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S2 E35 | Real Estate Realities: Navigating Today’s Market with Manny Manna

Cutting through the noise of real estate misinformation, Manny Manna—a successful entrepreneur with extensive experience in property development, private equity, and lending—delivers an eye-opening assessment of today’s housing market that both novice buyers and seasoned investors need to hear.

The conversation dives deep into how social media “experts” are spreading dangerous misinformation about real estate for clicks and views, while lacking the credentials and continuing education that would validate their advice. Manny shares his professional insights on why macroeconomic factors beyond interest rates—including tariffs on building materials, logistical challenges, and policy decisions—are shaping housing affordability in ways many commentators miss.

Perhaps most shocking is the revelation that 68% of properties in Hillsborough County are investor-owned, pushing Tampa into the top 10 U.S. cities for homelessness and housing insecurity despite its economic growth. This stark contradiction between prosperity and social challenges raises profound questions about community development priorities.

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S2 E34 | Artistry Unleashed with Shi: From Songwriting at Five to Finding Her Voice

Enter the vibrant world of Artishi – a dynamic force in Tampa Bay’s creative scene who’s redefining what it means to be authentically yourself as an artist. In this captivating conversation, we dive deep into the journey of a multi-talented creator who’s been crafting words and melodies since the tender age of five.

Artishy reveals the fascinating story behind her podcast “Shi Speaks” and her mission to create what she calls “safe spaces to fix your face” – environments where people can be vulnerable, grow, and transform without judgment. Her concept of “goal friends” – supportive circles that celebrate your wins rather than competing with them – provides a refreshing perspective on building meaningful relationships in creative industries.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Artishi performs snippets of her songs “Soon” and “We Swinging,” demonstrating her versatile musical style that blends nostalgic 90s vibes with contemporary sensibilities. Her track “We Swinging” carries a powerful message beneath its catchy exterior: “As long as you’re up to bat, they can never count you out” – a mantra for perseverance that resonates throughout her work.

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S2 E33 | Alex Delgado Beyond the Uniform: A Marine’s Journey Through Entrepreneurship

What separates those who dream from those who do? Alex Delgado’s remarkable journey from Marine Corps intelligence analyst to serial entrepreneur reveals that success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from each experience to fuel your next venture.

The serial entrepreneur, Marine veteran, and author of “The Four Fs: Seeking Self-Mastery in Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances” takes us through his fascinating career trajectory, beginning with a doomed hip-hop clothing store in Miami. Rather than being discouraged when competing with vendors selling stolen merchandise from car trunks, Delgado extracted a valuable insight about advertising from the experience that led to his next business: marine advertising with inflatable billboards towed along Miami’s beaches. This venture flourished, attracting major clients including Miller Coors, Red Bull, and international DJs.

Throughout the conversation, Delgado reveals how military discipline shaped his approach to both business and life. While many might find balancing active Marine duty with entrepreneurship impossible, he simultaneously pursued multiple degrees—eventually earning his MBA—while launching businesses. This commitment to continuous growth reaches far beyond professional pursuits, as evidenced by his dedication to marathon running and community building through the newly-formed Oldsmar Running Club.
Born and raised in Tampa, Morgan’s athletic journey began with track and basketball before transitioning to boxing after wandering into a gym and being inspired by a young female fighter. Despite starting at the relatively late age of 28, her natural competitive fire quickly propelled her through the amateur ranks to become #3 in the country before turning professional.

Coach Moniette, her trainer and manager, doesn’t sugarcoat the brutal realities of boxing. He made Morgan study for a full year before her second amateur fight, ensuring she understood the sport’s dangers—including the approximately 13 fighters who die annually in the ring. This sobering perspective shapes their approach: “You’re not just training to win; you’re training to kill… and be willing to die.”

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Send Your Question

Got burning questions about business, entrepreneurship, or anything in between? We want to hear from you! Send us your queries, and hosts Manny and Sean Febre will answer them on an upcoming episode of Happy Hour Holidaze. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights while having a great time. Simply drop us a message with your questions, and let’s dive into the world of business together!

