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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!

E23 | From Waiting Tables to Law Firm: Ben Stranzl's Riveting Expedition on Law, Business, and Life on the Greens

Introduction

Welcome to a new edition of our blog, where we dive deep into the riveting world of entrepreneurship and law, guided by the extraordinary journey of Ben Stranzl, as featured on the “Happy Hour Holidaze” podcast hosted by Sean and Manny. Ben’s path from a chance restaurant encounter to becoming a partner in a law firm is not just a story; it’s a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and legal eagles.

The Unconventional Path to Success

Every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, but Ben Stranzl’s is particularly captivating. His transition from a restaurant server to a respected attorney in Tampa Bay exemplifies how unexpected turns can lead to significant career milestones. This narrative is a testament to the power of openness to new experiences and the willingness to take risks, vital attributes for any budding entrepreneur.

Lessons in Business and Law

Ben’s experience in the legal aspects of the brewing industry offers invaluable lessons. His insights into trademark protection highlight the importance of safeguarding intellectual property, a critical component for business success in any sector. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from his experiences about the necessity of legal foresight in business planning.

Risk Management and Strategy

A significant takeaway from Ben’s discussion is the art of risk management. His stories, including legal battles over trademark disputes and experiences with breweries, underline the importance of strategic planning and proactive legal measures. For entrepreneurs, understanding the intricacies of risk management can be the difference between success and failure.

Golf and Business: A Parallel Game

Interestingly, Ben draws parallels between golf and business. The mental discipline, focus, and strategic planning required in golf mirror those needed to run a successful enterprise. This analogy is a creative way to understand business strategy and offers a fresh perspective on tackling business challenges.

Changing Work Ethic and Hiring Challenges

The podcast episode also touches on evolving workplace dynamics, discussing changing attitudes towards work and hiring challenges. This segment is particularly relevant in today’s rapidly changing business landscape, where understanding and adapting to new workforce trends is crucial.

SEO Optimization for Maximum Reach

To ensure this blog post reaches a wide audience, we have strategically incorporated keywords such as ‘entrepreneurship’, ‘legal insights’, ‘business strategy’, ‘risk management’, and ‘career development’. This SEO optimization is crucial for visibility on Google and other search engines, connecting with entrepreneurs, business enthusiasts, and legal professionals seeking guidance and inspiration.

Conclusion: A Beacon for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Lawyers

Ben Stranzl’s story, as narrated on Happy Hour Holidaze, is more than just an account of professional success. It’s a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs and lawyers, illuminating the path with lessons in resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight.

Remember, every professional journey has its unique roadmap. Ben’s story encourages us to embrace our paths, learn from each step, and remain open to the unexpected opportunities life presents.

Stay tuned to our blog for more insights and stories that inspire, educate, and guide you in your entrepreneurial and professional endeavors. And don’t forget to check out Happy Hour Holidaze for more enriching and entertaining content!

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