Recent Post

S2 E38 | Behind the Lens: Trop’s Journey into Video Production

Step behind the camera with Trop, the 24-year-old founder of Cinewave Films who’s rapidly making his mark on Tampa’s creative scene. What began with a basic Canon camera at age 17 has evolved into a thriving videography business specializing in music videos and performance content that stands out through distinctive lighting and creative direction.

Trop walks us through his fascinating creative evolution—from his early “Wet Snap” Instagram photography days and stint as DJ Tropical to the moment he recognized his Sony A6400 could become more than just a personal creative outlet. His entrepreneurial journey contains valuable lessons about charging what you’re worth (after learning firsthand that “cheap customers are the worst”), developing a signature style, and the power of filling knowledge gaps through self-education.

The conversation takes entertaining detours through Tampa’s evolving nightlife scene, with Trop sharing his recommendations from Urban 1701 to McDitton’s, while reminiscing about how Ybor City has changed over the years. Music lovers will appreciate his breakdown of favorite artists—from Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug to Future, Chance the Rapper, and Kendrick Lamar—sparking a wider discussion about hip-hop’s evolution from NWA to today’s stars.

Read More »

S2 E37 | Beyond Beauty: How Marandan Renea Built Her Empire

When Marandan Renea picked up a brush at age six, little did she know she was taking her first steps toward a dazzling career creating iconic looks for WWE superstars, New York Fashion Week models, and brides across the country. From getting her cosmetology license in high school to establishing a thriving “concierge beauty” empire, Marandan’s journey reveals what it truly takes to succeed in the competitive world of beauty.

On this episode, Marandan pulls back the curtain on her fascinating work with WWE wrestlers like Jade Cargill, where her distinctive makeup designs (including that jaw-dropping symmetrical line down the face) have become part of wrestling history. She shares the adrenaline rush of transforming a performer’s entire look in just nine minutes backstage at Wrestlemania, proving that grace under pressure might be her greatest superpower.

But Marandan’s wisdom extends far beyond technique. She delivers candid insights about the business side of beauty – why bridesmaid drama is more common than bridezilla moments, how collaboration trumps gatekeeping for real success, and why genuine service must remain at the heart of even the most glamorous beauty brand. Her “I Touch Myself” series takes makeup beyond the surface, creating space for women to explore self-love and confidence beyond cosmetics.

Read More »

S2 E36 | Colin Biedenkapp with the Versatile Mind: Software, Music and Entrepreneurship

What happens when you combine technical brilliance with creative passion? Meet Colin Biedenkapp, a software engineering CEO who moonlights as a pianist and DJ while running a successful flight simulation company. This episode takes you on an unexpected journey through seemingly disconnected worlds that Colin navigates with remarkable fluidity.

Colin’s story begins in the isolation of rural upstate New York, where a 12-year-old with too much time and a computer discovered flight simulation. What started as simple file edits to improve existing simulators evolved organically into Invernix, a company now known for creating sophisticated aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator and infrastructure for virtual aviation communities. The serendipitous nature of his career path challenges conventional wisdom about planning and specialization.

The conversation shifts between technical discussions of flight physics and heartfelt reflections on musical expression. Colin reveals how he taught himself piano after being inspired by Billy Joel, overcoming performance anxiety to eventually become DJ Catching Lightning. His approach to music—balancing technical proficiency with emotional authenticity—mirrors his philosophy toward software development, where he values human creativity alongside technological advancement.

Read More »

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!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email