarity, and consistent follow-through are the foundation of sustainable business growth.
Founder & CEO
Leonardo Cracchiolo
Leonardo Cracchiolo is the Founder of SWFL Business Magazine and the creator of its exclusive Business Speed Networking platform, built to elevate how professionals connect and grow across Southwest Florida.
Born in Palermo, Sicily, Leonardo moved to the United States at the age of 10 with a deep belief in the land of opportunity. From an early age, he was surrounded by entrepreneurship. His family built and operated businesses across multiple industries, including restaurants, pizza shops, construction, and masonry, shaping his mindset and teaching him that business is more than a career. It is a responsibility, a craft, and a way to create impact.
At 19, Leonardo chose to pursue a career in business lending, driven by a genuine passion for working with business owners and learning how companies operate from the inside out. He began in the lending world and quickly advanced, earning a Funding Specialist role within six months and becoming an underwriter after two years. As his knowledge expanded, he went on to operate his own brokerage as an ISO, helping business owners access working capital and make confident decisions to support growth.
Seeking a deeper understanding of lending from the banking side, Leonardo joined Citizens Bank as a Business Banker in Newtown, Pennsylvania. In 2021, he relocated to Naples, Florida, where he continued his banking career and ultimately earned a Vice President Commercial Lender role in Southwest Florida. After a decade in lending, he reached a defining moment. The career was rewarding, but he wanted to create something more meaningful that could strengthen the business community and help professionals build real relationships in a structured and respectful way.
In 2023, Leonardo left a six figure career to go all in on SWFL Business Magazine. Today, through SWFL Business Magazine and Business Speed Networking, he is redefining professional connection in Southwest Florida with a focus on originality, high standards, and long term community impact. What makes Leonardo happiest is seeing the real meaning behind the work, watching business owners build genuine relationships, and knowing the platform is delivering value. He is deeply committed to keeping everything organized and structured, ensuring every participant is respected, supported, and receives what they deserve from the experience.
Tell Us About Your Business
Please complete this short form so we can learn about your business before our interview call.
Your answers help us prepare the right questions, highlight what makes you unique, and ensure we represent your brand accurately. Once submitted, our team will review your information and contact you to schedule the interview.