Donna Stout is an astute business woman with a fascinating background. The owner of The White Squirrel Shoppe in downtown Brevard was formerly a government employee working in outdoor recreation. She taught kayaking, and was a guide for Everglade tours. She came to Brevard two decades ago to retire; that lasted two years. "I couldn't stand it," she laughed. "I was like Spiderman climbing the walls."

She opened a retail store to sell antiques originally. Called The White Squirrel Shoppe, it's named after the white squirrels that live in and around Brevard. Today, some two decades later, the store includes mostly new items—and only items she loves. The 4,000 square foot space occupies a prime corner location on Main Street and is loaded with home décor, quirky novelties like white squirrel products, collectibles, and locally made items.

Perhaps because of her failure at retirement, she mostly hires retired women. "These women have a great work ethic and they want something to do," she said. "I have many long-term employees; once I hire them I can't get rid of them! Having great employees like this allows me to go away and not worry."

When Donna decided to come out of retirement, she didn't stop with one retail store. Her business acumen led her to acquire two vacation properties that she rents year round. She's also part owner of the local AM radio station just down the street from her shop, and she's the owner of the Industrial Park at Cedar Mountain. "I bought the industrial park eight years ago when it was in foreclosure," she explained. "I put a ton of money into it, but it's paid off. We're full now with eight tenants."

What drew Donna to the area? "I loved the beauty of the area and all the outdoor opportunities, but as I looked around it's the people that make the difference. They are beautiful."

She advises entrepreneurs who are considering Brevard or the surrounding area to do what they would do anywhere. "Plan on working seven days a week for at least three years," she said. "And make sure you have the funds to prepare for that. Think it through, you have to plan."