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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!

E18 | From Army Service to Car Dealing Mastery A Journey Through the Used Car Industry

The Entrepreneurial Drive: An In-Depth Session with Anh Pham

In a riveting new episode of our podcast, we were joined by a figure who is no stranger to the challenges of entrepreneurial ventures, Anh Pham. His journey, which meanders through the competitive terrains of the used car industry, is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and a customer-centric ethos that sets him apart in the business world.

Setting the Foundation: Understanding the Intricacies of Starting Up

Embarking on his entrepreneurial path wasn’t an overnight decision for Anh. He recounted the initial stages, emphasizing the rigorous administrative and legal hoops he had to jump through. From securing appropriate licenses to laying the groundwork for a legitimate and thriving business, Anh’s insights are a treasure trove for budding entrepreneurs. His narrative stands as a reminder that true commitment to a vision often involves navigating bureaucratic red tape, a phase he regards not as a barrier but as a necessary stepping stone.

Behind the Auction Veil: Mastering the Art of the Bid

For many of us, the world of car auctions is an enigma. Anh, however, pulled back the curtain on this aspect, sharing a glimpse of the high-stakes environment of car bidding. What stood out was his strategic acumen—knowing when to bid, how much to wager, and when to walk away. He underscored the importance of comprehensive research and capital preservation, elements that are crucial in a landscape where every decision counts and competition is fierce.

Revolutionizing Customer Service: An Empathetic Approach

Straying from traditional transactional practices, Anh Pham champions a business model that places customer needs at its core. He shared with us the gratification he derives from assisting clients in finding cars that match their preferences and financial constraints. This service, highly personalized and empathetic, positions him as a refreshing force in an industry often marred by impersonal interactions and hard sells.

A Global Perspective: Entrepreneurs as World Citizens

Our conversation took an unexpected but enriching detour into the realm of current global events, including the situation in Afghanistan. It was enlightening to see Anh articulate his perspectives on issues beyond the automotive industry, highlighting the entrepreneur’s role as a global citizen. His thoughtful commentary reminded us that business leaders could also be empathetic individuals attuned to worldwide happenings, resonating with audiences on a human level.

Decoding Luxury Car Appeal and Market Dynamics

The puzzle of high-priced luxury cars, such as Mercedes, maintaining their market appeal was another fascinating topic we explored. Anh delved into consumer psychology and market trends, shedding light on why steep price tags don’t necessarily deter buyers. His experiences provided a nuanced understanding of broader economic forces and societal influences driving such consumer behaviors.

Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Advocating Focus and Strategic Diversification

Perhaps one of the most striking takeaways from our session was Anh’s advice on entrepreneurship’s strategic aspects. He emphasized the importance of consolidating one’s efforts, mastering a single domain before expanding into others. This focus counters the modern ethos of multitasking and juggling multiple ventures simultaneously, a tactic that often leads to burnout and diluted efforts.

Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic Entrepreneurial Journey

Our time with Anh Pham transcended a mere discussion about cars, evolving into a story of entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and holistic success that balances personal achievement with societal awareness. His story, punctuated by practical advice, empathy, and a grounded approach to business, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone on the entrepreneurial path or those intrigued by its complexities.

We invite you to absorb the wisdom shared by Anh Pham in this session, as it’s not just a dialogue but a source of inspiration that could very well spark your entrepreneurial flame.

Don’t forget to engage with us and share your thoughts on this compelling journey in entrepreneurship. Stay tuned for more insights and inspiring stories on our podcast series!

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