E16 | Quarterbacking Success Brandon Rimes' Tactics in Football and Real Estate

Navigating the Field of Success: Brandon Rimes’ Journey from Gridiron Glory to Real Estate Mogul

As the autumn season ushers in golden leaves and crisp air, our latest episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze” brings warmth and excitement, featuring a guest whose life epitomizes the spirit of dedication and transition. This week, we delved deep into the life of Brandon Rimes, exploring his inspiring transition from a football sensation to a real estate powerhouse. Below, we unfold the layers of our conversation, revealing how Brandon’s early experiences shaped his robust career and the profound insights he’s gained along his journey.

Echoes of the Past: The Making of a Champion

Every story has its origins, and Brandon’s is no exception. His chronicle began on the bustling football fields of Pop Warner, where the clash of helmets and the cheers of the crowd sparked a flame of ambition that would follow him throughout his life. In the quaint town of LaBelle, FL, Brandon’s high school football days were more than a teenage pastime; they were the crucible that tested and formed his character. He shared poignant memories of team huddles, grueling practices under the scorching sun, and the exhilarating rush of making it to state championships. These formative experiences, he revealed, taught him invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and leadership.

A New Arena: Tackling the Real Estate Game

Brandon’s foray into real estate wasn’t a chance detour but a deliberate application of his athletic discipline to a new playing field. He narrated his seamless transition with vivid enthusiasm, drawing parallels between a quarterback’s strategic execution and a realtor’s precision in clinching a property deal. Our discussion deepened as Brandon spoke candidly about harnessing the competitive edge and team spirit ingrained in him as a USF Bull to navigate the complexities of property markets.

Mastering the Playbook: Strategy and Innovation in Realty

Our conversation took a fascinating turn when we explored Brandon’s unique approach to his real estate practice. His distinction as a Certified Negotiation Expert isn’t just a credential; it’s central to his identity as a professional. Brandon illustrated how his tactical negotiation skills, fused with insights gleaned from a mortgage broker background, created a formidable combination that propelled him to industry prominence. He emphasized the importance of continual learning and adaptation, attributes that have enabled him to thrive in the unpredictable real estate market.

Assembling the Dream Team: The Platinum MVP Experience

Leadership, for Brandon, is not about standing in the spotlight; it’s about elevating his entire team to a platform of success. He shared the ethos behind the Platinum MVP Team at Keller Williams Realty, highlighting his vision of fostering a collaborative culture grounded in mutual respect and ambition. Brandon’s philosophy extends beyond transactions and commissions; he champions relationship-building, community engagement, and above all, a shared celebration of each victory.

Community Ties: Touchdowns Beyond the Field

Perhaps the most heartwarming segment of our dialogue was Brandon’s reflection on community bonds. He credits his enduring connections, formed during his football years, as a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. These relationships have blossomed into a supportive network, underscoring his belief in genuine engagement with clients and community members alike.

Final Whistle: Legacy and Inspiration

Our episode with Brandon Rimes transcended the norms of an interview, evolving into a narrative of aspiration, strategy, and human connection. His journey serves as a testament to the idea that success in real estate, and life in general, is an amalgamation of one’s passions, experiences, and the people one interacts with.

As the evening drew to a close, it was evident that Brandon’s story had struck a chord. His concluding remarks, punctuated with personal anecdotes and words of wisdom, encapsulated the essence of relentless pursuit and the joy of crafting a legacy through one’s career.

Inconclusion

We invite you to indulge in this episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze,” offering not just a peek into the life of a remarkable individual, but also serving as a beacon of motivation for those charting their own paths in the tumultuous waters of business and personal ambition. Let’s raise our glasses to the indomitable spirit of individuals like Brandon Rimes, who continue to redefine success and inspire generations.

A Toast to the Future

Join us again on “Happy Hour Holidaze,” where stories of triumph, innovation, and the human spirit await. Subscribe and stay connected for your regular dose of inspiration, laughter, and business insights. Cheers!

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